St. Johns Housing Partnership Adds Pinewood Apartments to its Affordable Portfolio

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. - The St. Johns Housing Partnership (SJHP) has added to the non-profit’s portfolio of affordable properties with the addition of Pinewood Apartments in Green Cove Springs, Fla.

 “We’ve been working on this for over two years. Preserving another community for low-income elderly is a huge accomplishment for our organization. This acquisition continues to build our regional reputation within the affordable housing community. Now we've got a year’s worth of rehab to bring it up to our standards,” noted SJHP Executive Director Bill Lazar. 

The 54-one-and-two-bedroom apartments, located at 1000 Pinewood Court, were built in 1979. SJHP also owns and operates Southern Villas in St. Augustin e Fla., 60 apartments for low-income seniors, and St Johns River Apartments in Palatka, Fla. units also for low-income seniors. 

"The acquisition and planned rehabilitation of Pinewood Apartments is an important investment in the future of Green Cove Springs,” noted Green Cove Springs Interim City Manager Mike Null. “Affordable housing remains a City priority and plays a vital role in supporting a stable, inclusive community. We appreciate the St. Johns Housing Partnership and its partners for their investment in our City and our residents, and their commitment to providing safe, clean, and affordable housing." 

SJHP recently received a “Property Preservation” grant from the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund through the Community Foundation of Northeast Florida to immediately address some of the deferred maintenance prior to the startup of the planned rehab. 

 SJHP was also the recipient of a $50,000 grant from Enterprise Foundation Community Partners to support our rental program capacity. SJHP thanks Estate Title, Rose Community Capital, Nelson Mullins law firm and the USDA Multifamily Preservation Division and the Housing Assistance Council for making the acquisition come true. 

Rent is subsidized by the US Department of Agriculture Rural Development. Dimension One Management will be responsible for property management. Founded in 1998, the St. Johns Housing Partnership is committed to developing and preserving affordable housing while providing support for residents with low and moderate incomes, the elderly, disabled and veterans. 

SJHP is redefining affordable, low-income housing. They acquire and renovate existing housing, as well as build new affordable rental and for sale properties and repair homes. 

For more information visit www.sjhp.org or email info@sjhp.org.

New Exhibit at Murray Hill Library Honors Community Resident

 Photo from left to right: Molly Brady, Josh Gellers, Topher Christiansen, Karen Christiansen, Ken Christiansen, Eileen Morrison, David Prohofsky, Ashley Rhodis, Carole Hawkins, Christopher Sibson, David Dean, Cathy Prohofsky, and Tony DiNuzzo.

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Remembering Brian Sibson: Murray Hill Library Celebrates the Life one of its own Creative Residents

Visitors to the Bill Brinton Murray Hill Library will find a new exhibit nestled between the local art that normally hangs on the walls. A poster showcasing the work of local resident and industrial designer Brian Sibson was unveiled April 9.

The event, Remembering Our Neighbors: A Tribute to Brian Sibson, was organized by Murray Hill resident Josh Gellers to celebrate the life of his next-door neighbor and friend.

“There’s so much division in the world right now,” Gellers said. “It’s my belief that one way we can change that is by simply getting to know our neighbors.”

The University of North Florida’s Digital Humanities Institute sponsored the display at the request of Gellers, who works there as dean of Professional and Lifelong Learning.

Sibson designed props, scenery and displays for theme parks and museums. His work can be found at Disney World, Universal Studios, Legoland, and the National Museum of African American History in Washington D.C.

“He could build anything,” said Carole Hawkins, Sibson’s life partner. “Brian could take a concept an artist had drawn on a paper napkin and turn it into a set of blueprints.”

Sibson lost his battle with Myasthenia Gravis, a rare autoimmune disorder, on June 17, 2024. He lived his final years in Murray Hill, where he enjoyed the neighborhood’s eclectic vibe, its murals, owner-operated shops, and Murray Hilloween celebration. He could often be seen walking to Four Corners Park or throwing back a beer at Moon River Pizza.

“Brian loved this neighborhood,” Hawkins said. “Now with this exhibit, our neighbors can get to know him a little better too.”

The exhibit of Sibson’s work will remain at the library through June 17.

 

Infinite Dial 2026: Radio’s Biggest Audience Is Going Digital

www.thesonicplanet.com

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Edison Research’s annual Infinite Dial study was released this week. The study tracks American media and technology adoption across age, gender, and platform.

Online audio in the car, which includes streaming music services, reached 48%, more than double its 21% figure from a decade ago. Podcasts came in at 37%.

But the data makes clear that the digital migration in-car is no longer a gradual drift; it is accelerating, particularly among younger drivers. 

Among those aged 18 to 34, 73% listened to online audio in the car in the past month, and 55% listened to podcasts. Radio holds its strongest in-car position among the 55-and-older group, where 81% reported using AM/FM in their vehicles.

That loyalty may no longer translate outside of vehicles, though.

Online audio monthly listening among Americans 55 and older jumped from 52% in 2024 to 70% in 2026.

Overall, 81% of all Americans aged 12 and older now report listening to online audio in the past month, an all-time high representing an estimated 233 million people. 

But while listening among younger age groups has been essentially flat for three years, the growth engine is now firmly in the 55-plus demographic, historically over-the-air radio’s most loyal and heaviest-listening audience.

The full 2026 Infinite Dial dataset is available via Edison Research.

(Thanks to Radio Ink for generating this story)

IBMA Recognizes Graduating Class of 2026 IBMA Leadership Bluegrass

 

www.thesonicplanet.com

NASHVILLE, TENN - The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) is pleased to recognize the 2026 graduates of IBMA Leadership Bluegrass. Marking the 25th year of the program, IBMA Leadership Bluegrass has cultivated a network of more than 500 alumni. 

This intensive three-day program provides participants with in-depth learning, networking opportunities, and the tools to address the evolving challenges and opportunities within the bluegrass music industry. 

The 2026 program took place March 2-4 at the Country Music Association in Nashville, Tennessee. Jeff Westerinen served as course facilitator and Nancy Posey served as assistant facilitator. The IBMA also recognizes the 2026 IBMA Leadership Bluegrass Planning Committee, whose efforts made the program possible: Greg Blake, Jeff Burke, Dustin Boyd, Dave Howard, Jordan Laney, Erin Moorman, and IBMA Staff Liaison Haley Grimm. 

Each year, participants are carefully chosen through a competitive process, bringing together current and future leaders from all corners of the bluegrass community. The 2026 class includes representatives from Québec, British Columbia, Switzerland, Australia, and across the United States. 

The 2026 IBMA Leadership Bluegrass graduates are: 
Chassady Abernathy - Sound Biscuit / Appalachian Road Show / ETSU (Ellijay, GA) 

Evie Andrus - East Tennessee Bluegrass Association, President / University of Tennessee, Lecturer of Appalachian Music / Pellissippi State Community College, Adjunct Music Faculty / Laurel Theater, Managing Director (Knoxville, TN) 
 
Jessica Blankenship - Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum (London, KY) 
 
Kathryn Boucher - Spartanburg Philharmonic (Spartanburg, SC) 
 
Madeleine Cody - The Cody Sisters (Brooklyn, NY) 

Amy Sue Combs - International Bluegrass Music Association (Bowling Green, KY)
 
Joe Dan Cornett - North Chapel Music (White House, TN) 

Gina Dilg - Square Dance Agency (Radford, VA) 

Helen Foley - California Bluegrass Association (Sonoma, CA) 

Tanya Guenther - NimblePie Creative Co. / NimbleFingers Bluegrass & Old-Time Workshops & Festival (Mile Ranch, British Columbia, Canada) 

Byron Hill - Byron Hill Music (Franklin, TN) 

Tyler Hughes - The Crooked Road (Big Stone Gap, VA) 

Stephen M. Johnson – Represent / GPA Government and Public Affairs (Owensboro, KY)

Sarah W. Larsen - Black-Eyed Suzies / Little Fiddle Studio (Stevesville, MD) 

Joanne Ledesma - Musicbizgal.com (Glendora, CA)

Isaac McCarthy - The Ohio State University / Bluegrass Pride (Gerrardstown, WV)

Will McSeveney - Skyline Records (Nashville, TN)

Bridget Rees - Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival (Megan, New South Wales, Australia)

Benjamin Russell - Gordon Rees / Delta Hayride Association (Nashville, TN) 

Mark R. Schuster - IBMA Foundation (Langley, WA) 

Elliot Siff - The Bluegrass Journeymen Academy / Elliot Siff Productions (Golden, CO) 

Carly Speno - Bonfire Entertainment (Laval, Québec, Canada) 

Randy Steele - tnjams.com (Chattanooga, TN) 

Shelly Surdoval - The Recording Academy (Franklin, TN) 

Urs-Rainer von Arx - Swiss Bluegrass Music Association / Country Ramblers (Zürich, Switzerland) 

Liz Wolfe - BluegrassJamsNearMe.com (New York, NY) 

Information and applications for 2027 IBMA Leadership Bluegrass will be available at www.ibma.org/leadership-bluegrass this fall. Learn more about the International Bluegrass Music Association at ibma.org and worldofbluegrass.org. 

Local Vibrations: Evening with Micky Dolenz Brightens Historic Florida Theatre

 

Photo Credit kimreedphotos.com

By Mike Bonts, The Sonic Planet

Micky Dolenz’s performance at the historic Florida Theatre in Downtown Jacksonville, Fla. was energetic, entertaining, and a nostalgic tribute to The Monkees.

He can be praised for his vocals, stage presence, and for sharing stories that connect the music to personal anecdotes. The Florida Theatre audience enjoyed his blend of rock classics and dialogue.

“I thought Micky was amazing! He sounded fantastic tonight and told great stories. Just phenomenal,” said Sara Jenkins, a fan since the late sixties.

The concert was a sentimental celebration of The Monkees' music and the memories associated with it.

A performer since childhood, Dolenz is a natural entertainer who is engaging and humble, sharing personal reflections and jokes that resonated with the audience.

He performed with a talented band that provided strong musical backing for both ballads and upbeat numbers. His voice was clear and precise for his age; he understandably avoided certain high notes to stay within his capabilities.

The multimedia element of the concert really sealed it as being more than just a Dolenz concert. Featured prominently behind Micky and the band were home videos, clips, and outtakes from The Monkees television show.

“Great show! Energetic from start to end. Micky did a great job in celebrating the Monkees! Wonderful to see the footage of all of them,” noted one concert goer.

From his setlist Dolenz performed classic Monkees hits, often interspersing them with stories and some covers from other artists, like Chuck Berry, Buffalo Springfield and the Beatles.

The night’s setlists featured a mix of classic Monkees hits like "I'm a Believer," "Daydream Believer," and "Last Train to Clarksville," alongside covers of Beatles ("Good Morning Good Morning"), Chuck Berry ("Johnny B. Goode"), and Jimi Hendrix ("Purple Haze"), plus Monkees deep cuts and other '60s favorites, including "Pleasant Valley Sunday”.

“It was a memorable and emotional experience in a great venue, especially for those who grew up listening to The Monkees,’ noted Paul and Kathy Cumbie, who travelled from Palatka, Fla. to see the show.

(Mike Bonts is program director for www.thesonicplanet.com. The Sonic Planet is a web-based radio station that offers free live-streaming of folk, rock, bluegrass and blues while, promoting live music venues, emerging artists and roots music.)

Rebuilding Together Greater Florida Brings Experience, Skill and Critical Mission to Jacksonville

 

Michael Edmison (left), Vice President of Network Advancement, National Rebuilding Together, Chris Reesor, Community Engagement Administrator, Rebuilding Together Greater Florida, Ken Amaro, Jacksonville City Councilman, District 1 and Justin Coles, Vice President of Development, Rebuilding Together Greater Florida.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (November 13, 2025) – Rebuilding Together Greater Florida (RTGFL) today announced that Jacksonville will be benefiting from their vital core mission to Repair Homes, Revitalize Communities, and Rebuild Lives.

“Together along with our community partners and other key collaborators, we have been able to rally around a most treasured asset, people, in their greatest time of need,” said Jose Garcia, Chief Executive Officer, Rebuilding Together Greater Florida. “By investing in the resources and services needed for safe, healthy housing, we continue to prioritize improving the quality of life.”

The announcement comes during an inaugural day-long volunteer project at Five STAR Veterans Center in Arlington. Founded in 2012, Five STAR Veterans Center assists veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, traumatic brain injuries, depression, anxiety and other related mental health issues.

RTGFL is coordinating over 80 volunteers from The Home Depot’s associate volunteer force, Team Depot and the Home Builders Institute (HBI), Travis Manion Foundation, and the Soldier’s Angels. The Home Depot Foundation provided a $40,000 grant for the project.

“As a Team Depot captain, it’s inspiring to see our volunteers come together to make a tangible difference for veterans and families in need. Projects like this show the power of community and the impact of lending a helping hand where it’s needed most,” said Sam Colon, Store Manager at the Jacksonville Home Depot.

Colonel Francis "Len" Loving, USMC (Ret.), a decorated 30-year Marine veteran and founder and CEO of the Five STAR Veterans Center, will be recognized with a special presentation by the Travis Manion Foundation.

“It’s our honor to assist Five STAR Veterans Center and its founder in creating an even more peaceful environment creating a place of healing,” added Garcia. “Everyone deserves to live in a safe and healthy environment especially our Veterans. Thanks to The Home Depot Foundation, HBI and the Travis Manion Foundation.”

RTGFL has carried out a critical, three-pronged mission for more than two decades and has identified Jacksonville neighborhoods that could benefit from their knowledge, experience and skills.

Through the Safe and Healthy Home Program, they perform vital repairs and upgrades to make homes safer and more secure. The program helps homeowners by reducing the risk of accidents and health hazards.

“This enables senior citizens to age in place, which helps stabilize neighborhoods and helps preserve family wealth for the next generation,” noted Garcia.

RTGFL follows 25 key safety priorities, ensuring homes have safe entrances, watertight roofs, functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, pest-free environments and bathroom modifications, for those with mobility challenges.

Another important mission is recovery from hurricanes, floods and other natural disasters. RTGFL continues to be at the forefront in providing crucial support to families struggling to cope after a disaster.

RTGFL is also dedicated to addressing the state’s affordable housing crisis. They have built homes that are affordable for purchase and provide affordable rental units that provide families with a pathway to financial stability.

RTGFL’s track record of rebuilding stronger, more resilient communities is a perfect fit for Jacksonville’s growing housing needs. To learn more about how you can get involved, please visit www.rtgfl.org.

KW RED Day Volunteers Converge on Southern Villas

 ST. AUGUSTINE - RED Day is Keller Williams Atlantic Partners’ annual day of giving back. This year the local Realtor had a day of service at Southern Villas.

The non-profit St. Johns Housing Partnership (SJHP) owns Southern Villas, a USDA subsidized multifamily property in St. Augustine for the elderly and handicapped. 

Every second Thursday of May, KW agents, leaders, and associates step away from their daily business routine and venture out into their communities to renew, energize and volunteer.

"Our associates and staff are proud to give back by supporting the vital work of the St. Johns Housing Partnership. RED Day is just one example of how the Keller Williams culture lives and breathes service year-round," said Trudy Padilla of Keller Williams Atlantic Partners.

Over 40 volunteers spent the day landscaping, performing yard cleanups and some needed cleaning the apartment homes.

RED Day sponsors included Southern Horticulture, LunsPro Inspections, Pro-Spect Inspection and Scott Golmic with The Realestateographers. Live music was provided by New Guys on the Dock.

Claudia Marcus is Southern Villas’ Services Coordinator from the St Johns County Counsel on Aging.

“It was a wonderful day. The residents and property had numerous tasks completed by teams of volunteers. They arrived with a spirit of giving back and really made a difference to the delight of the residents,” added Marcus.

SJHP currently owns over 80 multi-family and single-family rental properties in Clay, Putnam and St Johns County. SJHP staff including Marlee Tompkins, Sherry Harrison and Gina Birmingham coordinated the day’s activities.

The housing partnership is committed to developing and preserving quality housing while providing support for residents with low and moderate incomes, the elderly, disabled and Veterans. 

They work every day to redefine affordable, low-income housing by acquiring, repairing and renovating existing housing, as well as building new affordable rental and for sale properties.

RED Day was founded in 2009 to uphold KW’s philanthropic responsibilities to the communities they serve. It is also a celebration of the birthday of former CEO of Keller Williams and passionate builder and company culture champion, Mo Anderson.

If you have a club, organization, church or civic group that would like to do a SJHP volunteer day visit https://www.sjhp.org/volunteers-needed/, call (904) 824-0902 or email info@sjhp.org.