Things To Do In Jacksonville

UNF expands music, nutrition programs

The University of North Florida's music and nutrition programs will receive $2.5 million over the next three years as the university adds them to its flagship program.

The funds will be used to hire faculty, purchase equipment and cover travel costs to achieve the departments' objectives, which are to build new advanced degrees and improve their academic reputations internationally.

The flagship program was an initiative started by UNF President John Delaney in 2004 to elevate select programs to the nation's top echelon.

"We're pumping some extra resources into some key programs that are really close to being at the next level," said Delaney. "And we want them to be relevant to the needs of Northeast Florida."

The programs will be the first to get the extra infusion of funds since 2006, and Delaney said the money will come from savings within the existing budget. International business, nursing, transportation and logistics, and coastal biology are already flagship programs at UNF.

Music program

Competition is heavy in Florida for talented music majors, said Gordon Brock, music department chairman.

Still, UNF's music program pulls students from every state, and its jazz studies program - led by jazz musician Bunky Green - is recognized around the world.

Their students give four to five concerts a week in the community during the school year, Brock said, and groups such as the opera students travel internationally to perform.

Brock hopes the extra resources will allow them to do more traveling and better market their talented students.

"Increasing the profile of what we do is not unlike athletic teams being in a tournament," Brock said.

They intend to add master's degrees in both conducting and jazz studies, to expand their academic offerings and attract more notable faculty members.

Brock also plans to implement more outreach to the community through camps and interaction with Jacksonville youth.

Those outreach efforts brought Kyle Enriquez, a 21-year-old Jacksonville native, to UNF three years ago.

The euphonium performance major attended a band camp on UNF's campus and became comfortable with the program. Now he works in the camp and sees how excited the children are to be a part of it.

"These things really make an impact on the community," Enriquez said.

What to do in Jacksonville (Besides Laying on the Beach) | Patty ...

Exploring is tricky. Try this list of things to do in Jacksonville to give your Florida vacation planning a head start.  You’ll be far from bored. Promise.

Taste Test at Jacksonville Farmer’s Market :

Jacksonville Farmers Market ( photo tour here ), Florida’s oldest farmers market, sits outdoors under a handful of wide steel rooftops. In this sheltered space, there’s room for over 200 vendors to sell their produce directly to customers (many of which include local chefs who buy ingredients for their menus daily, at wholesale prices). Produce varies seasonally and includes fresh vegetables, fruit, fried peanuts, spices, and crafts. The market opens before sunrise and stays open until sunset, 365 days a year. It’s the largest produce market in Northern Florida.

Quick tip: Plan a trip down in early May for the debut of Andy’s Farmers Market Grill on May 3 at 6 AM. The grill will be open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, serving breakfast, lunch, snacks and beverages. Grab a waffle or sandwich from its to-go window and eat while you shop, or relax over a sit-down meal at its outdoor table seating.