Stories by Mark G

Mark Gertjegerdes is the owner and editor of Jax Times, and its Director of Digital & Advertising. He writes our data guides and explainers on local government, elections, schools, jobs, housing and food, built on public records and official data. Reach him at [email protected] or (706) 575-0452.

Business

Born in Jacksonville: Firehouse Subs, Fanatics, Jax Beer and Other Brands That Started Here

A sub shop started by two firefighter brothers. A sports-apparel store in the Orange Park Mall. A gas station on the Nor...

Oct. 20, 2026

Local

Why Jacksonville Is Called "Duval": The Governor Behind the Name Everyone Chants

You hear it at Jaguars games, see it on T-shirts and bumper stickers, and read it on social media: "DUUUVAL!" For a lot...

Oct. 20, 2026

Local

Jacksonville's Bridges by the Numbers: The Blue One, the Green One, the Tall One and the Longest One

Jacksonville is the River City, and the St. Johns River splits it in two. Seven highway bridges carry drivers across the...

Oct. 19, 2026

Finance

Florida Is Holding $3 Billion in Unclaimed Money. Here's How Jacksonville and St. Augustine Residents Can Search for Free

The State of Florida is holding more than $3 billion that belongs to people who lost track of it: forgotten bank account...

Oct. 19, 2026

Real Estate

Rent in Jacksonville and St. Johns County by ZIP Code: From $1,216 to $2,897 a Month

Typical rent in the Jacksonville area hit $1,680 a month in September 2026, the highest it has ever been, according to Z...

Oct. 19, 2026

Education

Duval and St. Johns School Calendars 2026-27: Every Day Off Left This School Year, Side by Side

The first grading period is over, and the next stretch of the school year runs straight into the holidays. If you're pla...

Oct. 19, 2026

Local

St. Augustine Nights of Lights 2026: Dates, Light-Up! Night Schedule, Free Parking and Every Big Holiday Event

St. Augustine's 33rd Nights of Lights begins Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, and runs every night through Monday, Jan. 18, 2027...

Oct. 19, 2026

Sports

Jacksonville and St. Augustine High School Football: Where Every Team Stands, and the Games to Watch Friday

Three Northeast Florida high school football teams are still unbeaten heading into the last stretch of the regular seaso...

Oct. 19, 2026

Food

New Restaurants in Jacksonville and St. Augustine: Places That Got a State License Since July (October Update)

Before a restaurant in Florida can open its doors, a state inspector has to sign off. Every new restaurant, and every re...

Oct. 19, 2026

Food

Zero Violations: Jacksonville and St. Augustine Restaurants and Food Trucks That Aced Their State Inspection

A perfect restaurant inspection is harder to get than you might think. Since July 1, Florida inspectors have made a ful...

Oct. 19, 2026

Politics

Florida's 3 Constitutional Amendments on the Nov. 3 Ballot, Explained in Plain English

When Jacksonville and St. Augustine voters reach the bottom of their ballots this fall, below the races for governor and...

Oct. 19, 2026

Food

52 Emergency Closure Orders in 3½ Months: What State Inspections Found in Jacksonville Restaurants

State inspectors recommended 52 emergency closure orders for Jacksonville and Duval County food businesses between July...

Oct. 19, 2026

Politics

Early Voting in Jacksonville Starts Tuesday: All 24 Sites, the Hours, What to Bring and What's on Your Ballot

Early voting for the Nov. 3 general election begins Tuesday, Oct. 20, in Jacksonville. For 13 days, any registered Duval...

Oct. 19, 2026