On yesterday, CEO Kent Thielen reported to Historic City News that Paula and Randy Ringhaver, chairman and CEO of Ring Power, gifted $75 million to Mayo Clinic in Florida. In making this major philanthropic investment in the future of Northeast Florida’s healthcare economy, the prominent St. Johns County business owners have reinforced Mayo’s role as a cornerstone in the First Coast’s medical sector, Thielen said.
Coke Florida has unveiled its limited-edition “America250 Coca-Cola cans” at its Jacksonville manufacturing facility on Thursday, April 2, 2026. This special initiative is part of a nationwide celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, with the Jacksonville plant being one of the select locations producing commemorative packaging representing all 50 states.
As a precaution, residents in the affected area should boil all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes.
In St. Johns County, Historic City News readers need to understand that publicly carrying of firearms remains strictly prohibited in several “sensitive locations” mandated by Florida Statute § 790.06(12). These restrictions apply regardless of whether the weapon is concealed or open.
For decades, the sight of a holstered handgun on a citizen’s hip was a rare occurrence for Historic City News readers. That was typically reserved for those actively engaged in hunting or fishing. Nevertheless, after the landmark September 2025 ruling by the First District Court of Appeal in McDaniels v. State, the legal landscape has shifted dramatically. The court struck down Florida’s long-standing ban on the open carry of firearms, declaring the prohibition unconstitutional under the Second Amendment.
I received an unexpected telephone call yesterday morning in response to last week’s obituary announcing the passing of a familiar local activist. The call was from Edward A Slavin, the subject of the announcement.
