Children and their mother’s have a special relationship, and it’s that bond that has inspired young mothers Gina Rogers and Tiffany Bright to open Sailors and Sparrows: An Eco Family Boutique. Located on Pearl Street in the Springfield historic district of Jacksonville, the venture represents their passion to educate families about the benefits of natural, local products and just as important – a place to purchase them!

Long-Time Resident Interview

Name: Barney & Darlene

Location: 6th & Silver

Occupation: Barney is a Vice President at Wells Fargo, and the couple are owners of Avela Day Spa on Main Street.

Fun Fact: Not only are Darlene & Barney small business entrepreneurs, but they also own an agricultural farm in South Georgia.

What brought you to the Springfield historic district?

Barney: In 1987, we were newly weds, had a two month old daughter, and were living in a one bedroom apartment in Riverside. So, we needed more space, affordable space, and Springfield had that. We looked all over town, and Springfield was centrally located between our families, which was important to us. Darlene’s family lived on Southside and mine on the Northside, so it made sense to be in the middle.

This is Jacksonville, FL.

According to the US Census Bureau, there are 827,908 people living here.

Results from the most recent 2010 Census are being released from April 2011 to September 2013, so we thought we'd take a look at what the data shows so far - centering on the Springfield historic district.

The face of Main Street in Springfield may be completely transformed if a new proposed project by Roundstone Development and Petra Management comes to fruition.

It was time to move.

Mike Mumford’s successful Paul Davis Restoration franchise was outgrowing its space, taking up several separate buildings in suburban Mandarin. Made of metal, the separate buildings were also susceptible to hurricanes, and the location didn’t provide easy access to his coverage area.

So, Mike started looking for bigger spaces, in central location in NE Florida, and one that could take a beating. Hmmm . . . .  Any ideas?

Sam Hunt has owned other Springfield businesses before, but his newest endeavor is by far the Koolest.

The former owner of Moe’s Tavern (now Shanty Town) says owning a bar was a great idea in theory, but not in practice. Instead, Sam had other ideas.