Latest news with #JacksonvilleHumaneSociety
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mandarin sidewalk debate pits safety concerns against tree preservation
Tensions were high at the Mandarin Community Club as a long-debated sidewalk project brought out strong opinions on both sides. The 2.3-mile sidewalk, proposed back in 2016, has sparked disagreement between residents who value safety and those who want to preserve the area's natural character. Read: Jacksonville Humane Society is looking for temporary foster volunteers The meeting room was packed, with people spilling out to the entrance. Some residents urged Jacksonville leaders to finish the sidewalk, while others voiced deep concerns about what the project would destroy. 'There's a lot of uneven surface and angles. It is difficult on our ankles just trying to walk,' homeowner Christine Hiday said. She added that the walk to the nearest sidewalk is nearly two miles long. 'And it's unsafe for all. It's a narrow road. There's lots of traffic, people walking dogs, kids on bicycles, and it would be so much safer if we had a sidewalk that continued,' she said. Martin Baker, another homeowner, also sees the need for the sidewalk, but has concerns. 'I'm forward if it's done in a sensible way. If it doesn't waste money, and if it doesn't destroy the trees,' Baker said. He noted that traffic can be an issue in certain sections of the road. Others at the meeting opposed the project altogether, citing the importance of preserving the area's trees. 'They're not just trees. They're cultural and historic landmarks,' said Renee Slater, who started a petition to stop the sidewalk project. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< 'People have come and invested, myself included, specifically for that road,' she added. Slater's petition has gathered over 600 signatures, arguing that the project would result in the removal of many trees along Mandarin Road. City Councilman Michael Boylan, a supporter of the sidewalk plan, said he is taking feedback from the community seriously. The proposed sidewalk runs through a historic district, and the oak trees lining the northern side of Mandarin Road are protected. Removing them would require approval from multiple city agencies. As of now, there is no date set for a vote on the project. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Miami Herald
20-02-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Couple wanted to adopt one shelter dog — but fell for three of them. ‘So grateful'
A couple wanted one Florida shelter dog — then adopted three of them. 'It was an incredible thing to watch a family come in, meet one dog, then fall in love with two others, too,' Samantha Ahnen, community engagement manager for the Jacksonville Humane Society, told McClatchy News via email. 'We are so grateful to folks like this family who open their hearts and homes to homeless pets, especially those who are older and have some health concerns.' One of the dogs, Piccolo, got a fresh start after he landed at the shelter in early February. The 'special' dog needed a home after his previous family couldn't provide adequate medical care. He didn't have most of his teeth and was in rough shape. 'Piccolo was 12-years-old, his fur was severely matted, and his tongue always stuck out to the side,' the shelter wrote Feb. 18 on Facebook. Over time, the shelter believed he would be an ideal candidate for its Senior Spotlight, a social media series that sometimes highlights older dogs waiting for new owners. 'Piccolo is a very sweet and enthusiastic pup,' Ahnen wrote in her email. 'Despite his age, Piccolo has an adventurous personality and loves going on long walks, playing, and making new human friends.' But Piccolo never made it into a Senior Spotlight post. Instead, his luck changed when he caught the eye of two shelter visitors. 'One day, a lovely couple visited JHS looking to adopt a small dog,' the humane society wrote. 'Little did they know they would leave with THREE. These folks not only adopted Piccolo, but also 9-year-old Max and 15-year-old Victor.' Max and Victor had arrived at the shelter after their previous families 'made the selfless decision' to surrender them, helping them get proper medical care, according to Ahnen. They are described as 'lovable and social pups' who have health conditions but defy expectations for older dogs. The dogs' heartwarming adoption resonated with several social media users. While some praised the couple for giving the trio a home, others said the good news made them emotional. 'Awww, I'm not crying, you're crying. Happy tears, here,' a Facebook user posted. 'Thankful to this lovely couple for giving Piccolo, Max, and Victor the opportunity to live out their golden years in a loving home.' 'Everyone at JHS was misty-eyed the day these 3 were adopted,' Ahnen wrote.
