Written by Jack Del Rio has been fired as head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, after a 3-8 season so far.
Posts in category Jacksonville Sports
Don Bessent: Jacksonville Native and Former Major League Baseball Player
Don Bessent was a former Major League Baseball player for the world famous Los Angeles Dodgers, where he was one of the popular “Boys of Summer.” He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School on the westside of town. In his rookie season as a professional, he pitched a no-hitter. He also pitched in the 1955 World Series, and the Dodgers won.
Unfortunately, Don Bessent’s life had a seemingly tragic end. He died here in Jacksonville, and was found deceased in his car at a local fast food restaurant. He is buried at Oaklawn Cemetery on San Jose Blvd in Jacksonville.
http://articles.latimes.com/1990-07-10/sports/sp-415_1_don-bessent
http://www.rickeyhendersoncards.com/blizzog/don-bessent/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Bessent
Jacksonville Jaguars Release QB David Garrard!
It’s confirmed by the Florida Times-Union that quarterback David Garrard has been cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Luke McCown will start Week 1 vs. the Tennessee Titans.
Free Backpacks for Kids
Children can get a free backpack from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 30, as the fourth annual Walmart Back to School Fest comes to The Jacksonville Landing. The free event includes soda sampling stations, fashion shows, face painting, autographs by the Jacksonville Jaguar Roar cheerleaders and free vision screenings for children by Walmart’s optical staff.
And children who bring a receipt from Walmart or Sam’s Club that includes the purchase of a product from PepsiCo, Frito-Lay or Quaker receive a free backpack while supplies last. Receipts must be dated between June 20 and July 30, and may be photocopied.
Dozens of vendors will give away more than 200,000 additional free school supplies, with live entertainment on the riverfront stage throughout the event.
Jacksonville’s Artis Gilmore elected to Basketball Hall of Fame | jacksonville.com
By Jeff Elliott
The long wait is over for Artis Gilmore.
The 7-foot-2 gentle giant who led Jacksonville University’s basketball team to its greatest days including a berth in the 1970 NCAA Championship game and who went on to illustrious career in both the NBA and ABA, was elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Gilmore will be enshrined with the Hall’s class of 2011. The announcement was made shortly after noon today in Houston, site of tonight’s NCAA Championship game between Butler and Connecticut. The entire class, which has not yet been formally announced, will be inducted into the Hall during the annual enshrinement ceremony on Aug. 11-13 in Springfield, Mass.
READ MORE via Jacksonville’s Artis Gilmore elected to Basketball Hall of Fame | jacksonville.com.
Golden Isles Speedway to close | jacksonville.com
By Mike Morrison
The Golden Isles Speedway, touted as one of the best dirt tracks in the region, has shut its doors and is up for sale or lease.
Owner Frankie Lloyd said the business got to be too demanding.
“I’ve had enough,” he said Wednesday en route to his Jacksonville home. “I’ve just turned 65 and this racetrack will wear you down.”
READ MORE via Golden Isles Speedway to close | jacksonville.com.
Rare! 1964/1965 JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA Magazine BOB HAYES – Jax Collectable of The Week
Rare! 1964/1965 JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA Magazine BOB HAYES
This item is a very rare magazine from the Winter of 1964/1965, titled JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA and published by the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce. The front cover photo is titled “Christmas In Mayport”. This book contains 40 pages of great information and vintage color and black & white photographs. There is even a special article about BOB HAYES, the world’s fastest man at the time, and Olympic champion who later played NFL football for the Dallas Cowboys. This is a terrific piece of history for a Jacksonville collector. The book is in good condition for its age with just minor wear. You will get the exact book pictured below. Please examine the pictures and feel free to contact me with any questions.
Maurice Jones-Drew Receiving Death Threats Over Tweet on Bears QB Jay Cutler | Firstcoastnews.com
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Pro Bowl running back Maurice Jones-Drew says he never meant to take a shot at Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler or question his toughness.
The Jacksonville standout tells The Associated Press his Tweet comparing Cutler to former Florida coach Urban Meyer was merely a joke – one that clearly backfired.
Jacksonville Municipal Stadium (Jaguars) Soon To Be Called ‘EverBank Stadium’
Hmmm.. I’m not really a fan of naming stadiums after corporations, but I suppose it’s a necessity these days, although it has been three years since the stadium had a commercial name, when it was Alltell Stadium. I’m still somewhat in the habit of calling it Alltell actually.
Here is the story from News4Jax: http://www.news4jax.com/sports/24397117/detail.html
New Recreation/Hiking Trail On Jacksonville’s Westside: Cecil Recreation Trail
Jacksonville has a new recreation & hiking trail, and I am glad! Tired of the city? Take a trip and spend a few hours exploring the new Cecil Recreation Trail on the Westside. The section of complex that was opened this week is the middle 2.25-mile section that is split in half by Normandy Blvd. The trail is perfect for bicyclists,  hikers, and horseback riders, providing a great chance to explore the Cecil Field Conservation Corridor. Nearly 30 miles of more trails will soon be opened, allowing for deeper excursions into the protected forest.
Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton was at the dedication of Cecil Recreation Trail on Wednesday morning. The ceremony marked the start of a new trail that will ultimately be nearly 10 miles of paved trails spanning from Pope Duval Park near Interstate 10 to Sal Taylor Creek Preserve.
If you plan on visiting the trail, the start of the new trail is at 13611 Normandy Blvd, and the parking area is located at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center.