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Articles by Darvin Nelson
Darvin Nelson | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA
Actor Darvin Nelson is a Jacksonville performer, singer, songwriter and producer. He made his musical theatre debut in 2024 as one of The Drifters in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and has since appeared in Tarzan, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical and Funny Girl. Nelson began as a visual artist before focusing more deeply on music through the Ritz Voices and the FSCJ choir. He also works in the local film community and performs original music around Jacksonville.
UNF’s secret free streaming service: Kanopy
Award-winning movies like Parasite (2019) and Moonlight (2016) are at any University of North Florida (UNF) student’s disposal using Kanopy, a free educational streaming service. Kanopy also has a selection of diverse, informative documentaries that educate viewers on cultural and social atmospheres. All you need to do is make an account by starting at the Kanopy website. You’ll be asked to find your university and log in through your UNF account.
MOCA artist Shervone Neckles shares the creative process behind her thought-provoking artwork
Growing up in a very Caribbean household, Neckles says she was surrounded by a lot of creative folks and creative energy but doesn’t think her family saw themselves as artists. “Creativity is just something that’s integrated – it’s like you breathe it,” Neckles recalled.
Faculty union and UNF BOT tentatively agree on new contract, pending vote
The University of North Florida faculty union — United Faculty of Florida (UFF) — and Board of Trustees (BOT) tentatively agreed upon a contract last that, if ratified and approved, will give faculty a 5% pay raise and $1,000 bonus. Every three years, UFF and the BOT begin the process of full book contract negotiations. The contract dictates faculty terms and conditions of employment, covering things like salary, benefits, promotion and tenure.
Marvel’s She-Hulk: Attorney at Law mid-series review
Another hero has exploded from the pages of Marvel Comics, joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Created by Stan Lee, She-Hulk, aka Jennifer Walters (played by Tatiana Maslany) is The Incredible Hulk’s cousin. During a car accident, his blood got mixed with hers, and since then, she has been able to transform into a Hulk. During the series, Jennifer Walters battles everyone’s expectations for her to become a superhero when she really wants to remain a successful lawyer.
Nothing beets the Ogier Garden’s hidden gems
Imagine sitting under the shade of a pear tree, sipping on sweet homemade organic tea as the light breeze tickles your nose with the smell of freshly picked citrus. Well, that peaceful daydream can come true at the University of North Florida (UNF)’s Ogier Gardens, where rows of crops, fruit trees, vegetable beds and more are tended to by a team of green-thumbed students and staff. Some of their produce include broccoli, tangerines, pears, mushrooms, carrots and various fresh herbs.
Artist Kara Walker explores race, gender and violence in work displayed at the MOCA
Covering the walls of the third floor in the Jacksonville Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is a collection of Kara Walker’s pensive artwork. Walker dives into racism, colonialism, gender violence and much more. Some works depict very mature content; however, the visit is quite an educational experience.
Local bakeries that will bake you smile
Every now and then, students get a sweet tooth that the typical on-campus Starbucks pastry can’t satisfy. And when you’ve got a craving for baked goods, they might as well be fresh too. Here are some bakeries near the University of North Florida (UNF) that make all your favorite tasty treats. Crumbl You may have heard of this one already, but Crumbl is a unique bakery shop. Each week there’s a different menu showcasing five different flavors like s’mores or Oreo.
How you can finally stop annoying spam calls
Does “we’ve been trying to contact you regarding your car’s extended warranty” sound familiar to you? Spam calls have been a nuisance to people for a long time, begging the question: How do they get your number in the first place, and how can I get them to stop calling it? One way to try to stop getting unwanted calls is to register your number in the National Do Not Call Registry for free here.
Does white noise and other background sounds really help you fall sound asleep?
It’s not always easy to get a good night’s sleep, especially for students living on-campus. While a new living situation or noisy roommates may make it difficult to get a full eight hours, some studies have shown that sound and music may be the answer to improving your quality of sleep. You might’ve heard of white noise, but what about pink noise or brown noise? There are so many different kinds of sounds that people play while sleeping, but do they really work?
Lot-14 walk-way reopened after hiccup with fallen tree
The University of North Florida (UNF) issued a Safe Ospreys notification Monday morning, around 8:30 a.m, alerting Ospreys that the Lot 14 boardwalk was closed for the day because a fallen tree had blocked the walkway. UPD was seen leaving the area, and the tree was gone by the time Spinnaker arrived. The Lot 14 walkway has been closed for months due to its construction, so students either had to park in Lot 18 or walk a detour along Eco Road and UNF Drive.
Jacksonville Beach pier re-opens after years of construction
The Jacksonville Beach pier has re-opened to visitors after a lengthy three-year hiatus due to hurricane repairs. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on July 6 to mark the occasion as the Jacksonville and Jax Beach mayors welcomed citizens to the stronger and sturdier boardwalk. Regular beach-goers can now enjoy one of Jax Beach’s long-awaited highlights.
Dr. Moez Limayem officially confirmed as UNF’s next president
Dr. Moez Limayem was approved by the Florida Board of Governors (BOG) Thursday and has officially become the University of North Florida’s seventh president. Ending a long national search for the university’s seventh president, Dr. Limayem will begin his term on Aug. 1. In May, the Board of Trustees approved Dr. Limayem as the president-elect, and today, the search is officially over.
‘We need to take action’: Protesters respond to SCOTUS decision at Jacksonville rally
Waist-high orange barricades drew a line down the middle of the Duval County Courthouse lawn as hundreds of protesters rallied in downtown Jacksonville Friday evening. With signs raised in the air, their chants echoed loudly off surrounding buildings as they protested the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Jacksonville celebrates 200th birthday
Officially established in 1822, this year marks a milestone for Jacksonville (JAX), signifying 200 years of change with a lot of history to explore. Jacksonville, once named Cowford in its early days, appealed to settlers because of the St. Johns River. The city was renamed after Andrew Jackson, the territory’s then-governor, although he never really lived in the area.
Is Netflix getting ads?
Imagine you’re watching the season finale of Stranger Things, and just as the climax unfolds, it’s abruptly interrupted by a Coca-cola commercial. Well, that may not be far from the future, as advertisements may be taking their next victim – Netflix. The famous entertainment subscription service will be adding a low-cost subscription tier that will have advertisements in addition to the current ad-free options, according to The New York Times (NYT).
NOAA expects above-average Atlantic hurricane season for seventh consecutive year
General Latest Latest Stories News Weather Darvin Nelson, General Assignment Reporter The East Coast can expect an active hurricane season because of ongoing La Niña and “above-average” Atlantic temperatures, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) during a Tuesday press conference.
Local photographers Tenny and Khalil introduce “FORVERGREEN,” their upcoming farewell gallery
Darvin Nelson, General Assignment Reporter April 25, 2022 Khalil Osborne and Tenny Rudolph are two Duval artists that create killer work that explores culture through portraiture. “FOREVERGREEN” is their farewell show, which will display fresh ideas and new work, as well as mark their departure from the city of Jacksonville. The artists have their eyes on new horizons in Texas, where they hope to grow and develop their ideas.
A look into the Boathouse’s tumultuous history
Darvin Nelson, General Assignment Reporter April 20, 2022 Did you know that the original Boathouse burned down in a fire? Or that it used to be called “Wackadoo’s?” Well, the Boathouse has quite an interesting history, and many hope its future is likewise. In 1973, the Boathouse was built on a lakefront and operated as a bubbly social area, bar and restaurant. Soon enough, a deck was added to the bar where music performances, poetry readings and small theater productions were held on the regular.
UNF officials give advice on safe sex in college
Darvin Nelson, General Assignment Reporter April 12, 2022 College is a well-known place of exploration in various aspects of young adult life, including sexual activity. It’s important to educate yourself on the practices of safe sex, especially if you are sexually active. Spinnaker asked a few University of North Florida (UNF) health professionals to give tips on how to stay cautious and feel secure within your sex life. “Educate yourself,” UNF Sex Therapist Dr. Robert J. Zeglin says.
UNF celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with upcoming events
The University of North Florida (UNF) has several special events coming up to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Spinnaker reached out to UNF’s Asian Students in Alliance (ASIA) and asked them to share details about the anticipated events. Event calendar courtesy of UNF ASIA. With the help of the UNF Intercultural Center, UNF ASIA has planned a calendar of events to help celebrate the diversity and Asian influence on campus.
UNF Ogier Gardens presents: Osprey Spring Jamboree
Join your peers in dancing to live music and eating free empanadas at the fourth annual Osprey Spring Jamboree. The event will be held on Friday, April 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the UNF Ogier Gardens. Image courtesy of UNF Ogier Gardens. Free food will be catered by the Empanada Factory. There will be animal therapy interactions as well as various prizes. As usual, the Ogier Gardens will also be giving away plants. You can expect live Hip-Hop music from two guests: El Aka and Evelyne Trouillot.
Join UNF diversity organizations for ‘Courageous Conversations: One Month Later’
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Commission on Diversity and Inclusion are gathering panelists to talk about House Bills 7 and 1557. The discussion will take place on Tuesday, March 29 at 6 p.m. in Building 14E, Room 1700. The UNF community is invited to attend and requested to register beforehand.
UNF and Jax Melanin Market collide, a dual photo gallery
Darvin Nelson, Justin Nedrow, Julia Croston, and Carter Mudgett February 25, 2022 University of North Florida Market Day: Invited to the UNF Student Union Plaza, students enjoyed food trucks, black locally owned businesses and live music to celebrate the last full week of Black History Month. Titled “Jax Melanin Market Meets Market Days,” the event was created in partnership with the Intercultural Center and Africana Studies.
Don Toliver and The Third Estate to perform at Ozfest; what to expect and how to score free tickets
Darvin Nelson, General Assignment Reporter February 9, 2022 One of the University of North Florida’s (UNF) most prominent annual events, Ozfest, has a lot riding on it, especially after Ozfest 2021 was held as a drive-in event. This year, it will be held on Thursday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. at the UNF Coxwell Amphitheater. Remember, the event is free to all students with a valid Osprey 1Card.
UNF runs out of free at-home COVID-19 testing kits
Darvin Nelson, General Assignment Reporter January 31, 2022 With worldwide demand for at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits, UNF is no exception. UNF’s Student Health Services warned that the testing kits were available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and were of limited supply. UNF now has no more at-home test kits for students, faculty, and staff at this time.
Join Jacksonville at this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade Original
This upcoming Monday, Jan. 17, will mark another annual Martin Luther King (MLK) Day. UNF will be closed in honor of the day, but Jacksonville will be throwing its spirited MLK parade. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. near 800 Water St. and will move through Laura St. and Adams St. The event is a fun way to spend time with family and friends while watching local marching bands, dancers, and thrilling floats pass by.
UNF kickoffs their 50th anniversary celebration with an event full of games, prizes, and giveaways
(Updated 2:00 pm Jan. 10, 2022, to reflect changes to event competitions and details.) Join your fellow Ospreys at UNF’s 50th Anniversary kick-off event where one student will be chosen to win a $2,500 scholarship. The event is free for all UNF students, faculty, and staff and will take place outside in the UNF Arena Plaza on Thursday, Jan. 13, at 3:30 p.m. Shot of the front of the University of North Florida entrance and fountain. Courtesy of the UNF Athletics website.
UNF announces on-campus COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination/Booster Sites for the Spring
As students, faculty, and staff return to campus, COVID-19 testing sites will be popping back up starting Jan. 10. At Lot 17 (near crossings and Building 62), students can get tested on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. UNF campus map showing Lot 17 Screenshot by Darvin Nelson. Ospreys are asked to bring their UNF ID and a completed UNF COVID-19 Consent Form when they get tested.
UNF Housing updates COVID-19 isolation and quarantine guidelines, UNF will not provide space to isolate or quarantine
Darvin Nelson, General Assignment Reporter January 5, 2022 UNF Housing has sent an update on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 isolation and quarantine guidelines to all Osprey residents detailing updates to the previous policy. In the email, UNF stresses that there will again be no spaces available on-campus for students to isolate or quarantine.
UNF Winter Break Parking Services Updates
Darvin Nelson, General Assignment Reporter December 23, 2021 During the Winter Break, numerous on-campus parking garages will be temporarily closed due to maintenance. The UNF Fine Arts Center Parking Garage, Building 44, will be closed through Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022. The UNF community can use alternative parking in “Lot 1, surrounding the Fine Arts Center Garage, Lot 2 by the Thomas G. Carpenter Library, and in the Arena Garage, Building 38,” according to the Osprey Update Email.
UNF opens survey asking Ospreys for input to help in the search of UNF’s next president
It’s been almost a month since former UNF President Syzmanski has transitioned to C.E.O. of the UNF MedNexus. Interim UNF President Pamela Chally has been running the show as the Presidential Search Committee takes the next step in finding UNF’s next president by gathering “feedback on the qualities, characteristics, and priorities desired for our next president,” UNF says in an Osprey email.
UNF offers free flu shots for all students
Darvin Nelson, General Assignment Reporter October 13, 2021 Flu season is almost upon us, so UNF is giving free flu vaccines for students on Thursday, Oct. 14 from 1 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. The vaccine clinic will be at building 62, Lot 17. Ospreys can schedule an appointment online here, or call 904-620-2900. ___ For more information or news tips, or if you see an error in this story or have any compliments or concerns, contact [email protected].
Szymanski to transition from UNF President to CEO of UNF MedNexus
Darvin Nelson and Carter Mudgett August 5, 2021 Today’s Board of Trustees meeting (B.O.T.) concluded with UNF President Szymanski being officially named as the CEO and Executive Director of UNF MedNexus, a medical program created back in 2020. The vote was unanimous, and effective Sep 17, 2021, Szymanski will no longer be UNF’s President. The meeting wrapped up quickly, as all members of the board expressed their praise for President Szymanski and all of his accomplishments.
Cybersecurity and the tech industry in light of COVID-19
Darvin Nelson, Features Editor June 26, 2020 Technology plays a huge role in today’s world as many aspects of life, such as academics and entertainment, are being moved online and are cyber-connected in some way. Tyler Holder from Dalton Agency, a local full-service advertising company near downtown, says “The I.T. industry was the fastest-growing sector before, during and after the Great Recession, growing 37% from 2003-2013 and seeing an aggressive hiring spike in 2010 after the downturn.
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