Bold City Best 2016

4 • SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 THE TIMES-UNION
Bigger. Bolder. Better.
Jacksonville loves winners … all 167 of them
Bruce.Lipsky@jacksonville.com
By Jacqueline Persandi
jacqueline.persandi@jacksonville.com
It’s official: The second annual
Bold City Best contest presented
by Jacksonvlle.com was bigger and
more competitive in 2016 with 167
categories and nearly double the votes
casted as compared to last year.
“This year we’ve seen even more
participation on the voting side, which is
great,” Times-Union Media Retail Sales
Manager Liz Borten said. “We also can’t
wait to share the 2016 winners guide. It
has a ton of great places, services, events
and more to offer readers. We’re excited
to showcase the best of the Bold City as
voted by those who know the city best —
the residents.”
While fan favorites like Metro Diner
and The PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC
Sawgrass retained top positions, newbies
such as Hobnob in Unity Plaza, and Town
of Orange Park Farmer's and Arts Market,
grabbed first-time victories in their
respective categories.
Before diving into the full list of
winners, we’re taking a look at what
makes this fine city so bold.
Jacksonville is a city on the upswing.
The area is continually expanding
with new suburban neighborhoods
and the development of downtown
and surrounding areas. What makes
the Bold City so unique is that while it
holds the title as the largest city by land
mass, measuring at 747 square miles, it
preserves the charm of a small town.
Family-owned restaurants featuring
handcrafted menus and local dance
studios add to Jacksonville’s sense of
community. While you won’t have to go
far to find a small business that’s willing
to take care of you, our town also provides
all the conveniences of a big city.
Exciting events like NFL games at
EverBank Field, and 2016 winners Town
of Orange Park Kids Fest, and the St.
Augustine Celtic Music and Heritage
Festival give residents a reason to get
out and enjoy our fine region on the
weekend.
This guide serves as your go-to
directory for all the best Jacksonville
has to offer voted by locals for locals and
visitors alike. Each section offers insight
into your neighbors’ favorite things to
do and places to be in our Bold City,
including auto services, cuisine and
cocktails; homes and finance; health
and well-being; home and professional
services; and shopping.
In this guide, you’ll also hear from
some of the boldest voices in town, and
get to know the couple behind one of the
San Marco’s favorite Italian restaurants.
With so much to enjoy in Jacksonville,
we’re excited to share your second annual
Bold City Best winners!