Florida is considered a leader in land preservation nationwide, with roughly 31% of the state’s land designated for conservation efforts. But the fight to get there was no easy feat. Rather, it took years of pushing by advocates, politicians and artists to establish the environmental protections we see today. Environmental attorney and author Clay Henderson details the “small victories” over time that helped create Florida’s national park system and national wildlife refuges in his 2022 book Forces of Nature: A History of Florida Land Conservation. Henderson will be a featured guest as part of the Jacksonville Public Library’s 2026 Conservation Series on June 27. The event includes a group walk with Henderson at Blue Cypress Park, where he will talk about conservation work happening locally and the flora and fauna along the St. Johns River. Then, Henderson will host a Q&A and book signing at the University Park Branch Library. We ask about the current challenges facing conservation lands today and whether the growth in data center development risks undoing more than a century of environmental protection.

Guest: Clay Henderson, environmental attorney and author of Forces of Nature: A History of Florida Land Conservation

Real-time rapture

An evangelical preacher and radio host literally and spiritually “left behind.” It’s the subject of a new one-man show as the rapture happens live on air. The Phil Mitchell Radio Hour, created and starring actor and experimental artist Noah Bennett, is a 70-minute performance merging satirical comedy and psychological horror. The show follows Bennett’s character, described as a mix between Joel Osteen, Jim Bakker and Kenneth Copeland with a “sweet pair of sideburns,” as he hosts his final broadcast. The show debuted in Columbus, Ohio, but has graced stages in Georgia, North Carolina and New York City. A Jacksonville native, Bennett is bringing the show to the historic San Marco Church, his first-ever site-specific performance. The Phil Mitchell Radio Hour will be hosted at 7:30 p.m. June 25-27.

Guest: Noah Bennett, actor and creator of The Phil Mitchell Radio Hour

Neighborhood rivalry

A Springfield tradition makes its return on July 4th as the Eastside Reds and Westside Giants battle for bragging rights on the baseball field. Returning for its 19th year, the Fourth of July Throwback Baseball Game features Springfield residents in “turn-of-the century” throwback uniforms, equipment, umpires and more. Food trucks and drinks will be available, and folks are encouraged to bring extra seating as bleacher spots are limited. The family-friendly event takes place at Klutho Park Heritage Field on July 4. First pitch is at 11 a.m.

Guests:

• Michael Haskins, executive director, Springfield Preservation and Revitalization
• Jose Acevedo, Westside Giants player