Jacksonville PorchFest 2018
Jacksonville PorchFest returns to the porches & parks of the Springfield Historic District on Saturday, November 3rd, 2018! Enjoy dozens of musicians, vendors, food trucks, arts and architecture at North Florida's best community music festival. Free admission, and family-friendly.
RSVP now to stay updated. More information to be announced!Special thanks to the City of Jacksonville and Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville for their support.
WHENNovember 03, 2018 at 12pm· 594 rsvpsWHERE
July 4th Throwback Baseball Game 2018
The tradition carries on into 2018, as the Westside and Eastside (of the Springfield Historic District) battle it out on the baseball field for bragging rights, complete with turn-of-the-century old school uniforms, equipment, umpires, announcer, food trucks and fanfare. The unique, family friendly event is sponsored by our friends at Vystar Credit Union. All are welcome! Join the Event Page to keep updated.
Picnics & tailgating encouraged. Game begins @ 4pm, but get there early for a good seat. Free!WHENJuly 04, 2018 at 4pm· 64 rsvpsWHEREHenry J Klutho Park
Off-Duty Officer Fund - Single Donation
The Off-Duty Officer Fund pays for additional police patrol coverage in our neighborhood during certain times of year when criminal activity in Jacksonville usually trends upward, such as summers and holidays. We also have the ability to direct our off-duty officers to target specific concerns or locations reported by residents, if needed. This service is in addition to the regular police patrol coverage in our area. The Off-Duty Officer Fund is 100% funded by neighbors and community partners. Questions? Let us know. Thank you for donating below!
Residents may also wish to attend monthly Sheriffs Watch meetings, where they meet with local law enforcement to discuss any concerns, ask questions and share information. Our area's Sheriff Watch meetings are the third Tuesday of the each month, 6pm, on the second floor of the Robert F Kennedy Community Center (1133 Ionia Street).
Make a Donation
Donations to SPAR Council are 100% tax deductible and go towards the programs, activities and efforts that preserve and build community in the Springfield Historic District community.
The form on this page is for general donations to SPAR, and will be allocated to the most pressing need.
To donate to the Off-Duty Officer Fund specifically, choose either a one-time donation or a reoccuring donation.
SAMBA Membership Directory
Operation New Hope 1830 N. Main St.Jacksonville, FL 32206904.354.4673Pat Nodurft Prime Lending 122276 San Jose Boulevard, Suite 747 Jacksonville, FL 32223 904.404.8029
The Sanctuary on 8th Street 
Swisher International 459 E. 16th St.Jacksonville, FL 32206904.353.4311
Website
Business
an affiliate of SPAR
Springfield Area Merchants and Business Association (SAMBA) works to:
- Promote civic pride and awareness of Springfield’s assets, particularly those of the business community, through marketing, fundraising and cultural participation;
- Recruits professionals and business owners to open offices and retail establishments in our area to provide a greater range of goods and services and job opportunities;
- Collaborates with other neighborhood organizations and government agencies on projects designed to enhance the quality of life in our business district and surrounding neighborhoods; and
- Offers educational and networking opportunities to member businesses.
Connect with SAMBA
Click here for the SAMBA membership directory
Join SAMBA
- $50/year - General Member
Invited to meetings, receive newsletters and updates, able to vote during meetings
- $100/year - Associate Member
All General Member benefits, plus: business included in directory, business links on website, inclusion in SAMBA sponsored events
- $250/year - Executive Member
All Associate Member benefits, plus: ability to attend Jax Chamber events on behalf of SAMBAMake a donation below at your desired level of SAMBA membership.
What We Do
"The mission of SPAR is to ensure Historic Springfield is a preferred place to live and do business by leading programs that drive the preservation, revitalization, and balanced growth of our community."
Since 1974, we have facilitated positive change in the Springfield Historic District through a variety of roles and initiatives. Through the decades, these actions have taken different forms, from painstaking documentation to sweat soaked service. We're your neighborhood advocate. SPAR is organized around five important themes:
- Preservation — As Jacksonville's oldest existing neighborhood, circa 1869, Springfield contains a diverse catalogue of architectural styles and treasures. But it's not just the Victorian, Prairie and Colonial houses that make the neighborhood special, it's also the mature tree canopy and historic streetscapes that are worth protecting. Our Design and Review Committee provides expert opinion to residents, developers and city officials alike on aesthetic design issues in the historic district, which help preserve our neighborhood’s unique character. In addition, we host annual Home Tours which showcase the neighborhood’s eclectic nature and encourages new restorations in the community.
- Quality-of-Life - By focusing on public safety, we have helped to create a more comfortable neighborhood environment. Our Block Captain program coordinates with residents and volunteers to tackle Neighborhood Clean Up projects, Neighborhood Watch, and works closely with local law enforcement. But Quality-of-Life is so much more than that. Improving our storied "Emerald Necklace" park system, and making our streets pedestrian and bicycle friendly also add value to our neighborhood fabric.
- Commercial Revitalization — We have partnered with the Springfield Area Merchants and Business Association (SAMBA) to support our existing businesses and encourage new business, both big and small, to take root in the neighborhood. Now a Spar affiliate, SAMBA promotes neighborhood businesses and can help guide those interested in setting up shop in Springfield. In addition, we use the SPAR building not only as our home office, but also as an incubator for a variety of small businesses.
- Civic Advocacy - Whether discreet or public, communication with elected representatives, state and federal agencies, and the City of Jacksonville is essential to ensure effective representation in issues impacting our neighborhood. Our Board and committee chairs make this a priority, and also spark residents to engage in the process when appropriate.
- Connecting - Through our e-newsletter, email updates, website, and social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, we inform and connect residents with local happenings and each other. By hosting office hours, returning phone calls, and answering email inquiries, we connect with residents, media, and the general public by providing valuable information and guidance. We take the responsibility of being a neighborhood resource seriously.
Join us to help Historic Springfield become the neighborhood you want to see.
Events Committee
Our community is a social one, with a plethora of events throughout the year to enjoy - which require planning!
The Annual Tour of Homes, July 4th Throwback Baseball Game, Jacksonville PorchFest and other events depend on volunteers to coordinate and plan. If you have a knack for organizing events, or just want to lend a hand, there's a spot for you!
Send us an email to let us know.
