The idea for Say Hey, Jax! started during a walk through one of our many city parks.

Before the pandemic, I was always hosting dinners and gathering friends. But during those years, life became quieter for many of us. When I returned to my regular walks, I noticed something small but surprising: people rarely made eye contact anymore. And when they did, they almost never said hello.

One day a thought crossed my mind:

People should say hey.

Then another thought followed:

Maybe I should be the one to start.

So I did.

That simple moment sparked an idea. What if Jacksonville had more spaces where people could show up, talk, and feel connected?

That’s how Say Hey, Jax! began.

Because sometimes community starts with something very small:

Looking up, smiling, and saying hey.