Summerlike Highs Continue With Little Rain in Forecast as Extreme Drought Persists Jacksonville, Fla. – The weather this weekend promises to be ideal for a wide range of activities, from outdoor running events to home projects and beach outings. Despite the potential for late afternoon showers, the overall forecast remains favorable, with temperatures expected to stay comfortably warm. The morning will begin with a light fog in some areas, though this is not as widespread as in recent days. A sea breeze will gradually move inland, pushing any shower activity toward the I-75 corridor later in the afternoon. While brief downpours and thunderstorms cannot be ruled out, the overall pattern suggests minimal rainfall. Gainesville has already set a new record for high temperatures, breaking the previous mark of 87 degrees set in 1977 with a reading of 88 degrees on Friday. Today, the high is projected to reach 87 degrees, matching the 2023 record. In southeast Georgia and northeast Florida, temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 80s, while coastal areas will remain in the mid-70s. Skies will be mostly clear or partly cloudy throughout the day. As the sun sets, sea fog is anticipated to develop along the coast, accompanied by light winds and temperatures in the low 60s. Residents are reminded to adjust their clocks forward on Sunday morning as daylight savings time begins. The Gate River Run, a major local event, is also in full swing, with runners and spectators preparing for the race. The event’s timing aligns with the current weather conditions, making it an ideal opportunity for participants to train or compete. Meanwhile, the region continues to face extreme drought conditions, with little rain expected to ease the situation.#gate_river_run #jacksonville_fl #gainesville_fl #oceanway_neighborhood #florida
Gate River Run Expo Moves to Mandarin for 2026 Race Runners preparing for the Gate River Run are advised to adjust their plans as the annual expo has relocated from downtown Jacksonville to Mandarin for the 2026 event. The Sleiman Enterprises Runners’ Expo will take place at Mandarin Point Shopping Center, located at 12200 San Jose Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Organizers warn of increased traffic during evening rush hours, particularly between 4 and 6 p.m. on Friday, and recommend participants allow extra travel time and anticipate delays when entering and exiting the shopping center. Parking details are outlined on the event’s website, with general parking accessible via San Jose Boulevard. Areas marked with yellow Xs are designated no-parking zones, while additional parking options are available at Trinity Mandarin Church, situated north of the expo site. Drivers are urged to follow police and traffic personnel instructions to avoid blocking lanes or intersections. For those unable to attend the expo, a signed authorization form can be used to have someone else pick up race packets. The form can be completed onsite, and participants must bring required ID along with a printed or digital copy of the authorization. Jacksonville-area residents living within 30 miles of downtown must collect packets at the expo and cannot use race-day pickup within that radius. Runners residing more than 30 miles away may pick up their packets on race day for a $10 fee. The event’s relocation highlights logistical changes for participants, emphasizing the need for careful planning to navigate the new location and associated traffic challenges.#gate_river_run #sleiman_enterprises #mandarin_point_shopping_center #trinity_mandarin_church #san_jose_boulevard
Gate River Run: Which Jacksonville Roads Close for the Race? More than 15,000 runners are set to participate in the 49th annual Gate River Run on Saturday, March 7, 2026, with the event spanning downtown Jacksonville, San Marco, and St. Nicholas. To accommodate the race, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office will implement road closures in key areas, including two major downtown bridges over the St. Johns River. These closures will impact both runners and local traffic, particularly for commuters heading to other events scheduled around the same time. The race route will see several roads closed to vehicular traffic, with some restrictions lasting only briefly while others remain closed throughout the morning. For example, the Main Street Bridge will be closed for a shorter duration, while other bridges and streets will be off-limits for a longer period. The closures are expected to complicate travel for drivers attending events such as the Jacksonville Home & Patio Show at the Prime Osborn Convention Center and the ASUN women’s basketball tournament semifinals at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. The basketball game, scheduled for 11 a.m. on March 7, will be held just a few blocks from the race finish line, coinciding with a time when thousands of runners will still be on or near the course. Detailed road closures include Bay Street from Liberty Street to the Jacksonville Shipyards, Gator Bowl Boulevard near the Hart Bridge ramp to A. Philip Randolph Boulevard, and Hart Bridge in the southeastbound direction from Duval Street to Atlantic Boulevard. Duval Street will be closed between the Jacksonville Fairgrounds and the Main Street Bridge, while A. Philip Randolph Boulevard will be restricted from Adams Street to Bay Street.#gate_river_run #jacksonville_sheriff_s_office #prime_osborn_convention_center #vy_star_veterans_memorial_arena #st_johns_river
San Marco party atmosphere powers Gate River Run participants through food, music and fun drinks For many runners, the Gate River Run’s most dreaded stretch is the “Green Monster,” a steep challenge on the course that tests speed and resolve on the Hart Bridge. But runners say their favorite part of the event comes in one neighborhood: San Marco, where residents line the route with cheers, snacks and creative boosts. “You got people throwing the little Dunkin’ Donut balls at you in San Marco,” said runner Joe Ruppert. The historic neighborhood has long been a highlight for many runners at the Gate River Run, offering loud crowds, music and elaborate “hydration stations” that runners say give them a second wind. Another runner, Paul Davis, described the experience as “electric.” Residents spend days preparing block-party-style setups, complete with music, signs and themed stations meant to entertain and energize the field of runners. “It’s been one of my most favorite things about living on this street,” said resident Gaby Haddad. One San Marco house has become an iconic stop with cheers, a DJ-like vibe and, for some years, tequila shots offered to passing runners. “It puts a little pep in your step,” said resident Pete Behringer, who helped set up the scene. Neighbors say this year’s setup includes larger quantities of supplies than last year: 90 pounds of bananas, 20 tequila handles and 2,000 shot glasses. “I feel like sometimes people are sagging, they’re like, ‘Oh man, you know we’ve got a long way to go, and then, boom, here we are: Music, bananas, tequila,” said Behringer. “So many people are thrilled with what we have to offer.” Some residents like Haddid focus on hydration and power-up boxes that runners can hit above their heads.#san_marco #gate_river_run #jacksonville #paul_davis #gaby_haddad
