Attention newly-arrived Floridians! The weather may be sunny and pleasant right now (today it’s a mix of sun and clouds, with temperatures going up to 30°C / 86°F), but this will come in handy in a few months when hurricane season returns.
It depicts Black people, led by Martin Luther King, Harriet Tubman, and Malcolm X, being covered up with white paint by an unidentified White man with a roller.
It’s the perfect painting for the present moment, when Florida under Governor Ron DeSantis is:
The artwork and the artist, Jonathan Harris. Photo courtesy of Jonathan Harris.
Here’s Jonathan Harris’ bio, taking from his site:
Jonathan Harris (b. 1988) is a visual artist who was born and raised in the city of Detroit. After attending the Detroit School for the Fine and Performing Arts, he attended Henry Ford Community College, Antioch College, and Oakland University, where he majored in Graphic Design and minored in Studio Art. Oil paints, acrylics and charcoal are his media of choice. He has perfected and become known for an oil enamel technique, resulting in graphic, high contrast portraits, without the use of a brush.
Jonathan’s work is emotive, with a focus on current events and the African American experience. Bringing awareness to social and world issues, in addition to instilling pride in the Black community, are goals that he strives to accomplish through his visual and curatorial work. Harris and his works have recently been featured extensively in the press, including on PBS American Black Journal, PBS One Detroit, CBS Local, and in the Detroit Free Press, Michigan Chronicle and Oakland University Post. One of the artist’s latest paintings, Critical Race Theory, created in response to recent controversy over the same subject matter, has garnered responses and sparked conversations across social media platforms around the world.
Harris’ art currently resides in prominent collections, including the N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Arts, David and Linda Whitaker, and Michigan State Representative Shri Thanedar. He served as a juror for Canvas Pontiac 2022, and his work has been exhibited at Swords to Plowshares Gallery. He has shown in and curated special exhibitions at Irwin House Gallery, as well as the BONDED exhibit at Beacon Park, along with a team of distinguished Detroit arts professionals.
In 2022 Jonathan Harris was named one of 2022’s Influential Artists To Watch by the Detroit News, and received The Spirit of Detroit Award from the City Council of Detroit, Michigan.
I ordered a signed print, framed it, and hung it up proudly in my home office:
My office, looking towards The Desk Where it Happens. Tap to view at full size.
For the past nine years — yes, it’s been that long since I moved here — the Sunshine State has also been the Accordion Guy State. I’ve made a home and found my place here, and I’ve somehow managed to not become a “Florida Man” news story (I still have time…).
Florida became a state on March 3, 1845, but “for reasons” — a perfectly legal defense in Florida — National Florida Day is celebrated on January 25 each year.
I am now legally required to present a list of Florida facts, so here you go:
Wherever you are in Florida, you are never more than 60 miles (100 km) away from the ocean.
The average Florida temperature ranges from 65° to 70° F (18° to 21° C) in the northern region and 74° to 77° F (23° to 25° C) degrees in the southern region.
No dinosaur fossils have ever been found in Florida. [Joey’s note: Clearly whoever wrote this fact has never been to The Villages.]
The only place on the planet where crocodiles and alligators live together is in the Florida Everglades.
Every public building in Florida has an outward opening door due to strong winds during hurricane season.
Florida is the flattest state in the United States of America. Florida is so flat in fact that its highest point is the lowest high point of any state in the USA. At just 345 feet (105 meters), Britton Hill, Florida’s highest peak, is lower than many of Miami’s skyscrapers.
Florida got its name from Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, who named it ‘La Florida’, meaning “land of flowers”.
Florida has the longest coastline in the continental US.
Florida is the only state that borders the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
Florida is the southernmost point in the USA. Technically Hawaii is the southernmost state in the country, but geographically, Florida is the southernmost point.
Greater Miami is the only metropolitan area in the country with two national parks. Miami is home to Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park.
Livin’ it up Florida style.
How do I plan on celebrating National Florida Day? The Florida Way, of course: golf and drinks! Anitra and I both won a raffle that gets us a free session at Top Golf this evening!
The deck at Top Golf.
I may also have to pick up some Florida Man comics…
An operational Jetstar has dual jetpods on either side of the tail section. The Elvis jet’s engines were removed a while back. (Creative Commons photo by Thomas R Machnitzki; here’s the source.)
Avid planespotters will note that it doesn’t have any engines. They were removed a long time ago, and it means that this plane can’t fly. Whoever buys it will have to disassemble it for shipping. This sale isn’t for someone who wants to travel in a classic private plane, but an enterprising individual or group who wants to start (or add to) an aviation museum or an Elvis museum.
Elvis has left the plane.
From the auction page for the plane:
For decades, Lockheed’s JetStar was the executive jet of choice for countless A-listers, recognized dignitaries and star-studded celebrities, and this 1962 Lockheed 1329 JetStar is no exception, as it was once owned by the king of rock ‘n’ roll: Elvis Presley. Presley acquired it from OMNI Aircraft Sales Inc. on December 22, 1976 for the princely sum of $840,000.
…
When Elvis took ownership of this particular JetStar, registered with the FAA as N-20TF, the entertainer was no stranger to luxurious aviation acquisition. He had already amassed a modest fleet, which included a custom Convair 880 named the “Lisa Marie” that went by the call sign of Hound Dog 1, along with a second JetStar identified by its call sign of Hound Dog 2.
The interior is done up in red velvet with gold-tone metal accents. I am not surprised.
With a busy touring schedule, these crafts were needed to transport the singer, his TCB band, backup groups, Col. Tom Parker and the ever-present Memphis Mafia to venues, concerts and appearances all around the country. Elvis kept several pilots on retainer that were ready to fly him to adoring fans at a moment’s notice.
This JetStar is one of several private jets owned by Elvis Presley, with two currently on display at Graceland. Inside, the cabin features wood paneling and red velvet upholstery with gold-finish hardware. There’s seating for nine by way of six plush chairs that swivel and recline, along with a couch. An onboard entertainment system is tucked away in a media cabinet, featuring a television, RCA VCR player and audio cassette player, and headphone ports with audio controls are located at every seat. A galley contains storage and a meal-prep area complete with a Kenmore microwave and beverage dispenser. At the rear is a lavatory along with additional storage and cubby areas.
In the spring of 1977, the jet was sold, later ending up with a Saudi Arabian company. The JetStar was then moved to Roswell International Air Center (ROW) in Roswell, New Mexico, where it’s been stored for decades and resides to this day. The aircraft will require disassembly to be shipped, and coordinating assistance is available. Documentation joining the jet includes a copy of the Aircraft Security Agreement document signed by Elvis Presley, a copy of the Aircraft Bill of Sale and Official FAA Blue Ribbon documents. While the P&W engines and many cockpit components have been removed and no engines or replacement parts will be included with the sale of Elvis’ jet, it serves as an incredible restoration opportunity and a chance to create a unique Elvis exhibit for all the world to enjoy.
Gotta love that 1970s wood paneling!
The auction site lists these highlights about the jet:
Purchased by Elvis Presley on December 22, 1976 for $840,000
1 of several private jets owned by Elvis Presley, with two currently on display at Graceland
1 of 202 production JetStar airplanes produced by Lockheed
Includes a copy of the Aircraft Security Agreement document signed by Elvis Presley
Includes a copy of the Aircraft Bill of Sale documentation
Official FAA Blue Ribbon Documents included
Aircraft Serial No. 5016
FAA Registration No. N-20TF
Red exterior with silver accents
Custom interior upholstery featuring red velvet and gold-finish hardware
Onboard Kenmore microwave
Onboard television with RCA VCR player
Onboard cassette player
Wood cabin paneling and trim including window shades
Six passenger chairs with swivel and recline functionality
Onboard lavatory with vanity
Interior cabin seating for up to nine occupants
The P&W engines and many cockpit components have been removed
No engines or replacement parts are included with the sale
Stored for decades and currently residing at Roswell International Air Center (ROW)
The aircraft will require disassembly to be shipped (coordinating assistance available)
An incredible restoration opportunity to create an Elvis exhibit for the world to enjoy
For your convenience, here’s a list of when grocery and drug stores in Florida are open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Enjoy, and have a happy new year!
Store
Hours for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Albertsons
🎉 New Year’s Eve: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.. More details on their holiday hourscalendar.
Aldi
🎉 New Year’s Eve: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: Closed.
BJ’s Wholesale
🎉 New Year’s Eve: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.. More details on their holiday hours calendar.
Costco
🎉 New Year’s Eve: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: Closed.
CVS
🎉 New Year’s Eve: Regular hours. These vary by store. 📅 New Year’s Day: Regular hours. These vary by store.
Duckweed Urban Grocery
🎉 New Year’s Eve: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: Hours vary by store. Visit their site for details.
Earth Fare
🎉 New Year’s Eve: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: Closed.
Fresco y Mas
🎉 New Year’s Eve: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fresh Market
🎉 New Year’s Eve: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Harveys
🎉 New Year’s Eve: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Publix
🎉 New Year’s Eve: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: 7 a.m. opening, with most stores closing at 7 p.m.. Use the store locator if you want to find a Publix that’s open later.
Safeway
🎉 New Year’s Eve: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sam’s Club
🎉 New Year’s Eve: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: Closed.
Sprouts
🎉 New Year’s Eve: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Target
🎉 New Year’s Eve: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Check the store locator for details.
Trader Joe’s
🎉 New Year’s Eve: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: Closed.
Walgreens
🎉 New Year’s Eve: Regular hours. These vary by store. 📅 New Year’s Day: Regular hours. These vary by store.
Walmart
🎉 New Year’s Eve: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Whole Foods
🎉 New Year’s Eve: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Winn-Dixie
🎉 New Year’s Eve: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.. In-store pharmacies will close at 6:00 p.m.. 📅 New Year’s Day: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. In-store pharmacies will open at 9:00 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m..
