GoLO Jacksonville

ACF Studio

Miami Beach International Fashion Week.  Jacksonville Luxury Living Magazine.  Vidal Sassoon Academy in London.  What do they all share in common?  The creative talents and energies of Alina Castillo Fernandez, Master Stylist and owner of ACF Studio in Five Points.

After eight years honing her skills at local salons, she chose Five Points as the home for her studio in August 2010 because she loves the “creative vibe” of the neighborhood and its large number of locally owned and operated businesses.  Ms. Castillo deliberately chose ACF Studio as her salon name to reflect her own initials and to establish a gathering place for Jacksonville’s fashion designers, make-up artists, photographers and dancers.  In 2011, she served as the creative hair director for Jacksonville Fashion Week, helping to match area stylists with local designers, and lead stylist for FXSS|Fashion by Southside at Tapestry Park.  During the Miami Beach International Fashion Week, she styled the model’s hair for noted Florida designer Erin Healy’s mermaid-inspired final exhibition design. The twenty-something entrepreneur also coiffed Whitney Thompson, a TV contestant selected for America’s Next Top Model.

Yet don’t think you need to be a model to visit ACF Studio.  “It’s all about the client here.  I offer my clients the best look for them in their everyday life.  It’s not about me, but what works with your personal style, hair texture and skull structure,” says the down-to-earth, vivacious stylist-owner.  This contemporary salon is open and airy with soaring ceilings and clean white walls as well as Euro-inspired design furnishings and a space age tri-directional hair dryer, nicknamed “R2D2”.  She enjoys getting to know her clients and offers them a friendly cup of espresso or a glass of red wine as they discuss hair and lifestyle needs.  A painter as a child, Castillo’s specialty is color mixing and she is a certified color expert and a lead educator for Alfaparf Milano products in Northeast Florida.  Her staff members are also certified color experts and educators in their product lines.  A 2010 bride herself, she also loves styling wedding parties, earning her a place on the 2011 WeddingEventStyle.com (WES) Diamond List of recommended hair stylists in Jacksonville Luxury Living Magazine.

Owner Alina Castillo Fernandez

A Puerto Rico native, Ms. Castillo’s family moved to the U.S. when she was a toddler for her father’s medical residency, eventually settling in Jacksonville nearly 21 years ago.  Ms. Castillo attended local Assumption Catholic and Bishop Kenny High School before pursuing her stylist certification at Rivers Hairstyling Academy.  She admits that she has “too much energy to sit behind a desk” and enjoys “the challenges of keeping up with changing styles and industry trends.”  In 2009, she applied and was selected for the Vidal Sassoon Academy for its Master Stylist program in London to further her professional education.

As a new business owner, operating her first salon has been an education, too.  “I learn a lesson everyday about running the studio, both good and bad,” she says. “The only truly bad lesson is the one you don’t learn from.”  When Castillo’s not working at her craft, she enjoys ballroom dancing with her dance instructor husband, James, or playing with one of their three dogs.  To learn more about ACF Studio, stop by 1620 Margaret Street, Suite 204, or visit its website at http://www.ACFHairStudio.com.

–Bridges DelPonte

When I stop by City Cycle, the bicycle sales and service store is already humming with activity. Founder Drew Johnson, a Jacksonville native, is helping a customer select the right chain for her racing bike. While footage of the Tour de France flashes on TV screens, assistant manager, Alice Gould, updates customer records on the shop’s computer. Steven McKnelly, a certified United Bicycle Institute (UBI) mechanic, carefully adjusts the alignment of cables on a bike in the repair station.  The only one getting any rest is Max, the shop dog, enjoying his mid-morning nap.

Yet the energetic team likes to be busy, sharing their enthusiasm for cycling with the greater Jacksonville community. City Cycle staff often bike as much as 100 miles a week with a hectic calendar of daily group rides from the shop. Typically, a team member will lead 20-mile rides through downtown Jacksonville neighborhoods on Tuesdays and Thursdays, a 40-mile ride through San Marco and San Jose on Saturdays, and a 30-mile ride along the scenic Baldwin Trail on Sundays.

L to R: Steven McKnelly, Drew Johnson, Alice Gould

For store owner Johnson, his passion for cycling dates back to his childhood when he rescued and restored bikes dumped in the trash. He went on to race the BMX-USA cycling circuit in the 1970s and achieved Expert class status in national cycling races. With years of cycling expertise, he helped design, manufacture and train personnel for a Jacksonville bike manufacturer before becoming the manager of another top bike shop in Jacksonville Beach for seven years. In 1997, Johnson made his mark as a successful regional sales representative for industry leader Cannondale Bicycle Corporation prior to opening his own store in 2005. Mr. Johnson is proud to be a bike shop owner who “doesn’t sit in an office or is out on the golf course,” preferring to maintain a “hands on” approach to his business.

City Cycle has operated for about 5½ years, the store’s name reflecting its central urban location. Initially opened in Five Points, City Cycle moved to its Park Street location about 3½ years ago. The need for “more space, better parking and a lot more inventory” of high quality goods for their growing customer base prompted the move, according to Gould. The shop recently scored 2010 Best Bike Repair services in Jacksonville Magazine. City Cycle focuses on “excellent service” and every customer knows that “Drew, the owner, is working on your bicycle with 35 years of experience,” said Ms. Gould.

The bike shop also takes an active role in a number of local charities, including supporting its favorite charity, No More Homeless Pets, and raising donations for the upcoming 150-mile Bike MS: PGA Tour Cycle to the Shore to fight multiple sclerosis. City Cycle will also be a title sponsor of the 2011 Hammerhead Olympic Triathlon (HOT) at Camp Blanding on August 28 with proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior Project and other military service-related charities. The shop’s free Luminaria bike ride (held in conjunction with Riverside Avondale’s popular holiday Luminaria celebration) brings hundreds of visitors through the historic district to admire the thousands of glowing lantern lights.

You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to shop at City Cycle. Ms. Gould notes that the store sells a wide range of quality bicycles for getting more exercise, socializing through charity and group rides or exploring the beauty of our tree-lined historic district. Zip over to City Cycle at 2740 Park Street in Avondale, call them at 904-356-BIKE, or visit them online at www.worldfamouscitycycle.com.

–Bridges DelPonte

This Saturday, bring your family and the family wagon to the Fourth Street Car Wash at the corner of Main and 4^th Streets in Historic Springfield to welcome summer where the Springfield Area Merchants and Business Association (SAMBA) are hosting a cookout to welcome one of Springfield’s newest LoLo businesses to the neighborhood.

SAMBA’s Board Members will be grilling hot dogs and hamburgers and serving complimentary lunch to customers of the Car Wash and area residents on Saturday, June 11 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. SAMBA will also be giving away gift certificates for future FREE car washes.

The Fourth St Car Wash can take care of those love bugs!

The Fourth Street Car Wash offers stellar service at reasonable prices, beginning at only $6 for a basic wash. Industrial grade vacuums are always free for customers or you can have it done for you while you enjoy air conditioned comfort in the lounge. Proprietor Silas Jones looks forward to adding you to his list of satisfied customers. So, grab a dog or burger while the Fourth Street Car Wash takes care of those pesky love bugs. Then, you can jump in your fresh ride and get dessert at City Kidz Ice Cream Cafe, Tres Leches or Sweet Pete’s! In Springfield, there are numerous choices, each with its own style.

The Springfield Area Merchants and Business Association was organized to support the growth, development and success of

City Kidz has cool treats.

businesses located in and near Historic Springfield. We offer bi-monthly membership meetings and monthly member socials to facilitate networking and educational opportunities. SAMBA board members represent the interests of neighborhood businesses through participation in the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce (Downtown Council), the Go Local initiative, the Urban Core Citizens Planning Advisory Committee, and the Springfield Roundtable. We collaborate with other neighborhood organizations and local government to enhance the quality of life in our business district and surrounding neighborhoods, and will announce several exciting new initiatives soon.

Please join SAMBA on Saturday to celebrate Springfield and support the Fourth Street Car Wash and Springfield’s other locally owned businesses!



Laptop HOBOS (Home Office Business Owner Services), Located at 1303 N. Main St., in Historic Springfield, is the first co-working space in the Jacksonville Historic District. HOBOS has been open since September 2010, and though other co-working places are popping up, none have such great work, conference or meeting space. There’s also plenty of free parking.

HOBOS hosts weekly “meetups” – an opportunity for members to give a 60 second infomercial, describe their fees, and present their prospects. The group attacks one project or idea with brainstorming and then move into workspaces in hopes of continuing to collaborate throughout the day.” Check the schedule on the “meetup” site.

Rental fees range, depending on usage, from $20 per day up to $250 a month for “Permanent Personalized Work Space”. Great work environment and quality parking. Website: www.laptophobos.com Contact: Richard Burnett 904-238-3103. Email: rburnett@cesery.com. Twitter: @Hobohub

Third & Main

HOBOS is hosting an open house “hotdog luncheon” on Thursday, June 9 from 11:30 – 1:00. Come by and check out this great space!

There’s also the popular Uptown Market as well as yummy City Kidz Café on site for business breakfasts or lunches. Both restaurants feature daily specials on their facebook pages. For working, or a break from work, visit Third & Main in Historic Springfield and network with the best.

The second, and BRAND NEW place in Springfield for co-working is the Halsema building at 157 East 8^th Street. There is a new owner and space is “rent ready”.

Halsema Building - E. 8th St.

What’s offered are small (8×10) offices with a shared reception, conference, coffee area, bathroom copier etc.. They will rent for $250/mo with all utilities, wi-fi etc. Contact: Charles Culp Email: popculp@aol.com.

Co-working and shared work spaces are becoming the national trend. It’s not just about sharing space, but a stimulating and supportive lifestyle in a comfortable business setting.

Ahh! Spring! The balmy weather, the flowers, the birds, and all that comes with them. With the grand opening of Main Street Car Wash, Silas Jones and his wife, Betty, are bringing their expertise in the car wash business to Springfield. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have been in the car wash business since 1978.

While still with the Duval County School Board, Mr. Jones owned and operated two different car washes. The Main Street Car Wash, on the corner of 4th Street and Main Street, is his third car wash and it has been a long time coming.

The property was originally a car wash which opened in 1954 by the Lindsey family and was the second automatic car wash opened in Jacksonville. When Mr. Jones purchased the property in 1995, the building was in bad shape and the lot was terribly overgrown. Over the years, he worked on the property until he was finally ready to get the car wash operational. However, unbeknowst to him, the zoning for the property had changed and a car wash could not be operated at that location. Undaunted by this serious setback, Mr. Jones worked for two and one-half years to get the his variance and finally, the City Council agreed.

With new landscaping, paint and the latest equipment, the Main Street Car Wash is ready to provide you with the best service to keep your car looking good. They offer free self-serve vacuums and air and an automatic wash for $6 in 6 minutes. They also offer a full range of services, including a full service hand wash and wax for that brand new car you just bought. A water reclamation system was installed to lessen the impact on water resources and to reduce the amount of chemicals added to the waste water system. There is also a customer waiting area with a television and enough vending machines to satisfy any snack attack.

The grand opening is scheduled for March 3rd at 8:00 a.m. See you and your dirty car there!