Set on a narrow peninsula shaped by the Arlington River and Big and Little Pottsburg Creeks, the neighborhoods surrounding the intersection of Atlantic and University boulevards hold some of Jacksonville’s oldest continuously occupied homes. These waterways and crossroads have long defined the character of Oak Haven, Love Grove, and Spring Glen.
The following five intersecting facts explore highlights their shared history:
Birthplace of the Woody’s Bar-B-Q chain
Nearly 50 years ago, Woody and Yolanda Mills-Mawman set out to open a restaurant inspired by their love of barbecue and a collection of cherished homemade recipes. Drawing from the South’s time-honored barbecue shack tradition, they created a dining experience built on authenticity, flavor and community. What began as a single restaurant in a former Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q location in 1980 at 1638 University Blvd. S. has since grown to nine locations across Florida, with three more on the way, and one location in Pennsylvania.
While each Woody’s reflects the unique character of its hometown, every location shares the same commitment to quality. Guests are served the finest cuts of meat, the freshest ingredients, and a menu made entirely from Woody’s original recipes, from the secret homemade BBQ sauce to freshly prepared sides and slow-smoked meats.
Hope Haven Hospital was once here
The intersection of Atlantic Boulevard and Bartram Road was once the long-time home of Hope Haven Hospital. This institution played a significant role in the history of pediatric care in Northeast Florida. Founded in 1926, Hope Haven began as a small children’s hospital and clinic in North Jacksonville near the Trout River. As the organization grew and demand for pediatric services increased, Hope Haven relocated in the late 1930s to a purpose-built children’s hospital on Atlantic Boulevard, opening its doors in 1940…