In Brief - Jacksonville, Florida

TIME ZONE: EST
AREA CODE: 904
FOUNDED: 1791 (incorp. 1832)
POPULATION: 821,784
AIRPORT: Jacksonville International Airport
WEBSITE: www.visitjacksonville.com

BY THE NUMBERS

63 the number of jets on the Friendship Fountain, located on the south bank of the St. Johns River

747 the number of square miles the city covers, making it the largest in the continental United States

2,850 weight, in pounds, of the jaguar statue outside of EverBank Field

219 the number of steps to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse

NEWS FLASH

Three's A Charm// Since 1992, locals' growling tummies have been mollified with consistently delicious and filling Metro Diner grub. The new, third location on Jacksonville Beach, which opened in February, promises the same breakfasts and lunches that won the diner Food Network fame. www.metrodiner.com

River Dance// Are you a fan of sunsets, poems and long walks on the beach? No need to scour www.match.com — the Riverfront Park, a new, 58-acre nature area and recreation center in RiverTown that opened in February has got you covered. With a one-mile-long pier along the St. Johns River and stunning views from the lookouts you may just burst into verse. www.coj.net

CULTURE CALENDAR

June 16 
SUPER GROM SURF FEST SERIES
The popular Super Grom Surf Fest Series (a "grom" is a kid surfer) is back for a fourth year, pitting pint-sized surfers (ages 10 and under) against each other at the annual competition. Your offspring can't shred waves? Professional instructors are on hand for lessons. www.floridasurfing.org/event/super-grom/

June 23-24 
FIRST COAST BEACH SERIES
Ever since beach volleyball became an Olympic sport, it's been taking itself a little too seriously. Put the "ball" back in "beach volleyball" at June's First Coast Beach Series, a fun but intense doubles tournament in the courts at Jacksonville Beach. www.fcva1.com