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An Advanced, Strong, Healthy, Full Mouth Replacement System.
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Renew Jacksonville
11528 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223
904-615-9480
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 8 AM - 5 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM - 5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM - 5 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM - 5 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
Our Contact Center is Standing by and Available:
Monday - Friday: 6:00am to 7:30pm MST
Saturday - Sunday: 7:30am to 5:30pm MST
Dental Implants in Jacksonville, FL
Facing life with a smile is hard when you're missing some or all of your teeth. Dental implants are an advanced, reliable, tooth replacement solution to help you chew better, feel better, and live healthier - all on your terms.
Overview
Our teeth play a major role in our daily lives. We use them to break pieces of food apart so that we can digest meals properly. They allow us to speak and communicate effectively by helping us form sounds and words. From an appearance standpoint, they help define how we smile, express emotion, and interact with people. But our teeth also affect our health. Poor dental hygiene can lead to a range of diseases and other concerns. In essence, our teeth are paramount to our emotional, physical, and social well-being.
It makes sense, then, that life gets harder when some or all of your teeth are missing. Unfortunately, missing teeth is a common issue in the United States. Almost one-third of Americans are missing teeth. In the next 15 years, half a billion Americans will need new pearly whites.
Whether due to genetics, accidents, or neglect, losing your teeth hurts – both emotionally and physically. And, up until now, it was unbelievably expensive to have them replaced.
Fortunately, with Renew's state-of-the-art dental implants in Jacksonville, FL, you can get a new set of teeth easier, faster, and healthier than ever before. The best part? You don't have to spend sports-car levels of money to get the full set of teeth you need.
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Good cleaning every 6 months ????
Kim is amazing and very sweet! When you come in the front staff greets you and everyone is friendly! Kim is who helped me with my initial consultation. She did a thorough job at explaining the process and going over costs. She will help you get financing if that is what you are interested in. It was all in all a wonderful experience and to know they try to help you and make you feel comfortable wi
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a popular option for replacing missing teeth. Unlike some dental clinics that require multiple procedures, Renew's tooth replacement systems require just one surgical appointment. With regular care and professional cleaning from your dentist, your implants can last for the rest of your life.
Dental Implants 101
Dental implants are often the preferred choice for people considering total mouth restoration. Unlike temporary options, dental implants give you a permanent solution for preventing bone loss and renewing your smile. They're created using a small, threaded post that conforms to your jawbone over time. This fusion creates a double-strong anchor that secures your new teeth. Though dentures have a reputation for slipping and sliding in your mouth, dental implants always stay put. If you've been missing out on delicious flavor profiles or the chance to speak confidently, dental implants can be life-changing.
Typical dental implants are made up of three different parts:
Threaded Implant
You can think of this titanium screw as a new root for your teeth. It's anchored to your jaw during dental implant surgery.
Abutment
An abutment is a small connector prosthetic that connects your dental implants and false teeth. You can think of an abutment as the foundation for your new teeth.
Crown
The crown of your new tooth is the visible part that you and others see in your mouth. Crowns are made using gorgeous materials and function just like other healthy teeth in your mouth.
Top Signs You Need Dental Implants in Jacksonville, FL
Dental implants can all but eliminate the need for repetitive dental work and dealing with missing teeth. Since they act like natural teeth roots, they stimulate your jaw, which prevents it from deteriorating. Plus, dental implants are placed with extreme care by experts, so you don't have to worry about damaging any healthy teeth. It's pretty clear that dental implants are great - but when do you need to get them? Here are a few common signs that you may be a good candidate.
One of the top reasons why people choose dental implants is that they're missing several or all of their teeth. Missing teeth can cause issues with self-consciousness and make it difficult to eat in general. Because dental implants replicate your natural teeth, they can help restore confidence and make eating easier and more enjoyable.
Some people who have dentures, partials, or bridges still feel insecure about their smiles. And that's a shame because nobody should be embarrassed by their smile. If you feel that way, know this: You deserve to feel proud about your smile. Fortunately, dental implants can help. Dental implants can take your confidence to a whole new level. Those days and nights you spent refusing to smile for pictures... Forget about them. Better days are ahead when you have dental implants.
When you have missing teeth, it can be hard to indulge in your favorite foods. It seems like you're constantly on edge due to the pain and inconvenience. When you have dentures, you have to avoid a whole range of foods, like grilled meats and more. With dental implants from Renew you can have your steak and (literally) eat it, too.
One of the biggest downfalls of dental solutions like dentures is that they don't stimulate your jawbone. When your jawbone isn't stimulated correctly, you will eventually suffer from bone loss. This bone loss can create a sunken-in facial appearance. Dental implants fuse with your jawbone, providing the much-needed stimulus that prevents this from happening.
If you or someone you know has had dentures, you know that using them and keeping them clean can be a hassle. After eating, you've got to take them out to be cleaned. Sometimes, you've got to apply denture adhesives to keep them in place. For most people, denture care is messy and monotonous. If you're sick of dealing with sticky adhesives and loose dentures in your mouth, you may want to consider dental implants.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
One of the biggest reasons why people choose dental implants is that they look, feel, and work like natural teeth. Dental implants provide several other benefits, including:
Restored Function
If you've lost some or all of your teeth, you're missing out on a slew of functions that make life easier. With dental implants, you benefit from the same functionality as natural teeth.
You can bite into and chew tougher foods that you love, since your bite force is restored.
Dental implants fill in for missing molars, which helps you digest food better.
Dental Implant full mouth restoration options include both fixed removable and non-removable options. In both instances, you can brush just as you would with your natural teeth. With fixed removable solutions, the teeth can come out for extra cleaning and snap right back in. With fixed non-removable options, the teeth stay put and can not be removed, other than by a dental professional for deep cleaning.
Reliability
Dental implants eliminate one of the biggest concerns that denture-wearers have: their teeth slipping out of their mouth accidentally in public. Unlike dentures, implants are placed securely in your jaw. That means you can eat, talk, smile, and laugh without having to be nervous.
Lifetime Use
Some dental solutions for missing teeth only last for a few years. When cared for properly, dental implants can last for the rest of your life. Dental implants in Jacksonville, FL from Renew can cost up to 60% less than other dental implant options and come with a Lifetime Guarantee, making them an outstanding value.
Jaw Strength
When there are gaps in the jawbone due to missing teeth, the bone in those areas can start to weaken from lack of stimulation. If the empty space isn't addressed quickly, the bone can lose up to 25% of its volume and will continue to deteriorate over time. Dental implants stimulate your jaw again, which strengthens your jawbone and prevents it from deteriorating.
Avoid a Sunken-In Face
When your jawbone starts to deteriorate, the lower third part of your face can begin to sag or look sunken in due to bone loss. Because dental implants integrate with your jawbone and stimulate it daily, you can avoid a sunken facial appearance.
One Affordable Cost
Renew has transformed our members' lives with quality dental implants at prices far below the national average. That's because we believe smiles should be accessible to all. Renew doctors examine the oral health of every new patient who walks through our doors. We then develop a customized dental implant treatment plan to meet their needs. This allows our experts to provide pricing that is upfront, fixed, and affordable. No hidden costs, ever.
We're able to provide outstanding value on your new teeth because we pass our savings along to you. Here's how:
- Quick, Digital Processes
- Lifetime Savings Guarantee
- Better Negotiated Lender Rates
Renew is so committed to bringing back your smile that we created the Renew Patient Financing Program. When you sign up, you can find low monthly payment options with higher approval rates. Bad credit? No problem. Renew works with you to build a plan that's right for you and your budget.
Talk and Eat Comfortably
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are often considered the "gold standard" solution. That's because they feel, function, and look like actual teeth. Because they replicate natural teeth, you can feast on your favorite foods. You can talk to strangers with confidence. Perhaps most importantly, you can flash that beautiful smile again without feeling embarrassed. Unlike Renew's full mouth reconstruction, traditional dentures limit your food choices, have to be replaced, and are generally more difficult to wear.
What is Full-Mouth Restoration?
A full mouth restoration, as the name suggests, involves rebuilding or replacing every tooth in your mouth. This procedure combines elements of dentistry and cosmetic surgery to restore both the function and structure of your teeth.
Your teeth are responsible for more than making your smile unique. They help you eat and communicate, too. When you lose your teeth, life changes. It's just that simple. Factors like poor dental care or mouth injuries can cause partial or complete tooth loss. In such situations, a dentist's goal is to restore your oral health and bring back your smile. At Renew, we do full dental replacements. They're not for everyone, but for those who need them, they're a great solution. But what does full mouth reconstruction entail? Let's dig in and find out.
A full-mouth reconstruction - also called a total or full-mouth restoration begins with extracting any remaining teeth before restoration can begin. If you have many missing teeth or your teeth are severely damaged or worn down, you may want to consider this procedure.
You may also want to think about full mouth restoration if you have specific dental conditions. For instance, amelogenesis, a disorder that causes teeth to develop in unusual shapes, and ectodermal dysplasia, which affects both skin and teeth, may require comprehensive reconstruction as you get older.
Dental implants can fully restore your mouth without needing to rely on dentures or bridges. As we covered above, dental implants consist of a titanium post that is implanted into your jawbone. As the process of osseointegration progresses, the surrounding wound heals, firmly anchoring the post in place. Teeth are attached to the implants, restoring both the appearance and function.
Did you know that one-tenth of people in the United States are missing all of their teeth? One of the most common reasons for missing teeth is tooth decay, a problem that affects many individuals, not just those who have lost teeth. While some of us may have had more dental fillings than others, we all continually battle against tooth decay.
Bacteria naturally inhabit our mouths, and when they feast on the sugars and starches from our food, they produce an acid that can harm our teeth. This acid gradually erodes the protective layer known as enamel. Once the enamel is compromised, the inner structures of our teeth can begin to decay. Keep an eye out for these signs of tooth decay:
- Pain or Dull Aches
- Sensitivity to Cold and Hot Temperatures
- Sensitivity to Sweet Drinks and Foods
- Pain
- Swelling
- Fever
- Infection
When left untreated, tooth decay can rot your teeth and cause them to fall out. Along with tooth decay, be aware of these additional risk factors that cause your teeth to fall out.
Gum Disease
Gum disease and tooth loss often go hand-in-hand. Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums that can result in serious health problems. If the infection progresses, it can damage the bone that supports your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss. You might notice swelling or redness in your gums, but often, the condition isn't painful, which means you might have it without even realizing it. If left untreated, gum disease can not only cause your teeth to fall out but also allow the infection to spread to other areas of your body.
A big cause of gum disease is from plaque accumulating on your teeth. Other factors that increase the likelihood of gum disease include:
- Frequent Alcohol Consumption
- Using Tobacco Products
- Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth
- Genetics
- Poor Nutrition
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune Conditions and Diseases
Tooth Injuries
Losing your teeth due to an injury is a fairly common occurrence, especially for MMA fighters and boxers. But you don't have to be a combat sports athlete to lose your teeth. It can happen due to an injury, car accidents, accidents at work, or just getting hit in the face with a ball really hard, it doesn't take that much force to damage teeth and ruin someone's smile.
Missing teeth impact your oral health, but they also take a toll on your emotional and mental well-being. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you always turn down social gathering invitations?
- Do you make it a point not to smile in photos?
- Do you think you need to cover your mouth when you laugh to avoid embarrassment?
Renew's full mouth restoration can be the solution you've been searching for.
Steps of a Dental Implant Procedure
Have you ever wondered what's involved in a dental implant procedure and how long it takes? In the past, dental implant procedures were often considered long and painful. Today, dental implant surgeries are streamlined and tailored to your unique dental needs. At Renew, you can have new dental implants with a single surgery.
No, we're not pulling your leg. All it takes is one surgical appointment to get dental implants that feel, look, and function like natural teeth. By fixing your teeth on the same day as your surgery, treatment and recovery times are reduced. When your implant procedure is finished and you're fully healed, the sparkling-white teeth of your dreams become a reality. That crispy, juicy apple that's been calling your name? Go ahead and dig in. It's time to savor the flavor of life.
To help you make a more informed decision about dental implants in Jacksonville, FL, let's explore more about the treatment process.
Free Consultation and 3-D CAT Scan
Having your teeth replaced involves an initial consultation with our experienced Dental Team and Education Consultant. You'll receive a free 3-D CAT Scan, which will allow our doctors to see your mouth in three dimensions. We develop your custom treatment plan using this advanced technology. During your free consultation, our dental implant experts will meet with you to talk about your needs. We'll also chat about any concerns you have. Once we determine you're a great candidate for Renew, we can schedule your single-day surgery.
Dental Implant Procedure Day
The day you've been waiting for is finally here. Renew's dental implant procedure should only take a few hours. Once we're ready, our doctors use advanced surgical guides and scans to meticulously place your implants. Once your implants are placed, we attach new teeth. This allows you to speak, eat, and smile with confidence as you heal. And, since this is a medical procedure, IV sedation is used to keep you as comfortable as possible.
Time to Heal
Once your procedure is over, it's time to heal. We'll provide you with helpful information on how to manage pain, should you experience any soreness. Healing varies from person to person, but you should expect some mild discomfort and swelling.
Restoration
Four months after surgery, you receive a set of permanent, strong teeth that are attached and fixed for the non-removable option, or teeth that snap securely in place for the removable tooth replacement option.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
You want your teeth to stay fresh and clean as time goes by. That's why the last stage of your dental implant procedure is maintenance. By practicing good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups, the smile of your dreams can last a lifetime.
How to Care for Your Dental Implants in Jacksonville, FL
Dental implants are one of the most popular restoration options for people who have lost several teeth or have had to have many teeth extracted. They've got an incredible long-term success rate, but to keep them looking and feeling like your natural teeth, you've got to care for them like your natural teeth. Here are a few tips on how to do just that.
Make Regular Appointments with Your Dentist
If there's one takeaway you should focus on in this list, it's that regular dentist appointments are key to dental implant longevity. Just like your natural teeth, dental implants benefit from routine cleanings. Regular appointments allow your dentist to catch any early signs of implant issues, enabling timely intervention if needed. Additionally, your hygienist will skillfully remove any plaque that accumulates around your gums, which is crucial for reducing the risk of implant infections.
Don't Smoke
It should go without saying that smoking tobacco products is one of the worst things you can do to your body. It can lead to cancer and many other diseases and conditions. But smoking can also inhibit healing after a dental implant procedure. Plus, it can darken your new teeth and cause yellow stains. If you smoke cigarettes, cigars, or other forms of smokable tobacco, you should stop before and after your procedure. For the best long-term results, you should quit smoking altogether.
Brush Your Dental Implants
As mentioned previously, taking care of your implants is just as crucial as maintaining your natural teeth. That means you should be brushing at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush. When brushing, it's best to use a low-abrasive toothpaste that offers tartar control. If you're unsure what brand to buy, your dentist can provide recommendations that sync with your budget and preferences.
Watch What You Eat
Speaking of food, one of the biggest perks of getting a full-mouth restoration with dental implants is that you can drink and eat almost anything your new teeth can tolerate.
Be Alert and Listen to Your Body
Staying vigilant is one of the best ways to prevent implant failure. It's important to recognize the common signs that something might be wrong and to seek treatment as soon as you notice any issues. Early intervention can often save your implants. Don't hesitate to reach out for dental care if you experience pain or swelling around your implants.
Don't Ignore Aftercare Instructions
After your dental implant procedure, you'll receive a detailed list of aftercare instructions to facilitate a smooth recovery. Follow these guidelines closely for as long as your doctor advises. Sticking to these recovery instructions can significantly reduce the risk of early implant failure due to improper healing.
Put Your Smile in Renew's Hands
Renew was founded with one goal in mind: To make beautiful, strong teeth accessible to all. So, along with a team of scientists and doctors, Founder Dr. Don Miloni developed a new way to do teeth. Over 100 million dollars have been invested in crafting strong, hardy, healthy teeth. To date, we are backed by over 80 patents. We've achieved a shorter surgery time, which means a faster recovery. And we have changed countless of people's mouths (and lives). All for a fraction of traditional costs. Because everyone deserves to smile. It's the reason we get up every single day.
At this point, we know you may have questions. It would be our pleasure to help answer them. If there's one thing you can count on, it's that our team is here for you when you need us most. From our customer service team to our experienced staff of doctors and expert technicians, you can expect comprehensive care along every step of your dental implant journey. Contact Renew today. After your free consultation, you can look forward to a better tomorrow.
Latest News in Jacksonville, FL
Caught in feds' probe, Jacksonville businessman charged with laundering fake 'drug money'
Steve Pattersonhttps://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/local/2024/11/15/jacksonville-businessman-charged-with-laundering-drug-money-for-feds/76289151007/
...
A Jacksonville entrepreneur who used Kickstarter to fund a short-lived international grocery store has been arrested during an undercover investigation of what court records call “a large-scale money laundering organization.”
Mauricio Chahine met with federal agents posing as drug dealers and “explained how he had multiple businesses and offered to move money through his bank accounts,” according to a complaint logged this week in Jacksonville’s federal court.
Chahine, who last month filed paperwork to operate Arby's Seafood and Chicken Inc., a restaurant near Jacksonville University, could face up to 20 years behind bars if he’s convicted of the charge listed in the complaint.
U.S. Magistrate Laura Lothman Lambert ordered Chahine detained pending trial Friday after a hearing where prosecutors underscored the flight risk of not locking up the 52-year-old native of Brazil, whose father lives in Lebanon and who used Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic while talking with agents. Chahine has lived in the United States for decades and is an American citizen but holds both American and Brazilian passports and wouldn't be extradited by Brazil if he fled there, the judge was told.
USA Today:Sinaloa Cartel laundered $50M through Chinese network in Los Angeles, prosecutors say
The complaint, written by an Internal Revenue Service special agent, said an informant volunteered Chahine’s name and phone number during a money laundering investigation IRS was pursuing with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Laundering takes in money from illegal sources, moves it through private accounts and returns it to the launderer’s customer through payments that look legitimate.
The complaint said Chahine charged a 12% fee to handle amounts greater than $200,000 and 15% for smaller amounts.
Two undercover agents met with Chahine about “some help moving money around,” the complaint said, one agent explaining the money came from selling cocaine.
“Chahine responded that he did not want to know,” the complaint said, and that “all he needed to know was where the money was going and how they wanted it, ‘big bills or small bills.’”
It described agents giving Chahine $217,975 in four batches between May and July.
The complaint said Chahine told agents that $35,000 from the fourth batch was frozen by his bank for an investigation, but that the first three batches all went as planned. Out of $161,975 that the agents delivered for laundering the first three times, the complaint said, they got back $143,975 in relatively small payments (each under $10,000) through bank accounts for a Southside technology company and three businesses Chahine had run: Arby's Seafood and Chicken at 2009 University Blvd. North in Arlington; AlBarakah International Grocery Store Inc.; and SUNY Enterprise Inc., which state records said was formed in 2015 at a Westside house and dissolved the following year.
AlBarakah was a store at 1050 Arlington Road North in Arlington that incorporated with Chahine as its president in 2022, said state records that described it as dissolved in 2023. Chahine had used Kickstarter to raise about $28,000 for the store in June and July 2023, according to the store's page on the crowd-funding website.
The website said the business, which was in the aging area the city's Renew Arlington initiative has targeted for revitalization, was owned and operated by a "Brazilian/Lebanese family that have orchestrated a euphoria grocery store" for "people ... that enjoy having Lebanon and the surrounded countries to still be able to get the items needed to feed our families." The business has been replaced by a different grocery specializing in Mexican and Honduran items.
(This story has been updated to include new information.)
Bass Pro Shops coming to Northeast Florida. When does it open, and what does it look like?
Alexandria Mansfieldhttps://www.jacksonville.com/story/business/2024/11/14/new-bass-pro-shops-in-st-augustine-set-to-have-grand-opening-nov-20/76265300007/
Bass Pro Shops announced its grand opening celebrations will begin at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the new Outdoor World retail destination in St. Augustine.The 100,000-square-foot store, at 355 World Commerce Parkway in St. Johns County, will bring the company’s trademark selection of outdoor gear to the region, including recreation equipment, apparel and hunting, fishing and camping gear.The $21.7 million store is the 13th location in the Florida with the next closest ones to the Jacksonville area being in Daytona...
Bass Pro Shops announced its grand opening celebrations will begin at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the new Outdoor World retail destination in St. Augustine.
The 100,000-square-foot store, at 355 World Commerce Parkway in St. Johns County, will bring the company’s trademark selection of outdoor gear to the region, including recreation equipment, apparel and hunting, fishing and camping gear.
The $21.7 million store is the 13th location in the Florida with the next closest ones to the Jacksonville area being in Daytona, Gainesville, Orlando or Savannah. About 140 people are already employed at the location, but Todd Blanchard, the store's general manager, said they aim to have about 152 staff members in full-time, part-time and seasonal positions.
The St. Augustine location includes unique exterior and interior ornamentations such as a Cypress swamp motif, hand-painted murals depicting the St. Johns River and regional taxidermy and dioramas spotlighting Florida deer, gators, turkey, black bears, birds, freshwater and saltwater fish and a mounted replica of a 20-foot great white shark.
Another openingAcademy Sports opens first store in Nassau; Jacksonville Jaguars players oblige youth
Blanchard, who has worked for Bass Pro Shops since 2006 and managed a few locations, said his favorite piece of decor for this shop was the large-scale "Florida cracker house" on one side of the building.
The store’s 12,000-gallon aquarium will feature largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, bowfin, Florida gar, spotted bass and various bluegill and other sunfish. All fish are from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The store will also have a boat and tractor showroom, half of which is converted to "Santa's Wonderland" ahead of the holidays. Families can have free photos with Santa taken during this time.
"It's our way of giving back to the community," Blanchard said.
Wednesday night's ribbon-cutting ceremony and weekend-long celebration will include fishing and hunting celebrity appearances, family activities and giveaways. The store will be open from 6 to 9 p.m. before switching to regular business hours the next day.
Blanchard said he expects to see around 10,000 people come out to see the new store during its opening weekend.
Special guest appearances for the opening will include country music singer and songwriter Tim Dugger, members of the Jaguars and the cheerleading team and mascot Jaxson de Ville.
Additionally, 10% of the revenue earned on opening night will be donated to conservation organizations and 10% will be donated to hurricane relief efforts in Florida.
"It's why we do what we do," Blanchard said. "We want to be good stewards of the great outdoors so future generations to come can enjoy [them]."
Customers who attend any of the five-day opening festivities can enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a $500 gift card. Daily door prizes for the first families at the store include gift cards valued from $10 to $500, BassPro Shops trucker hats and Yeti water bottle products.
Jacksonville baker competes for $25K prize on Food Network's Holiday Baking Championship
Teresa Stepzinskihttps://www.jacksonville.com/story/entertainment/dining/2024/11/14/holiday-baking-championship-2024-andre-ward/76181808007/
An award-winning Jacksonville baker who retired after 24 years as a U.S. Army pastry chef is competing for a $25,000 grand prize and national title on Food Network's Holiday Baking Championship.Pastry chef Andre Ward is a culinary instructor, caterer and food blogger known as The Pastry Ward"en...
An award-winning Jacksonville baker who retired after 24 years as a U.S. Army pastry chef is competing for a $25,000 grand prize and national title on Food Network's Holiday Baking Championship.
Pastry chef Andre Ward is a culinary instructor, caterer and food blogger known as The Pastry Ward"en.
He's among a dozen bakers from across the country on Season 11 of the televised culinary competition that began airing Nov. 4. Original episodes run at 8 p.m. each Monday on Food Network.
The elimination-style contest challenges the bakers to create desserts for holiday gatherings ranging from a simple get-together of family, friends, and neighbors to a gingerbread house party, a holiday pajama party, and an office Christmas party featuring an ice luge, according to a Food Network news release announcing the competition.
Ward won $1,000 in bonus cash and the judges' accolades for his Old Fashioned Cherry and Farmers Cheese Croquettes on the Nov. 4 premiere episode.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
On the Nov. 11 episode, Ward and the other bakers created "over-the-top" Thanksgiving cupcakes and pies with 3-D decor elements. His sweet potato-based cupcake topped with a tiny Meringue turkey helped him advance to the next round of the competition.
"My great-grandmother used to make the sweet potato casserole for the family and it was the most amazing thing ever. I would get fat off of that," Ward told the Times-Union about the inspiration for his cupcakes.
His recipes have evolved from his family memories, recipes and Southern comfort food as well as the skills he learned from civilian and military culinary mentors.
A Savannah native, Ward graduated from The French Pastry School of Chicago. In addition, he's an American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef and Certified Working Pastry Chef.
'Oh, the places you'll go':Jacksonville pastry chef on Seuss-inspired baking show
Before retiring to Jacksonville, Ward built an Army culinary career distinguished by serving four U.S. Secretaries of Defense and providing food-service managerial support for President Barack Obama.
For his last tour, he served as lead instructor at The Advanced Culinary Skills Training Course for the Joint Culinary Center of Excellence Quartermaster Corps at Fort Lee, Va. During the tour, he trained chefs to work at the Pentagon and the White House.
The Holiday Baking Championship isn't his first culinary competition.
Ward previously was the winner of Food Network’s "Girl Scout Cookie Championship," runner-up on Food Network’s "Bakers vs Fakers," and the winner of Netflix’s "Sugar Rush Season 3 Extra Sweet."
'Banker to Baker:'Jacksonville self-taught chef is contestant in nationwide competition
But Ward conceded that he's been a little nervous in the Holiday Baking Championship.
"I've competed pretty much my whole career. But this time, I'd taken a long break from baking before the show so I was a little bit rusty and definitely kind of nervous," he said.
However, he's drawing on past experiences as he moves forward in the contest.
Win or lose, Ward said ultimately he wants to have his own brick-and-mortar bakery.
Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at tstepzinski@jacksonville.com.
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Jacksonville Councilman Rory Diamond on Trump transition: ‘He’s making America Florida’
Christina Schulerhttps://flvoicenews.com/jacksonville-councilman-rory-diamond-on-trump-transition-hes-making-america-florida/
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As President-elect Trump makes finalizes his cabinet, local leaders are noticing that many of them are coming from the state of Florida.Many local leaders, like Jacksonville Councilman Rory Diamond, are taking note of the efforts to bring Florida’s conservative leadership and policies to the national level by appointing prominent Floridians to his cabinet and key advisory roles.“Trump is literally making America, Florida, and we’ll be better off for it,” Diamond said during an ...
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As President-elect Trump makes finalizes his cabinet, local leaders are noticing that many of them are coming from the state of Florida.
Many local leaders, like Jacksonville Councilman Rory Diamond, are taking note of the efforts to bring Florida’s conservative leadership and policies to the national level by appointing prominent Floridians to his cabinet and key advisory roles.
“Trump is literally making America, Florida, and we’ll be better off for it,” Diamond said during an interview on Florida’s Voice with Drew Steele.
WATCH: How Florida went from a swing state to the heart of the conservative movement in America, according to @RoryDiamond pic.twitter.com/ts2g5ncckm
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) November 12, 2024
He pointed to Florida’s approach to the COVID-19 pandemic as a defining moment that set it apart from other state. Diamond also praised the response which prioritized reopening schools and businesses, as instrumental in reinforcing conservative values that are now central to Trump’s platform.
“During COVID, while the rest of the country was suffering, Florida said, ‘No, thanks,’” Diamond said.
“Kids went back to school, people returned to work, and the state used common sense over fear,” he said.
Diamond praised military veteran Rep. Mike Waltz as a potential National Security Advisor.
“Waltz’s military story is unlike anything you’ll ever hear. He’ll be there every day, keeping America safe,” Diamond said.
Diamond highlighted Florida’s economic growth, relatively low tax rates, and commitment to limited government, arguing these policies could “set in stone” the foundation of a new conservative federal model under Trump.
“Florida’s conservative movement has become a blueprint,” Diamond said.
Catch Florida’s Voice Radio weekdays from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on X, Facebook, YouTube, Rumble, the official Florida’s Voice website and Spotify.
Top 5: Horcruxes, hobos and other fun things to do this weekend around Jacksonville
Tom Szaroletahttps://www.jacksonville.com/story/entertainment/events/2024/11/13/things-to-do-jacksonville-florida/76193870007/
Welcome to that odd time of year when Halloween is past but the holiday season hasn't quite kicked in yet. If you want to dip your toe into the holiday spirit, there's a concert in St. Augustine for you. If you're not quite ready to start thinking about putting up the lights quite yet, there's plenty of other stuff to do in the Jacksonville area this weekend.‘Despicable Me 4’ 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 at Artist Walk Amphitheater. Free.Bring your own chairs and blankets; the popcorn and 2024 animated f...
Welcome to that odd time of year when Halloween is past but the holiday season hasn't quite kicked in yet. If you want to dip your toe into the holiday spirit, there's a concert in St. Augustine for you. If you're not quite ready to start thinking about putting up the lights quite yet, there's plenty of other stuff to do in the Jacksonville area this weekend.
‘Despicable Me 4’
7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 at Artist Walk Amphitheater. Free.
Bring your own chairs and blankets; the popcorn and 2024 animated film are free in the Riverside Arts Market space under the Fuller Warren Bridge. Info: jacksonville.gov
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‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1'
7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, and Saturday, Nov. 16, at Jacoby Symphony Hall. $35-$94.
Watch as Harry and his wizard friends prepare for the final showdown, while the Jacksonville Symphony provides the musical score live. Guest conductor Shih-Hung Young will lead the symphony. Info: jaxsymphony.org
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis
6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. $34-$84.
If you are looking to kick-start your holiday spirit, a Mannheim Steamroller holiday show ought to do it. Davis pretty much invented the whole rock-band-plays-Christmas-songs spectacle thing. Info: theamp.com
Whitney Cummings
7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Florida Theatre. $39-$49.
Cummings has had her own sitcom, a talk show, a book, several movie roles and stand-up specials on HBO, Comedy Central and Netflix, but she’s now facing her biggest challenge: A son born last year. Info: floridatheatre.com
Hobo, Tractors and Heroes Festival
9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Callahan Pavilion. Free.
A 143-year-old train station is at the center of a day of live music, vendors and an antique tractor show. Info: wnhsfl.org
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