JACKSONVILLE

“The Flip Side of Florida"

When people think of Florida, what usually comes to mind is Disneyworld, white sand beaches and Spring Break. However, Jacksonville is anything but typical.

Located on the Atlantic coast of northeastern Florida, Jacksonville combines all you love about Florida with so much more - a vibrant art community, incredible natural resources and a rich, fascinating history. With ten state parks, over a dozen museums, and lively downtown urban areas, it’s unlike anywhere else.

(Photos: Margaritaville Jacksonville, Jacksonville Pier, Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. the Bearded Pig BBQ, Beaches Museum, and PADL kayaking)

NO REAL ID? DON’T PANIC YET!

Alternative IDs to Get Your Through TSA Checkpoints

A couple of weeks back, my son called in a panic about the May 7 Real ID deadline to get through TSA checkpoints. I shrugged and calmly told him just use your passport - that’s what I do.

However, within minutes of hanging up, I was the one panicking. I had completely forgotten my passport was getting ready to expire and I have upcoming trips with no Real ID either.

Early the next day, I went straight to the nearest DMV right as it opened feeling blessed to no longer be in California with it’s insane lines and wait times. Well, not so fast. There must have been at least 100 people ahead of me already forming a line that went down the sidewalk, around the building. Long story short, I spent 5 hours, 20 minutes waiting alongside all the other procrastinators in my community.

If you don’t want experience what I just did but have upcoming travel and no Real ID yet, here are a few alternatives that will get you through airport security.

• US Passport

• US Passport card

• Department of Homeland Security’s Trusted Traveler Cards including Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST

• US Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents

• Permanent Resident Card

• Border Crossing Card

• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)

• HSPD-12 PIV card

• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Card

• Transportation worker identification credential

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

• Foreign Passport