Meet Visit Jax Insider: Yanira Cardona

Hola! My name is Yanira Cardona (Ja-Knee-Rah) but I go by Yaya. I'm proudly from Puerto Rico but Duval has been my home since 2004.

My background is Radio. I've been working on and off in the radio world for close to 20 years! I own Yaya Productions. We coordinate festivals/events like Viva La Fiesta Jacksonville (the first ever 2 day Hispanic festival), we specialize in Social Media content specifically for the Hispanic community, and Public Relations. I own 904Latinos. This page is in all Spanish and we showcase restaurants, events, and any free services available to the community. I currently have a partnership with James Weldon Johnson Park. Proud member of First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. I'm a member of Nexxt Spin, a vinyl club which we meet monthly and record a podcast about our love for vinyls and give our audience a brief music history. I'm a salsa music lover and teacher! If there's Latin music, more than likely, you'll find me. My goal is to showcase the diverse cultures we have in Jacksonville.

1. What do you love most about Jacksonville?

What I love most about Jacksonville is how there's so many hidden gems! We have over 400 parks, rivers, restaurants from every culture you can think of, beaches and the list can go on and on. It's the city of opportunities. You can see the sunrise at Jax beach and the most beautiful sunsets in San Marco river parks while dolphins come and say hi to you!

2. What is one thing you tell a visitor that they must see/do when in Jax?

There's several places to explore in Jacksonville. One of my favorite places is Historic Springfield. It's an up and coming area filled with rich history and some amazing restaurants. Restaurants like Silkies, Uptown Kitchen and Bar, and The Cookbook Restaurant! Definitely go to 1748 Bakery and have their Mojo Chicken Sandwich! Make sure to check out the murals in Phoenix Arts District as well.

3. Where is your favorite local spot to eat?

There's toooo many good places to eat here in Jax! My favorite Hispanic restaurant is Latin Creations. It's a Puerto Rican restaurant that makes the best mofongos, pork, sandwiches with real Puerto Rican bread and more! For a true culinary experience, definitely recommend Silkies in Springfield. Chef Kenny Gilbert was on Top Chef season 7 and has created a one of a kind diner experience that literally changes every week.

Follow Yanira to see Jacksonville through the eyes of a local!

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