ORANGE PARK — It was a 904 Day takeover at the Orange Park Mall on Thursday, Sept. 4, as locals came together to celebrate what makes the Jacksonville area unique.

Twenty-two nonprofits, ranging from animal services, youth mentorship, education and mental health support, were spread out throughout the mall from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., allowing for passersby to take a peek at the heart of the 904. 

Present organizations included: Clay Education Foundation, Clay Humane and Teal Paws, Dreams Come True, Quigley House, Impact Clay, For Women Vets, Goodwill's Mission Team, Pink Ribbon Blue Skies Foundation, Operation Barnabas, Challenge Enterprises and Club Challenge, Friends of Augusta Savage Community Center, Waste Not Want Not and Delta Sigma Theta Society.

New nonprofit It Takes a Village was set up in the center court, ready to spread the word about the big things they had coming down the pipeline, including a new community center coming in 2026. The center will include a variety of youth-focused programs in arts, culinary, sewing, financial literacy and more.

Twenty-two nonprofits had tables set up during the event.

STAFF PHOTOS BY KYLA WOODARD

"It's not just your typical community center. It is a community center that aims at community," said Nikita Copeland, co-founder, along with her husband, Greg. "We want to bring back the basics of a lot of things that our kids are losing."

In addition to gaining helpful resources and services, those who stopped by the For Women Vets Table also had the opportunity to create an uplifting card, which will be personally delivered to a woman military hero.

Each vendor also held a hidden clue for the mall's scavenger hunt. Fifty 904 tickets were hidden throughout the mall, and each participant who found one was given a $50 gift card. 

Live music could be heard through the mall's long corridors.

STAFF PHOTOS BY KYLA WOODARD

Live music could be heard through the mall's long corridors, courtesy of local artists Darren Ronan, Teddy Transou and Ian Kelly.

There was also a silent disco by Lil TJ's Party Rentals. Outside, 70s disco beats played as the Rolling Gems showcased their retro-skating skills. Their vintage photo booth was also available to commemorate the occasion.

The day also kicked off the official unveiling of the mall's new time capsule opportunity, in celebration of the mall's 50th anniversary. Until Sept. 30, the community can stop by the Mall Office and submit notes, small items or photos to represent their connection to the mall. The time capsule will be opened in 2075, in time for the mall's 100th anniversary. 

Contributions can be dropped off Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.