A proposed federal ban on junk food in public schools aimed at combating childhood obesity may further shrink the cash-strapped First Coast districts financial waistline.

The ban would require schools to replace the soda in vending machines with water, juice and other healthy snacks. Drastic changes in the beverage selections have some school officials worried.

Will students keep plunking in their quarters when all the Pepsi is gone?

Most schools in the region use cash from beverage contracts and sales to support athletic programs, extracurricular activities and field trips. Clay, Duval and St. Johns County have made millions over the years through exclusive beverage contracts with PepsiCo.

"It's a major issue for our schools if they lose that funding and their ability to support extracurricular activities," Conley Weiss, chief financial officer for St. Johns schools told the Florida Times-Union. "They would have to have major fundraising events to overcome that."

So Forbes.com says our fair city is lacking in the love department. Jackonville ranked dead last among 40 markets for singles, based on factors like the number of singles, cultural and nightlife options and the average cost of living for an un-coupled adult.

Sure, we're no New York City. Jacksonville has the population, but we lack a major, centralized entertainment district that would allow for, say hopping a string of nightclubs without having to drive 20 miles to the next one. And the conservative, Southern nature of region means many locals marry early in their 20s, leaving fewer single late 20- and 30-somethings. But that doesn't mean love is impossible to find - we local singles just have to be a little more strategic when it comes to matters of the heart.

So what do you think? Leave us a comment telling us what you think Jacksonville needs to be more singles-friendly or letting us in on your local dating secrets. And if you're looking to connect with someone new, be sure to check our September events.

Bulls, boats, books, beauty queens and a demon-possessed barber make for a lively lineup of September events in Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Jaguars kick off their home season opener against the Buffalo Bills. The Professional Bull Riders' top stars cowboy up. And local stage theatres open their mainstage seasons.

Plus, there's an array of fun fundraisers to take you from the beaches to Broadway - all for great local causes. And you'll meet a cast of Capitol Hill characters who have made a career of poking fun at their bosses. Enjoy!

Ah - The elusive three-day weekend. The celebration of the American worker "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold" brings with it a plethora of fun stuff to do in Jacksonville this weekend.

Movies, music and a spunky young spy make our list of the best bets for your Labor Day weekend. Of course, there are miles of sandy beaches and thousands of acres of wooded public parks if you just want to veg, get some sun and become one with nature before its back to the grind Tuesday.