Florida voters will get one last look at Republican candidates before making their way to the polls next Tuesday. A major debate for the Republican nomination to challenge President Obama this November, is being held at the University of North Florida's Lazzara Performance Hall Thursday evening at 8 p.m.

The debate will be broadcast to an expect four million viewers nationwide on CNN.

The four remaining candidates are frontrunner Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum and Ron Paul.

Related: How to Register to Vote in Jacksonville

The debate will briefly put our city in the national political spotlight, something that doesn't happen often.

As a JAX Chamber representative told the Florida Times-Union, "There will be a lot of eyes on Jacksonville."

The Riverside Arts Market, one of the largest weekly festivals of its kind in Northeast Florida, has closed up shop for the Winter. As in previous years, RAM shuts down in the middle of December, and doesn't open back up until March.

For a limited time, however, residents will still be able to get locally grown fruits and vegetables beneath the Fuller-Warren Bridge on Riverside Ave on Saturdays.

From now until February 25, the Farmer's Market at RAM (FRAM), will be open each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop by and stock up on fresh food while you still can!

It's the first Wednesday of the month (and of the year, for that matter), which means it's time for Jacksonville's largest art walk -- the Downtown Art Walk, which is also known as the First Wednesday Art Walk.

Related: Downtown Art Walk Overview

The event, as always, is held between 5 and 9 p.m. in Downtown Jacksonville. This month's theme is "Little Van Gogh-Goghs" and features several exhibits by students, including the teen department of the Jacksonville Public Library hosting a Chibi art show.

The Bee Gallery and Design Studio features special artist Thomas J. Vercher. The city's official marketing agency, located on Laura St., will be providing entertainment as several performers are scheduled for the evening.

The W.A. Knight building on Adams St. will feature an a la carte vegan dinner and handmade crafts.

As always, the action will be centered around Hemming Plaza. Other local merchants, including restaurants and bars, usually participate in the fun as well, with many staying open late.

The holiday slowdown for special events (other than holiday-themed ones) is over. January brings a unique mix of comedy, music and the performing arts to Jacksonville.

Check out our January 2012 event calendar to stay up to date with Jacksonville entertainment.

Oh, and happy new year!