Jacksonville boasts some surprising firsts, including the world's first skyscraper and Rock and Roll King Elvis Presley's first indoor concert - a show that proved tame thanks to the watchful eye of a juvenile judge who threatened to shut things down if "Elvis the Pelvis" got out of hand. Once called a "sleepy Southern town," the River City holds many secrets, including a few scandalous morsels..

So, how well do you know Jacksonville? Find out here. Got a great story we missed? Leave a comment.

Mayor John Peyton's proposed budget for fiscal year 2009 is a declaration of war: on crime, that is. The $972.3 million budget introduces Jacksonville's biggest investment in public safety in recent years, while also delivering the smallest annual budget increase in recent memory, just a 1.8-percent jump over the current budget. From early intervention to ex-offender education, the plan focuses on making Jacksonville a safer place to live and delivering a direct hit to the River City's eight-year status as Florida's murder capital.

The plan also includes strategies for going green, including switching part of the city's auto fleet to hybrid and electric cars and continuing the River Accord's $700 million, 10-year commitment to heal the ailing St. Johns River. And our fearless leader has strong words for Central and South Florida: We ain't sharing our precious water resources without a fight, he vows.

For now, Peyton's proposed plan is just that - proposed. It won't take effect unless City Council signs off on it, which could take a few months. What do you think about Peyton's plan? Leave a comment.

Diehard anglers from Northeast Florida and beyond are gearing up for the summer's biggest tournament. The Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tourhnament & Festival attracts nearly 30,000 spectators and participants each year. Get signed up now!

July also brings options for the music lover from '80s icons Foreigner to country superstars Brooks & Dunn. The Southern Classic Gun & Knife Show comes to the Jacksonville Fairgrounds. And art meets medicine in a masterful exhibit at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Enjoy!

The weather guys say the forecast is clear for a beautiful night of fireworks displays throughout the First Coast. And there's plenty to do to celebrate during the daylight hours of the July 4th weekend too.

John Rich and Cowboy Troy headline a day of country music concerts at Freedom, Fanfare & Fireworks at Metro Park. Harley riders ride for a good cause. Late Hollywood star James Cagney makes a visit, as does America's original George W. Professional skydivers put on a show at Jacksonville Beach. And the little ones jettison their electronic gadgets for a taste of simpler times a la watermellon seed spitting contests and water bucket relays.

Declare your independence from the monotonous work week!