A Book Is Coming.
Johnnie the Sea Monster — Jacksonville’s most lovable legend — is heading to bookshelves near you.
Meet Johnnie. He Didn’t Look Mean at All.
For more than 175 years, people in Jacksonville have spotted something extraordinary in the St. Johns River. Something big. Something green. Something that — by every account — looked more curious than frightening.
“He didn’t look like a mean son-of-a-gun, just kind of casual. He looked so kind and innocent.”
— John Baumgartner, Jacksonville Public Works Commission, 1976
That’s the Johnnie we know. That’s the Johnnie your kids are going to love. And soon, he’s coming to life in a children’s book rooted in real Jacksonville folklore — a story for every kid who’s ever looked out at the St. Johns and wondered what was looking back.
What the Book Will Be
📖 A Real Story
Grounded in actual Jacksonville folklore. Real sightings. Real history. A character kids can look up and learn about.
🌊 Jacksonville Pride
A love letter to Northeast Florida. The St. Johns River. The city kids grow up in and the legend that’s been here the whole time.
💚 For Every Kid
Warm. Funny. A little wild. Perfect for bedtime, classroom shelves, or any kid who loves a good adventure.
Jacksonville Johnnie 