SAINT PETERSBURG, Fla. — Andrea Jackson has delivered mail for 14 years, the last seven of them in the Crescent Lake neighborhood of St. Petersburg. She’s known for both her excellent service and her wide smiles.
When asked what she likes best about her job, Jackson replies, “the people.”
And “the people” like her right back.
While this mom completed her bachelor’s degree (while also working fulltime), residents cheered Jackson on. And when people found out Jackson wanted to become a nurse, one resident set up a GoFundMe page to help with her tuition. Nearly $5,000 has been donated.
It’s no surprise neighborhood residents were sad to learn about Jackson’s last day. Jackson walked her final route last week, because she is starting nursing school.
Instead of delivering messages, on her final day, Jackson received them. The sidewalks along her route were lined with colorful chalk expressions of support. You Rock!, Andrea’s a Star, Andrea is Awesome, We admire you for following your dreams, We’ll Miss You-- are just a few examples of the well wishes written by residents.
“They’re so overwhelming,” said a shaky-voiced Jackson. “I keep catching myself crying.”
And the final message that Jackson delivered to people along her route? “I promise to visit.”
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About Kendall:
Kendall Kirkham joined “Great Day Live” in November 2017 from Memphis, Tennessee, where she served as morning co-anchor for WMC Action News 5. Prior to her stint in Memphis, Kendall served as co-host of "Tulsa Live" at KOKI in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Kendall also worked at KETK in Tyler, Texas, The Dallas Morning News and started her career as an intern for “The Ellen Show” and E! Entertainment.
Kendall has interviewed countless celebrities and notable figures, from Bob Woodward to Arsenio Hall, John Travolta and Paula Deen. She’s hit 9 Gs with the U.S. Airforce Thunderbirds, raised money for various charities in three local “Dancing with the Stars” competitions, and even played a gangster on stage for a traveling Broadway show. Kendall is most proud of her work with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. She continues to support the hospital in various capacities today.
Kendall is a proud Texas native. She grew up in the Fort Worth area and graduated from Texas Christian University with a degree in Radio/TV/Film.
Kendall is thrilled to join the “Great Day Live” team and is having a ball highlighting this thriving community. She hopes to bring a smile to viewers at home every single day. In her spare time, Kendall enjoys exploring the countless sights, sounds and eats of Tampa Bay with her husband Jason and son Knox.
About Java:
Java Ingram is a New Orleans native/Texan and is excited to call Florida home! Prior to joining the “Great Day Live” team, Java served as host of a lifestyle-entertainment show in Birmingham, Alabama. She also woke up dark and early, weekday mornings to help drivers make it to their destinations safely as a traffic anchor.
Java started her on-air broadcast career in the birthplace of Elvis Presley, Tupelo, Mississippi. In Tupelo, she served as morning news anchor, producer and reporter.
Javanté is an award-winning journalist, having been recognized by the Associated Press for Best Anchor, Best Reporter and Best Franchise Reporting, just to name a few.
When she's not working, Java is very passionate about giving back to the community, having served on the corporate boards for The Boys and Girls Club of North Mississippi, The Civic Ballet Company, The Doniphan Dance Project and the Leadership Council for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Alabama. She has volunteered also with a number of civic organizations.