About Me

Thanks for being here!

Husband. Father. Digital Communicator. Retired Restaurant Critic. Etc.

Since 2004, JayMagee.com has been my personal plot of internet real estate. And just like me, it’s been through plenty of seasons and iterations.

But it’s only appropriate that I back up, for those of you who haven’t met me. My name is Jay. I answer to many names, a few of which are in the heading above, and more than a few of which are not.

I’m a native Floridian, born and raised in the Sunshine State. I may not have the chops to be a quintessential Florida Man, simply because I grew up in a structured world that didn’t lend itself to internet memes. Actually, I try to stay “behind the proverbial camera” when it comes to social media these days, opting to tell the stories of others.

I’ve spent the past nearly three decades of life in the Jacksonville area. Florida’s most underrated yet livable stretch of paradise, yet with respectable direct air service to my fav domestic getaways. And a mere two hours by crawl … err, car, to my OG home base of Orlando.

I’m left-handed, colorblind and double-jointed. Some might call these disabilities. I consider them alternative pathways to exploring the universe.

I’m still wrestling (figuratively) with my life’s purpose and meaning. Many don’t question this because they don’t have any idea or concept of it, and they are content with that. I have to document it, generate motivational posters that reinforce it, and ask friends to hold me accountable to it.

I’m a baseline introvert who can turn on the sociality when needed, but my happy place is taking in a riveting podcast or non-fiction audiobook in my home office (above) with a relentless Florida summer thunderstorm rattling the windows.

As you may have gathered from the heading, I used to review restaurants for fun and profit. One of the best side hustles you can find.

I am a former lifelong Republican who decided enough was enough after a year of Trump 1.0 and changed my party registration to Democrat. The current political climate notwithstanding, I’ve never been happier.

While I do relish my introverted tendencies, I love to meet new people, build long-term friends and networks, and bring people together.