By Joe DeSalvo
The 10th annual San Jose Car and Truck Show, held April 5 at Dupont Station Shopping Center, raised a record $13,000 for the Bishop John J. Snyder Community Center at San Jose Apartments for seniors.
The center, located between HUD-assisted San Jose Apartments I and II on Galicia Road, hosts activities and services for residents. It was named for Bishop Snyder, who led the Diocese of St. Augustine from 1979 to 2000. The apartments are managed by Family Housing Management Company for the diocese.
Presented by Key Buick GMC Hyundai and North Florida Lincoln, this year’s event drew 80 vehicles spanning all eras and styles, competing across 12 classes. Five military vehicles from the First Florida Chapter of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association were also on display.
Thanks to additional sponsors and donations, the show has now generated more than $85,000 since its 2016 debut.
This beautiful 1956 Peacock Blue Ford Thunderbird, owned by Dave Garlington of St. Johns, won the People’s Choice Award.
“Celebrating 10 years is a milestone,” said Alma Ballard, executive director of Family Housing Management Company. “We had a wonderful turnout of car owners and visitors, especially with several other events happening. We are so grateful and blessed by the generosity of the community and our sponsors.”
Chief judge Dan Scanlan, a veteran automotive journalist and reporter for WJCT, praised the strong field.
“We had some stunning cars and some cool trucks, as well as returning favorites,” said Scanlan, who has judged all 10 shows. “The judging team was excellent. It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years. I’m really pleased with how the show has grown in quality and fundraising. Let’s keep it going full throttle.”
The Best of Show award went to a custom-built 1968 Chevy Chevelle, restored by Paul and Becky Holman of Visual FX Custom Paint and Collision. It was the Chevelle’s first appearance following its recent completion for Robert Padgett of Melbourne.
This 1968 Molten Orange Pearl Chevelle, brought by Paul and Becky Holman of Visual FX Custom Paint and Collision in Green Cove Springs, was judged Best of Show.
Visual FX, located in Green Cove Springs, specializes in hot rod restoration and occupies the former Fred Davis Buick dealership.
“The Chevrolet was low, sleek and stunningly redone,” Scanlan said. “My favorite part was the classic gauge package and how clean the whole build was.”
The Holmans nearly missed the event after discovering a dead battery the morning of the show but managed a late arrival. Their persistence paid off.
“It just feels awesome [to win], especially after the rough start,” Paul Holman said. “This is a good show with plenty of parking. We were impressed.”
The People’s Choice Award went to Dave Garlington’s 1956 Peacock Blue Ford Thunderbird. A member of the Pharoahs Car Club of St. Johns, Garlington encouraged fellow members to attend the anniversary event.
“There are nice cars, a lot of nice people, and it’s worth coming to,” Garlington said.
Key Hyundai’s General Sales Manager Eric Thompson, who has participated in all 10 shows, said the event continues to exceed expectations.
“This show has gone way beyond what we imagined,” said Thompson, who has been with Key for 36 years. “Amazing turnout, tremendous friendships. People want to come back every year to support the Bishop Snyder Center. This has become a beautiful event.”
Alma Ballard, executive director/management agent of Family Housing Management Company, welcomes William Hines and Alexander Watkins of the First Florida Military Vehicle Preservation Association.
Joe DeSalvo is the founder and honorary chairman of the San Jose Car and Truck Show.
Nathan Deremer of Deremer Studios created a photo gallery for Jacksonville Car Culture. Visit deremerstudios.com to view it.
2025 San Jose Car and Truck Show Award Winners
Best of Show
Sponsor: A-Coin & Stamp Gallery
Winner: Paul Holman and Visual FX’s 1968 Chevy Chevelle
People’s Choice Award
Sponsor: Krispy Kreme, Mandarin
Winner: Dave Garlington’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird
Best Classic American – Pre-1980
Sponsor: Trad’s Pest Control
Winner: Lester Jenkins’ 1949 Chevy Pickup
Best Import
Sponsor: Joe and Mary DeSalvo
Winner: Tina Schultz’s 2021 Lexus RC F
Best Import – Pre-1980
Sponsor: Jeff and Annette Edwards
Winner: Marjorie Reed’s 1974 VW Super Beetle
Best Corvette
Sponsor: Chris and Tabitha Wilkey
Winner: Brian Pendexter’s 1967 Corvette Resto Mod
Best Mustang
Sponsor: Kathy and Jerry Weedon
Winner: Steve Starling’s 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible
Best Modern Era Car
Sponsor: IMCJAX – Telecommunications
Winner: Reed Rion’s 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Best European
Sponsor: Jack Corrigan’s Sol Pool Services
Winner: Isaiah Littles’ 2011 Audi A5
Best European – Pre-1980
Sponsor: Morgan Mini Warehouses
Winner: Timothy Tichy’s 1965 Volvo 1800S Coupe
Best Truck
Sponsor: Jason Miller, Morgan & Morgan
Winner: 1949 Chevy 3100 5 Window Custom
Best Truck – Pre-1980
Sponsor: Walsh Investment Consulting Group of Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network
Winner: Ted Bush’s 1951 Dodge with Ted’s Garage motif
Best Miata
Sponsor: Alfred I. duPont Charitable Trust
Winner: Walt Boehme’s 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata
Header image caption:
Photo provided by Jacqueta Nash
Alma Ballard (right) gets together with residents of San Jose Apartments who volunteered at the show.
