Top Reasons for Revitalizing Downtown Jacksonville

     Many believe that a vibrant downtown would be the engine that drives investment elsewhere in the city. However, investments at Jacksonville Beach, the St. Johns TownCenter, and River City Marketplace do not support this theory. The annual Jacksonville Jazz Festival, a city sponsored event, is the largest event held in downtown Jacksonville.     It increases the tax base in downtown Jacksonville for other than government and church based organizations which occupy land tax free. The new Duval County Courthouse is located just two blocks from the new City Hall in the center of downtown.     The old Duval County Courthouse is located on the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville. It is now abandoned and awaiting a developer. The courthouse sits next to the old city hall, also awaiting a redevelopment proposal. Redevelopment of these two structures into downtown attractions could spur  greater public interest in coming back to downtown Jacksonville after 5pm and on weekends.View the list »
Many believe that a vibrant downtown would be the engine that drives investment elsewhere in the city. However, investments at Jacksonville Beach, the St. Johns TownCenter, and the River City Marketplace do not support this theory.

Government newsletter

Mayor Alvin Brown's announcement to invest up to $9 million into downtown Jacksonville through the new Downtown Investment Authority finally puts money where mere talk has been.

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Exactly what this new government investment into revitalizing downtown will do is anohter "to be determined" narrative. From this vantage point there are a couple of things that must be done in order to revitalize downtown:

First, a total relaxation of zoning restrictions must take place.

Second, a "power, realtor-broker" needs to be put in place with the ability to talk to and make deals that will bring entertainment attractions and Shopping Center competitive stores to downtown Jacksonville.

Here are a few reasons for revitalizing downtown Jacksonville, Florida.

View the list
  • Many believe that a vibrant downtown would be the engine that drives investment elsewhere in the city. However, investments at Jacksonville Beach, the St. Johns TownCenter, and the River City Marketplace do not support this theory.
  •     The old Duval County Courthouse is located on the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville. It is now abandoned and awaiting a developer. The courthouse sits next to the old city hall, also awaiting a redevelopment proposal. Redevelopment of these two structures into downtown attractions could spur  greater public interest in coming back to downtown Jacksonville after 5pm and on weekends.
  •      It increases the tax base in downtown Jacksonville for other than government and church based organizations which occupy land tax free. The new Duval County Courthouse is located just two blocks from the new City Hall in the center of downtown. 
  •      Many believe that a vibrant downtown would be the engine that drives investment elsewhere in the city. However, investments at Jacksonville Beach, the St. Johns TownCenter, and River City Marketplace do not support this theory. The annual Jacksonville Jazz Festival, a city sponsored event, is the largest event held in downtown Jacksonville.
View the list

, Jacksonville City Hall Examiner

Fred has enjoyed extensive careers in broadcasting, broadcast journalism, newspaper sales and writing as well as consumer retailing. With a degree in Audio Visual Production, this Florida Press Association winner brings keen insight to Examiner.com.

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