JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Auto Show is back in town this weekend, transforming The Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center into a massive showroom filled with hundreds of cars for enthusiasts to explore.
The annual event showcases a variety of vehicles, from gas to electric, allowing visitors to explore without the pressure of an immediate purchase.
Jacksonville resident Joe Tuozzoli said he appreciated the experience as he checked out a BMW.
“It’s tough to walk into a showroom and not get attacked,” he said. “This is much more relaxed. Very nice.”
Visitors can even test drive a few of the cars.
But like most car shows, the floor includes luxury car brands like Lamborghini or a Bentley.
Nicole Visaez is the marketing manager at Bentley and Maserati Jacksonville. She said dealers have a good time coming to these community events.
“We love coming every year to be able to see all the brands together,” she said. “Jacksonville is such a community-based city, so to see all the brands and all the community come together as one in the car community is so much fun.”
But with the talk of tariffs potentially impacting imported cars and parts, some experts said that could drive up costs.
However, others said if manufacturing comes back to the U.S., that could lower costs.
Until that happens, they said now may be the time to buy.
“Really we don’t know the future,” Evelyn Cardenas, who produces the car show said, “But what we do know is that there is a lot of cars in inventory right now, so anybody in the market for a vehicle is not gonna be impacted.”
So if you are in the market, she said the auto show is a chance to look at a wide range of cars.
But you might also get the chance to look at a future passenger of that car.
Subaru sponsors a pet adoption event at the show. The Safe Animal Shelter from Middleburg brings adoptable dogs.
“It’s extremely successful,” Kendra New, who’s with the shelter, said. “Everyone for the most part loves dogs. Helps attract people, and you end up with the perfect pair. You can have your nice puppy or your amazing dog to go with your brand new car,”
The show continues on Saturday and Sunday for ticket holders.
- Friday, Feb. 14 | 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Saturday, Feb. 15th | 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Sunday, Feb. 16 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost for tickets is as follows:
- Adults – $15
- Seniors (65+) – $9
- Military – $10*
- Children under 6 – FREE
To purchase tickets visit: thejaxautoshow.com/attractions-events/
