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This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition - What’s in store for the city’s urban core?
Read full article: This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition - What’s in store for the city’s urban core?In this episode on This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition host Kent Justice sits down with Jake Gordon, CEO of Downtown Vision, Inc., to discuss the 2024 State of Downtown report.
The first Wednesday Art Walk is back in downtown Jacksonville
Read full article: The first Wednesday Art Walk is back in downtown JacksonvilleDowntown Vision is hosting the first “First Wednesday Art Walk” of the year, welcoming people to downtown Jacksonville, and celebrating the city’s creative talent. The event happens on Downtown’s Northbank core all the way to James Weldon Johnson Park.
What to know before you head Downtown for the Jacksonville Jazz Festival
Read full article: What to know before you head Downtown for the Jacksonville Jazz FestivalGrab your favorite chair and find the perfect spot on the lawn at Metropolitan Park as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival returns on Thursday.
Downtown Jacksonville streets converting from one-way to two-way with goal of helping businesses thrive, roads safer
Read full article: Downtown Jacksonville streets converting from one-way to two-way with goal of helping businesses thrive, roads saferJacksonville’s downtown could be heading in a new direction soon — literally.
Controversial plan to add unwanted storage unit to San Marco moves forward
Read full article: Controversial plan to add unwanted storage unit to San Marco moves forwardDespite a San Marco neighborhood’s continuous fight against a self-storage unit coming to the area, the Downtown Development Review Board allowed the project to move forward.
Report: Forensic engineer to determine if RISE Doro ‘podium,’ garage can be reused
Read full article: Report: Forensic engineer to determine if RISE Doro ‘podium,’ garage can be reusedAfter last month’s devastating fire, RISE plans to bring in forensic engineers to determine if the concrete parking garage and "podium" at the Doro apartments Downtown can be reused.
JEA customers dealing with power outages for several days
Read full article: JEA customers dealing with power outages for several daysFor two mornings in a row, JEA customers in parts of Downtown, Springfield and the Eastside have experienced power outages. More than 2,000 customers have been affected. A JEA spokesperson says they are aware of the ongoing outages and are looking into it but there’s no word on what’s causing the outages.
Local businesses impacted by RISE Doro apartment fire face financial strain
Read full article: Local businesses impacted by RISE Doro apartment fire face financial strainBusinesses around the fire-gutted RISE Doro apartment complex in Jacksonville are experiencing the negative effects of being closed due to the aftermath of the devastating fire. The adjacent businesses, now in the collapse zone, are facing significant financial losses as they are unable to operate. The impact of the fire extends beyond the immediate closures, with downtown development plans being delayed. As the fire-damaged building awaits demolition, businesses struggle with road closures and the costs are quickly adding up. Despite the losses, business owners express gratitude for the efforts of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and urge support from the community to help mitigate the financial impact.
Timeline: Luxury apartment complex in Downtown Jacksonville goes up in flames weeks before opening
Read full article: Timeline: Luxury apartment complex in Downtown Jacksonville goes up in flames weeks before openingJacksonville Fire and Rescue crews battled through the night as a brand-new luxury apartment building Downtown went up in flames.
‘We’re talking about days’: JFRD says construction makes massive fire at luxury Downtown apartments difficult to fight
Read full article: ‘We’re talking about days’: JFRD says construction makes massive fire at luxury Downtown apartments difficult to fightA brand-new apartment building that was still under construction in downtown Jacksonville appears to be a complete loss after a massive blaze that kept more than 100 firefighters working through the night.
Jacksonville Light Boat Parade spreads holiday cheer along St. Johns River
Read full article: Jacksonville Light Boat Parade spreads holiday cheer along St. Johns RiverThe annual Jacksonville Light Boat Parade, a more than 30-year holiday tradition, will return to downtown Saturday night to delight the community.
Construction begins on Riverside skate park, Artist Walk under Fuller Warren Bridge
Read full article: Construction begins on Riverside skate park, Artist Walk under Fuller Warren BridgeThe city of Jacksonville has broken ground on its newest addition to the 30-mile-long “Emerald Trail,” which includes a shaded public plaza, featuring an artistic skate park.
Heavy equipment moves into downtown to begin construction on long-awaited Riverfront Plaza park
Read full article: Heavy equipment moves into downtown to begin construction on long-awaited Riverfront Plaza parkThe old Jacksonville Landing site is finally getting a makeover. After more than three years of waiting for development, the city of Jacksonville said construction will begin Monday at Riverfront Plaza.
Proposed 410-unit project on former River City Brewing Company site moves forward with approval
Read full article: Proposed 410-unit project on former River City Brewing Company site moves forward with approvalThe City of Jacksonville Downtown Development Review Board (DDRB) meet this week and approved moving forward with several development proposals around downtown Jacksonville, including a proposed wine bar in Brooklyn, a parking garage expansion near the TIAA Bank Building and a revamped mixed-use project at the former home of River City Brewing Company.
New project proposed for former River City Brewing Company site; wine bar, mixed-use projects proposed in Brooklyn
Read full article: New project proposed for former River City Brewing Company site; wine bar, mixed-use projects proposed in BrooklynThe City of Jacksonville Downtown Development Review Board (DDRB) is set to meet to look at moving forward with several development proposals around downtown Jacksonville.
Man arrested, accused of threatening to hit woman in the head with ‘big blue Bible’ before stealing her bag
Read full article: Man arrested, accused of threatening to hit woman in the head with ‘big blue Bible’ before stealing her bagA man accused of threatening to hit a woman with a large Bible before stealing her purse was quickly arrested Tuesday night, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said.
$53 for 4 hours: High cost of parking near City Hall, federal courthouse causes concern
Read full article: $53 for 4 hours: High cost of parking near City Hall, federal courthouse causes concernJacksonville’s downtown is undergoing some changes with new development, but there is one problem that’s going to get worse as the city’s core grows — parking.
Kirby Smart complains about Jacksonville location of Florida-Georgia game — again
Read full article: Kirby Smart complains about Jacksonville location of Florida-Georgia game — againGeorgia head coach Kirby Smart has been grumbling about the Florida-Georgia game being held in Jacksonville for years, and during Southeastern Conference Media Days this week, he renewed his calls for the annual rivalry game to be played on the universities’ campuses instead.
A peek inside what will be Jacksonville’s floating Naval Museum: The USS Orleck
Read full article: A peek inside what will be Jacksonville’s floating Naval Museum: The USS OrleckThe USS Orleck has been docked on the Northbank since the end of March, and visitors will soon have a chance to experience what life was like on board.
Jacksonville Jazz Festival: What you need to know
Read full article: Jacksonville Jazz Festival: What you need to knowThe Jacksonville Jazz Fest is back for yet another star-studded event sure to draw countless visitors with events spreading out over several days through downtown. City leaders have outlined what you need to know as you plan your day. That includes navigating the traffic.
Jaguars owner Shad Khan’s company agrees to buy Jacksonville Fairgrounds; fair to move to Westside
Read full article: Jaguars owner Shad Khan’s company agrees to buy Jacksonville Fairgrounds; fair to move to WestsideJaguars owner Shad Khan’s development company, Iguana Investments, has agreed to purchase the Jacksonville Fairgrounds downtown. In turn, the far will move west more than 15 miles away.
It’ll be a while before the Jacksonville Fire Museum & USS Orleck open to the public
Read full article: It’ll be a while before the Jacksonville Fire Museum & USS Orleck open to the publicDowntown has a different look now that the Jacksonville Fire Museum and the USS Orleck are along the St. Johns River, but it’s going to be a while before either open to the public.
Museum district vision taking shape in downtown Jacksonville with USS Orleck set to arrive
Read full article: Museum district vision taking shape in downtown Jacksonville with USS Orleck set to arriveThe vision for a museum district is starting to take shape downtown with the impending arrival of the USS Orleck and the move of the Jacksonville Fire Museum this weekend.
UNF poll finds majority opposed to city splitting bill with Jaguars on new stadium
Read full article: UNF poll finds majority opposed to city splitting bill with Jaguars on new stadiumA UNF poll released Thursday shines light on what Jacksonville residents support and oppose, covering topics like elections, sports — and also the most important issues they feel Jacksonville is facing.
Owners of embattled COVID-19 testing company under microscope for lavish lifestyle
Read full article: Owners of embattled COVID-19 testing company under microscope for lavish lifestyleThe owners of a company operating hundreds of pop-up COVID-19 testing sites across the country, including one in Jacksonville, have been the subject of several investigations by major media outlets over how they’re spending their money.
COVID-19 testing company under scrutiny now faces lawsuit over ‘deceptive and fraudulent practices’
Read full article: COVID-19 testing company under scrutiny now faces lawsuit over ‘deceptive and fraudulent practices’The Minnesota Attorney General’s office is accusing the Center for Covid Control of deceptive and fraudulent practices.
‘Frustrating for us, frustrating for all’: Berkman II implosion delayed again
Read full article: ‘Frustrating for us, frustrating for all’: Berkman II implosion delayed againA new implosion date for the Berkman II building in Downtown Jacksonville could be identified in a matter of days, but the demolition “definitely will not be on January 8."
Another spectacular December Saturday
Read full article: Another spectacular December SaturdayLast Saturday, the afternoon high temperature reached 83° tying the previous record. Today, Saturday, we once again will be rapidly warming into the 80s with a decent shot of tying (again) the old record of 83°. Interestingly, that old record was just a few years ago, 2016. That was the same year Hurricane Matthew raced, just off the beaches, up the Coast.
Following firing of Urban Meyer, Jacksonville city leaders look to future
Read full article: Following firing of Urban Meyer, Jacksonville city leaders look to futureCity leaders are looking to the future after Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer was fired before the end of his first season with the team.
Jacksonville’s downtown library to reopen after relocation of antibody treatment site
Read full article: Jacksonville’s downtown library to reopen after relocation of antibody treatment siteThe Jacksonville Public Library’s main location downtown will reopen to the public next month, the city announced Tuesday.
Big crowds expected for events showcasing Florida-Georgia game
Read full article: Big crowds expected for events showcasing Florida-Georgia gameThe festivities were set to begin with “Duuuval’s Bold City Bash’ concert, but it was canceled due to potential severe weather. Still -- many other events are a go for the Florida-Georgia weekend.
Jacksonville agrees to help fund Four Seasons on Shipyards site. What now?
Read full article: Jacksonville agrees to help fund Four Seasons on Shipyards site. What now?Now that Jacksonville City Council has given thumbs up to helping Jaguars owner Shad Khan build a luxury hotel on the old Shipyards project, we’re looking into what happens next.
Commentary: Jaguars learning lessons when it comes to development pitches
Read full article: Commentary: Jaguars learning lessons when it comes to development pitchesThis one felt better.At least, that was my feeling after hearing the Jaguars most recent development pitch, a plan that includes a Four Seasons Hotel and Residence, upgraded marina, an office building, and an improved sports performance center.
City crews clear homeless camp from Downtown Jacksonville property
Read full article: City crews clear homeless camp from Downtown Jacksonville propertyWithin hours of city crews arriving with a truck that scooped claw-fulls of items into a dumpster bed, hundreds of remaining tents had dwindled to just over a dozen in a makeshift homeless camp in Downtown Jacksonville. Daryus Sando, who called the tent city home for two months, said seeing the city crews made the deadline suddenly very real. The shelter was 0.3 miles from the “tent city” area, about a 6-minute walk. Ashley Street shelter for those who were living in tent city. Paul Stasi with CRM described the shelter like a temporary disaster shelter the city would set up for a situation like a hurricane.
Creating buzz: Electric scooters, bikes rev up in Downtown Jacksonville
Read full article: Creating buzz: Electric scooters, bikes rev up in Downtown JacksonvilleThe City of Jacksonville officially launched a one-year pilot program for e-scooters, e-bicycles and dockless bicycles in Downtown Jacksonville on Thursday. Locals and visitors can rent and ride these electric scooters via smartphone applications. “I’m so excited that Micromobility has come to Downtown Jacksonville,” Cumber said. Dockless Mobility Program Vendors include: Blue Duck, Helbiz, LINK and SPIN. Each company will deploy 100 electric scooters for a total of 400, all operating within the Dockless Mobility Zone (DMZ).
City approved 2 new designs for downtown developments
Read full article: City approved 2 new designs for downtown developmentsJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – This week the Downtown Development Review Board approved the historic Laura Street Trio project, according to News4Jax partners at the Jax Daily Record. (Copyright 2021 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.) (Copyright 2021 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.) The city also approved plans for a concert venue attached to a rooftop bar on Bay Street, also known as Project 323. (Copyright 2021 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.)
Firefighters battle massive blaze in downtown Jacksonville
Read full article: Firefighters battle massive blaze in downtown JacksonvilleJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Fire and Rescue crews battled a massive fire at an abandoned funeral home Downtown that took a little over an hour to get under control and involved the collapse of the roof and second floor, fire officials said. Flames could be seen pouring from the building at Main and Union streets as firefighters battled to douse the fire with several ladder trucks from above. Eventually, more than 45 apparatus and over 110 firefighters were on scene to battle the blaze, which they were able to get under control in a little over an hour. Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry tweeted video of the firefighters, asking for prayers as they battled the dangerous blaze. Riska said State, Union and Laura streets downtown were all closed as firefighters battled the flames, but that they would reopen as crews were released from the scene.
Mayor Curry, Shad Khan unveil long-awaited plans for Lot J
Read full article: Mayor Curry, Shad Khan unveil long-awaited plans for Lot JJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Standing on the Jacksonville Jaguars indoor practice field Monday, Jaguars owner Shad Khan and Mayor Lenny Curry announced new plans for the development at Lot J, a project that has been years in the making. The total direct public investment from the city will be over $152 million which includes $77.7 million for city-owned infrastructure, Curry said. “This project will provide an immediate boost to our economy with the creation of 2,300 construction jobs,” Curry said. “We have a lot of other priorities in the city and they are going to cost some money so I don’t want to pit Lot J against those other needs. Rendering of Lot J development (Copyright 2020 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.)
Fire Marshal investigating Downtown house fire
Read full article: Fire Marshal investigating Downtown house fireJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department responded to house fire in the Downtown area around 11:30 p.m. Friday. Responding crew members could see the flames burning from outside the home. Within minutes, the department said that the fire was under control. After an initial search of the home, JFRD said there was no one inside. The State Fire Marshal has been called to lead an investigation into the late night house fire.
COVID-19 test sites at Jacksonville churches suddenly shut down
Read full article: COVID-19 test sites at Jacksonville churches suddenly shut downJACKSONVILLE, Fla. There will be no COVID-19 testing at three Jacksonville churches on Saturday, even though it had been planned for weeks. News4Jax found out Friday night the scheduled coronavirus testing has been canceled at The Bethel Church and Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church downtown, and at Citadel Church in Arlington. Bishop Rudolph McKissick from The Bethel Church said it was a complete surprise and it strikes a nerve. I guess that would have to come from the department the State Department of Health, and the Chamber of Commerce.Duval County has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. In Jacksonville, an additional 744 COVID-19 cases were reported Friday, just 23 cases behind Duval Countys single-day record of 767 cases, reported July 2.
Some Jacksonville hotels sold out for week of Republican National Convention
Read full article: Some Jacksonville hotels sold out for week of Republican National ConventionJacksonville is the front-runner to host some or all of the Republican National Convention, a committee chairwoman said Wednesday. St. Johns has about 6,300 hotel rooms countywide. Former Jacksonville Mayor John Delaney has insight from helping organize the Super Bowl in 2005 when a surplus of visitors came to the city. “Super Bowl is 100-120,000 people, and the convention maybe half of that, so there should be enough hotel rooms, again, depending on what kind of outpouring comes out,” Delaney said. Ron DeSantis has previously said that Orlando and Miami could be ideal locations because of the number of hotel rooms.
Charter Revision Commission recommends creating Urban Core Development Authority
Read full article: Charter Revision Commission recommends creating Urban Core Development AuthorityJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Charter Revision Commission for Jacksonville released a final report on FridayThe CRC has worked since last July putting together recommendations for changes to the city’s charter. At the top of the list for potential changes would be creating the Urban Core Development Authority. The idea addresses complaints that certain parts of Duval County have been left behind in the 50 years since consolidation. There were three sections on elections or voting and under “miscellaneous," the Commission weighed in on JEA, Duval County schools and the Office of General Counsel. Members of the CRC have committed to speaking with members of the Mayor’s office and City Council to address their concerns.
Woman struck by car while crossing downtown Jacksonville street
Read full article: Woman struck by car while crossing downtown Jacksonville streetJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A woman was injured Monday night after she was struck by a car while crossing a street in downtown Jacksonville. According to the Jacksonville Sheirff’s Office, the unidentified woman was crossing north on West Union Street just after 9 p.m. when she was hit by a vehicle heading east. She was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. JSO said she was not in the crosswalk and the driver is cooperating with authorities. The road was closed between Laura and Julia streets while JSO Traffic Homicide investigated.
New York-based developer recommended for Jacksonville riverfront site
Read full article: New York-based developer recommended for Jacksonville riverfront siteJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville is one step closer to having new homes and businesses along the St. Johns River downtown. Two developers have been bidding to develop East Bay Street, where the old courthouse and City Hall annex once stood. The first bidder, Spandrel Development Partners, specializes in developing “mixed-use, multi-family, hospitality and retail projects in target cities of growth," according to its website. On Monday, members of the Downtown Investment Authority committee for development recommended that Spandrel Development Partners be given the bid for the property. If the full board agrees to have Spandrel Development Partners develop the riverfront site then the group and DIA will agree on the terms of the project.
2 companies bid for chance to develop city’s riverfront property
Read full article: 2 companies bid for chance to develop city’s riverfront propertyJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Just a year ago, the old City Hall was imploded and the old Duval County Courthouse was demolished. Today, all that’s left on the Bay Street site is a field of green grass. The bidding was opened at 2 p.m for the opportunity to build on the prime property on the downtown Jacksonville riverfront, but only two developers expressed interest — one company out of New York and another based in Miami. Mayor Lenny Curry, who has become known for tearing buildings down in downtown Jacksonville, spoke about the proposals Wednesday. We obviously want to develop the area but we know we have investors with capital that is liquid that are ready to go,” Curry said.
Only one building left standing at Jacksonville Landing
Read full article: Only one building left standing at Jacksonville LandingJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – There’s now just one large structure left at the Jacksonville Landing as demolition crews keep taking down the iconic riverfront mall. The one large building left is the one closest to the Main Street Bridge, which housed Koja Sushi and other restaurants. The building like it on the other side, which housed Hooters and The American Grill, is now gone, reduced to rubble. “Something we could come down here every day, like The Landing used to be,” Rogers said. Some of the outer walls facing Independent Drive are still standing as well.
Farah & Farah pledges $10,000 donation match for family of 3 with cancer. Here’s how you can help
Read full article: Farah & Farah pledges $10,000 donation match for family of 3 with cancer. Here’s how you can helpJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville family is heading into the holiday season with three members fighting three different kinds of cancer. The Desclefs family owns and operates a French-American restaurant called the Magnificat Cafe across from Hemming Plaza in downtown Jacksonville. Farah and Farah, a personal injury law firm in Jacksonville, heard about the family and is stepping up to help. Farah and Farah is pledging $10,000 as a donation match for all sales at the restaurant from Dec. 9 through Dec. 13 to benefit the Desclefs. Click here to donate to The Desclefs Family Cancer FundFarah and Farah is asking the community to drop by and grab a bite to eat at the Magnificat Cafe next week (Monday - Friday).
More repair delays 5 years after Liberty Street collapse
Read full article: More repair delays 5 years after Liberty Street collapseIt’s been almost five years since a portion of Liberty Street near the old courthouse collapsed into the St. Johns River. A City report says planned repairs won’t be done until April 2020. On Feb. 1, 2015, the second collapse of Liberty Street occurred. Instead of fixing that portion of Liberty Street, it has been demolished along with the parking that was adjacent to the Old Duval County courthouse. Also since the collapse, the old courthouse and City Hall have been leveled.
TRAFFIC UPDATE: Mathews Bridge reopens after suspicious item found
Read full article: TRAFFIC UPDATE: Mathews Bridge reopens after suspicious item foundThe Mathews Bridge reopened Tuesday afternoon just before 3 p.m. after it had been closed down in both directions while police investigated a suspicious item. The package was found to be "nothing of concern," Jacksonville police said. Traffic into and out of Downtown was briefly rerouted over the Hart Bridge. "Thank you for your patience as we make safety a priority for everyone," the Sheriff's Office posted in a Tweet. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.
70% of teens shot in 2 years in Duval County were black males
Read full article: 70% of teens shot in 2 years in Duval County were black malesJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Of the more than 100 teens and children shot in Jacksonville in the last two years, 75 were black males, according to data from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. The data showed that no juveniles had been shot in the Downtown ZIP code (32202) from the beginning of 2015 through September 2016. In Duval County, 106 juveniles -- under 18 years old -- were shot in less than two years: from January 2015 to September 2016. The I-TEAM created a color-coded interactive ZIP code map that shows the most dangerous zones around the city. To see how many people were shot in your ZIP code, check out the map below.