MetroJacksonville.com

Revitalizing Neighborhoods: The Warehouse District

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 03:00:00 CST

Metro Jacksonville checks out a revitalized industrial district now referred by some as the "SoHo of the South": New Orleans' Warehouse District.

JaxHax: A 'Makerspace' Arrives

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:00:00 CST

Metrojacksonville meets with JaxHax President Ronnie Hinton for a grand tour of the city's first and only 'makerspace' - a community-operated facility for the creation and promotion of personal projects and design.

Suburban Jacksonville: Julington Creek Plantation

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 03:00:00 CST

With nearly 6,000 residents spread over 5,000 acres, Julington Creek Plantation has become one of Jacksonville's fastest growing suburban master planned communities since it's founding in 1994.

Where Are The Streetcars Now?

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 CST

The story goes that the Jacksonville Traction Company got its historical start when an African American man found a four wheel tram, built a car body on it, and went into the street railroad business. While that may sound far fetched today, it should be remembered that many different trams and rails were in use in industry, such as sawmilling, throughout the area.

Guest Series: Jim Whittaker

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:00:00 CST

In a new series, Metro Jacksonville takes a step back to listen to, promote, and discuss the editorials, personal accounts, and vocal opinions of some of the key players in the preservation and progression of our community. This week, The Arc Jacksonville Executive Director Jim Whittaker explains the importance of community-based services for Floridians with disabilities.

Revitalizing Neighborhoods: Atlanta's Castleberry Hill

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:00:00 CST

Metro Jacksonville takes a brief look at one of the South's premier urban core warehouse districts: Atlanta's Castleberry Hill

Downtown 7-Eleven Design Revised & Approved

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:00:00 CST

It appears one of downtown's surface parking lots will soon disappear, only to be replaced with slurpees. On Feb. 2, 2012, the Downtown Development Review Board (DDRB) granted final design and signage approval for a 7-Eleven convenience store and gas station at 9 East Union Street.

Eleven Principles for Creating Great Community Places

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:00:00 CST

Sometimes instead of dreaming of big ticket and expensive public financed projects for downtown revitalization, it's better to take a step back and attempt to understand the basics of what makes a space great. With this in mind, Project For Public Spaces (PPS) has identified 11 key elements in transforming public spaces into vibrant community places, whether they're parks, plazas, public squares, streets, sidewalks or the myriad other outdoor and indoor spaces that have public uses in common. What will it take for a community like Jacksonville to finally listen?

WOKV Interviews Metro Jacksonville's Stephen Dare

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:00:00 CST

Metro Jacksonville has had the opportunity to speak with WOKV (106.5FM & 690AM) about the major issues facing the city of Jacksonville on multiple occasions. In this interview, Tiffany Griffith on First Coast Forum asks Stephen Dare to provide input about "growth management and development." As to be expected, Stephen gives a thoughtful and entertaining discourse on a number of topics including white flight, suburban sprawl and urban decay.

Portland Loo: Success where others have Failed

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:00:00 CST

Ever attempt to find a public restroom while visiting downtown Jacksonville for an extended period of time? You'll have better luck walking up to a leprechaun holding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. For Portland, Oregon, using public restrooms is not a matter of necessity, it's an act of civic pride. Portland is home to the Portland Loo, a 24-hour accessible outdoor restroom built to be usable but not too comfortable. As a city council taskforce searches for solutions to improve Hemming Plaza's environment, here is a look at a public amenity worth adding to downtown's public spaces.

A Destination, Not A Pass Through: Venice Beach

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:00:00 CST

Metro Jacksonville takes a visit to one of the most vibrant and eclectic areas of Southern California: Venice Beach

Gospel Music (or) The World According to a Black Kid

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:00:00 CST

Do you remember that kid Charlie, from Dead Poets Society, who, during a school assembly, "receives" a call from God in which God expresses His support for making Welton Academy co-ed? Well that character strikes me as being a kind of kindred spirit to Owen Holmes, no stranger to the Jacksonville music scene as a member of Black Kids. Of late, however, he has been moonlighting as the quirky brain behind the anti-folk/folk-punk outfit Gospel Music. Their album "How To Get To Heaven From Jacksonville, FL" is made up of fun, deconstructed pop songs with sing-a-long lyrics delivered in an easy, deadpan with a "don't give a damn" swagger. This music sounds as if it's meant to have been used for Jon Waters' long lost "accessible" Rom-Com.

LRT Stimulating Economic Renaissance in Charlotte

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 03:00:00 CST

Through video, Charlotte officials, residents, developers, and business owners credit their recently completed light rail line with enhancing their community's effort in becoming a dominant, people-friendly urban center.

Beaches Construction Update: January 2012

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:00:00 CST

Here's a look at new businesses, closings, and renovations this month in the Jacksonville - Neptune - Atlantic Beaches area.

Inside CoWork Jax

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:00:00 CST

Come celebrate the grand opening of CoWork Jax, tonight from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Mayor Alvin Brown will be presented, along with several other prominent Jacksonville community leaders to speak about the space and Downtown Jacksonville. Food and beverages will be provided. In the meantime, Metro Jacksonville takes a sneak peak inside downtown's first coworking space.

Hanna Park: Public Gem

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 03:00:00 CST

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is a recreational gold mine and communal landmark in Jacksonville, functioning as one of the city's most recognized and visited public parks. Metro Jacksonville explores the park with its more than 447 acres of open use.

Education Reform for Jacksonville

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 03:00:00 CST

Armed with staggering statistics indicating 5% of low income 9th graders in Jacksonville eventually graduate with a college degree, the Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF) has embarked on a plan to completely overhaul Duval County's public education system. Metro Jacksonville shares a recent presentation on education reform by JPEF to the Jacksonville Civic Council.

A Marketing Plan for Downtown Revitalization

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 03:00:00 CST

The Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce's marketing plan for downtown revitalization. Is the chamber on the right path or are they making downtown revitalization more complicated than it has to do be?

Sunbears! (or) We're in this together

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:00:00 CST

PUMP UP THE VOLUME: Sunbears! (or) We're in this together...

Unbuilt Jax: Florida Interurban Railway & Tunnel Co.

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:00:00 CST

Metro Jacksonville uncovers and shares the long-forgotten story of Jacksonville's Florida Interurban Railway and Tunnel Company.