Urban Planning

Black History Matters: Mural Project Brings Awareness to Jacksonville’s Historic Eastside

HOPE & HISTORY MURAL

This article was originally published April 5, 2018 THE HOPE & HISTORY MURAL PROJECT DEBUTS AT PUBLIC ART WEEK Public Art Week, an annual event hosted by the , is an opportunity for the city to celebrate local art and to reassert the ‘public’ aspect of public art. Not only a moment to celebrate Jacksonville’s arts scene, it also invites locals to be a part of it–and not just by passive appreciation. ‘The Hope and History Mural Project,’ an initiative by the University of North Florida’s Center for Urban Education and Policy (CUEP), embodies this spirit, as a fusion of …

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What If Jacksonville Suddenly Woke Up?

What If Jacksonville Suddenly Woke Up?, Photo by Lance Asper

Some say Jacksonville is a diamond that wants to remain coal. What would it be like if Jacksonville were a city that didn’t hate itself… led by people who acknowledged its achievements? Here are a few things that possibly would have happened in New York, Rome, London Paris, Seattle, or San Francisco if the leaders that made them into Great Cities had been given our city and history. The Southern Music Hall of Fame would be open and full to capacity somewhere in downtown. , and The Allman Brothers would have exhibits there and all the music aficionados would know …

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#EATUPJAX: More than a Few Buzz-worthy Restaurants to Try around Jacksonville

There are more than a few buzz-worthy restaurants to try scattered around Jacksonville. Sometimes we get caught up in staying in our own neighborhoods–I’d bet there are people in who haven’t left in years except for road-trips, vacations, and possibly their commutes. Here are three newer places you might not have been to, some of which are in less-trendy neighborhoods. Pink Salt Well-priced and delish, Pink Salt in the Lakewood neighborhood on St. Augustine Road, serves up an excellent breakfast and lots of Caribbean and Caribbean-inspired dishes, such as oxtail and Jamaican fruit cake, but they also serve a mix …

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MOSH 2.0 – Museum of Science & History to Transform Southbank Riverfront Through Renovation and Expansion

MOSH, Museum of Science & History, Site wide from above, Downtown Jacksonville, Florida, Southbank, Riverwalk

Strategic upgrades and enhancements will significantly increase Museum’s capacity to serve Northeast Florida residents and visitors Leaders from the today announced plans to renovate and expand the Museum’s campus and capacity. The proposed changes are projected to more than double the number of people the Museum can serve annually, from 229,239 in 2017 to an estimated 468,000 by 2023, while positioning the institution as a public gathering space for lifelong learning and experiential education. Plans include an expansion of the Museum’s total square footage from 77,000 square feet to 120,000 square feet; reorienting the Museum’s entryway toward the St. Johns …

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Art Republic’s Two Weeks to Change the World

Art Republic, Dourone x David Petroni

Art and industry collide as Art Republic 2018, a communal celebration of public art changes the face of downtown Jacksonville again. is known for infusing the city with bold outdoor murals that define an area’s character. Exhibitions, which are curated by industry experts, showcase the top artists in their field of expertise to create a sense of place, spark global conversations, and inspire community engagement. Muralists for the 2018 collection include , Pastel, Chris Clark, Datastorm, Golden, Sipros and NEAN. Murals will be installed at various locations throughout the from November 1st-11th. This year, Art Republic also will include partnerships …

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Beyond Downtown Artwalk: Duval Mercantile Pop-Up Shop for the Holidays

Duval Mercantile, Art Walk pop-up, Downtown Jacksonville, Emily Moody, Varick Rosete

A Jacksonville business owner is making it easier to shop local this holiday season. Emily Moody-Rosete, who operates the downtown Wolf & Cub boutique on Laura Street, is bringing a pop-up storefront to the space formerly occupied by La Cena restaurant. Located at 211 North Laura Street, Duval Mercantile will grace the historic Elks Building. Duval Mercantile will celebrate its grand opening November 7th during Artwalk and will remain open through the month of December. As the former owner the live music venue in the downtown core and Anomaly in the Five Points neighborhood, Emily Moody-Rosete knows how to create …

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Reality Check for Florida? Miami’s Rising Tide of Climate Action

Miami's Rising Tide of Climate Action, ashley-satanosky-325852-unsplash

For decades, Miami has been an international tourist destination, known for its lavish nightlife and decadent beach lifestyles. Yet lately, in popular imagination, its reputation as a perennial, sunny playground of the rich and fabulous is preceded by predictions of its imminent drowning. Therefore, it is not so surprising that Miami has joined a coalition of the willing with other major US cities to do what they can to counter the Trump administration’s belligerence towards curbing climate change. President Trump’s departure from the Paris Climate Accords has only accelerated this trend and cities are increasingly taking climate policy into their …

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10 Reasons to Support Arts and Culture in Jacksonville

Photo Credit: Toni Smailagic of Cre8Jax

Cultural organizations and artists are poised to assist the City as they address their social priorities, including: Public Safety, Economic Development, Neighborhood Development, Youth Engagement, and Health and Wellness. The work of cultural organizations and artists expand far beyond just our sector. We have to dismantle the misconception that arts and culture exist in a silo and instead provide examples of how art and culture are woven into the fabric of every day life. In 2017, the U.S. News and World Report noted, “Jacksonville is growing. The region witnessed an ignition of the arts and music scene, stimulating business development …

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St. Johns County’s Beachwalk Lagoon Filled, Chic Homes and Shopping Opportunities Coming Soon

St. Johns County’s Beachwalk, Photo by James Brown Jr.

  If you’ve ever dreamed of beachfront living with a swim-up bar, 40-foot waterslides, and unique restaurants and entertainment all in your backyard, you just might be in luck. Crews completed the process of filling in the crystal-clear in northern St. Johns County on Monday, July 23, 2018. The 14-acre lagoon contains 37 million gallons of water and will serve as the anchor for the Beachwalk development off CR-210. Developer John Kinsey tossed a ceremonial final bucket of water into the lagoon where residents will soon enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding or relaxing along the 100-foot wide white quartz beach. Kinsey …

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What’s The Latest? A Bird’s-Eye View of Downtown Jacksonville in 2018

Change is a vital currency that helps a city like Jacksonville maintain a vibrant cultural presence. Much ado has been made about the continued evolution of the city’s downtown area. Among the stewards of the area is Downtown Vision, Inc., who offered an update on a few of the high-profile developments and the impact the plans will have on the city. VP of Marketing for DVI, , has a bird’s-eye view of the work as it happens in real time. It’s an exciting time in , and Hardwick can see the evolution of the city’s skyline from her office window. …

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