A Peek in Jacksonville Beach

[John P]

http://jacksonville.com/entertainment/2011-07-08/story/beaches-town-center-where-beaches-come-alive
Article today about Atlantic and Neptune Beach and how this area has thrived.
Downtown could learn from them. I think Downtowners do "keep it local" but the residential is lacking.

"Shop owners downplay the notion that the nearby ocean is the key to the district's success.

Rather, it's a commitment to buying local on the part of residents that keeps local businesses afloat, said Rona Brinlee, owner of The Bookmark.

The district is sandwiched between two residential communities. Downtown redevelopment experts agree that residential is key to reviving urban retail and commercial zones."

[fsujax]

well, Downtown is sandwiched between Riverside, San Marco and Springfield. That doesnt seem to help it. I know there is more to it than that, but just had to say it.

[Tacachale]

well, Downtown is sandwiched between Riverside, San Marco and Springfield. That doesnt seem to help it. I know there is more to it than that, but just had to say it.

There are thousands of people within blocks of both dowtown Jax Beach and the Beaches Town Center, as well as built-in draws for people from other areas (notably, the beach itself). Comparable commercial and entertainment areas within Riverside-Avondale and San Marco, which are also close by to thousands of residents, are also doing well. In contrast, there are something like 2000 people in all of dowtown combined.

Getting downtown to the point where it has a higher population (that doesn't go home at 5) is a recognized key to getting the life back in it.

[danem]

Sounds to me like they just made everything useful and fun for the folks who actually live there, instead of trying to create artificial gimmicks to "draw" people. (in other words...tourists)

[mswatkins78]

GREAT PICS!!! I LOVE the beaches..especially midday towards the night. There is such a diverse crowd that keeps you feeling comfortable and free to have a great time. Along the strip there is so much entertainment!! From simply people watching while u take a stroll all the way to live bands in many venues. I have visited the beach many times since I was younger and I am very pleased at what it has become. To be honest, I don't blame them for not advertising their great secret across the ditch. I wouldn't want to see it get too overcrowded to an irritating point.
As far as downtown..smh.. I have been hoping and praying for a quite a few years now to see some development to make downtown live up to it's potential. Why can't we have a spot "in-town" where people can live, shop, and share that same theme as the beach??? Driving everyday shouldn't be "absolutely" necessary!! I need answers, lol!!