Florida-Georgia Staying in Jacksonville

[jaxlongtimer]

Playing devil's advocate, if this guy represents some "outsiders" thinking, I think it is worthwhile hearing it so the City can be ready to respond to the points made if they are brought up by one or both of the schools.  If he is correct about the financial aspects of the game, maybe he has a point from that perspective, more than from his "personal experiences" in Jax. 

There is a legitimately increased risk, if during a stadium rebuild, the schools "enjoy" hosting the game in alternate years, that they reconsider the arrangement.  They hosted during the first rebuild and came back to Jax but I recall a lot of hand wringing at the time.

Every time this contract comes up it seems it is never a sure thing.  It may be just a way to milk the City of more dollars or, just maybe, there are influential people at these schools who truly believe it should be moved at some point.

If the City is so confident of keeping the game, they should not be sweating it out over this op-ed.  It is just one person's (and maybe a few others, hopefully, not decisionmakers at the schools) point of view so why get in a tizzy over it.

I, for one, appreciate hearing positions of those I might not agree with to better understand what I may be up against and to insure I have a good response ready if it becomes more than just an opinion.  City leaders should be ready to take on his points if they have deja vu during a future round of negotiations.  So, this article doesn't bother me at all. 

[thelakelander]

^I don't believe the city is stressing out about a random editorial to the FTU, for or against keeping the game in Jax. From the city's perspective, that's a no brainer economically. However, I do view these types of voices as those you don't lose sleep over when trying to revitalize downtown. In other words, I would not focus on the people who avoid the area at all costs. I'd focus revitalization efforts on those that are already there and that want to be there. If we do that and create a quality environment for that engaged population, the others will come.....if they want too. Some people prefer other scenes and that's totally okay.

Don't argue with people that Harriett (Tubman) would have left.....or shot. Leave them on the plantation and focus your time, energy and effort on those that want better.