Brian Kilmeade vs Carlucci and Davis

[WarDamJagFan]

Has anyone else seen the comedy show that is Brian Kilmeade throwing truth bombs about downtown Jax and how poorly it's been run over the years? The Local Order has become enraged to the point of Matt Carlucci raging about "people needing a kick in the ass" who dare not sing DT Jacksonville's praises. One of those situations that is so sad all you can do is laugh at it.

https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2022/04/06/fox-friends-host-says-jacksonville-needs-to-be-revitalized-his-comments-arent-sitting-well-with-city-leaders/

[vicupstate]

The thing is if Jacksonville had been the type of city to elect Matt Carlucci Mayor in 2005, instead of Richie Rich, Downtown would probably be at a level that wouldn't receive this level of criticism.  The situation is 100% related to leadership and I have said that repeatedly for many years. But the citizens keep putting the same type of people in office, so they can only blame themselves. 

BTW, anyone that thinks Jacksonville is 10 years behind other cities is crazy, it is a lot more than one decade, closer to three.

[CityLife]

I've seen a lot of people here and elsewhere say that Jax has an inferiority complex, but after leaving Jax and looking at it and it's people/leaders from the outside, I've come to the conclusion that it actually has a false superiority complex. I believe this is mostly based on consolidation. Jacksonville is technically the 12th largest city in the USA (due to consolidation) so people there think it is a bigger deal than it is, but in reality, it is nowhere close to being a large city. It's only the center of the 4th largest metro in Florida. I'd argue that it's really the 5th largest urban area, as Palm Beach County is essentially its own population center with Martin and St. Lucie Counties as bedroom communities.

Some people may not to get to step outside of the bubble much, but Jacksonville is widely considered to have the worst downtown in Florida of its larger cities and its not even close. St. Pete, Sarasota, Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Tampa are all miles ahead of Jacksonville for downtown vibrancy. I've spent time in all of them in the past few years and it's just night and day between Jax. While downtown Jax does have some development in the pipeline and under construction, all of the above cities have already undergone a substantial amount of redevelopment and continue to pump out new projects.

Kilmeade was probably a little too negative, but Jax does need a bit of a wake up call. Hopefully he lit a fire.


 

[WarDamJagFan]

I honestly don't know much about what Carlucci proposed in the past that may have put Jax on a better path specific to DT, but he's been around long enough to know there were no lies in what Kilmeade said. Usually when someone gets that defensive, it gives me the indication their heels are dug in to whatever position they feel is correct. Only interpretation I can have from Carlucci and Davis's responses are that they feel DT is doing just fine and criticism is unwarranted.

Regarding the inferiority/false superiority complex, I believe there's both. Those of us who live here and aren't in positions of city leadership understand how far behind we are as a city compared to Tampa, Miami, Orlando, Ft Lauderdale, etc.   I think it's also perfectly logical to acknowledge we do have quality characteristics worth highlighting like amazing weather (sure, July-mid Sept can be nuke hot), solid career opportunities, a very user-friendly coastline, etc. However, those characteristics aren't enough to warrant bowing one's chest out when trying to defend against criticism.

Like you said City Life, hopefully getting this sort of national attention/criticism lights a bit more of a fire under COJ leadership. All streaks come to an end at some point - so perhaps our streak of 3-4 decades + of poor planning finds that end sooner than later. We shall see.

[Josh]

Curry's response to this was one of the most pathetic things I've ever read.

https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/local/duval-county/i-think-theyd-be-impressed-mayor-curry-responds-kilmeades-jab-jacksonville/FOBNSSJQVJD5DGU5SAOPBP5THM/

"I'd invite them to come see our projects that are billion-plus dollar projects that are under review," Curry said. "I'd love to show somebody around whether it be one of the hosts, a producer or someone who is a part of any one of the shows. I think it'd be great. I think they would be impressed."

Our Downtown isn't a joke! Come take a look at all these great plans!!!

[WarDamJagFan]

"Nobody has more parking lots than we do! And have you even seen my lawn?!"  - LC

[jaxoNOLE]

And Davis' response showing nothing will change if he's elected:

On Wednesday afternoon, News4JAX also heard from the JAX Chamber President and CEO Daniel Davis, who said about Kilmeade: "He obviously doesn't know what he's talking about. He's welcome to come to Jacksonville anytime, and I'll be happy to show him why we are one of the hottest markets in the country."

A market so hot we have to hand out massive subsidies to attract investment in our historic downtown just to make the pro formas work?

For those who didn't hear it, the following is a more complete set of Kilmeade's comments from the first of 2 segments on this topic:

So I casually mentioned...I see Jacksonville, it's a beautiful city, but the city's not nice. It's got all this potential, [...] but it's all run down. If you go to a Jacksonville Jaguars game, you ride up there, there's one sports bar! They promised to revitalize that city, [...] I love Jacksonville, but the city is not nice.  I mean, ask the Jaguars, as them if they hang out in the city, ask them how the Landing's going – Oh! They wrecked it because there's too much gang activity and shootings. That's just the fact, it's the story in a lot of cities. [...] So this Mayor [Curry] gets all offended because he's got projects in the works and it's come a long way. It doesn't mean it's there, it doesn't mean the city hasn't been let down, it doesn't mean they haven't been able to work out a deal with the richest owner, I believe, in the NFL, Mr. Khan, [...] to revitalize that city. It's surrounded by these bodies of water and these lovely bridges. But they go crazy. Now they make – I'm the enemy now. And I think – use me, use whatever you need to rebuild the city. Because these city officials should be embarrassed by what they've left for the people. The people of Florida and Jacksonville deserve better. The Jaguars deserve better.

[Captain Zissou]

"When I took office in 2015, the Berkman II, that eyesore was standing," Curry said. "The Jacksonville Landing on our riverfront was old and outdated and had no activity. It was standing."

The fact that he's pointing this out as a major accomplishment in his 7 years as mayor is hilarious and tragic.  The Landing should never have been torn down, but if this was his goal he should have been able to accomplish this in less than 7 months not 7 years.

[WarDamJagFan]

Can't believe he didn't want to mention how much he had to spend to settle a dispute between himself and the Sliemans... I mean tear down the Landing because it was outdated and had no activity. 

[vicupstate]

I honestly don't know much about what Carlucci proposed in the past that may have put Jax on a better path specific to DT, but he's been around long enough to know there were no lies in what Kilmeade said.

Much of the work underway NOW on the old Federal reserve building, The old Independent Life building, Ambassador Hotel and about a half dozen buildings all in that same area are getting done because of incentives for rehabbing Historic buildings. Carlucci started that fund prior to 2005. It was quickly spent on 11 E, The Carling and other projects at that time. Had he been elected Mayor in 2005 he was going to replenish that fund. Instead Richie Rich did not fund it and shut down the DT development board (DDA) in place at the time.  It has only been recently that the rehab funds have been replenished and to good effect. But just think if there hadn't been a 15+ year gap.       

[MusicMan]

I work at the TU /Jacksonville PAC on Water Street. Downtown is improving but it's pretty slow. IMO the TU/COJ PAC is actually one of the nicer things in downtown, and it needs a pretty thorough renovation.

However the following statement :  "I love Jacksonville, but the city is not nice.  I mean, ask the Jaguars, as them if they hang out in the city, ask them how the Landing's going – Oh! They wrecked it because there's too much gang activity and shootings. That's just the fact, it's the story in a lot of cities. [...] So this Mayor [Curry] gets all offended because he's got projects in the works and it's come a long way. It doesn't mean it's there, it doesn't mean the city hasn't been let down, it doesn't mean they haven't been able to work out a deal with the richest owner, I believe, in the NFL, Mr. Khan, [...] to revitalize that city. It's surrounded by these bodies of water and these lovely bridges."

The part about gang activity is simply not true. That had nothing to do with The Landing. The Symphony has a loyal following and whenever a hot Broadway show or big name in entertainment comes to the PAC, it's packed.  That being said, once the show is over (after 10 pm) there are not a lot of options for our patrons who want a drink and maybe light meal, and nothing close to the PAC except the Omni. Our demographic is older, and they would probably stay and spend more $$ downtown if we made it easier to do.   

And finally Khan has spent money on the stadium but nothing else that I am aware of. 

[thelakelander]

One of the few times I've ever agreed with Fox News 100% on a topic. The city deserves better. Jax is a lovely city with great people. However, it does deserve a much better downtown. I don't see anything wrong with the guy's opinion. It's true. Hopefully, it can serve as a swift kick in the ass to improve things ASAP.

BTW, anyone that thinks Jacksonville is 10 years behind other cities is crazy, it is a lot more than one decade, closer to three.

I used to believe DT Jax was behind a decade......20 years ago. Unless we're comparing our CBD to Buffalo or Memphis, I'd say it's closer to 20 or 30 years behind most peer communities now. Defintely, much slower now with the Landing gone and less need for office space post pandemic. We should accept the reality of where we are, roll up our sleeves and do what it takes to improve more rapidly.

[Ken_FSU]

One of the few times I've ever agreed with Fox News 100% on a topic.

With the exception of the "the Jaguars deserve better" bit, I totally agree.

There are no participation awards for good intentions.

It's almost comical that a Curry or Carlucci could walk past the Laura Street Trio and think, "downtown is red hot."

We do have momentum picking up thanks to smart policy decisions and a whole lot of REV grants, but trying to dunk on this guy's criticisms based on demolishing the Berkman II is about as silly as Dave Caldwell saying "it is built" about the 3-13 Jaguars.

We do deserve better, and it's a pretty glaring indictment of our local government over the last few decades that the city is exploding just about everywhere else except for the area where it has historically done the most meddling.

Call me an optimist, but I do think though that - barring a catastrophic fuckup like reversing the gas tax or letting the Jags walk - the next decade is going to be the most transformative of the last 50 years for the urban core.

[Tacachale]

That guy can go to hell. We don't need some outside morning show clown telling us things we already know like it's some kind of sage wisdom. FOH.

[Downtown Osprey]

That guy can go to hell. We don't need some outside morning show clown telling us things we already know like it's some kind of sage wisdom. FOH.

Why not? He owns a home in the area. Is he not allowed to voice his opinion? Nothing he said was wrong and I appreciate that he took a shot at what the reality is of our downtown and our piss poor leadership.