Jacksonville: Getting on the global map

[ProjectMaximus]

http://www.jacksonville.com/business/2009-04-13/story/jacksonville_%E2%80%94_our_place_on_the_globe

[thelakelander]

If Jax wants global recognition, we're going to have to embrace rail and mass transit.  Plain and simple.  End of discussion.

[Jason]

Pretty good article.  I thought it was spot on.

Lake, I agree.  The lack of transportation is a BIG void to fill.  However, I do think we are slowly on our way towards becoming more of a world recognized city, just need to keep the seaport jumping, financial sector financing, and the tourists sunburnt and happy. 

IMO, our next major steps are a consolidated transportation center linking the burbs and airport to the core; a completed courthouse and new convention center (linked by transit); and a deepened better connected seaport bustling with far-east and south american traffic.  Smaller steps include better marketing of the area's ammenities (golf, beaches, cosmopolitan entertainment, etc) and the focus on our urban park system to convert the largest to the best.

[fsujax]

Interesting read. Maybe someday we will have elected officials and people on Boards who aren't afraid to embrace transit. JTA can plan all they want, as long as there is no BIG political support, we will lag behind. Mass transit needs political champions with clout.

[Beloki]

Just hire a good city planner !!!! And I mean a really good one

[fsujax]

It takes more than a good city planner. I know for fact there are good urban planners working within this city! and we get no where.

[thelakelander]

I agree that leadership is needed.  Luckily, we'll have a chance for new leadership to rise in the next two years.  However, we also need JTA to step up to the plate.  Its a state agency, responsibile for both road and mass transit projects locally.  The guys and gals on Myrtle Street have more clout than they give themselves credit for.  Its time to start pushing that clout around.  If JTA can get a little more creative and push back, by aggressively selling the economic benefits their projects bring to the table, more things will fall in place and even help push mass transit into the agenda of the upcoming mayor campaigns.

[heights unknown]

Great article.  Miami is Florida's prime example of a pristine international city.  There are numerous foreign banks based or headquartered in Miami Proper.  Throw in there a couple of deep water ports (Fort Lauderdale and Miami), and interstate accesses to the north and beyond (I-75 and I-95), along with major rail lines, and this is where Jax really needs to be.  Miami is not only an international city but a "World Class" city to say the least!

Jax has everything in place.  We don't need to mimick Miami, but we can learn from Miami's example.

Heights Unknown