The first, and for awhile only, powerful person in JAX that had the stones to speak truth to corrupt power in the JEA scandal, has passed.
He certainly went out on a high note. I hope there is someone of his courage the next time it is needed.
New4Jax: https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2020/01/23/former-mayor-jake-goldbold-dies-at-age-85/
Sad Day - what a great person for the city.
I had an opportunity to go to his book signing about 6 months ago and to hear him speak, but I was out of town. I'm sad I missed that.
Bill Foley once wonderfully wrote that Jake Godbold was someone who you knew loved Jacksonville and who made you love it. An inspiration as a leader, especially in how he impacted the psychology of defeatism and poor self-image for the city. I will miss him.
Amen. Rest in Peace, Jake. Thank you for your dedication and leadership, even when you were not formally still in office. You were the heart of Jacksonville, Sir.
We lost a gem today. I actually own a key to the city with his name on it.
So sad. Jake was the best. What you saw was what you got. Brutally honest and unquestionably loyal. Humble, friendly, and truly had Jacksonville's best interests in his heart and actions, always. Damn, I'll miss him.
Jacksonville needs to come up with something to name after him, aside from the City Hall Annex. My thought: Assuming we actually do something iconic with the Landing site that has a park in the center of it, name it Godbold Park. He wanted the Landing to be the type of place for everyone to enjoy. Seems fitting to me.
^Love this idea.
Incredibly sad week for Jacksonville.
Just the nicest guy in the world, and a true visionary for the city.
X3
RIP