Toughness, long suffering, resilience and overcoming bad circumstances definitely seems to a hallmark of Jacksonville, a city that at times has stumbled but always manages to rise to the challenge when it's back was against the wall. Something definitely to be proud of. South Florida has always been very blessed with resources, tourism in droves, and has never faced things like the scourge of war. Everything has seemed to come easy here, aside from the occassional hurricane which people just avoid or board up. So, I have really come to appreciate where Jax is considering all the trials it's overcome.
Founded on battle and bloodshed - Ribault getting wiped out, then later revenged
Back and forth ownership and occupation - Spain, Brits, Spain again...
Civil war occupation and battles
Yellow fever and great fire
Film industry and tourism leaving for elsewhere
Political scandals
Dora wiping out beaches
All that, and Jax still is a steadily growing city on the rise today. Even getting the Jags took tremendous determination beginning in the early 80's not realized until 10-15 years later. Jax is a fighting city, where conflict keeps refining what was founded long ago. Nothing comes easy here, and gratitude abounds.
True, not to mention the area's significant contributions to the first and second seminole wars (Fort Heilman in Middleburg) where the Army maintained a supply depot and armory. Much suffering and sickness occured here when civilians from all around the area took shelter in the fort from marauding indians. I doubt any city in the US can challenge the Jacksonville area's contribution to WWII. This area supported 6 major installations during the war including Camp Blanding, NAS Cecil Field, NAS Jax, NAS Green Cove Springs, NAGS Yellow Water, Mayport, not to mention smaller facilities like Keystone Army Airfield, Kay Larkin Army Air field, Imeson air field, etc, etc.
On the other hand, we appear to be a fair weather fan base when it comes to the jags. A loss of the Jags would be a severe blow to the city. We would never get another if we loose them.
Rick
And let's not forget the fire of 1901. I tell my friends all the time that Jacksonville has been through ALOT as a city. And as you stated when I back are against the wall, we always fight. For example, I knew we were going to show up and show out when the media whipped the Jaguars last year. One thing about it, we can dogg Jacksonville, but nobody else can! Despite what critics may say, I am very proud to stay here.
let's not forget The Creature From The Black Lagoon....
Jacksonville has been through it and continues to be put through it.. I'm not sure about the reference about the creature from the Black Lagoon.. but I hope one day it will be the shining City it should have always been. We at least had a vibrant Urban Core until the 70's when everything was demolished and removed from downtown and sent to the suburbs. Downtown never recovered.
We can plan and wish and hope all we want,,,but until we RESTORE what once was, Downtown will remain crippled.