What if Jacksonville suddenly woke up?

[Jaxson]

I definitely agree with stephendare about how the city could make more of its heritage and culture.

[Wacca Pilatka]

"Jacksonville Tars and the Negro League’s Jacksonville Redcap’s throwback jerseys, would be available at a"ny given local sporting goods store."

Are these sold anywhere in town at all?  I have the CD "Entering Duval County" by the local artists Tal-Kin Trees, and one of the members is wearing a Red Caps jersey on the face of the CD.  Not that that says anything about where he found it.

The Baseball grounds used to sell Redcap Jerseys...that is the only place I ever seen one.

Thanks...I still was wondering about this.

[scottjsmith]

Actually, what Jacksonville needs is a good marketing firm.  There are several in town, and I'm not sure who holds the account right now.  Whoever it is obviously does not have a good enough budget to market to its own residents, let alone potential visitors.  I'm sure that's something else that gets knocked down at city council meetings:  "Why should we pay to advertise our city, when we have cobblestone crosswalks to build?"

This article, and its comments, show that Jacksonville is a vibrant city, but the energy is wasted talking about "what could have been," rather than "what can be."

[Peg]

Great article!  I would move to that city in a heartbeat.  Instead, we're leaving after six years.  But not before finding our more about Zora Neale Hurston having lived in Mandarin....

In packing today I came across a letter that my grandmother wrote to the state education commissioner in 1963 referencing a film called "The County That Cares".  She states that it compares Duval to Pinellas and says that it is "very thought provoking".  By chance, does anyone know if this is still out there anywhere? 

[duvaldude08]

as long as were arguing about bus shelters and parking for the landing, this city will never wake up. We cant even acheive the basics

[Keith-N-Jax]

Hard to wake when you dont even know your already dead.

[Jerry Moran]

Oh Stephen, you're a regular One Man DVI!  I wish you would run for City Council, District 4.

[Jaxson]

Run, Stephen, run!!!  We need you on the city council!

[billy]

The waters of the the Saint Johns would run as clear as Sprite from Sanford to the Jetties.
Dolphins, whom it would be legal to marry, who frolic on the sandy bottom of the downtown riverbed. Hogans Creek would be potable. An archipelago built from dredge spill off of San Marco would feature a statue of Ranger Hal, bigger than the Colossus of Rhodes.
You could turn on the radio and hear a non rap/country song recorded after 1982.

(Please note:I agree with and have previously contributed to this thread. It's been a long day.)

[St. Auggie]

In all seriousness, why dont you run for office?  You are very well spoken, have forgotten more about Jax then I will ever know.  You have this awesome platform with which to help you run.  I dont agree with you all the time, but Id back ya.  So there is one vote!

[mtraininjax]

Stephen,
You cannot compare Jacksonville to Indianapolis. Jacksonville is in a state that has the 4th larges GDP in the US, one that is larger than many of the countries in the world. We fight for resources with other multi-million populated cities, Orlando, Miami, and Tampa. Indianapolis has no one else really in the state other than South Bend, over 100,000 people. Comparing Jacksonville to a state with 1 major city is an unfair comparison. Indy has a much better governor who understands business, we just have too many people with their hand out on medicare, too many issues in our state.

[Jerry Moran]

I am quite serious about Stephen running for City Council.  He possesses a brilliant mind, a quick wit, great oratory ability, a familiarity with Jacksonville second to none,  and a unique charisma that would be remembered for decades into the future.  Stephen is a natural debater and tireless champion for the Truth.  How could he not run for a seat on the Council?

[Jerry Moran]

Who is district 4 anyways?

The  Honorable Don Redman.

Notice the little postage stamp in the upper left hand corner:

http://www.coj.net/NR/rdonlyres/edf7antnibynsxxvsz75xizl5wq4kja2swrijzcwbffov4uoskbhs5sp4hfsvu7r6nbzpro3djs5zqki4ldc3rocaqd/2007District04Map.pdf

[BridgeTroll]

The campaign would certainly be entertaining!

[Wacca Pilatka]

Council campaign or not, in all seriousness, whenever I read that essay I am more inspired to do what I can to improve Jacksonville's awareness of its many assets and fascinating history.