JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Days after City Council voted to close the Jacksonville Landing and fund a buyout of the landlord and its few remaining tenants, the iconic downtown center is throwing a party.
The Landing's Last Bash will run through Sunday and include live music, a car show and other activities. Management said this will be the last sponsored event at the Landing, even though the facility will remain open for a few more months.
"Please continue to support our businesses and we hope to see you to celebrate one last weekend of FREE events," @JaxLanding tweeted. "Thanks for your support, Jacksonville!"
At least 50 Ford Mustangs were featured at the Jacksonville Landing on Saturday much to the delight of Joseph Brown who attended the car show.
"(It) can't get no better than this on the water," Brown said.
Brown is from Charleston and won the trophy at this car show two years ago and wanted to take part in the last bash.
"They’re telling me they’re tearing the Landing down. So, I wanted to be part of the history for the last time," he said.
With its large walkways along the river, floor-to-ceiling windows and courtyard, the Landing opened to great fanfare in the late 1980s. But in recent years it has lost much of its appeal, and most of its customers and businesses. Mayor Lenny Curry has proposed replacing the mostly-vacant shopping and dining complex with a park.
People are curious to see what will replace the space with a prime waterfront view.
"I think it should be a park," McKenna Blansett said. "I think it would be nice to have somewhere where everyone can come and walk around."
One person News4Jax spoke with Friday hadn't heard the Landing's numbers are numbered.
"That's a disappointment because the space is so beautiful for it and many families and tourists could be enjoying it," Georgia North said.
"I just think they should keep the Landing," said a woman who grew up coming to events at the Landing.
Last Bash schedule
Saturday, March 30
1) Rumble at the River: 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Join the Jacksonville Mustang Club for their 17th Regional Mustang & Ford Show. Join the club for a day of fun, Fords and more. This event is free.
2) Dirty South Villains 4th annual meet: 7 p.m.
This regional meet up for the Bearded Villains of Jacksonville will benefit the National Kidney Foundation. Enjoy vendor tables and the beard competition. The event will be held in the Jack Daniels Bar. All proceeds from the event will benefit the National Kidney Foundation.
3) Live music by The Band Be Easy from 8-10 p.m. and music provided by Party Solution Entertainment in the courtyard from 7 p.m.-midnight
Sunday, March 31
Soulful Sundays 5–9 p.m.
Live music on the Sleiman Riverfront Stage by The Katz Downstairz. Free live music by the best local bands in town. Bring your own chairs, enjoy the music and enjoy food from our food vendors in the courtyard.
The Landing's two restaurants that remain open -- Fionn MacCool's Irish Pub & Restaurant and Hooters -- will be offering drink specials over the weekend.