Lights, water, music: Friendship Fountain to sparkle again on the Southbank
Friendship Fountain on the Southbank is set to reclaim its spotlight as it reopens after remodeling. We witnessed the mesmerizing spectacle of lights, dancing water, and music as workers tested the fountain in preparation for its grand reopening. Join the public on February 15 for the third Thursday Sip and Stroll event on the Southbank Riverwalk to celebrate this long-awaited attraction. Mayor Donna Deegan will mark the occasion by synchronizing the fountain with music. The final testing phase is almost complete, and the fences surrounding the fountain are being removed, allowing everyone to enjoy the magnificent view.
Proposed 410-unit project on former River City Brewing Company site moves forward with approval
The City of Jacksonville Downtown Development Review Board (DDRB) meet this week and approved moving forward with several development proposals around downtown Jacksonville, including a proposed wine bar in Brooklyn, a parking garage expansion near the TIAA Bank Building and a revamped mixed-use project at the former home of River City Brewing Company.
Piers at future site of Shipyards West Park need to be replaced, could cost up to $30M in current design
The Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) met on Thursday to talk about how much more money could be needed for projects on both the Northbank and the Southbank, including the area known as the Shipyards and the former home of the Jacksonville Landing, now called Riverfront Plaza.
Duval school district to bring in consultant to explore moving headquarters
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Duval County Public Schools is planning to bring in a consultant to assess the value of its riverfront headquarters as it moves forward with a possible move from the Southbank building. The school board voted unanimously late last year in favor of a measure to explore the relocation of the districtโs headquarters from a building where it has been for more than 40 years. With the Southbank being developed for residential and commercial use, the school board wants to see if the timing is right for a move, the district said. The evaluation process will last through June with a recommendation going to the school board in July. The consultant will do their work for the rest of 2021 and the district will determine next steps in early 2022.
Students protest, call for more Black history in Duval County schools
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Some Duval County students used their day off Monday to protest outside the school districtโs headquarters on the Southbank. Dozens of students and other activists gathered outside the main office of Duval County Public Schools Monday afternoon calling for more emphasis on Black history in schools and more input from Black students. Black students Matter. Duval County Public High Schools has an African-American history โExemplary School Districtโ designation. The Duval County school district says peaceful protests are allowed in school.
โThe exhibits will be dynamicโ Plans for MOSHโs new museum ramping up
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ The cityโs famous Museum of Science and History is ramping up its plans to build and move to a new building at the Jacksonville Shipyards. The original plan was to renovate and expand the current MOSH building on the Southbank, a project that became known as MOSH 2.0. So when you come, youโll experience something completely different.โVisitors have seen the current exhibits, but Fafard says many of them remain static, and they seldom change. He says the new museum will allow visitors to have a truly hands-on experience. Fafard says another goal is to have multiple maker spaces throughout the new museum, including a cultural side.
Duval County School Board signs off on search for possible new headquarters
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ The Duval County Public Schools board voted unanimously in favor of a measure, brought by member Lori Hershey, to explore the relocation of the districtโs waterfront headquarters on the Southbank. The vote was taken Tuesday night, more than a week after the board discussed the proposal in a workshop. My preference, particularly in leadership, is to be in the driverโs seat versus responding,โ Hershey said in the workshop. With approval secured, the measure allows for the formal discussions to begin and for Superintendent Diana Greene to begin exploration and the drafting of a proposal. That proposal will likely be presented at a board meeting in March, according to Hershey.
Plan would allow River City Brewing Company to remain open until September 2022
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ The Downtown Investment Authority on Wednesday discussed the redevelopment of the River City Brewing Company site on Jacksonvilleโs Southbank. The land is owned by the city. A South Florida developer is proposing tearing down the landmark restaurant, building apartments and making improvements to the marina on-site. During Wednesdayโs Downtown Investment Authority meeting, an agreement was tweaked. Under the plan, the current restaurant would be allowed to remain open until September 2022.
bbโs celebrates 20 years in Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Sitting at the end of Hendricks Avenue between San Marco and Jacksonvilleโs Southbank, bbโs restaurant and bar celebrated 20 years in the River City this weekend. Owner Barbara Bredehoeft said the area landscape has changed a lot in two decades but business at the upscale restaurant has stayed strong. Bredehoeft added, โThe power business lunch is still alive and thriving at bbโs,โ thanks to managing partner, Jonas Loh, who gives diners a hearty โHello!โ and welcoming smile as he oversees the restaurantโs day-to-day operations. The successful team hopes celebrate another 20 years with the city thatโs served it so well. And yes, the ever-popular multi-level display case showing off its delectably mouth-watering desserts is here to stay, too, thank goodness.
Latest makeover could leave Friendship Fountain almost unrecognizable
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A city landmark is about to get another makeover. And this time, you may not recognize Friendship Fountain on Jacksonville's Southbank. A developer has just about finished the design work that calls for a major million-dollar upgrade of the fountain and surrounding park. For decades, Friendship Fountain has been an iconic spot in Jacksonville. But even after spending millions in 2011 for a major renovation, the fountain is still a puddle of its former self and is not working properly.
Helicopter hovers as Ameris Bank building gets logo
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A bank building on Jacksonville's Southbank has a new look. The Ameris Bank building had new letters and a logo installed on the 28-story building. A helicopter hovered over the building as the signage was installed. Bank spokesperson Ann-Stanton Cannarella told the Jax Daily Record that "Ameris Bank has partnered with CBRE's Brand Enhancement Services Team and their vendor partners, sign and lighting companies Priority Inc. and High Angle Services and the Air Crane helicopter contractor." Ameris Bank merged with Fidelity Bank in July.