Urban Jacksonville

I am trying to determine how many people actually use the Urban Jacksonville news in the sidebar. I feel like it is a very valuable research tool, am I the only one?

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I’m just wondering what the official spelling of 5 Points is. I keep going back and forth between 5-Points and 5 Points, and I never write Five Points. Also should Riverside and 5 Points be lumped together into one category or are they very separate places?

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A Publix store designed to fit it’s surroundings

It’s a news story battle royale! Two stories caught my eye yesterday so I decided to pit them against each other to see who would come out victorious. There is no evaluation criteria, only your opinion counts. It can be based on newsworthy-ness, writing, or just rep your block. Vote for the story you like best.

Publix inks deal to open San Marco store
San Marco finally has it’s grocery store. While it’s not Whole Foods, a Publix is not so shabby. Too bad residents have to wait till 09 to roll down the Greenwise aisle. This will be Jacksonville’s first “urban core” Publix location, a representative said. So does this mean the storefront will extend all the way to the sidewalk and forgo the traditional parking in the front, shopping in the back layout. If so this news story might be worthy of your vote.

Urban Connectivity: Hogans Creek parks
There aren’t many too many times Springfield can go up against San Marco and come out victorious. This may be one of them. This latest article in the Metro Jacksonville series on urban connectivity is informative and insightful. It focuses a spotlight on our city’s neglect of possibly the most valuable park asset in the Jacksonville.

Over the last decade, there has been an increased focus on the lack of greenspace within the downtown core. This has resulted in the city focusing on finding away to destroy landmarks like Friendship Fountain and spending millions of dollars in the process to create new, yet disconnected, public spaces along the St. Johns River. In the meantime, Jacksonville’s premier chain of parks and it’s many positive features, including its connection to the St. Johns River has become an undervalued and neglected public space.

Its been proven that green space can also lead to greater social cohesiveness. Well maintained park-areas, such as those lining Hogans Creek are not only are used more often, but also strengthen neighborhood social ties. In addition, these settings can encourage a sense of ownership and empowerment in the community. A higher priority should be given to restoring the creek and parks because of its large scale, historical assets, number of cultural and educational establishments lining its borders and it potentially being the glue to draw residents from Springfield and Downtown together.

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tags: jacksonville, springfield, hogans creek, san marco, publix

This video from downtown Jacksonville business owner, Jerry Moran, comments on the city’s decision to close down two blocks of Laura Street without notifying any merchants in the area. Not only does Jerry shoot video but he also shoots photos of downtown’s homeless. Check out Flog’s post Jerry’s Kids and this photoset of downtown Jacksonville’s homeless.

Jerry works at/owns La Cena. He has been posting videos on YouTube to document what is going on in downtown Jacksonville. This is the 5th video from Jerry, who’s YouTube username is Feederi. The most infamous was of the homeless man taking a dump right on the sidewalk in plain view of anyone walking by.

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tags: jacksonville