logo Perspectives The Jaxson on Jacksonville Today
Analysis and original reporting from the team behind The Jaxson, which is dedicated to urbanism and culture on the First Coast. The Jaxson explores the big issues facing Jacksonville in the modern era of urban growth, with a look at today's development in the context of yesterday's history. The Jaxson is a partnership of Modern Cities and WJCT Public Media.
Featured image for “OPINION | Downtown revival: Crafting a plan for city-owned properties”
July 11, 2023

OPINION | Downtown revival: Crafting a plan for city-owned properties

Here’s a look at a few key Downtown properties that, with a little vision, could serve as catalysts to boost Downtown’s vibrancy in the near future.

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Featured image for “THE JAXSON | 10 historic First Coast railroad depots”
July 4, 2023

THE JAXSON | 10 historic First Coast railroad depots

Here are 10 historic train stations that stand today in the Jacksonville area. Two of them are still functioning.

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Featured image for “THE JAXSON | 5 sites from LGBTQ history in Jax’s Urban Core”
June 27, 2023

THE JAXSON | 5 sites from LGBTQ history in Jax’s Urban Core

Jacksonville’s LGBTQ history has always been rich and colorful, if often overlooked. Here’s a tour of five sites across the Urban Core with ties to the city’s LGBTQ story.

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Featured image for “OPINION | Jags’ plans present an opportunity to revitalize the Eastside”
June 20, 2023

OPINION | Jags’ plans present an opportunity to revitalize the Eastside

A. Philip Randolph could become a commercial district complementary to the proposed stadium district, with a 1-mile stretch of continuous economic activity.

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Featured image for “THE JAXSON | Getting to know the Phoenix neighborhood”
June 13, 2023

THE JAXSON | Getting to know the Phoenix neighborhood

Here are five facts about Phoenix, the historic Jacksonville neighborhood named in honor of the city’s rise from the ashes of the Great Fire of 1901.

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Featured image for “OPINION | 4 common-sense ways to revitalize Downtown Jacksonville”
June 6, 2023

OPINION | 4 common-sense ways to revitalize Downtown Jacksonville

Here are four proven, relatively simple, common-sense suggestions to spark revival without relying on huge budgets and massive new developments.

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Featured image for “THE JAXSON | 5 stories from Jacksonville’s hamburger history”
May 30, 2023

THE JAXSON | 5 stories from Jacksonville’s hamburger history

From the first ever Burger King to long-gone local chains, here’s a look at five burger facts from Jacksonville history.

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Featured image for “THE JAXSON | Downtown Jacksonville’s most endangered buildings”
May 23, 2023

THE JAXSON | Downtown Jacksonville’s most endangered buildings

Here are 10 overlooked buildings in Jacksonville that in danger of being demolished if more attention isn’t given to their historical significance.

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Featured image for “THE JAXSON | Jaxlore: The lost city of Ossachite”
May 16, 2023

THE JAXSON | Jaxlore: The lost city of Ossachite

Many books and articles on local history feature the Timucua town of Ossachite. There’s just one problem: It never existed.

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Featured image for “THE JAXSON | The lost shipyards of Jacksonville”
May 9, 2023

THE JAXSON | The lost shipyards of Jacksonville

Here are five large shipyards that once laid down vessels on Jacksonville’s working waterfront.

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