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 “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.

Read More
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.

Read More
Featured image for “OPINION | The Ford plant demolition shows a dearth of vision”
May 2, 2023

OPINION | The Ford plant demolition shows a dearth of vision

The debate over demolishing the old Ford plant in Talleyrand missed a key point: It wasn’t demolish or reuse. It could have been both.

Read More
Featured image for “6 lost towns within Jacksonville’s borders”
April 25, 2023

6 lost towns within Jacksonville’s borders

Some of the neighborhoods that now make Jacksonville were once towns in their own right. Here’s the story of 6 of them.

Read More
Featured image for “THE JAXSON | 5 historical facts about Murray Hill ”
April 18, 2023

THE JAXSON | 5 historical facts about Murray Hill 

Do you know these 5 facts about Murray Hill, one of urban Jacksonville’s emerging historic neighborhoods?

Read More
Featured image for “THE JAXSON | 5 more shared-use paths coming to town”
April 11, 2023

THE JAXSON | 5 more shared-use paths coming to town

Besides the Fuller Warren Bridge’s new shared-use path, here are 5 more major shared-use paths under construction in the Jacksonville area.

Read More
Featured image for “THE JAXSON | The 10-year saga of the Fuller Warren pedestrian path”
April 4, 2023

THE JAXSON | The 10-year saga of the Fuller Warren pedestrian path

A decade ago, concerned residents demanded a better transportation solution. As a result, the Fuller Warren Bridge shared-use path opens this week.

Read More
Featured image for “THE JAXSON | The YIMBY case for historic preservation”
March 28, 2023

THE JAXSON | The YIMBY case for historic preservation

In much writing about urban development, the pro-density Yes In My Backyard movement and historic preservation are often presented as opposing philosophies. In Jacksonville’s case, however, YIMBYs and preservationists are natural allies in the fight to revitalize struggling neighborhoods and resolve the housing crisis.  Yes in my backyard Standing for “Yes In My Backyard,” the YIMBY movement is the antithesis

Read More
Featured image for “THE JAXSON | 5 women’s history sites and stories in Jacksonville”
March 21, 2023

THE JAXSON | 5 women’s history sites and stories in Jacksonville

In honor of Women’s History Month, here are a few sites and stories associated with women who transformed our community and nation. May Mann Jennings Known as the “Mother of Florida Forestry,” May Mann Jennings was one of the most influential people in Florida during the 20th century. After being the First Lady of Florida from 1901 to 1905, Jennings

Read More
Featured image for “THE JAXSON | Lenny’s Lawn: A 4-year retrospective”
March 14, 2023

THE JAXSON | Lenny’s Lawn: A 4-year retrospective

Here’s a look back at the decisions that led to “Lenny’s Lawn” and what the future may hold for the former Jacksonville Landing site.

Read More