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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 | 8 Jacksonville industrial heritage sites ripe for tourism”
August 23, 2022

THE JAXSON | 8 Jacksonville industrial heritage sites ripe for tourism

Industrial tourism — visiting places linked to the industries most common in a particular place — is a growing interest among travelers. It could be tailor-made for Jacksonville, where diverse industries like shipping, lumber, coffee, cigars and many more have shaped our history and heritage. What is industrial tourism? While internationally known for tourism, according to the First Coast Manufacturers

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Featured image for “OPINION | Jax’s accessory dwelling unit bill deserves support”
August 16, 2022

OPINION | Jax’s accessory dwelling unit bill deserves support

The Jacksonville City Council is debating the Keep Our Families Together Act, which would allow accessory dwelling units — garage apartments, detached suites, etc. — to be built in more neighborhoods. Here’s why it’s exactly the kind of thing local leaders should be pursuing to help fight the housing crisis. What are ADUs? Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a term

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Featured image for “THE JAXSON | 6 Jacksonville day trips”
August 9, 2022

THE JAXSON | 6 Jacksonville day trips

There’s a lot to do in the Jacksonville area, and even more within a short drive. With summer winding down, here’s a look at six places with authentic charm that make for great day trips from Jacksonville. Alexander Springs One of the most underrated things about Florida is its abundance of natural springs. Jacksonville is within a one- to two-hour

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Featured image for “THE JAXSON | 6 Downtown projects now under construction”
August 2, 2022

THE JAXSON | 6 Downtown projects now under construction

Though largely happening in the outskirts, new construction is happening in Downtown Jacksonville. Here’s a look at six projects moving forward now. Four Seasons Hotel & Residences Developer: Iguana Investments Address: Metropolitan Park The new development centered on the Four Seasons Hotel Jacksonville is scheduled to break ground later this year on the former grounds of Metropolitan Park on the

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Featured image for “OPINION | Don’t sweat the ‘wrong kind’ of housing”
July 26, 2022

OPINION | Don’t sweat the ‘wrong kind’ of housing

New residential projects in established neighborhoods often draw pushback. This is especially the case when the developments are seen as too expensive, too large or otherwise undesirable. But with Jacksonville’s facing down a growing housing crisis, such projects are coming whether we like it or not. Here’s a look at why that’s not a bad thing — and how we

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Featured image for “OPINION | Florida’s secret weapon in the housing crisis”
July 19, 2022

OPINION | Florida’s secret weapon in the housing crisis

With the creation of the Sadowski Housing Trust Fund to support affordable housing in 1992, Florida led the way in ensuring that low-income residents had a place to live. But failure to fund the trust over the last 20 years has contributed to Florida’s entering a full-blown housing crisis — still, it just may be our best tool for turning

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Featured image for “THE JAXSON | Jacksonville’s surviving historic theaters”
July 12, 2022

THE JAXSON | Jacksonville’s surviving historic theaters

The Jaxson Magazine takes a look into the history of Jacksonville’s nine oldest surviving theaters.

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Featured image for “THE JAXSON | 7 coffee concepts headed to town”
July 5, 2022

THE JAXSON | 7 coffee concepts headed to town

With the coffee industry expected to grow annually by 4.32% and proving to be recession-proof throughout the pandemic, Jacksonville has become a coffee-drinking expansion market. Here are seven coffee chains aggressively targeting Jacksonville for expansion. Bitty & Beau’s Coffee Bitty & Beau’s Coffee was founded in 2016 in Wilmington, North Carolina, by Amy and Ben Wright. Parents of children born

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Featured image for “OPINION | Remembering David, Jacksonville’s trailblazing gay magazine”
June 28, 2022

OPINION | Remembering David, Jacksonville’s trailblazing gay magazine

From 1970 to 1974, Jacksonville was the headquarters of the first magazine to serve Florida’s gay community. In honor of the last week of Pride Month, here’s a look at the history and impact of David magazine. Jacksonville’s LGBTQ history dates back thousands of years. The native Mocama Timucua people had gender roles for two-spirits — individuals who belong to

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Featured image for “OPINION | Resolving the Downtown self-storage wars”
June 21, 2022

OPINION | Resolving the Downtown self-storage wars

Developers want to lift a ban on self-storage facilities in Downtown Jacksonville, but building such facilities could stifle streets and create dead space.

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