Blog

#DTJax Weekly Update: August 18-24, 2020

Instagram of the Week

We love this photo from @brayleetron of her little one on a cruise through Downtown on the St. Johns River. That life vest is giving us Buzz Lightyear vibes; To #DTJax and beyond!

Use the hashtag #DTJax for a chance to be featured.

Introducing the 2019-2020 State of Downtown Report

Each year, Downtown Vision tracks and analyzes Downtown’s performance in key indicators of urban revitalization, such as development, employment and residential. This year’s report is especially important as it benchmarks Downtown’s progress prior to the impact of COVID-19. This progress includes the surge in public-private investment with dollars invested in completed development projects increasing 152% from $210 million in the 2018-2019 Report to $530 million in the 2019-2020 Report.
Read about this and more. 

 


Support Local

 

Enjoy Lunch at Pita Pit

Pita Pit is the perfect option for a delicious lunch on-the-go. From gluten-free pitas and vegetarian choices to Mediterranean dishes and bacon-filled wraps, Pita Pit has something for every taste bud. Call (904) 699-7482 to order ahead.
View the Menu and Order Online

Island Girl Cigar Bar

Cigar lovers, this deal is for you! Stop into Island Girl Cigar Bar and ask for The Island Girl Combo. This special includes a pint of Island Girl Lager, brewed by local favorite Bold City Brewery, and an Island Girl CT or Habano Colorado cigar for $10.
⁣Learn More

Downtown Investment Authority Launches New Website

The Downtown Investment Authority, the City’s economic development and community redevelopment agency for Downtown, just launched its newly redesigned website at dia.coj.net. The new site features essential information to help developers, investors, business owners and the public obtain information and make well-informed decisions when investing in Downtown Jacksonville.
Visit the New Website

Hemming Park Renamed James Weldon Johnson Park

Last week, Jacksonville City Council voted 16-2 to rename Hemming Park as James Weldon Johnson Park. James Weldon Johnson was a LaVilla native whose accomplishments co-writing “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” being Florida’s first African American lawyer after Reconstruction, the principal of Stanton, which he converted into Florida’s first black public high school, a U.S. Consul to Venezuela and Nicaragua, the first African American head of the NAACP, and a respected university professor.⁣⁣
Learn More


#DTJax e-Gift Card

Check out the #DTJax e-Gift Card – good at 26 of your favorite #DTJax businesses and counting!  Purchase for friends, family or colleagues and invite them to enjoy the best in Downtown dining, shopping and entertainment.

These digital gift cards can be purchased at dtjaxegiftcard.com, anytime, anywhere and for any amount between $5 and $250. They can be used multiple times at multiple participating locations and the balance is always available on your smartphone.

To celebrate the launch, Downtown Vision is offering the following bonus gifts:

  • Buy a $25 Gift Card, receive a $5 bonus gift on us
  • Buy a $50 Gift Card, receive a $10 bonus gift on us
  • Buy a $100 Gift Card, receive a $20 bonus gift on us
  • Buy a $200 Gift Card, receive a $50 bonus gift on us (best value)

Offer expires September 30, 2020, available while supplies last.


Upcoming #DTJax Events:

LEED Case Study: Barnett Tower Historical Building

August 25, 2020 at 11:30 a.m.

In this project case study, the LEED project team behind the Barnett Tower Historical Building in Jacksonville, Florida will highlight the goals, strategies, outcomes, and lessons learned from this project that achieved LEED v4 BD+C certification. Are you interested in sustainability, historic structures and/or Downtown Jacksonville? Then you do not want to miss this discussion! Learn how the 18-story historic Barnett Tower, a part of Downtown Jacksonville’s skyline since 1926, was renovated and transformed into a LEED-Certified mixed-use facility.

 

Jazz Weekend with Eric Carter
August 21-22, 2020 at Breezy Jazz Club

Rummage Sale
August 22, 2020 at 10 a.m. at The 5 & Dime Theatre

Visit our Events Calendar to see more local events


Updates from Downtown Vision

Mandatory Masks: As of 6/29/2020, the City of Jacksonville has implemented a mandatory mask requirement for public & indoor locations, and in other situations where individuals cannot socially distance.

Florida Reopening Phase II:
Florida is now in Phase II of the state-wide reopening plans. Governor DeSantis’ plan, Safe, Smart, Step-by-Step, relaxes more of the measures put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19. Changes Include:

  • Gyms and retail operating at 100% capacity
  • Entertainment facilities can open at a 50% capacity
  • Groups are encouraged to limit gatherings to no more than 50

Small Business Support

The Downtown Vision office is closed but the team can be contacted by email.

 

2019-2020 State of Downtown Report
As Downtown grows, so does its impact on the region. Learn more about key indicators of urban revitalization, such as development, employment and residential and see why Downtown is on the rise.

2018-2019 Annual Report
Have you ever wondered, “what exactly does DVI do?” From the Ambassador program to marketing #DTJax to the Lively And Beautiful Sidewalks (LABS) Initiative, check us out.