Blog

The following is this week’s issue of the #DTJax Weekly Update e-newsletter. To receive this in your email inbox each week, sign-up here.

___________________________________________________________________

Instagram of the Week 

 
Photo by @damien.lamar during a Hemming Park Walking Club lunch tour.
 

___________________________________________________________________

Things To Do Downtown

Arts & Culture

Live Music & Nightlife 

___________________________________________________________________

Get Involved

Each year Downtown Vision evaluates the state of Downtown Jacksonville and collects data on how to improve the Downtown experience. If you live or work in #DTJax (Northbank, Southbank, Brooklyn/Riverside, LaVilla or the Stadium District) we want to hear from you! Complete our survey and be entered to win a $100 gift certificate to the Downtown restaurant or retailer of your choice. Two winners will be chosen and contacted via the email address provided. Take the DTJax Employee Survey here. Take the DTJax Resident Survey here.

The Future of Transit and Autonomous Vehicles: Public Perception Survey   The University of Florida Transportation Institute and Department of Urban and Regional Planning are conducting a study to understand the users’ perception to autonomous and connected vehicles and how they are preparing and adapting to this new era of automated transportation systems. The feedback obtained from participants would help transit agencies and transportation experts prioritize strategies and initiatives to enhance the transportation network efficiency, mobility, accessibility, safety, and equity in Jacksonville, FL. Share your input and take the survey here. Questions about the survey? Contact siva@ce.ufl.edu.

 
 

Friends of Hemming Park: Quarterly Community Meeting   Join Friends of Hemming Park for a Quarterly Meeting to hear a year-in-review and a look ahead at plans for the park and scheduled events for the upcoming year. When: Thursday, January 31, 5-6:30 p.m. Where: Friends of Hemming Park Office, Main Library (1st Floor), 303 N. Laura St. Complete a short survey prior to the meeting for a chance to win a $50 gift card! Details.

 
 

City Council Meeting   Join the City of Jacksonville for a City Council Meeting. Details. When: Tuesday, February 12, 5 p.m. Where: City Council Chambers, City Hall, 117 W. Duval St.

 __________________________________________________________________

#DTJax News

• Acosta Bridge Will Once Again Shine Brightly At Night Thanks To New LED Lighting
• JEA announces short list of developers for its headquarters’ move
• The Cawton Report: City Council approves Ambassador Hotel deal
• Residents will see new colors in downtown’s skyline
• History: Oldest park in the city turned 153
• Lantern Parade: This family-friendly event will light up Downtown Jax on February 16
• Civil rights movement part of old Jacksonville City Hall history
• Laying groundwork for Downtown Jacksonville’s future
• The Florida Times-Union approved to move Downtown
• Jacksonville transportation hub project moving along
• The Cawton Report: Boyer says she’s interested in DIA CEO job; Scott, DeSantis sworn in
• International leaders say what it takes to sell Jacksonville

___________________________________________________________________

New businesses in #DTJax:

Escape Room 5280 515 N. Newman St. Now Open! Karma Beauty Spa and Store 45 W. Bay St. Now Open!

The Manhattan Sports Bar & Lounge 345 E. Bay St. Now Open! SHOR Tavern, Hyatt Regency 225 E. Coastline Dr. Now Open! Burlock & Barrel Distillery 417 Magnolia St. Coming Soon Joysticks Arcade Lounge and Retro Bar 120 E. Forsyth St. Coming Soon Mathers Social Gathering 120 E. Forsyth St. Coming Soon Vagabond Coffee Co. 112 W. Adams St. Coming Soon

___________________________________________________________________

Stories From BlogDTJax.com

• City of Jacksonville Publishes “The Lace & Axle: Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning Newsletter”
• 2018 #DTJax Awards Breakfast: Ambassador John D. Rood & Steve Moore, Downtowners of the Year
• 2018 #DTJax Awards Breakfast: 20West Housing and Café, Downtown Project of the Year
• Downtown Ambassador Spotlight: David Vasquez
• 2018 #DTJax Awards: Michael Ryan, Downtown Ambassador of the Year
• 7 Hidden #DTJax Hotel Restaurants
• #DTJaxSalutes Veteran Ambassadors
• Downtown Ambassador Spotlight: Cindy Ray
• National Outdoors Month in #DTJax
• Celebrating the St. Johns River in #DTJax
• Street Art in #DTJax
• Found in #DTJax: FORGE 3D Printing Studio

___________________________________________________________________

NEW Expanded Downtown Historical Timeline Jacksonville has a long, rich history. Experience our new interactive, illustrated presentation of some of the most interesting and impactful events that have occurred Downtown over the last 500 years! Details.     NEXT WEEK: Black Excellence: Past, Present, Future at #ArtWalkJax!   Celebrate Black History Month in #DTJax! Enjoy local art, delicious food, live music and performances, and 35+ venues on Feb. 6 from 5-9 p.m. Details. Highlights: Headquarters at Hemming Park: Enjoy readings by award-winning Poet, Ebony Payne, live performance by Shake Culture Crew and Jacksonville University Greek Life. Kid Zone at Hemming Park: Enjoy bounce houses, a magic show by Crossroads Magic and activities by MyGym Jacksonville. Vagabond Flea at Hogan Street: Check out this creatively curated market that features local artists, quality makers, upcyclers, vintage and antique sellers, and more! Food Truck Valley: Stroll down Laura St. and devour delectable food from Mr. Potato Spread, Manny’s Cuban Food Truck, Chubby Burrito, Kaboom Kababs, Blazin Azn and Frozen Sweets Truck. Plus, don’t miss a performance by BluPrint from 6-8 p.m.       Hey Jacksonville, show your love for our Bold City!  With help from Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR), Riverside Avondale Preservation and  LISC Jacksonville, we commissioned this killer design from local designer Alex Songcuan to show our love for Jacksonville. Get yours today! Proceeds benefit Downtown Vision as we work to create and support a vibrant Downtown and promote #DTJax as an exciting place to live, work, visit and invest.         4th Annual #DTJax Gala: Havana Nights, Neon Lights Who says you can’t party for a good cause? Join us at the 4th annual #DTJax Gala: Havana Nights, Neon Lights on Saturday, February 23 at 6 p.m. and enjoy the world-renowned nightlife of Havana, Cuba – with a #DTJax flair. Help us raise funds for the Lively and Beautiful Sidewalks initiative! Last year we raised nearly $40,000 with the help of our amazing sponsors. Get your tickets today: General Admission: $125 Young Professionals (21-35): Individual: $75 | Couple: $125 VIP: $250, includes access to VIP Lounge and private bar. 4th Annual #DTJax Gala: Havana Nights, Neon Lights Sponsorship Opportunities Support DTJax and gain valuable visibility for your organization when you sponsor Downtown Vision’s 4th Annual #DTJax Gala: Havana Nights, Neon Lights.  Download the Gala Sponsorship Kit today for information on sponsorship levels and benefits. Click here for the online sponsor payment option.

2017-2018 Annual Report   Have you ever wondered, “what exactly does DVI do in a year?”    From expanding the Ambassador program by 50% to installing 80,000 LED lights for the “Lights on Laura” installation to topping 100,000 followers on @DTJax social media, check out our latest Annual Report, which highlights accomplishments and financial information for fiscal year 2017-2018. Read or download the PDF here.     2017 State of Downtown Report   It’s an exciting time for Downtown Jacksonville! As we watch Downtown potential turn into action, we have a lot of successes to celebrate. Read about current development, employment, and residential trends in this 12-month look at Downtown Jacksonville’s progress. Read or download the PDF here.               2019 Art Walk Sponsorship Opportunities   Downtown’s signature monthly event, First Wednesday Art Walk attracts 5,000 people each month, spans 15+ blocks with 35+ galleries, museums, cultural venues, restaurants, bars, and businesses. In its 15th year, Art Walk celebrates the local art scene by featuring hundreds of artists, performers, and live music acts. Be a partner today! Download the kit here.