Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville, affectionately known as Jax by its residents, is more than just a big a city. It is the county seat of Duval County and is consolidated with it. This means that with the exception of Baldwin, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Jacksonville Beach, all areas of Duval County are considered part of Jacksonville. This makes it the principal city on the First Coast region of Florida. In terms of land area, it is the largest city in the contiguous 48 states of the United States, covering over 800 square miles. Home to approximately 900 thousand diverse people it is the most populous city in Florida and in the south, outside of Texas.
About The Community
This beautiful city has a colorful past and has had many firsts. Jacksonville was originally named Cowford, as cattlemen used to ford (or herd) their cows across the St. Johns River which is narrow here. In 1882, it was renamed after the first territorial governor of Florida Andrew Jackson who went on to become the seventh U.S. President. Jacksonville was a popular winter resort with the wealthy northerners who arrived by steamboat and railroad. Later, when the railroad was extended, Miami became the favorite of the rich and famous. This lack of tourists, cheap accessibility and labor made it the first choice for filmmakers. It was known as the Winter Film Capital of the World and the thirty studios employed over a thousand actors. The industry moved to California because of the unfavorable political climate.
The first international trade seaport port of Northeast Florida, Jacksonville Port Authority provides employment to over forty-five thousand people. During the Second World War, Jacksonville was set up as a Naval Air Station that is functioning even today.
Important Links
Vicinity of Jacksonville
Additional Details
Jacksonville International Airport serves the region. The multicultural congregation prays at numerous churches of all denominations. There are excellent medical facilities in Jacksonville including the famous Mayo Clinic. Other hospitals include the Memorial Hospital, Baptist Medical Center, and the St. Lukes and St. Vincents Hospitals. Jacksonville is almost a university town with its wide range of liberal arts, technical and specialist training colleges. It is home to the Florida Community College, University of North Florida, and the private Jacksonville University among others.
Despite its history of racial tensions in the past, people enjoy a good quality of life her and there are countless opportunities for entertainment, recreational parks and dining. Organizations such as the Jacksonville Community Council Inc which is a nonpartisan civic organization engages diverse citizens in open dialogue, research, consensus building and leadership development build a better community.
Spice Rack Grill is an unusual restaurant that is several notches above the usual BBQ and ribs place. The large elegantly decorated restaurant offers upscale dining and caters to the business community. Their barbecue has a touch of Nigerian spices and their ethnic dishes give their food a unique flavor. Mimi’s Café is a popular chain restaurant with a New Orleans theme and French touch. It has a patio, bistro and bar area in quaint cottage. Tables and booths are lit by cast-iron and glass chandeliers. The family friendly restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with an excellent children’s menu.