The Downtown Council

The USS Orleck is coming to JAX! Justin Weakland, Vice President of Jacksonville Historic Naval Ships Association shares details of the historic gearing-class destroyer.

Greg McGarity, President and CEO of Gator Bowl Sports, talks team considerations and other Gator Bowl opportunities.

Kelly Rich, executive director of Springfield Preservation and Revitalization talks Porchfest 2021 and other upcoming plans for historic Springfield. Learn more about SPAR and the Downtown Council of the JAX Chamber at www.downtowncouncil.org

Steve Atkins talks the masterplan for the downtown riverfront and the Laura Street trio. Learn more about Southeast Development Group and the Downtown Council of the JAX Chamber at www.downtowncouncil.org

Braxton Gillam talks current and future development projects happening in Downtown Jacksonville. Learn more about Downtown Investment Authority revitalization and the Downtown Council of the JAX Chamber at www.downtowncouncil.org

The Downtown Council successfully hosted their first in-person meeting at the VyStar Tower with David Cohen and Jim Webb of Manifest Distilling. They discussed changes to liquor laws in Florida, and how that effects downtown entertainment. We also hosted its first podcast party where DTC members shared stories of our history and about what makes the Downtown Council so important to the growth and development of Downtown Jacksonville. Learn more about upcoming Downtown Council events at downtowncouncil.org.

Dr. Kimberly Allen talks the effects of racism in our city and what 904WARD is doing to build and embrace an inclusive community. Learn more about the 904WARD and the Downtown Council of the JAX Chamber at www.downtowncouncil.org.

Creating inclusive communities will help creativity and entrepreneurship thrive in Downtown Jacksonville. Learn more about the Jessie Ball duPont Fund and the Downtown Council of the JAX Chamber at www.downtowncouncil.org.

You may be surprised just how much in-progress development there is in Downtown Jacksonville. Learn more about the JWB Real Estate Capital and the Downtown Council of the JAX Chamber at www.downtowncouncil.org.

There is a new leader and a new vision for Jacksonville's riverfront gem. Learn more about the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and the Downtown Council of the JAX Chamber at www.downtowncouncil.org.

Numa Saisselin, president of Florida Theatre joins the Downtown Council to discuss reopening arts and entertainment amid COVID-19 disruptions, renovations happening at Florida Theatre and an update on its capital plan. 

Episode Notes

The renovations include new seats, expanding the lobby on the second floor, updated bathrooms and an new sound and stage lighting equipment. Improving wheelchair access is also very important for the Theatre, so that they are in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Saisselin talks the importance arts and entertainment in our community. Florida Theatre was also a top five attended theatre in the U.S. under 2,000 seats, and was performing more than 150 shows per year before COVID-19 started. 

Want to attend a meeting? Visit downtowncouncil.org to sign up for an upcoming event.

Darnell Smith, market president for Florida Blue – North Florida Region and board member for LIFT JAX, joins the Downtown Council to discuss the initiative and strategy that business and community leaders are using to eliminate poverty in and around Downtown Jacksonville.

Episode Notes

Extensive study and analysis points to Jacksonville’s Eastside neighborhood, which was once home to several prominent African American leaders, including Mary Magdalene White, James Weldon Johnson, A. Phillip Randolph and Bob Hayes.

Smith serves on the executive committee and presents how the people and businesses of the Downtown Council can best partner with LIFT JAX to help eradicate poverty throughout Jacksonville.

To attend a meeting, visit downtowncouncil.org to sign up.

The Downtown Council is in session. We represent Jacksonville’s downtown business community, which includes major corporations, growing businesses and start-ups. We are the Chamber’s largest and fastest-growing council and our goal is to connect businesses so that Downtown Jacksonville, will thrive and prosper. Join us on the first and third Friday of every month to stay informed of business and civic issues that impact your bottom line. Visit downtowncouncil.org to sign up.