For 69 years, drive-in movie theaters entertained generations of Jaxsons. Today, their remnants are hard to find in the city’s modern landscape. Here is a look at sixteen drive-in theaters that operated in town between 1939 and 2008. - During the 1920s, “outdoor movies” emerged as a popular form of summer entertainment across the county. During the Great Depression, the drive-in theater concept was patented in Camden, New Jersey by Richard M. Hollingshead on May 16, 1933. On December 6, 1939, the Jacksonville Drive-In opened on Atlantic Boulevard. It ..read more

Waiting for a food hall to open in Jacksonville? Some would argue various versions of the concept already exist and operate successfully in town. Pictured here and located outside downtown, Apna Bazar and RD International Market both quietly offer diverse culinary and dining experiences. - Apna Bazar 11173 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 ..read more

Here's an update on the progress made a the landlocked historic cemetery. - Veronica Little is still pursuing her vision of memorializing those who served but have lain in their graves forgotten while the city grew up around them. Her vision is coming to fruition due to her efforts and from those who have volunteered and donated. “We all have hands,” she told ..read more

Starting with the arrival of the first immigrants in the 1890s, Arab Americans have had a major impact on the growth and development of Jacksonville. Many early immigrants lived and operated businesses in LaVilla. In honor of National Arab American Heritage Month, here's a look at five sites in LaVilla with connections to Jacksonville's vibrant Arab American community. - *A 1920s Sanborn map of LaVilla | Jacksonville Public Library Special Collections ..read more

A look at the latest renderings for a marina support building and restuarant at the Shipyards mixed-use development site. The project will seek final Downtown Development Review Board approval on April 11. Take a look and let us know what you think of the latest proposed design. - Project General Information DDRB Application 2023-018 seeks Final Approval for the Marina Support Facility, located on the Shipyards Mixed-Use Development property. As shown in the images on the following page, the subject site is between the anticipated office tower and the Northbank Riverwalk (north and south, resp ..read more

Regional enclosed shopping centers across the country are in decline. Charleston's Citadel Mall is one that ownership has continuously attempted to revamp to respond to changing retail demographics and trends. - Located near the interchange of I-526 and U.S. 17, the Citadel Mall was the last of four enclosed regional shopping malls built in the Charleston, South Carolina metropolitan area during the 1970s and 80s. The first two malls, Northwoods Mall and Ashley Plaza Mall opened in June and August of ..read more

Ever wonder what a historic neighborhood commercial district in Jacksonville can resemble after revitalization in the form of “withintrification” takes place? Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard in New Orleans is a good example of a model that can be easily replicated locally along corridors like Myrtle Avenue, Kings Road, A. Philip Randolph Boulevard, Moncrief Road, Main Street, Edison Street, McDuff Avenue and more. - What is “Withintrification?” A March 2024 view of Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard | Ennis Davis, AICP Most cities across the country are home to historic neighborhood commercial distri ..read more

Looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city without actually leaving the city? A trip to Cedar Point on Black Hammock Island may be in order. - Ruins of the former Fitzpatrick Plantation house. Located on the south tip of Black Hammock Island, Cedar Point is a part of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. Maintained by the National Park Service, a trip to Cedar Point allows visitors to see a large plot of undeveloped land, lived ..read more

Here are four women who were influential in Jacksonville during the 19th century. - Sister Mary Ann Hoare A portrait of Sister Mary Ann Hoare | The Sisters of Saint Joseph Born in Ireland, Sister Mary Ann Hoare immigrated to the U.S. in 1848 as a response to the potato famine. In 1861, she professed her first vows as a Mercy Sister in the ..read more

Before chains like Walmart, Publix, Winn-Dixie and Whole Foods dominated the grocery business, these names once anchored shopping centers and street corners throughout our cities. - Daylight Grocery Company, Inc. Daylight Grocery employees in front of a store in Jacksonville in 1949. Courtesy of State Archives of Florida. Established by Israel Edwards and David Lasarow, the first Daylight Grocery opened in Downtown Jacksonville at 19 Main Street in 1928. Despite being in the midst of the ..read more