Friday, September 06, 2013

A virtual walk along the Southbank Riverwalk 2013

Take a virtual last walk along the Southbank Riverwalk.  Once the Southbank Riverwalk reconstruction is completed we will be updating the site with a walk along the new Riverwalk.


Music 'Waters in Motion' by Sonic Adventure Project . Courtesy of  BeatPick.com

For more details regarding the planned Southbank Riverwalk reconstruction please
visit MetroJacksonville.com
 
Till next time,
Bob

Thursday, September 05, 2013

Southbank Reconstruction

This afternoon at the foot of Friendship Fountain and the Southbank Riverwalk Mayor Alvin Brown announced the "Kick Off" of the long awaited reconstruction of the Southbank Riverwalk.



Chief Administrative Officer Karen Bowling, Councilman Don Redman, Haskell Representatives as well as other City and Construction representatives were all present. Unfortunately our Summer Florida skies delivered some "Liquid Sunshine starting immediately before the ceremonies, ending almost on cue when completed, yours truly was soaked and many were scrambling to protect sensitive equipment.




I did get to meet Will Inman the Haskell Project Manager for the Southbank Reconstruction project. Will was kind enough to indicate that JaxFountain.com will have as much access as possible (much of the project will be completed from the water) to document progress of this all important project.









Phase One will be the demolition of the former home to the Maritime Museum, now located at The Jacksonville Landing (next to the Toy Factory).






Currently the Southbank Riverwalk is closed from Friendship Fountain to just past the Main Street Bridge underpass, for safety reasons during the demolition of the two Buildings at the foot of the Main Street Bridge. This area is to be reopened to the public once Phase One is completed. The remainder of the Riverwalk remains open to traffic at this time.



We will be posting updates and pictures as the project moves along and by next week hope to have additional images. More information regarding the reconstruction of the Southbank Riverwalk can be seen at the following links:
Jacksonville.com
COJ.net

 Until next time,
Bob

Psst...  Mayor Brown was very prompt and "On time" unlike recent holders of that office ;)

Thursday, July 04, 2013

4th of July 2013 Friendship Fountain

13 years ago today I was lucky enough to get married at Friendship Fountain...
That little one (Our youngest) is 16 now and as tall as I am ;)

I was lucky on so many fronts... Married at my favorite place in the City of Jax, Married on my Favorite Holiday, Married in Jeans ;)... It just goes on.

Unfortunately we will not be able to visit this year but I know that those that get the chance to view the Fireworks from Friendship Fountain will have about the best seats in the City and we hope that some of you will take some pictures and share them with everyone by sending some our way to be added to the Friendship Fountain Image Gallery.

Here is one that was contributed by Dan Morris...

If you are a frequent visitor you may note we have updated the Friendship Fountain Image Gallery, same pictures but a more modern and fresh presentation. We will be updating the web site itself as well in the next few days and hope you will visit often.

Selene and I wish everyone a very Happy and Safe Fourth of July and hope that many of you will get a chance to visit our favorite place!

Until next time,
Bob

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

2013 Friendship Fountain Patriotic Music Program

I just received word from Rick Sawyer with The City of Jax that the Patriotic Music Program will begin playing at Friendship Fountain on Jul 1, 2013 at 8 AM ET and play through July 7, 2013.

If you haven't had a chance to see the Patriotic Music and Light Program at Friendship Fountain yet, or even if you have before, make sure to mark your calendars to get down to the Fountain one evening during the week of July 1st, 2013.



Also some of the best seats in Downtown Jax for the City of Jacksonville Fourth of July Fireworks are always from Friendship Fountain Park. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Walmart for sponsoring the 2013 Annual 4th of July Fireworks in conjunction with the City of Jacksonville. http://www.makeascenedowntown.com/Events/Fourth-of-July-Celebration.aspx

Folks a trip to Friendship Fountain is always a good time but there may not be a better time to visit than when the 4th of July Patriotic Music program is playing!

Until next time, Bob

Friday, October 12, 2012

2012 Boat Light Parade Downtown Jacksonville

The 2012 Jacksonville Boat Light Parade will be held on Nov 24, 2012 at 7:00 PM ET.

Viewable from both the North and South Riverwalks (including Friendship Fountain) it was also announced that immediately following the Light Parade the Holiday Fireworks Spectacular will be held including the signature Waterfall Fireworks from the Acosta and Main Street bridges.

JACKSONVILLE LIGHT PARADE SET FOR NOV. 24, 2012

This is a MUST see for Adults and kids alike and a great evening out for the family.

For more details click the link above.

Till next time, Bob

Psst... Follow @DTJax on Twitter

Thursday, October 11, 2012

#FriendshipFountain Repaired and PINK for October

Received word from Mike Cribbs (writing for Rick Sawyer) that the Fountain lights have been repaired and Friendship Fountain is operating again.

This being Breast Cancer Awareness Month Friendship Fountain will be showing support by sporting the color PINK all month.

Local Breast Cancer Awareness Month events courtesy of Jacksonville.com
http://bit.ly/OUGsuU

The Fountain is expected to operate normally all Month and I am waiting word on the 2012 Holiday Schedule :)

Till next time, Bob

Monday, October 08, 2012

Southbank Riverwalk replacment plans...

Headline from Jacksonville.com

City eyes summer 2013 as possible starting date for replacement of aging Southbank riverwalk

Read the article here...

Plans are to replace the wood planked Riverwalk with concrete. While I have to say I loved the idea of a Wood Riverwalk when it was originally built the maintenance has proved to be beyond the City's capabilities and concrete is a better idea for long term...

-Bob