Convention center vs. UF
The recent announcement that some University of Florida graduate-level courses will be taught in Jacksonville is a positive development. However, the decision to take over the site intended for Prime Osborn Convention Center expansion is not.
While there are certainly valid complaints about the Prime Osborn, most of these issues can be addressed more quickly and cost-effectively than starting from scratch elsewhere.
The primary limitation of the Prime Osborn as a convention center is its size. At 265,000 square feet, it is considered too small to compete for large-scale conventions. However, the solution is not to abandon the center, but rather to double or triple its size and add a parking garage with direct access to the Skyway.
These improvements can be accomplished within the 17 acres already available to the center, with minimal disruption, as there are no existing structures to demolish or difficult soil conditions. Construction access could not be simpler.
The center’s location, at the junction of I-10 and I-95, is convenient for both residents and visitors alike. While it’s true that the surrounding area was largely vacant 40 years ago, the recent resurgence of the Brooklyn neighborhood — along with the planned McCoys Creek restoration — has transformed the area into a dynamic, thriving part of the city.
It’s also important to note that convention centers do not require an attached hotel to be successful. These venues are primarily inward-focused and do not need costly amenities, like river views. What they do require are space for expansion, easy accessibility, ample parking and convenient vehicular access.
The Prime Osborn Convention Center holds significant value. In today’s market, building a comparable facility at a new location would cost at least $200 million. It would be difficult to justify abandoning an existing, functional 265,000-square-foot convention center, especially when considering the substantial investment already made in its infrastructure.
David Laffitte, architect, Jacksonville
Wingard told it like it is
I appreciate Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andrew “Dewey” Wingard for saying what needed saying after the team’s abysmal performance against the Las Vegas Raiders on Dec. 22. He was obviously angry but chose his words carefully, alluding to team discipline and mistakes he’s seen “all year.”
Finally, we have a player who clearly has heart; who plays for more than a paycheck; who doesn’t subscribe to the same, tired, redundant answers other players and coaches regurgitate — they must “execute better,” “stay focused,” “practice harder,” blah blah blah.
Dewey said and feels what fans do: anger and disappointment. The best roster in franchise history (according to owner Shad Khan) was defeated by a 2-10 team that had lost its last 10 games prior to beating the Jags.
So, another season of lackluster, uninspired play and now the question is: Does the status quo remain, and Khan sits back twirling his mustache? Or does he finally say “Enough,” and make much-needed changes?
Fans, the city and its taxpayers — who are funding much of the stadium upgrades — deserve a lot better than this.
Thanks Dewey; your honesty was refreshing.
Gary Schuran, Middleburg
Support for RFK Jr.
My frustration grows daily as the number of children diagnosed with autism continues to increase. Everywhere in the media there are references to “better diagnosing,” while the search for the actual cause is ignored.
Suffice it to say that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been by our side for decades, the only one to stay for that long. He sees U.S. growth from about 2 to 4 in 10,000 cases in the late 1970s to about 1 in 36 today. Florida leads the nation — nearly 5 in 100 kids diagnosed with autism.
As head of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, if approved, he intends to look further into the reasons for the massive increase. I urge all Floridians to support him in this effort to help relieve the suffering of children, young adults and their families.
Maurine Meleck, Ponte Vedra Beach
Sex is taboo, guns just dandy
Why are so many people more obsessed with sex than they are with guns? It seems that the people who want to ban books, prevent transgender individuals from using certain bathrooms and (now) require ID to watch porn sites — all to protect children — are the same people who want to give citizens more access to guns, allow open carry and do away with background checks on gun sales.
Guns are the leading cause of death for children. I’m sorry, but I would rather have my teenage daughter accidentally see male body parts in the restroom, my 10-year-old son watch sex acts on his laptop or my 8-year-old son read about homosexuality, than to have them run the risk of being murdered.
Wim Blees, St. Augustine
E-bikes, scooters need regulation
I’ve seen an increasing number of nonregulated vehicles on the roads over the last several months. These appear to be electric bicycles and small scooters. I say “nonregulated,” as they don’t show any type of license plate and I would assume the riders are also unlicensed.
Some of these vehicles can be operated at near residential street speed limits. In my observations, the drivers rarely stop for traffic signs or signals. They sometimes operate on the road but many times are on sidewalks. It would seem appropriate to enforce some type of regulation before serious accidents occur.
Peter Baci, Jacksonville Beach
This story was updated to add a video.
