Jacksonville, FL (February 29, 2024) – Scenic Jacksonville is pleased to introduce Scenic Visions, an exciting new program that will shine a spotlight on neighborhoods outside of the urban core. The inaugural program will be a three-part series focusing on Arlington, once the fastest-growing area of Duval County.

“Our goal is to rediscover hidden gems within our community while engaging civic leaders and neighborhood stakeholders in thought-provoking experiences and meaningful conversations that help to catalyze community action,” said Nancy Powell, executive director. “This program is a complement to our successful annual Great Cities Symposium, and we are thrilled to partner with Old Arlington Inc., the JAX Chamber Arlington Council, Greater Arlington Civic Council, and Jacksonville University to bring these opportunities to people both inside and outside of Arlington.”

 “Scenic Visions 2024: Spotlight on Arlington” is a three-part series, with information and event registration at www.scenicjax.org.

  • Saturday, March 23: from 9:30 am – 12 noon: “Spotlight on Arlington’s Riverfront,” a guided tour of Arlington from the vantage point of the beautiful St. Johns River. Depart and return from the Chart House dock; Tickets $25 per person.
  • Saturday, April 20: “Spotlight on Arlington’s Assets and Opportunities,” a Guided Trolley Tour of Arlington. Depart and Return from College Park on University Boulevard North; Tickets $25 per person. Registration will open in mid-March.
  • Wednesday, May 29: “Spotlight on Arlington’s Future,” a panel discussion featuring Arlington’s local visionaries, investors, ambassadors, and civic leaders to be held at Jacksonville University. Jacksonville University President Tim Cost will be joined by three additional panelists. Free event; details and registration will be available by mid-March.

“Arlington is awash in history and natural beauty, and despite some blight on its commercial corridors, there are amazing assets to be celebrated,” said Steve Matchett, president of Old Arlington Inc. “Arlington is a community of neighborhoods that offers so much more than what can be seen from the Arlington Expressway. We are thrilled by this opportunity to shine a spotlight on Arlington and its promise.”

Arlington experienced a 30-year boom after the opening of the Mathews Bridge in 1953 that attracted young and innovative architects who today are celebrated as leaders of the mid-century modern movement. Robert Broward, Taylor Hardwick, William Morgan, Robert Broadfoot, Gilbert Spindel and others left their mark on Arlington – and Northeast Florida – with numerous architecturally significant homes, businesses and churches.

The area was incorporated into the city in 1968 as part of Jacksonville’s consolidation. By the 1980s, new development had moved south and east, and the all-too-familiar cycle of neighborhood decline had begun.

Today, Arlington’s future is bright. Significant public and private investments are being made throughout the area and organizations like Old Arlington Inc. are working to coalesce the community in the revitalization.

About Scenic Jacksonville

Scenic Jacksonville, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan advocacy organization whose mission is to preserve, protect and enhance the scenic character and beauty of Jacksonville, Florida. We focus on preserving and expanding the tree canopy, responsible control of billboards and signage, underground utilities, historic preservation, downtown urban design, and riverfront parks. Learn more about Scenic Jacksonville at www.scenicjax.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Linked In.

About Old Arlington Inc.

Old Arlington Inc. was founded in 1993 and has been instrumental in documenting and maintaining the history of Arlington. As a volunteer-led, nonprofit organization, OAI is dedicated to preserving the architecture, history, and culture of the Arlington community. Learn more about Old Arlington Inc. at www.oldarlington.org and follow @ArlingtonJax.

About JAX Chamber Arlington Council

The JAX Chamber Arlington Council is one of eight Jax Chamber councils that enable members and their employees to learn, network and become actively involved in the community. Arlington Council’s mission is to help Arlington flourish by supporting local businesses, schools, community partners and initiatives that improve the quality of life for Arlington residents. The Arlington Council meets for breakfast, networking and informative programs on the last Wednesday of each month. For more information visit www.ArlingtonCouncil.org and follow @arlingtonJAXchamber on Facebook and @ARLCouncil on Instagram.

About Greater Arlington Civic Council

Greater Arlington Civic Council Inc. (GACC) is an independent 50-C4 umbrella organization formed in 1978 by a group of concerned citizens to protect and promote the health, safety, morals, comfort, convenience, and general welfare of the citizens of the Greater Arlington Area.

Contact:

Nancy Powell, Scenic Jacksonville, nancy@scenicjax.org (904) 608-3792

Trish Kapustka, Old Arlington Inc., trishk@tlkcomms.com (904) 891-6320