by Richard Prior
Staff Writer
If enthusiasm could be packaged, the Landing would be producing enough energy to light every bulb in the city.
“We are talking to so many people about so many things,” said Kathryn Fernandez. “They are so excited about getting involved down here.”
Fernandez, the Landing’s new marketing coordinator, has been on the job since Dec. 5. She was hired by Janice Lowe after Lowe was promoted to marketing manager.
The offer came as a pleasant surprise from out of the blue, coincidentally after Fernandez heard Toney Sleiman, owner of the Landing, and consultant Mike Tolbert talk about their plans at a Florida Public Relations Association meeting.
“I thought that was really exciting, what’s going on down here,” said Fernandez. “I’ve known Janice for a long time, and she called me, offered me a job. I just jumped on it and ran.”
Fernandez is a graduate of the University of North Florida with a bachelor’s degree in communications. She worked as a public relations specialist for Children’s Miracle Network for two years, raising money for Wolfson Children’s Hospital and Shands’ pediatric programs.
She was responsible for all the written material — newsletters, press releases and flyers — produced by the Network. She also worked as liaison with local stations for promotional events and fund-raisers.
“I was very lucky to fall into that job and have an opportunity to work for the hospital,” said Fernandez. “They’re good people there. It was tough to leave the Children’s Hospital. It’s a special place.”
Each day at the Landing brings another round of calls and meetings for Tolbert, Lowe and Fernandez as they toss around “what-ifs” and “how-abouts.”
“All three of us working together is exciting,” said Fernandez.
Events need to be scheduled and coordinated. A woman wants to discuss using the Landing for a local Camp Expo. Bands are being lined up for the year. The former 8,000 square-foot game room will be booked Feb. 7 for a Character Ball, a nonprofit literacy program in which participants dress in novel attire.
Invitations have been sent out for a reception the Landing will host for downtown residents, including those in 11 E. and The Plaza at Berkman.
“We’re telling them we’re excited all you pioneers are coming downtown,” said Fernandez. “You’re breaking ground. This is our vision, and we’ll do this together.
A committee has selected an artist and the design to be used on T-shirts and posters for the Earth Day celebration on April 17.
The courtyard will provide one stage by the river as the Landing hosts a portion of the annual jazz festival, scheduled for April 29-May 2.
Another idea is the possibility of a beer festival in March.
“There’s so much energy around here, and so much of that has to do with Toney,” said Fernandez. “He has so much energy, it’s amazing.He’s such a charismatic man. He knows Jacksonville, and he cares about this community.
“In my opinion, we have a great group of people here who feel just the same way. They’re all excited.”
The Landing, which opened in 1987, contains 125,000 square feet of retail space on two levels. It has room for more than 40 stores and additional space for restaurants.
Whether those stores will stay filled with patrons depends on adequate parking, Sleiman and Tolbert have said.
“That (proposed) parking garage will be huge, said Fernandez. “When I’m talking to my friends, they ask about it.
“If the Landing were convenient to get to, not only would people come here, but they would go to all these little restaurants and clubs that are trying to open. Everyone would benefit, not just the Landing.”
And, not far from anyone’s consciousness, is the Super Bowl, a full week of frenzied, nonstop activity.
Tolbert and Lowe are flying to Houston, Fernandez said, to get a feel for the type of entertainment being laid out for this year’s game between the Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots.
“I don’t think we want a set-up where the public can’t have access to the festivities,” said Fernandez. “They don’t want people to feel they must have high-priced tickets. I think they want the Landing open to the people of Jacksonville.”