from staff
One of Bailey Publishing’s other publications, Downtown This Week, just completed a survey of several Downtown business leaders and City officials asking what they’d like for Christmas.
Downtown Ambassador Celeste Harrell would like peace for all, while Barnett Jewelers owner Bill Barnett would like a new wardrobe after putting on some pounds.
Tim Rose, owner of the Rose Agency, would like to see more opportunities for businesses, especially Downtown. City Hall security guard Ray Dinning just wanted to be with his family.
The most elaborate wish list came from Jacksonville Economic Development Commission Executive Director Ron Barton. He submitted a list of 12 things he believes will make Downtown a better place to live, work and play. Barton’s list should be sung to the tune of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love sent to me:
• 12 thousand residents-a-livin’
• 11 hundred signs-to-parkin’
• 10 blocks-a-streetscapin’
• 9 times the lightin’
• 8 bars-a-rockin’
• 7 new restaurants-a-servin’
• 6 Fortune 500s
• 5 two-way streets
• 4 happy blogs
• 3 new marinas
• 2 high-speed ferries
• And a grocery store in the core!