Staff Writer
Throughout its lengthy history, Jacksonville Community Council Inc. has conducted numerous studies and leaned on community engagement to further its goal of advocating positive change for the city. It will be a study outside the organization, though, that’s the focus of community members when they convene this afternoon to discuss results of the 4th Annual Sunshine State Survey.
The discussion, part of the ongoing “Issues and Answers” lunchtime seminars, will focus on the answers Floridians gave to the 4th Annual Sunshine State Survey regarding views on everything from government and jobs to desirable leadership traits and public trust.
“It’s important from a JCCI and Northeast Florida perspective because the information was taken just from the state of Florida,” said Skip Cramer, JCCI executive director. “It’s particularly intriguing this year because of the state of the economy and the recession and how their perspective might have changed from past years.”
Several of the survey’s findings will be discussed during the session, which Cramer anticipates to reach maximum capacity at the JCCI offices.
The results include:
• For the first time in the poll’s history, those who submitted data said that having more people move to Florida is a good thing, something Cramer noted was indicative of the potential to bring jobs into the state economy. “People really do feel this is a good place to live,” said Cramer.
• In line with JCCI’s focal point throughout the year, jobs and the economy represent the most pressing concern among those who took the survey.
• Disapproval figures arose for government’s effectiveness in creating jobs, something Cramer said is unfortunate as people from around the country express anger and frustration due to the economic climate.
• In terms of desired traits in leaders, the overwhelming response was integrity.
• There was close to a 70 percent favorable response to give incentives to businesses to expand or relocate to Florida. Providing incentives is something Cramer believes has been a point of contention among Northeast Florida residents.
• Opinions on Amendment 4 and drilling off Florida’s coast were both favorable, but Cramer anticipates some swing with coastal drilling among the “Issues and Answers” participants in light of the recent oil rig accident off the coast of Louisiana.
Participants in the JCCI session will have a chance to weigh in on the topics themselves, as equipment will be provided to allow local responses to the same survey during the one-hour meeting.
“It will allow a quick snapshot of our audience,” he said.
The Sunshine State Survey was produced by Leadership Florida and the Nielsen Company, which interviewed close to 1,300 Florida residents from across Florida. Northeast Florida was represented with 14 percent of the responses, fourth behind Southeast Florida (22 percent), Tampa Bay Metro (19 percent) and Orlando/Daytona (17 percent). Other demographics included income level, length of time and political party affiliation. Cramer praised the group for its demographics variety, especially the age range.
The JCCI discussion on the 4th Annual Sunshine State survey results will be moderated by Bruce Barcelo and be held noon to 1 p.m.
“It’s going to be quite a discussion and one I’m looking forward to,” said Cramer.
For more information, call JCCI at 396-3052.
356-2466