NEWS - Ports & Transportation

By Lou Phelps, SBJ Staff

Jan 16, 2011 – Local media in Jacksonville are reporting that the Jacksonville Ports Authority (JAXPORT) is considering ending its financial support for the St. Johns River Ferry system for the City of Jacksonville.  The ports authority is discussing redirecting funds toward other ports development priorities.

And, JAXPORT is considering returning ownership of land that has been part of a possible new cruise site terminal in the Mayport Village area.

The St. Johns River Ferry connects the north and south ends of Florida State Road A1A in Duval County, linking Mayport Village and Fort George Island via a sail across the St. Johns River. JAXPORT assumed responsibility over the ferry service on Oct. 1, 2007. The 0.9-mile ferry transit saves motorists 28 miles over a driving route that uses the Dames Point Bridge to cross the river.  The current operator of the service is Hornblower Marine Services.

Extensive development plans for the Mayport Village area have been on the drawing boards for a number of years.

Another blow to Jacksonville ports expansion occurred last week when the Florida Attorney General issued an opinion that Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation “should not approve slot-machine licenses” unless authorized by the state Legislature, or put to a statewide vote, hindering efforts of individual counties, such as Jacksonville’s Duval County, which have considered trying to bring in casino gambling.  

Jacksonville has looked at casino gambling as a possible adjunct to helping its cruise ship business and revenue for the city and its port.

Link to a story on the Mayport Village land can be found at:

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2012-01-16/story/jaxport-might-offer-mayport-land-back-city