"A fascinating account of how the city of Jacksonville met the major challenges of the last half of the 20th century, from those posed by race relations to downtown development to the environment. Crooks has provided a well-written, clear, and thoughtful analysis of the need for and movement to establish a consolidated government, and the early years of that government. His understanding of Jacksonville and of the times is impressive."--Joan S. Carver, Jacksonville University In the 1950s and '60s Jacksonville faced daunting problems. Critics described city government as boss-ridden, expensive, and corrupt. African Americans challenged racial segregation, and public high schools were disaccredited. The St. Johns River and its tributaries were heavily polluted. Downtown development had succumbed to suburban sprawl. Consolidation, endorsed by an almost two-to-one majority in 1967, became the catalyst for change. The city's decision to consolidate with surrounding Duval County began the transformation of this conservative, Deep South, backwater city into a prosperous, mainstream metropolis. James B. Crooks introduces readers to preconsolidation Jacksonville and then focuses on three major issues that confronted the expanded city: racial relations, environmental pollution, and the revitalization of downtown. He shows the successes and setbacks of four mayors--Hans G. Tanzler, Jake Godbold, Tommy Hazouri, and Ed Austin--in responding to these issues. He also compares Jacksonville's experience with that of another Florida metropolis, Tampa, which in 1967 decided against consolidation with surrounding Hillsborough County. Consolidation has not been a panacea for all the city's ills, Crooks concludes. Yet the city emerges in the 21st century with increased support for art and education, new economic initiatives, substantial achievements in downtown renewal, and laudable efforts to improve race relations and address environmental problems. Readers familiar with Jacksonville over the last 40 years will recognize events like the St. Johns River cleanup, the building of the Jacksonville Landing, the ending of odor pollution, and the arrival of the Jaguars NFL franchise. During the administration of Mayor Hazouri from 1987 to 1991, Crooks was Jacksonville historian-in-residence at City Hall. Combining observations from this period with extensive interviews and documents (including a cache of files from the mezzanine of the old City Hall parking garage that contained 44 cabinets of letters, memos, and reports), he has written an urban history that will fascinate scholars of politics and governmental reform as well as residents of the First Coast city. James B. Crooks is emeritus professor of history at the University of North Florida

You could call Jacksonville the secret city of Florida because even many natives have a tough time pinning down its defining features and best spots. But for anyone willing to dig beneath the surface, there’s no shortage of incredible sights, hidden histories and unusual relics just waiting to be discovered. Want to see the world’s largest Native American woodcarving, chart the roots of Southern rock, or eat curly fries at the barbecue joint that claims to have invented them? Secret Jacksonville: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure is dedicated to telling the stories behind forgotten, mysterious and just plain interesting spots across Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Fernandina Beach, and the surrounding communities. Here you’ll find out where you can see a long forgotten Florida waterfall with connections to Jacksonville’s founder, and learn why there’s a tombstone in the middle of a neighborhood sidewalk. You’ll hear the stories behind local delicacies like Jacksonville-style garlic crabs, datil peppers, Mayport shrimp, and camel rider sandwiches. And of course, you’ll learn what exactly is up with that orange roadside dinosaur everyone’s always talking about. Jacksonville writer Bill Delaney has a deep passion for his hometown and a keen interest in underrepresented stories. From folklore to history and everything in between, join him to explore a side of the Bold City you can only find by leaving the welltrodden path.

Series statement from publisher's website.

Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the trails of the Timucuan preserve, Jacksonville, Florida is a vibrant multicultural city with great weather nearly year-round and the largest urban park system in the country. Known by its many visitors for its rivers and beaches, it also has a treasure trove of unique experiences for young and old to discover. 100 Things to Do in Jacksonville Before You Die is your cheat sheet to Jacksonville’s most iconic destinations. Discover insider knowledge on exciting festivals, shopping hot spots, and the tastiest pizza in town. From historic theatres to state-of-the-art robots, Jacksonville is a city worth exploring. Treat yourself to the smallest donuts at Mini Bar Donuts, and the biggest jumbotrons with the Jacksonville Jaguars game day experience. Hop on the Jacksonville Ale Trail and discover the First Coast’s growing craft brew scene, head to the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens for a wild time, or carve out an afternoon for a walk on Skeleton Beach. Jacksonville is often underestimated, but travel expert and Jacksonville resident Amy West is on a mission to expose all of her hometown’s charms. Follow along as she takes you behind the scenes of some of her favorite places and discover Jacksonville with a local.

First published in 1999. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

"A revelation for hikers. Mashour knows the backcountry of Florida like few others."-Robert Silk, author of An Ecotourist's Guide to the Everglades and the Florida Keys "Provides detailed trail directions, a descriptive sense of each ecosystem, and don't-miss highlights."-Michal Strutin, author of Florida State Parks: A Complete Recreation Guide Experience wild Florida with this guide to 100 off-the-grid hikes from every corner of the state. Florida's five water management districts encompass millions of acres of public property that include thousands of miles of public trails. Terri Mashour explains where to find these little-known routes, which ecosystems they feature, and how to plan your perfect outdoor adventure. Mashour describes the hidden wonders hikers will discover in each district. Northwest Florida offers views of sandhills, clear and cold springs, and river bluffs. The Suwannee River area is crisscrossed with meandering creeks. In the St. Johns River watershed, conservation lands include large cattle ranches, lakeshores, and levee restoration projects. In Southwest Florida, manatees swim up rivers from the Gulf of Mexico. And the South Florida district is home to water treatment areas, pine flatwoods, and the mangrove islands of the Everglades. Whether you are a hiker, trail runner, off-road bicyclist, or equestrian, this guidebook will help you locate and enjoy wide expanses of pristine nature not far from your own backyard. A volume in the series Wild Florida, edited by M. Timothy O'Keefe