News Summary
In a positive development for Jacksonville’s Brentwood community, a property originally intended for a liquor store will be transformed into a workforce development center. The decision came after significant community opposition to the liquor store proposal, particularly due to its proximity to a school. The city has committed around $90,567 for the renovation, aiming to support local small businesses and entrepreneurship, reflecting a community-focused approach to development.
Jacksonville Property Gets New Life as Workforce Development Center
In an exciting turn of events for the Brentwood community in Jacksonville, a property once slated for a drive-thru liquor store will soon transform into a vibrant workforce development center. This shift comes after a significant pushback from local residents concerned about the appropriateness of a liquor store near a school.
Transformation Underway
On March 14, the city of Jacksonville issued a permit to Warden Contracting Corp. to start the much-anticipated conversion of the 2,630-square-foot building at 865 Golfair Blvd. The project, which will cost approximately $90,567, reflects the city’s commitment to enhancing community resources rather than promoting alcohol sales in the area.
The building, originally constructed in 1963, sits on a 0.38-acre lot. It has a history—it was previously owned by Exxon Corp. and served as an automobile service station before being sold in 1995. The property changed hands to SBPS #3 JI LLC of Saint Johns for a mere $150,000 in 2019. However, in November 2023, the Jacksonville City Council approved the acquisition of the property for $1.8 million, aiming to breathe new life into it as a community and resource center.
Community Support Drives Change
Mayor Donna Deegan announced the decision to convert the property into the Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business Entrepreneurship & Workforce Development Center just after community objections to the liquor store plan became overwhelmingly clear. The property is located directly across from KIPP Voice Academy K-7, intensifying the neighborhood’s concerns about having a liquor store close to children and families.
For months, local residents voiced their opposition, arguing that a liquor store in that particular location was not in line with the community’s values. Their voices carried weight, culminating in the city’s decision to prioritize community needs over profit—something that seems to have struck a positive chord with local residents.
A Focus on Support and Development
The mission of the new center will be to maximize procurement opportunities for certified Jacksonville Small and Emerging Businesses. This initiative supports the local economy by providing essential resources, mentoring, and opportunities for small business owners and entrepreneurs. This aligns seamlessly with ongoing city initiatives aimed at uplifting neighborhoods and creating sustainable growth in the community.
Additionally, the Jacksonville City Council has plans to allocate significant funding toward various community initiatives, thanks to a potential $150 million community benefits agreement tied to a renovation deal with the Jaguars. This funding aims to support local neighborhoods and encourage workforce development.
Future Prospects
The conversion of this property not only enhances local resources but also aligns with a broader vision of fostering a supportive environment for small businesses in Jacksonville. By prioritizing workforce development, the city hopes to encourage entrepreneurship—an essential step towards economic growth.
As construction ramps up, the residents of Brentwood are optimistic about this positive change, seeing a future filled with opportunity rather than alcohol sales. The workforce development center is poised to provide a nurturing space for entrepreneurs to thrive and for the community to come together. It’s an exciting time for Jacksonville as it continues to grow and shape its future for the better.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville Free Press: Perry Moore Group Donates New To You Suits Workforce Development
- Jacksonville.com: Eastside Workforce Development Center of Community Benefits Agreement
- Florida Politics: Personnel Note – Jennifer Peterson Joins TSG Advisors Education
- Jax Daily Record: FSCJ Receives State Workforce Development Grant
- First Coast News: City Council Expected to Vote on $94 Million Fund for Jacksonville’s Eastside
- Wikipedia: Workforce Development
- Google Search: Jacksonville Economic Development
- Google Scholar: Workforce Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Workforce
- Google News: Jacksonville Workforce Development
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
