Jacksonville is one of the most unusual cities in the United States, it is located in Florida.
It has a very low population density.
I was there a year ago, and in Jacksonville Beach, and in Jacksonville itself, I was also shocked by the lack of people in such a big city.
It is clear that it is very large in area, but still in the center near the pedestrian bridges there is a hidden area with cafes and a promenade on the embankment, but even in the usual evening there was a feeling that you were not in a city of a million people, but in some kind of post-apocalyptic world, where 5 percent of the population survived.
General Info about Jacksonville FL
Jacksonville is located in northeast Florida at the confluence of the St. Johns River into the Atlantic Ocean.
The climate of the city is characterized as humid subtropical with mild winters and hot summers.
The average annual high temperatures fluctuate between +64 … +94 F degrees.
In the evenings, thunderstorms often occur due to the strong heating of the land and water, combined with high humidity.
At the same time, the city suffers from hurricanes less often than other cities in Florida.
The city has the largest area among all cities in the continental United States -888 miles 2.
However, its population does not exceed one million people.
Jacksonville Longest Buckman Bridge
There are not so many people in the world who are interested in massive engineering projects and bridges, but I am really interested.
Jacksonville is known as the city of bridges, I would call it Jacksonville Bridge City.
It has 9 Bridges which cross the St Johns River and the intercoastal waterway and 4 of them are pedestrian friendly.
Jacksonville bridges are especially beautiful at night, when they shine like gems and are reflected in the dark surface of the river. But besides this, bridges are important transport facilities for the city too.
More than 340 lighting fixtures are used for illumination for 1 bridge.
All 9 bridges have been equipped with a new modern control system that allows you to remotely turn on and off the light bulbs.
The Buckman Bridge is the longest in Jacksonville that connects Orange park and Mandarin.
Before the bridge was opened , it was at least an hour’s drive to get to the other side of the city.
How Long is the Buckman Bridge in Jacksonville FL?
Over 3 miles.
The Length of the Bridge is over 3 miles and it is the longest Bridge in Jacksonville.
An expansion project of this Bridge was necessary a few years ago because average daily traffic increased.
The expansion added two travel lanes and two safety lanes to each of the twin spans.
The expansion portion opened in January of 1997.
How High is the Buckman Bridge From the Water?
The Buckman Bridge is 20 m from the water.
The bridge is of girder construction, is approximately 3.1 milelong, and runs roughly east-west.
When Was the Buckman Bridge in Jacksonville Florida Built?
1970.
The Buckman Bridge was built by Henry Holland Buckman in 1970 who improved a state road system in Florida.
Before opening the bridge , the road trip across the St. Johns River from Orange Park to Mandarin was longer and more difficult.
One route involved heading north into downtown Jacksonville, crossing the Fuller Warren Bridge, then heading south, a distance of almost 30 miles and was around a 1 hour trip.
Another option was driving south to Green Cove Springs and over the timber planks of the Shands Bridge, nearly double the distance of the northern route.
Why Are All the Bridges in Jacksonville Closed?
Bridges in Jacksonville can be closed only due to weather conditions and the closures of all the bridges are really rare.
There were only 2 shutdowns in Jacksonville: Tropical Storm Fay and extended freezes.
First time all the bridges were closed during tropical storm with the wind over 40 mph and it was considered dangerous and required closures.
Second time, on December 23, 1989, the temperature dropped to -22.0 °F and the precipitation changed from rain to sleet and snow that lasted several days.
All bridges in Jacksonville were impassable and closed for more than 24 hours.
Jacksonville Pier
Recently, a long pier was reopened on the beach, which was repaired for a long time after being destroyed by a hurricane.
All guests and locals especially love this part of the beach, because it is very pleasant to make long promenades here.
Well, those who want to see the dawn should come to the pier early in the morning, since the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean is a fabulous and unforgettable phenomenon.
Jacksonville is a unique combination of history with leisure and recreational activities.
The golf course has also recently been refurbished, and then there is an excellent selection of bars, cafes and restaurants right on the ocean.
Well, a lot of water activities can truly satisfy even the most spoiled vacationers.
In addition to the fact that surfers from all over the world come here constantly, as it is one of the best places for skiing in the area, you can also go kayaking and sea fishing, and of course volleyball, yoga, beach football and biking.
Here you can also participate in various dance performances on the ocean.
Many vacationers generally consider Jacksonville the most comfortable and beautiful beach in the United States.
And these are not empty words, since the beach is well equipped with showers and toilets, changing rooms, and a magnificent panorama opens up here.
To Do List in Jacksonville
Go for a walk around the city. The best place for this is the embankment of the St. Johns River.
The northern part of it is called “Northbank Riverwalk”.
Nearby is the shopping and entertainment complex Jacksonville Landing.
The southern part of the embankment is the Southbank Riverwalk. Here, in the green zone of St. Johns River Park, Friendship Fountain installed.
To see with your own eyes the building, the image of which is replicated all over the world – the Bank of America skyscraper.
This is the tallest building in the city, which is shaped like a sharpened pencil. And the Florida Theater, built in 1927, is a fine example of the Mediterranean Revival architectural style.
Raise your cultural and educational level by visiting the best museums and galleries in Jacksonville.
The most visited is the Museum of Science and History. The largest is the Museum of Modern Art.
The greenest is The Museum of Art & Gardens. And the newest one is called “The Brumos Collection”.
Its exposition tells about three centuries of the history of racing cars.
Set aside time for outdoor activities and sports
The embankments and the picturesque pedestrian bridges are great places for jogging.
There are several riding centers in the city, where experienced instructors will teach even a beginner to stay in the saddle.
And Jacksonville and its surroundings are famous for their golf courses. It is the headquarters of the PGA TOUR and hosts The Players Championship.
Have a family day of fun
You should start with the Adventure Landing amusement park.
Then move to the Adventure Landing Shipwreck Island water park.
Another great family location is Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. It contains 2000 animals. The collection of rare plants includes 1500 specimens.