JACKSONVILLE, FL (February 7, 2025) – Speaker Carol Coletta spoke to a sold out crowd of over 350 city leaders, business leaders and civic minded attendees at the Fifth Annual Great Cities Symposium on February 6th at the Garden Club of Jacksonville.
After an introduction by Mayor Donna Deegan, Coletta gave an engaging talk about the heart of urban waterfronts and public spaces and lauded Jacksonville for the riverfront opportunity in front of us. Coletta most recently served as CEO of the Memphis River Parks Partnership and is recognized as a national leader in urban design and public spaces.
Speaking about the importance of downtowns, she noted, “Downtowns aren’t the most accessible to each of us, but they are the most accessible to all of us.” A key benefit of “alluring public spaces” are that the provide “elevated experiences” you can’t get everywhere. They are unique and have the opportunity to bring together people who have the resources to go wherever they choose, as well as those who are less able to afford travel or fancy resorts.
For a recap, please check out the article in the Jax Daily Record. A photo gallery and video link to the full presentation, as well as a 3 minute excerpt, will be uploaded to the Scenic Jacksonville website and YouTube channel soon.
Thank you to our sponsors who make the event possible, and special recognition to Gold Sponsors Foley & Lardner, Gateway Jax, William and Barbara Harrell, Demetria and Bert Livingston, and the Brinton Family.
We look forward to assessing attendee feedback and planning another great event for next year!
photo credit: Jax Daily Record