MWP's Next Steps
A Second Ferry
It is essential to have uninterrupted ferry service. The acquisition of a second ferry will accomplish this and decrease wait times. Historically, Mayport Village had two ferries operating: the Jean Ribault and the Blackbeard. During Jaxport's tenure as custodians of the ferry, grant funding was not sufficiently accessed and one of the ferry boats was retired without seeking a replacement.
The ferry is a vital and longstanding link of travel along A1A, as well as the East Coast Greenway, a 3,000 mile pedestrian and bicycle route from Florida to Maine. Without a fully operative ferry service Mayport Village becomes a cul de sac.
When ferry service was in danger of being discontinued entirely in 2012 the Friends of the St. Johns River Ferry was formed, which acts as a guardian for the service. The ferry has been in operation for nearly 150 years.
Increased Dock Space
The respectful revitalization of Mayport Village begins with the restoration of the working waterfront. The cultural and historic character of this community is intertwined with the commercial fishing industry. Less than 15 years ago there was still more than a 1000 feet of dock space, which was eliminated when a cruise terminal was proposed for this location. Increased dockage is key to revitalization. The Partnership, the Northeast Florida Regional Council, and the City of Jacksonville worked together to allocate Comprehensive Improvement Plan (CIP) funds for new commercial fishing and recreational docks in Mayport Village. In early 2024, MWP’s executive committee proposed a Collaborative Work Group to COJ’s Public Works Department. In April the first meeting was held with immediate good effect for the quality of the proposed design. MWP will continue to work with Public Works and the engineering firm to reach the optimal outcome for the commercial fishing people who depend on the docks for their livelihoods.
FDOT Release of Right of Way on Ocean Street
Seeking to transfer the ownership of the Right of Way from the FDOT to the City of Jacksonville in order to more efficiently proceed with the development of the 6.72 acres of waterfront property currently held by the city.
Development of the 6.72-acre Waterfront
A 6.72-acre parcel of waterfront property stands ready for development on the eastern edge of the St. Johns River at Mayport Village. Once a vibrant mix of commercial fishing uses, retail, and dining establishments, in 2008 this property was purchased by Jaxport for a proposed cruise terminal. Buildings on this property were leveled and the docks were eliminated. After protests from civic groups and a persistent legal battle the terminal plan was abandoned, and the land was returned to the City of Jacksonville in 2018. For more than a decade the land has been waiting for restoration.
The Mayport Waterfront Partnership has worked closely with the Haskell Corporation, funded by the City of Jacksonville, in creating a plan for the best path forward. A developer is sought who can share the vision of a mixed-use development of retail, dining, and housing that wisely interweaves commercial fishing, education & research, and eco-tourism with the cultural and historic heritage of the Village to create a 21st century experience.