River City Rising
The Documentary
Four decades ago, a group of visionaries set out to transform a politically corrupt, racially divided, and financially bleeding town into the "Bold New City of the South." Spurred by a myriad of political, financial, racial, and environmental problems; inspired by an impromptu, hand-scrawled manifesto; and led by a popular, soft-spoken Southern gentleman, Jacksonville voters cast their ballots for a move that would mean the most momentous change of direction in the River City's history. The vote to consolidate Jacksonville and Duval County governments is lauded as the single most important factor in Jacksonville's development as a prosperous metropolitan area.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Jacksonville's consolidated government. Consolidation (primarily based on the results of the 1966 study "Blueprint for Improvement") did, in fact, improve many facets of life in Jacksonville. Yet, many issues remain. While Jacksonville boasts several top-rated colleges and universities, private, and magnet schools, too many of its public schools repeatedly fail standardized tests. Although Downtown development has hit major strides, too many of its buildings remain empty eyesores. Racial divisions remain tragically intact. And the River City's crown jewel, the mighty St. Johns River, is still plagued by pollution.
River City Rising will explore the achievements and continued challenges resulting from Consolidation in five key areas:
- Economic Development
- Civil Rights
- Environment
- Education
- Public Services
The documentary will include interviews with former Jacksonville mayors, City Council leaders, attorneys, business leaders, civil rights activists and others who were involved in or impacted by the Consolidation efforts. Some praised the move, others opposed it. Interviews already conducted or planned include former Mayor Hans Tanzler, the leader at the helm during the transition to consolidated government in Jacksonville; former City Council President Homer Humphries, who helped implement the sweeping changes that Consolidation brought about; and former Circuit Court Judge William Durden, whose controversial ruling on a 1964 case declared the city's entire tax roll unconstitutional and helped to fan the pre-consolidation fire, and who would later serve as the consolidated government's first General Counsel. Visuals will include still photographs and footage from historic archives.
See a preview of River City Rising...
*Photo courtesy State Library and Archives of Florida
