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Newly released census data points to a more diverse Jacksonville

New census data shows Jacksonville’s demographics are changing and becoming more diverse.

Johnny Mendez opened his restaurant, Si Señor, off St. Johns Bluff Road, six years ago.

Since then he’s seen his business grow.

“Going from a two-person operation to a 28-people operation, that says a lot but that’s thanks to the demand,” said Mendez.

Recently, in the same St. Johns Bluff Road shopping plaza, a Puerto Rican restaurant named Latin Creations also opened.

STORY: Census numbers show many Jacksonville grandparents are responsible for taking care of grandkids

Near St. Augustine Road, it’s not hard to spot Spanish language signs and near Baymeadows Asian restaurants are aplenty.

Mendez said it's a sign of change.
                                                          
"It's great to have the diversity here in the city," said Mendez.

According to the Census Bureau, during 2013 to 2017, foreign born residents in Duval County where mostly coming from two regions. Nearly 39 percent from Asia and 38.3 from Latin America.

Nearly 14 percent of people in Duval county spoke a language other than English at home, with Spanish at the top of the list.

STORY: Florida's population has grown 11 percent since last Census

"I think Jacksonville is ready for that. It's ready for a change in not only the culinary aspect of it but business, in voting," said Mendez. 
When it comes to voting, Jacksonville is already seeing a shift.

Duval County went blue in the races for governor and senator during the 2018 mid-terms.

Kristin Miller said she’s noticed the diversity in her daily life and she welcomes it.

“It exposes our children to different cultures that they may not have had exposure to before,” said Miller.

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