JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Some major cultural projects are inching closer toward enhancing downtown Jacksonville’s riverfront, adding what leaders call “key pieces” to the skyline.
On Saturday, the USS Orleck, one of the most decorated Navy ships since WWII, will be making its way down the St. Johns River.
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On Friday the city of Jacksonville held a press conference to announce updates on the new projects.
The USS Orleck will become the centerpiece for the Jacksonville Naval Museum.
“From the time I took office, I’ve been committed to changing the downtown skyline and transforming this place to a premier destination that has been a promise from the beginning,” Mayor Lenny Curry said.
City leaders say this comes after more than 12 years of waiting.
The Jacksonville Fire Museum will also be on the move Saturday from its home on Gator Bowl Boulevard to Bay Street. In its place will be the Four Seasons Hotel.
This adds to plans of a museum district that city leaders hope will draw more people to the city and downtown.
Also on Saturday, the Jacksonville Fire Museum will be moving.
The updated Friendship Fountain on the Southbank will undergo final testing this weekend for an upcoming grand reveal.
Craig Bernat with the Jacksonville Naval Museum is a retired Navy veteran. He leads the maintenance team onboard the USS Orleck and has been a part of the project since 2004.
“It’s a great way to honor the veterans of course,” Bernat said. “We’ll also bring individuals off of I-95 as they’re going to Orlando. That’s the key. They need a reason to come here and see more museums and things like that along the waterfront that’s going to bring them off the highway.”
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Bernat said this is a place for Navy veterans to meet and showcase their history.
“We’re the only Navy town that didn’t have a museum ship, and now we do,” Bernat said.
City leaders say these projects will continue to put Jacksonville on the map as a world-class destination.
The museum will create a space for military reunions, field trips and tours for those who just want to learn something new.
Wayne Misenar is also a Navy veteran.
“It should have already happened years ago,” Misenar said. “It could’ve been a game-changer for the downtown area. I’m convinced people will see that once the ship is here, and I’m looking forward to this being a huge success.”
Misenar said the museum will attract more people along the riverfront.
“It gives a destination downtown,” Misenar said. “A reason for people to come downtown for anything other than a nightclub or a sporting event or to work during the day.”
Misenar said veterans particularly will benefit.
“We’ve had countless numbers of reunions, and they’re always looking for places to go for reunions,” Misenar said. “Well, this is a perfect place.”
The Museum of Science and History will also eventually relocate to the Shipyards just steps away.
The USS Orleck’s permanent home will be at Pier One at Shipyards West. But for now, you’ll be able to find it along the Northbank Riverwalk starting Saturday.
Mayor Curry shared that VyStar Credit Union helped make this possible.
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Patti McElroy is the Senior Vice President of VyStar. She said last year the credit union gave more than $6.8 million to community support over 300 nonprofit organizations, which includes $800,000 in giving to military-themed initiatives.
“Our commitment to supporting those who protect, serve and care for our community in our country is why we are so passionate about supporting the Jacksonville Naval Museum and bringing the USS Orleck to the banks of the St. Johns River,” McElroy said.
The USS Orleck is set to arrive Saturday morning or afternoon in downtown Jacksonville depending on weather and shipping traffic. The current plan is for an arrival between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
“We’re going to have a naval museum here,” Curry said. “I would expect in the next few years you’re going to have a vibrant Bay Street east to west retail, residential and activity.”
Leaders expect the ship to be transformed into the museum by June, right in time for Jacksonville’s Bicentennial.
“We’d love to have a big building with plans like fighter jets from Blue Angels and things of that nature for everybody to say and just make it a big interactive thing,” Bernat said.
Leaders with the Jacksonville Naval Museum said they’re looking for volunteers, donations and contributions to help this project reach its full potential.