JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — If you drive on Beach Boulevard regularly, you may have noticed the scenery slightly change.
Dozens of pricey palm trees are being planted in the median from Parental Home Road. to St. Johns Bluff Road.
The Florida Department of Transportation said the project began in June.
There are 81 Phoenix sylvestris, also known as wild date palms, varying in height from 16, 19 and 22 feet.
Eric Rivera owns Precision Barber Shop along Beach Boulevard. He said the trees make the area look better.
“Now that they’re starting to put them up over here you get more attention, as well. So, it brings a lot of business towards the shopping center,” Rivera said.
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Each palm tree costs $2,400.
FDOT said the price includes the cost to plant and maintain the tree for two years, and to replace the tree if it doesn’t survive the two-year establishment period.
The entire project costs $827,118.83. The money comes from the annual construction budget, of which 1.5% is dedicated to beautification projects, FDOT said.
There is one more landscaping project that include palms coming up later this year near the Overland Bridge.
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