'It's like a vintage number:' New area code to replace 904 officially rolls out

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The 904 is officially no longer the only area code in town.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

The 324 area code launched Monday, and it marks the end of an era for some Northeast Florida natives.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Cell phone customers opening a new line, or in some cases, changing their cell phone provider, can now expect to be issued a number with a 324 area code.

For Taha Elghazi, the addition of the new area code is a sign of the region’s population boom.

RELATED: Investigates: Dialing down 904 area code with 324 on call waiting

“We’re getting big. This city is getting big. It’s transforming from a town to city,” said Elghazi.

The population of the Jacksonville metropolitan area has roughly doubled since the mid-1980s.

Just since 2010, it’s seen a roughly 30 percent increase.

That population spike is also what’s driving the need for new phone numbers.

904 is a bit of a staple here in the Bold City and throughout Northeast Florida, which is why Leeor Barhaim, who just moved into the area last month, is regretting his decision to put off getting a new phone number.

“It’s a symbol of your city. Everybody knows your area code is about where you’re from,” said Barhaim. “I’m hoping I can sweet talk my way into a 904 somehow.”

RELATED: 904 and 324: Mandatory 10-digit dialing will go into effect in Northeast Florida soon

But getting someone like Elghazi, who has his 904 number on lock, to part ways with their coveted digits might be a tough sell.

“I’m not changing my number. Like you said, it’s going to be times when it’s like a vintage number. I might sell it,” said Elghazi.

Or maybe not... If the price is right.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

As for those who currently have the 904, they’ll get to keep it, but now you will need to start dialing the area code in when you make local calls.

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.