The Forgotten Rivers of Jacksonville

[Metro Jacksonville]

The Forgotten Rivers of Jacksonville



The St. Johns River isn't the only river in the River City! Today, Metro Jacksonville's Kristen Pickrell takes a look at Jacksonville's other rivers, while sharing interesting facts about each.

Read More: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2015-jun-the-forgotten-rivers-of-jacksonville

[acme54321]

Great article.  One correction though, the Ortega River/McGirts Creek doesn't originate near Middleburg.  It's headwaters are the area around Camp Milton and Whitehouse NOLF.  From there it flows south through the westside to the northern end of Orange Park where it arcs back north.

[thelakelander]

Thanks! I'll make that correction.

[mbwright]

Wow, a 3,500 acre WPA park.  If they had built it I'm sure it would be in ruins by now.  What a lost opportunity.

[thelakelander]

^Here's a map and more info on that WPA park:



Full article: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2014-oct-jacksonvilles-ten-major-missed-opportunities/page/4

[urbanlibertarian]

I grew up in a house on Broward River where my Dad still lives.  My Mom grew up on Woodlawn Rd. in the 40's and swam and fished in the Ribault River.
Great article.

[Ocklawaha]

The Ortega was also where the first practical PT Boat was developed at the dawn of WWII. Several models/builders attempted to meet the challenge of speed, size, arms etc. but they all met with failure until HUCKINS taught the world how to fly on the water. They produced two squadrons of PT's and then due to very small manufacturing space they licensed the design to ELCO and HIGGINS.

The Ortega, in the form of McGirts Creek formed the initial obstacle to attack on the massive Confederate earthworks at Camp Milton.

Bluff Landing, on the Ortega between Ortega Hills and Collins Road was a favorite beach for locals for a century before it was finally bulldozed and buried under new housing. It has been said that at one time a fully 25% of our city's population was conceived under the great oak trees that guarded the Landing.

The Cedar River was home to Jacksonville's favorite seafood house just west of where Blanding crosses today. Prichetts Kitchen ultimately burned to the ground leaving scores of seafood lovers 'homeless.'

The San Pablo River was the very first section of the Intercoastal Waterway to be proposed... By the Spanish in the 1500's. In true Jacksonville style, it was the very last section actually opened.

Captain Broward was approached by Cuban revolutionaries prior to the Spanish American War, to ship a load of guns and ammunition from Jacksonville to Cuba. Broward agreed and his boat 'The Three Friends' made its first voyage running guns to Cuban Rebels.

The Trout River, The Jacksonville Zoo once had a respectable amusement park of it's own that was laid out along the Trout River. It included a roller coaster, merry-go-round and a tilt-a-whirl among other sundry attractions.

[Know Growth]

A section of the Ortega River now referred to as Jacksonville Marina Mile   www.jacksonvillemarinamile.com

Regards the WPA,a more recent attempt at public ownership and comprehensive protection was attempted via State Conservation Lands McGirts Stream Valley proposal, which failed.

[Know Growth]

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[Sandyfeets]

I can proudly say that I grew up on the banks of Cedar River, and mom still lives there.   
It's cleaned up greatly since 1970 when our family moved there.   Fish kills all the time.   In the last 20 years though, we've watched wildlife return.  Bald eagles, osprey and river otters.   
My father would fondly tell of the time he went down to the marina on San Juan to take his boat out.  He came home and told us "Someone's been eating crabs on my boat!"  We asked, you mean they broke into the boat?   
"No, someone's been eating crabs on my boat and left their shells on the swim deck"
Otter had found himself a nice place to catch crabs, bring them to the nice "dining table" and dine.  Darn otters don't know how to clean up after themselves
One attempted to cross Lake Shore Blvd one morning and my mother thought, "Dear Lord, that is the biggest rat I've EVER seen come out of those woods." 
Was a wayward otter and she chased it with a broom back through the gate and close it.   No need for our precious friend to get smashed by speeding cars. 

[Overstreet]

Ocklawaha said, "The Cedar River was home to Jacksonville's favorite seafood house just west of where Blanding crosses today. Prichetts Kitchen ultimately burned to the ground leaving scores of seafood lovers 'homeless.' "

There is a restaurant building there at the NE corner of the Blanding bridge over the cedar river right now just waiting for an operator.

[Know Growth]

Ocklawaha said, "The Cedar River was home to Jacksonville's favorite seafood house just west of where Blanding crosses today. Prichetts Kitchen ultimately burned to the ground leaving scores of seafood lovers 'homeless.' "

There is a restaurant building there at the NE corner of the Blanding bridge over the cedar river right now just waiting for an operator.

Palmer Clarkson has that parcel and adjacent swath under option.

I recall a much more dynamic time there at that quadrant. Herb Whites boat sales, an active bowling alley (now closed), seafood place next door where the appliance parts store is now,and across the street,where the Sex Store is,was a dandy restaurant. Post Consolidation Jacksonville at the West Side Best Side Finest.................
The area has been 'on the cusp' the past few years.
I know folks who have lived on the Cedar River for decades,now bailing out; "Flight" 

Go Palmer!  Stem the "Tide"!