This is to Ian from a Man of color that KNOWS Springfield probably moreso than anyone in this forum or anyone who has lived there less than 10 or 15 years.
Keep doing what you are doing and hold on; better things are coming not only for you, your family, and Shanty Town, but also for the Springfield area. I lived in Jax during my 20 year Navy career numerous times and though I no longer live there, Jax is my heart and forever my home. I used to frequent Springfield quite often in the late 70's, 80's and up to the mid 90's, and it was a horrendous place back then. Thugs, drug addicts, drug dealers, alcoholics, male and female prostitutes, etc. Since leaving Jax in 1995, each time I have returned, Springfield, and Jax as a whole has changed, and for the better. The last time I visited, which was early this year, Springfield looked fantastic, especially compared to the past. I laud and applaud what the citizens of Springfield, the leadership of Jacksonville and others have and are doing to make Springfield a great and pleasant place to live.
Don't give up hope Ian, and others who reside or frequent historic Springfield. It is truly on the "up and up" and a few years from now, Springfield's demonic and dark past will be buried, gone and hopefully forgotten, we will always be aware of Springfield's past to not forget that part of its history, but we must forget what was and move on.
Hang in there Ian, and I am regretfully sorry that this happened to your beautiful establishment and business. Better times are coming so hold on.
Heights Unknown
