JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- Businesses along Bay Street that enjoyed walkup business from the Duval County Courthouse know their days are numbered, as courthouse employees soon will be changing locations to West Adams Street.
The new Duval County Courthouse is several blocks away in the heart of the downtown and nowhere near the What's Good Downtown restaurant on Bay Street.
"With them moving, it is kid of scaring everybody," said Nader Oweis from behind the cash register of the family-owned diner that's two years old.
He said most weeks, 70% of the customers that walk through the doors comes from the courthouse.
"They (customers) want us to move down there -- not as easy as saying it. It's very unfortunate," said Oweis.
Near the new courthouse, which will open after Memorial Day, is the UPS store on Hogan Street.
Inside is owner Vikki Wilkins, who for eight years has been on the receiving end of delays pushing back the construction of the $350 million courthouse. Finally, her ship has come in.
"Location, location, location," Wilkins said. "If you are on the good end of it, it is great, no matter what you have, if you're not in the right location. We think finally now our location is going to pay off."
Looking ahead has Oweis wondering where future foot traffic will come from on Bay Street, as the old courthouse soon will sit empty.
First Coast News