The bridge that forever changed the River City

The bridge that forever changed the River City

Antique cars, relics and memories shared during a celebration of the Acosta Bridge

When the Acosta Bridge opened on July 1, 1921, it changed the “geography of [Jacksonville’s] mind to greater possibilities and opportunities,” as Alan Bliss, Jacksonville Historical Society executive director, noted in his remarks at the 100th anniversary celebration of the opening of the Acosta Bridge on June 24 hosted by the San Marco Preservation Society. 

Over 100 guests attended Wood’s presentation on the Acosta Bridge, including St. Elmo Acosta’s oldest living granddaughter, Adrienne Hollis; his youngest living granddaughter, Andrea “Andy” Acosta Newman; and his grandson, George Acosta. Each granddaughter was presented with a rose at the gathering to commemorate the fact that Acosta traditionally wore a rose in his lapel.

Adrienne Hollis, St. Elmo Acosta’s oldest living granddaughter, brought the shovel that Acosta used in the groundbreaking for the bridge. Also shown are Andy Acosta Newman, Acosta’s youngest living granddaughter, to the left of Adrienne Hollis, and Curt and Debbie Hollis with Doug and Linda Hollis.
Adrienne Hollis, St. Elmo Acosta’s oldest living granddaughter, brought the shovel that Acosta used in the groundbreaking for the bridge. Also shown are Andy Acosta Newman, Acosta’s youngest living granddaughter, to the left of Adrienne Hollis, and Curt and Debbie Hollis with Doug and Linda Hollis.

The granddaughter of South Jacksonville’s mayor, Nancy Belote Felton, was also in attendance. South Jacksonville was the forerunner of the community now called Southside.

On June 26, a car parade recreated the original crossing of the Acosta Bridge from the Southbank. The procession wound its way to the San Marco Square in San Marco to participate in more festivities and presentations.

Sara Andrews
Sara Andrews

Andy Newman noted that her grandfather would be proud of today’s Acosta Bridge because it represents progress for the city of Jacksonville. The opening of the bridge sparked rapid growth in South Jacksonville and led to the community’s annexation by the City of Jacksonville in 1932. It was also instrumental in growth of the beaches area, as well as residential development in Mandarin. The bridge also made the other neighborhoods south of the river more attractive for residential development, and even affected the rest of the state by opening up travel along Florida’s east coast.

Matt Carlucci and Tom Ranney
Matt Carlucci and Tom Ranney

By Karen Rieley
Resident Community News

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