The Jacksonville Historical Preservation Commission will hear from the public Wednesday about whether Hemming Park should become designated a historical landmark.
Hemming Park is the home of a Confederate Soldier monument. The bronze statue sits 62 feet above the park’s fountain, and is one of the few pieces that survived the Great Fire of 1901. The fire burnt down much of Jacksonville.
Southern heritage defenders are welcoming the possible designation, and they’re calling on fellow supporters to show up and speak on behalf of the monument.
In a Facebook event inviting people to speak, Seber Newsome, who's a member of the group “Save Southern Heritage Florida," wrote in a post: “We need people to show up (Wednesday) and speak on behalf of the moment. It must have the maximum protection allowed by current law, until we can strengthen the laws. No veteran should be left behind.”
There will be a public hearing 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Ed Ball Building downtown. Commission Senior Planner Joel McEachin said the a vote on the historic designation won’t be held until July’s meeting.
