Jacksonville’s International Auto Show is underway at the Prime Osborn Convention Center downtown.
This year’s show looks at what’s coming soon as well as what’s already on showroom floors.
Whether you’re looking to test drive a Chevy Camaro, Dodge Charger or Fiat Spyder, you’ll find plenty of Ride and Drives at this year’s show.
Show organizer Barbara Pudney said Friday the number of next-generation vehicles on display is a real testament to how Jacksonville is growing as a city. “What I’m excited about is we’ve got six 2019s on the show floor. That’s the most we’ve had in terms of pre-production vehicles. And it shows the importance of the Jacksonville market.”
The 2019 Ram is among them with its new styling direction and almost Tesla-like center screen infotainment system. Notably absent this year are displays from Cadillac and Mazda.
That aside, there are also fun activities for families and car enthusiasts, including a 9-foot tall robot.
“We have everything from trucks to sedans. You can test drive a Corvette if you want to,” Pudney said.
Saturday the Jacksonville Corvette Club will be displaying vintage ‘Vettes outside the convention center. Sunday it will be the Jacksonville Mustang Club’s turn.
Also appearing on Saturday will be the First Florida Chapter – Military Vehicle Preservation Association with vintage vehicles that will include a 1945 GPW and Willys Jeep, according the Paragon Group, which is producing the show.
HOURS
Friday, February 16, 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday, February 17, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday, February 18, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Adults: $10.00
Children (6-12): $5.00
Children under 6: Free
Seniors (65+): $8.00 (ID required)
Military: $5.00 (Active and retired military personnel with appropriate military ID – white active duty or blue retired military cards – tickets must be purchased onsite at the box office).
Friday Only: February 16th is Active Military & Active First Responders Day. Show your white active duty military card or police, fire, EMT identification and receive free admission to the show.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org, 904-358-6349 or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
