JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The center of activity in Downtown Jacksonville seems to be shifting. While business is booming on one end, some businesses on the other are struggling. And the reason why is the new Duval County Courthouse.
Stephanie Smith set up shop near the courthouse to get in on the action, and she says her cupcake business, Le Petite Cheri Cupcakery, is booming. "It's improved greatly," she said.
The same can't be said by vendors near the old courthouse. "For us, it's been pretty hard," said Vlad Kulischevskiy of Taco Rodeo on Bay Street. "It's slowed down dramatically."
He says he hopes the city makes up its mind soon about what to do with the empty space. But in the meantime, customers looking for something new are headed west. And business owners are enjoying the ride. "It's been crazy," said Smith.
The city still hasn't made a decision about what to do with the old courthouse. There's talk of making it a new convention center. But that's just talk right now.
