With the proposed institution of service from Jacksonville to West Palm Beach, I would imagine that those communities would have preferred to have their old depots intact, not only for the architecture but also for a more rapid start-up date for this essential service. To see how a station can be utilized for both historical and transportation needs, people should hop an Amtrak train to Palatka. The depot houses one of the largest model railroad exhibits in Florida, as well as the Browning Railroad Museum, but it still functions as an active Amtrak depot. The museum is operated by the Palatka Railroad Preservation Society. It is open each month on the first Sunday and by appointment.
Admission is free and donations are accepted.
With the resurgence of passenger train travel for both long-distance travel and commuter service, it would behoove cities to maintain these historical buildings for future use. The citizens of Jacksonville pay the second-lowest electric rates in the state. The JEA is currently the only department or authority in the city government that operates in the black. In addition, the JEA has recently taken over the city water and sewer department, upgrading and improving service to Jacksonville. Ask people who pay their electric bills to a private company about their quality of service and rates.