The Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, to the west of downtown, is linked with the business district by an elevated people mover system. On the south bank, the St. Johns River Park and Marina features the lighted Friendship Fountain, one of the tallest lighted fountains in the United States. Restaurants and hotels line the Riverwalk, which also features entertainment areas where performers such as musicians and mimes appear. Blacks make up about a fourth of the population of Jacksonville. Other groups in the city include people of German, English, Irish, and Basque descent.
Poverty is a problem in Jacksonville, as in many other U.S. cities.
Religious groups have built eight high-rise apartment buildings and a health center, all for the elderly. Jacksonville serves as the main financial and insurance center of Florida. It is a major banking center, and about 35 insurance companies have their home or regional offices there. Jacksonville is also a leading distribution and transportation center of the Southeastern United States. Many retail and wholesale warehouses serve the city.