The University of North Florida, the Mayo Clinic, extensive office and light industrial development, and retirement have all brought about cultural and social changes, in addition to urban sprawl. In fact, with construction of an excellent airport, the City has become a gateway for international tourism en route to nearby St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and Amelia Island. The community is more affluent and well-educated. With that change has come enhanced cultural and sports opportunities. High tides and storm surge affects properties along the St. Johns River and along both the beachfront and inland waterway sides of the barrier islands.
Severe thunderstorms are common and cause frequent flooding.
Tornadoes occur on average about once a year, mainly of the F0 or F1 ranking on the Fujita scale. Although located in a position somewhat sheltered from the extensive hurricane activity along the Atlantic Coast, the Jacksonville area has experienced a few major hurricanes, the most recent being Dora in 1964. The percentage of people in the area who have actually experienced a hurricane has diminished as time and migration have made Dora's impact a memory for a decreasing portion of the population. As a major port, with excellent rail, highway, and river linkages to inland areas, Jacksonville is vulnerable to many types of hazardous materials in significant quantities. As the community continues to grow into undeveloped pine flatwoods, particularly to the north and west, wildfires become an increasing threat.