The city is located in the northeast section of Florida, about 20 minutes inside the border. In 1565, Jean Ribault came here, claimed the area for France, and erected Fort Caroline. The area was also explored by Spaniards and was once known as Cow Ford. History buffs can visit the many historical landmarks that stretch from Amelia Island to St. Augustine. Families will find the array of attractions, including the expansive white-sand beaches, both exciting and relaxing. Music fans can take in live performances at a variety of venues. And sports enthusiasts can enjoy NFL football, tennis, sailing, or indulge in one of the area's world-famous golf courses.

Jacksonville continues to make history as one of the nation's largest cities in land area, a major port, financial center of Florida, site of Navy bases, and home of the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars, a Mayo Clinic medical center, Jacksonville Zoological Gardens, beautiful beaches and numerous waterways. It has seven colleges and universities dedicated to serving the practical needs of the city's business community, in addition to general academic needs. Degrees from associate to doctorate, as well as non-degree course work, are available.

Expansion Management magazine has named Jacksonville one of the top 3 "hottest cities" four of the past five years. Jacksonville was No. 3 in the 2004 edition and No. 1 in 1999, 2002 and 2003. In fact, Jacksonville has ranked in the top 10 every year of the survey. The magazine, used by executives looking to expand or relocate their businesses, surveyed leading site selection consultants.

The great showings are partly due to the jobs that companies bring to the area. Although corporations continued cutbacks in 2004, more than 50,000 new jobs have been created by businesses expanding or relocating to Jacksonville during the past five years. The unemployment rate of 5.1 percent compares with a state jobless rate of 4.4 percent and a national rate of 5.5 percent.

The U.S. Navy, with two large bases in Jacksonville, is a major presence in Northeast Florida. The area is also a center for the healthcare, insurance, grocery, railroad, financial, banking and telecommunications industries. Many companies have their headquarters in Jacksonville, from grocery giant Winn-Dixie to rail giant CSX Corp. to financial services standout Fidelity National Financial Inc. - all Fortune 500 companies - to retailer Stein Mart to Sally Corp., one of the largest designers and fabricators of animated robotic characters. And the growth isn't all in Jacksonville. In 2002, Wal-Mart opened a distribution facility east of Macclenny in Baker County that has produced more than 600 jobs.

In addition, various area companies have made names for themselves beyond the First Coast. For example, Jacksonville's Landstar System Inc., a trucking concern, made Forbes magazine's Platinum 400 List of America's Best Big Companies for the fifth consecutive year in 2004, while Armor Holdings, makers of security products for law enforcement use, is on Forbes 200 Best Small Companies list. Fidelity National is one of Forbes' Best Managed Companies, and, JM Family Enterprises, with vehicle processing and parts distribution facilities in Jacksonville, has been ranked by Fortune magazine as one of the best companies to work for.

Over 5 million people visit the First Coast and pump billions of dollars into the economy each year. About 92,000 people in Northeast Florida work in the travel and tourism industry. Jacksonville is also now a player in passenger cruise ship service. Celebrity Cruises, the premium division of the industry's No. 2 operator Royal Caribbean began cruises from Jacksonville in October 2003 and Carnival Cruise Lines, the world's largest cruise operator, launched in February 2004.

A big connection to the world marketplace is Jacksonville's deep-water port, the 14th largest in the United States. The Jacksonville Port Authority (Jaxport) owns and operates three marine terminals on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville. Almost 550,000 vehicles are processed, making Jacksonville among the top 2 vehicle-handling ports in the nation.

From its location and wonderful climate to its warm hospitality, growing downtown and great shops and restaurants, Jacksonville has plenty to offer both residents and visitors alike.