Wednesday marked eight years since three people were killed and another 11 were injured when a gunman opened fire at a video game competition in downtown Jacksonville.
The Landing closed less than a year later, was demolished shortly after and replaced with Riverfront Plaza.
This year, the new Riverfront Plaza was open for the first time on the date of the tragedy.
There’s more still on the way with Phase 2, but for one former business owner at the Landing, it doesn’t matter how much it changes – being here will always remind him of what it used to be.
“One of those ‘What if?’ kind of scenarios, because it could have been more of a direct impact on me,” said Former New Jax Gym Owner Tom Minette.
On August 26th, 2018, Tom Minette had just closed up New Jax Gym for the day and headed home less than an hour before first responders were called to the Landing.
One floor below his gym, a gunman opened fire at a Madden competition.
Eli Clayton and Taylor Robertson were both killed.
Eleven others were injured and the shooter was also found dead.
“I think it changed how people felt about the Landing and more security within Jacksonville in general,” said Minette.
Eight years later, and a park with a playground, event lawn and Riverwalk access have replaced the space Minette used to go to all the time for work.
A cafe, beer garden, fountain and ramp connecting to the Main Street Bridge could be added to the mix by the end of next year.
Along with that, a city spokesperson says the city is considering a plaque to honor the victims of the shooting, a touch Minette appreciates.
“I think we need to recognize these kinds of events happen so we can learn from them and learn how to prevent them,” said Minette.
That spokesperson says the plaque wouldn’t be installed until after phase two construction is done, which means it could possibly be in place by the 10-year mark of the shooting.