by Gilbert B Norman
gokeefe wrote:Very impressive. Also note the implied enthusiasm of local government that wants to relocate nearby. Nice to see FECI building up their own passenger base. I'm trying to think of a historical equivalent but the best I can imagine would be hotels attached to major terminals. Private office space construction sounds new to me.Mr. O'Keefe, it would appear that FECI is taking a page out of Henry's playbook; "Build the railroad and they will come".
https://firebaygiftshopatthebocaratonh. ... tos&page=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
We will see, if a century later, such holds rewarding.
Finally, allow me to reiterate, I am not opposed to Brightline; I have no interests whatever in any of those Treasure Coast communities in Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Brevard Counties (my Father resided in Vero Beach during Seasons 83-84 and 89-90; place was simply "Zero Beach" to me). I have been skeptical largely in part because I had the inner sense that FECI wanted out of the railroad business (I was correct on that). I thought the State was their target buyer and the prospect of passenger trains would simply "fatten up the steer". I never known a passenger train initiative having such a degree of success "slaying the infidels", although who knows how "Izzy the Insect" will take to having his buzzing disrupted as the new track is constructed. I've taken two joyrides to date, and plan another next January. I have found their product to be exemplary in every respect. So we shall see.