OP
@wleuthold avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2006 Vespa GT (Rocket): 2007 Vespa GT (Vanessa): 2009 Yamaha Zuma 125: 2018 Yamaha Xmax (Big Ugly), 2023 Vespa GTS300 (Ghost)
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Location: Jacksonville, Florida
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@wleuthold avatar
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UTC quote
Lostboater and I had another Courthouse Tour scheduled for early this week.

The mission was to see the courthouses of Florida's First Coast, a silly marketing name given to northeast Florida years ago.

We met up at Camp David, actually a trailer home near Newberry, Florida that serves as a nice getaway.

Monday morning started with breakfast, where we met a nice couple who own two Maple Street Biscuit restaurants in the area. This one was empty when we arrived and never got busy, but Edwina and Josh, the owners were interested in our scooters and were very kind during the visit.

From there we rode through my alma mater, the University of Florida, where I received a Masters degree in 1979.

The Alachua County courthouse is only a few blocks east of the university and we arrived, took photos and left without entering.

Next stop Starke, where there are two Bradford County courthouses. We stopped at the old one first. It is being used as a campus for the local university and has been restored for the adaptive use. The large courtroom on the second floor now sub-divided into offices and classrooms.

The new courthouse was a mile north and typical of the newer courthouses, that being non imaginative architecture. This one was interesting in that they had the 10 Commandments on a display outside. Next to that was a display placed by the Atheists of America, presenting another view.

We headed northwest from there to the Union County courthouse in Lake Butler. It was built in around 1940 in a traditional style. We went inside and visited the courtroom that was busy discussing the restitution for stealing a gaming system. The woman being heard said she couldn't pay the $700. I believed it. From there Ken had found that there was an earlier courthouse for Union County. We found a tin covered building that looked old and large enough to have served that purpose.

Next stop was the Baker County Courthouse in Macclenny. This one was build in 1940 with in a Greek Revival style. It has been renovated with new windows and doors but still looked good. We went inside and were given a tour by one of the guards. The courtroom was huge and quite original so we asked if we could take photographs. The guard first said "sure" but then thought he better ask the courthouse staff. They spent fifteen minutes discussing the request, then came out with an 11 page contract we would have to read, sign and wait weeks for approval. We declined. From there we stopped by the older, historic courthouse that now serves as the local library.

Next stop was the new Nassau County courthouse in Yulee. I was amazed when we turned the corner heading into the complex and saw the massive structure. It was rather well designed for a new one, this one turned out to be 17 years old but still looked new. We went inside but didn't visit a courtroom, just talked with one of the Bailiffs, who had much to say about the building and the old one that is still in use in Fernandina Beach.

That one we visited next and got to walk around the corridors and courtroom. No inside photos here either, but it was a very fine building that had been renovated thirty years ago. My friend, Ken Smith was responsible for the architectural work in the renovations, like he provided for many of these older buildings.

The last stop was the massive Duval County courthouse in Jacksonville. We stopped in front, took photos and left for the house.

When we got to my house and were putting the scooters away, we noticed a grinding sound coming from Ken's rear wheel. That was enough to change out plans for the next day. Ken said he would rent a car, drive it home then bring his trailer to pick up the scooter. I said that I have a truck for those purposes, so we would take it back to St. Petersburg together in the bed of my truck. We did and all is good again.

Bill
Alachua County Courthouse
Alachua County Courthouse
Old Bradford County Courthouse
Old Bradford County Courthouse
New Bradford County Courthouse.
New Bradford County Courthouse.
Union County Courthouse
Union County Courthouse
Baker County Courthouse in Macclenny
Baker County Courthouse in Macclenny
The old Baker County Courthouse, now a library.
The old Baker County Courthouse, now a library.
The huge Nassau County Courthouse in Yulee.
The huge Nassau County Courthouse in Yulee.
The old Nassau County Courthouse in Fernandina Beach.  Still used as a courthouse.
The old Nassau County Courthouse in Fernandina Beach. Still used as a courthouse.
The massive Duval County Courthouse in Jacksonville.
The massive Duval County Courthouse in Jacksonville.
On the ride, the true reason for the Tours.
On the ride, the true reason for the Tours.
Lostboater's scooter loaded into the bed of my truck for the ride back to St. Petersburg.
Lostboater's scooter loaded into the bed of my truck for the ride back to St. Petersburg.
Delivery.
Delivery.
@fledermaus avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2015 GTS 2017 BV 350
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12584
Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@fledermaus avatar
2015 GTS 2017 BV 350
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Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
UTC quote
Well-done! Nice photos. Hope Ken's scooter gets sorted.
@larrytsg avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
1979 P200e
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2665
Location: Lock Haven, PA
 
Ossessionato
@larrytsg avatar
1979 P200e
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2665
Location: Lock Haven, PA
UTC quote
Nice architecture, but the puzzling thing for me is, why courthouses?
@prof_rene avatar
UTC

Member
2001 Vespa ET4 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12
Location: Florida
 
Member
@prof_rene avatar
2001 Vespa ET4 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12
Location: Florida
UTC quote
I read this thread and thought I should share about the Dessert INN a truck rammed the building and destroyed it.
External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text

The Story
https://www.foxnews.com/us/florida-historic-landmark-desert-inn-and-restaurant-slammed-into-by-tractor-trailer
@wbdvt avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
'16 Sprint S 150, 2 x '06 GTS 250, '12 GTS 300, '74 Vespa 150 Super
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Molto Verboso
@wbdvt avatar
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UTC quote
Thanks for posting. Nice photos and write up. Hope nothing too serious on Ken's scooter.
And loved the ride pic as we have a couple inches of snow this morning with more coming down!
OP
@wleuthold avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2006 Vespa GT (Rocket): 2007 Vespa GT (Vanessa): 2009 Yamaha Zuma 125: 2018 Yamaha Xmax (Big Ugly), 2023 Vespa GTS300 (Ghost)
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UTC quote
Larrytsg wrote:
Nice architecture, but the puzzling thing for me is, why courthouses?
Neither of us are attorneys or have any connection to the law, but I am an architect who appreciates the buildings.

It helps that a good friend of mine was the architect for the renovation to several of the old courthouses.

One thing I like about the courthouses is that they are often the most impressive building in each of the smaller county seats. Visiting and checking out the best architecture of the day is always good for me.

Ken suggested early that we go inside each of them. This works for both of us but especially Ken as he always enjoys meeting people. We always talk to guards and bailiffs, sometimes county clerks and even one judge. They often look at us strangely, but after hearing our story, they get interested, sharing their knowledge of the buildings and people inside.

But the main reason is that it is a good excuse to ride scooters.

Bill
OP
@wleuthold avatar
UTC

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UTC quote
Prof Rene wrote:
I read this thread and thought I should share about the Dessert INN a truck rammed the building and destroyed it.
I have passed by there several times.  This is Bueller on a ride to Key West.
I have passed by there several times. This is Bueller on a ride to Key West.
OP
@wleuthold avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2006 Vespa GT (Rocket): 2007 Vespa GT (Vanessa): 2009 Yamaha Zuma 125: 2018 Yamaha Xmax (Big Ugly), 2023 Vespa GTS300 (Ghost)
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
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UTC quote
wbdvt wrote:
Thanks for posting. Nice photos and write up. Hope nothing too serious on Ken's scooter.
And loved the ride pic as we have a couple inches of snow this morning with more coming down!
It has been over 80 degrees in Jacksonville the past week. I was riding wearing a mesh jacket over a short sleeve shirt.
@wbdvt avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
'16 Sprint S 150, 2 x '06 GTS 250, '12 GTS 300, '74 Vespa 150 Super
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Location: Vermont
 
Molto Verboso
@wbdvt avatar
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UTC quote
I probably weigh 10 more pounds with the clothing necessary to stay comfortable here. Seriously need to rethink winter abode!

Keep the pics of rides coming. Gives me hope!
@fledermaus avatar
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
2015 GTS 2017 BV 350
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Posts: 12584
Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@fledermaus avatar
2015 GTS 2017 BV 350
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12584
Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
UTC quote
WLeuthold wrote:
wbdvt wrote:
Thanks for posting. Nice photos and write up. Hope nothing too serious on Ken's scooter.
And loved the ride pic as we have a couple inches of snow this morning with more coming down!
It has been over 80 degrees in Jacksonville the past week. I was riding wearing a mesh jacket over a short sleeve shirt.
Okay, that's enough of that. Razz emoticon

We finally have winter here...or at least a second round of it. Gonna be a couple of months before the scooters venture out it seems....
OP
@wleuthold avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
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UTC quote
It is cold today, 32 degrees F this morning, so I thought I would post some riding photographs from the warm Courthouse Tour from two weeks ago.
A glamour shot of me through Ken's windshield
A glamour shot of me through Ken's windshield
Heading out in the morning from Newberry.
Heading out in the morning from Newberry.
Riding on Highway 301 south of Starke.
Riding on Highway 301 south of Starke.
Ken following just north of Lake Butler.
Ken following just north of Lake Butler.
An unexpected stop on River Road just west of Callahan.  We had to take a 15 mile detour.
An unexpected stop on River Road just west of Callahan. We had to take a 15 mile detour.
Canopy road on Amelia Island.
Canopy road on Amelia Island.
On the causeway between Little and Big Talbot Islands on A1A.
On the causeway between Little and Big Talbot Islands on A1A.
UTC

Hooked
Aprilia Scarabeo 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 130
Location: Florida
 
Hooked
Aprilia Scarabeo 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 130
Location: Florida
UTC quote
Is your entire journey already mapped out? If you're planning a trip into the Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco counties, I'd love to join in depending on the days. Very cool way to site see.
OP
@wleuthold avatar
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
2006 Vespa GT (Rocket): 2007 Vespa GT (Vanessa): 2009 Yamaha Zuma 125: 2018 Yamaha Xmax (Big Ugly), 2023 Vespa GTS300 (Ghost)
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
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UTC quote
Scarabeo500ie wrote:
Is your entire journey already mapped out? If you're planning a trip into the Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco counties, I'd love to join in depending on the days. Very cool way to site see.
Those courthouses have not been visited yet.

We will stay at Ken's in St. Petersburg and see those.

No dates set yet.

I will let you know so you can join in.

Bill
UTC

Hooked
Aprilia Scarabeo 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 130
Location: Florida
 
Hooked
Aprilia Scarabeo 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 130
Location: Florida
UTC quote
WLeuthold wrote:
Scarabeo500ie wrote:
Is your entire journey already mapped out? If you're planning a trip into the Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco counties, I'd love to join in depending on the days. Very cool way to site see.
Those courthouses have not been visited yet.

We will stay at Ken's in St. Petersburg and see those.

No dates set yet.

I will let you know so you can join in.

Bill
Excellent! Looking forward to it sir!
@fledermaus avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2015 GTS 2017 BV 350
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Posts: 12584
Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@fledermaus avatar
2015 GTS 2017 BV 350
Joined: UTC
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Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
UTC quote
Do you guys actually ride, or just take pictures?! Razz emoticon

Nice work, anyway.

Watch out for falling iguanas if you happen to head south....
@bob_copeland avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2013 Vespa 300 Super, 2022 Kymco AK 550
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Location: Minneapolis USA
 
Ossessionato
@bob_copeland avatar
2013 Vespa 300 Super, 2022 Kymco AK 550
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3807
Location: Minneapolis USA
UTC quote
Great Photos - Thanks for Sharing
I do endorse your concept "Any Excuse for a Ride". I think my
scooter group rides to find a great restaurant. Thanks for sharing your adventure.

Bob Copeland
Frost Bite Falls
@wbdvt avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
'16 Sprint S 150, 2 x '06 GTS 250, '12 GTS 300, '74 Vespa 150 Super
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Location: Vermont
 
Molto Verboso
@wbdvt avatar
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UTC quote
What happened to Ken's scooter? Any details on what the issue was?
OP
@wleuthold avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2006 Vespa GT (Rocket): 2007 Vespa GT (Vanessa): 2009 Yamaha Zuma 125: 2018 Yamaha Xmax (Big Ugly), 2023 Vespa GTS300 (Ghost)
Joined: UTC
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
@wleuthold avatar
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UTC quote
wbdvt wrote:
What happened to Ken's scooter? Any details on what the issue was?
He thought it was the bearing in the transmission cover at the clutch.
That got replaced but it was still noisy.
He is looking at other possibilities.
Luckily, he has three other scooters he can ride.
Bill
@wbdvt avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
'16 Sprint S 150, 2 x '06 GTS 250, '12 GTS 300, '74 Vespa 150 Super
Joined: UTC
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Location: Vermont
 
Molto Verboso
@wbdvt avatar
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Location: Vermont
UTC quote
WLeuthold wrote:
Luckily, he has three other scooters he can ride.
Bill
Best argument for why you need to have more than one scooter in the stable to ride!
⬆️    About 2 months elapsed    ⬇️
UTC

Member
LX150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5
Location: Hutto, Texas
 
Member
LX150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5
Location: Hutto, Texas
UTC quote
There are 200 counties in Texas, I have not ventured out with The Vespa but I do have some images with my Vstrom. Since this is a scooter forum, Ill post when I get some some appropriate content!
Thanks for the ride along, I appreciate it.


So I binged the Florida count,
https://www.bing.com/search?q=mant+counties+in+the+state+of+florida&form=EDGTCT&qs=PF&cvid=557b60cf3a8f423493d3d95c28710d1b&refig=1be6550d60de4aa58d1a5e89679ae76f&cc=US&setlang=en-US&elv=AQj93OAhDTi*HzTv1paQdniPxKs81tgRGF9ioYMn9ekxCpgprTprfZei*eJ%21DOu7tNfS5iesrFroyNZTymnf4HIVVwglOzT6uWJU62g37k5g&plvar=0
OP
@wleuthold avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2006 Vespa GT (Rocket): 2007 Vespa GT (Vanessa): 2009 Yamaha Zuma 125: 2018 Yamaha Xmax (Big Ugly), 2023 Vespa GTS300 (Ghost)
Joined: UTC
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
@wleuthold avatar
2006 Vespa GT (Rocket): 2007 Vespa GT (Vanessa): 2009 Yamaha Zuma 125: 2018 Yamaha Xmax (Big Ugly), 2023 Vespa GTS300 (Ghost)
Joined: UTC
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UTC quote
DaveinHutto wrote:
There are 200 counties in Texas, I have not ventured out with The Vespa but I do have some images with my Vstrom. Since this is a scooter forum, Ill post when I get some some appropriate content!
Thanks for the ride along, I appreciate it.
Florida has 67 Counties.

They each have an active courthouse but some have old courthouses that were rehabilitated for other uses.

We prefer the old ones.

The attached map shows the counties visited so far, highlighted in yellow.

It may be a while before we can visit another.

Bill
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
@wbdvt avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
'16 Sprint S 150, 2 x '06 GTS 250, '12 GTS 300, '74 Vespa 150 Super
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Location: Vermont
 
Molto Verboso
@wbdvt avatar
'16 Sprint S 150, 2 x '06 GTS 250, '12 GTS 300, '74 Vespa 150 Super
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Location: Vermont
UTC quote
Any update on Ken's scooter?

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