Mesothelioma: The case of Jacksonville, Florida
Posted on Friday, September 2nd, 2016 at 1:28 pm
Mesothelioma: The case of Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville is the largest city in the state of Florida and is the second largest deep water port on the east coast of the United States. The city is situated some twenty five (25) miles south of the Georgia border and has a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. Jacksonville was originally occupied by the Timucua people but later the area became the site of Fort Caroline. Fort Caroline was one of the earliest European settlements in the United States. The city of Jacksonville became incorporated in February 1832.
Jacksonville, Florida Seal
In the twentieth (20th) century expansion began in the city. Architects and builders filled the city and many docks, shipyards, piers and terminals were constructed during this time. Ameristeel (formerly known as Florida State Steel Corporation) and Mid-State Steel and Wire both opened steel mills in the city.
The city’s seaport location made it attractive and a number of shipbuilders and dry docks settled in the area. Some examples of such companies are; Merrill Stevens Shipyard and Atlantic Dry Dock. These were two of the larger companies in the city.
Just before World War II, a United States Navy base was opened at the Port of Jacksonville. Today, the city has the third largest military presence in the United States. It is home to Mayport Naval Station, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Blout Island Command (Marines) and Kings Bay Submarine Base.
Asbestos Exposure
As a result of the city’s longstanding maritime and manufacturing industries, Jacksonville is in a high risk category for asbestos exposure. The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance has compiled information from different sources to identify job sites where asbestos exposure occurred in the city.
- Ameristeel
- Mayport Naval Station
- Atlantic Dry Dock
- Petro Chemical Products
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Vinson Law Office to assist you with your claim.