We asked our award-winning city photographer, Wes Lester, to provide a sampling of some of his favorite shots of Jacksonville.  The beauty of our city and the warmth of its people come through dramatically in his work. (Please click on the pictures to see a larger version.)

This beautiful shot of the Jacksonville skyline emphasizes the St. Johns River and the tremendous business growth in recent decades.  The city offers a perfect balance of recreational and commercial activity.

A solitary reader enjoys the afternoon in Hemming Plaza across from the City Hall at St. James.  This small oasis of fountains and colorful flora provides a wonderful venue for special events or just enjoying Jacksonville's great weather.

For more than 10 years, the city has been home to the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars.  Fans like the one pictured here support their team during the season and were an important part of Super Bowl XXXIX in February 2005.

Jacksonville's beaches are among the best Florida has to offer (and Florida's beaches are second to none in the United States).  Whether enjoying a peaceful, solitary stroll with your best friend or romping in the surf with your children, the beaches make Jacksonville a great recreation spot. 

Established in its new location on the corner of Laura and Duval streets, the Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art (JMOMA) offers an example of one of the many cultural centers that make Jacksonville special.  Traveling shows and permanent collections bring the best in modern art to JMOMA patrons.

Jacksonville was the original home of the U.S. Navy's Flight Demonstration Team, better known as the Blue Angels.  Their daring aerobatics are always a hit at the Sea and Sky Spectacular, produced by the City of Jacksonville to showcase our military's importance to the city and to the nation.

Modern, high tech machinery makes Jacksonville a great place to work.  An educated work force combined with the city's pro-business attitude serve as an enticing combination for light industry and industrial entrepreneurs.

Our city is well-known for spectacular river-front fireworks displays which take advantage of the unique and historic bridges across the St. Johns River.  It seems like there's always something going on downtown!

Reading can't begin too early. That's why the mayor created the Literacy Initiative, or Rally Jacksonville!, which is devoted to promoting early literacy.  In its first year alone, more than 7,500 children under 5 years old were enrolled while over 210,000 books were collected.

The St. John's River, the Timucuan Preserve and the Atlantic Ocean provide aquatic opportunities for sports enthusiasts who love a day on or near the water.  Miles of beaches, two dozen boat ramps and hidden kayak trails through saltwater marshes offer something for everyone.