Suggested change in 904 area code raises hackles of Jacksonville movers and shakers

Power Poll Jacksonville's March survey shows the movers and shakers around town can get emotional and divided about the 904 area code.

The Florida Public Service Commission is already reviewing the possibility of instituting a new area code for Jacksonville, according to a recent report by the News Service of Florida. But the tradition of the mighty 904, which has become a hallmark for the First Coast, has power players providing a mixed reaction to the possible change and there is no clear endorsement of a new area code.

This month’s Power Poll saw 50% of the respondents in Jacksonville saying they refer to the “904” all the time and businesses use it as part of their identity all the time. Another 50% of Power Poll participants say the area code is just a number and it’s not personal.

When it came to the possibility of changing the 904 area code in Jacksonville specifically, 50% of those taking part in the poll said they’re totally against any change and it’s ours. Let other areas around Jacksonville change their area code while the city keeps the 904. Another 42% of respondents said other areas of Florida have already changed area codes that turned out fine and we can do it, too. Still another 8% said they had no opinion or weren’t sure.

In terms of the need for a new area code, Power Poll respondents were closer to agreement. Some 69% said the need for a new area code shows Jacksonville is growing and we’re on our way to becoming a major city. Only 19% of those taking part in the poll said maybe we ought to get a handle on growth before it gets out of control. Another 12% said the weren’t sure or had no opinion.

Thanks for taking part in the March Power Poll and we’ll be back in April.