Study by Visit Jacksonville Shows Local Impact Increased from 2013

This year’s annual Georgia-Florida Football Classic proved to be even more successful than last year, with 132,882 out-of-town visitors generating $33.3 million in economic impact for Jacksonville, according to research by Visit Jacksonville.  The data shows the local impact increased $784,000 from 2013.

There were 37,118 room nights booked throughout the city for the game, generating $3.5 million in room revenue.  Room revenue from hotel stays increased from 2013 by almost $100,000.  Nearly 17,000 jobs were supported by the weekend events, the research shows.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has reopened A1A and the St. Johns River Ferry is now operating.  Thank you for your patience - and for riding the ferry!.

Due to an automobile accident, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has closed AIA (in both directions) between Wonderwood Expressway and the Mayport ferry landing.  As a result, the start of St. Johns River Ferry service today has been temporarily delayed.  A subsequent alert will be issued as soon as AIA is reopened and ferry service resumes.

Mayor Alvin Brown announced a multi-agency coalition and launched a six-month campaign to address pedestrian and bicycle safety in Jacksonville today on the front steps of City Hall.

Mayor Brown was joined in support by Council Members Don Redman, District 4, Dr. Johnny Gaffney, District 7 and Jim Love, District 14. During the event, Nathanial P. Ford Sr., chief executive officer of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, Assistant Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools Paul Soares and Chief Michelle Cook from the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office each commented on their respective agency’s ongoing efforts and overall goals in addressing bike and pedestrian safety. Other agency and advocacy groups were in attendance to support the coalition, including FDOT, AARP and the Florida Highway Patrol.

EverBank Field Ready to Host Bulldogs and Gators
 
The University of Georgia will take home field against the University of Florida on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 3:30 p.m. at EverBank Field for the annual Georgia-Florida Football Classic, played in Jacksonville since 1933.

“The Georgia-Florida Football Classic has always been much more than just a game,” said Mayor Alvin Brown. “It’s a great Jacksonville tradition and a hugely popular get-together for students, alumni and fans from Florida, Georgia and beyond.  It brings many benefits to our city, including the positive economic impact from so many out-of-town visitors and the spotlight it shines on Jacksonville as a leading destination for big-time sports.  This promises to be a great week for Jacksonville and a great week for the Gator and Bulldog fans who’ll be joining us from far and wide.”

View Georgia-Florida Fast Facts Sheet

Study represents first formal review of government structure since Consolidation 46 years ago

The Task Force on Consolidated Government presented its final report and recommendations to Council President Clay Yarborough today in City Council Chambers. The task force, formed by former City Council President Bill Gulliford and chaired by City Councilwoman Lori Boyer, undertook an in-depth review of the history, formation and operation of the consolidated government of Jacksonville including a full examination of all departments, divisions, boards, commissions and independent authorities. Additionally, the group studied the relationship between the Beaches and Baldwin and the Consolidated City of Jacksonville. Read More

Study represents first formal review of government structure since Consolidation 46 years ago

The Task Force on Consolidated Government presented its final report and recommendations to Council President Clay Yarborough today in City Council Chambers. The task force, formed by former City Council President Bill Gulliford and chaired by City Councilwoman Lori Boyer, undertook an in-depth review of the history, formation and operation of the consolidated government of Jacksonville including a full examination of all departments, divisions, boards, commissions and independent authorities. Additionally, the group studied the relationship between the Beaches and Baldwin and the Consolidated City of Jacksonville.

The Task Force on Consolidated Government will present its final report and recommendations on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 10 a.m. in City Council Chambers.

New Facility Will Open At AllianceFlorida at Cecil Commerce Center in November

Calling it the city’s largest job creation project in more than six years, Mayor Alvin Brown announced today that GE Oil & Gas has selected Jacksonville as the location for a new advanced manufacturing facility.
 
GE Oil & Gas will create at least 500 permanent full-time jobs over the next three years at the manufacturing center, with an average salary of $48,850 after receiving overwhelming support by City Council and Mayor Brown. 
 
The 500,000-square-foot new facility, slated to open this November, will be located at AllianceFlorida at Cecil Commerce Center on Jacksonville’s Westside.  It will include an estimated minimum of $50 million in investments for manufacturing and IT equipment, as well as additional real estate improvements. Development of the site has been a priority of the City, as well as Hillwood Property Investments, the master developer of City-owned property at Cecil Commerce Center.

Local industry professionals to be honored with awards

Mayor Alvin Brown will join members of the Mayor’s Advisory Board on Motion Pictures, Television and Commercial Production, the Jacksonville City Council, the Jacksonville Film & Television Office and industry leaders to celebrate 2014’s highlights in local film and digital media production at the 14th Annual Jacksonville Film Industry Reception.