Mayor Deegan released the following statement in response to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore after it was struck by a container ship.

Salaam. Shalom. Peace to All.

The City of Jacksonville, Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), and Groundwork Jacksonville (Groundwork) were awarded a federal grant of $147 million to design and construct five segments of the Emerald Trail. This represents the largest one-time federal grant the City of Jacksonville has ever received.

The City of Jacksonville will host an event for children ages 5-12 and their families at the Main Library on Saturday, March 9, 2024, in honor of “Celebrate Reading Week.”

The City of Jacksonville will host the first of a series of facilitated community engagements on Downtown Jacksonville public projects. The initial meeting on March 6, 2024 will provide an opportunity for citizens to learn about public projects within the boundaries of Downtown Jacksonville. Immediately following the presentation, attendees are encouraged to ask questions and provide comment.

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded the City of Jacksonville an $845,350 grant from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. This EECBG program grant, which is funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that passed in 2021, will support efforts to conduct energy audits and weatherization repairs that lower energy bills for up to 110 low-income residents in partnership with JEA and community-based organizations. The City of Jacksonville and JEA partnered on this grant application after a successful 15-home pilot project.
 

The 7 Creeks Partners are hosting the third annual 7 Creeks Fest on March 9, 2024, at the 7 Creeks Recreation Area in north Jacksonville. This free, family-friendly event is a chance for everyone to celebrate and explore the 7 Creeks Recreation Area which is made up of city, state, national and nonprofit wilderness preserves. The 7 Creeks Fest will begin at 10 a.m. and run until 3 p.m. and includes plenty of activities for all ages. Betz-Tiger Point Preserve at 13990 Pumpkin Hill Rd. is the welcome hub where guests can get the program schedule, visit a host of environmental exhibitors, and enjoy music from a variety of performers including Nan Nkama Pan-African Drum and Dance Ensemble, fiddler Anna Strickland, Americana folk artist Rambler Kane, and singer-songwriter Shifty Gears. A free shuttle will take visitors between the hub and most of the trailheads and parks where activities are planned.

The City of Jacksonville is thrilled to host the 32nd Annual World of Nations Celebration, a vibrant multicultural festival that brings the world's diverse cultures to our doorstep.

Mayor Donna Deegan launched River City Readers, her citywide reading challenge for school-age children, with a kick-off event at the Main Branch of the Jacksonville Public Library late last month.
 

In observance of Presidents Day, the following City government offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, February 19, 2024.