Yesterday, the Florida Senate Finance and Tax Committee unanimously passed Mayor Lenny Curry’s pension plan legislation. The bill would allow the City to extend an existing sales tax to pay down Jacksonville’s crippling pension debt. The bill must be approved by one more Senate committee before moving to the floor of that chamber. The House State Affairs Committee will consider the bill  Feb. 10. 

This week, the City of Jacksonville launched the new My One Thing campaign, where citizens in neighborhoods across our city share one thing they love about Jacksonville. This week, Alicia in Arlington talks about our great natural environment and our strong business and cultural communities. 

Mayor Lenny Curry joined Governor Rick Scott at Kaman Aircraft Corporation in Jacksonville to highlight the company’s recent expansion. Kaman has created 165 new jobs since 2011, with plans to ultimately create 200 new jobs for local families. Kaman is a global aerospace and industrial manufacturer and distributor, with 430 employees in Jacksonville and more than 700 employees across Florida. The expansion of their operation also created a capital investment of more than $30 million in Duval County.

Mayor Lenny Curry joined Governor Rick Scott at Kaman Aircraft Corporation in Jacksonville to highlight the company’s recent expansion. Kaman has created 165 new jobs since 2011, with plans to ultimately create 200 new jobs for local families. Kaman is a global aerospace and industrial manufacturer and distributor, with 430 employees in Jacksonville and more than 700 employees across Florida. The expansion of their operation also created a capital investment of more than $30 million in Duval County.

On Feb. 4, Mayor Lenny Curry helped Winn-Dixie cut the ribbon at their newest store located on Baymeadows Road near Interstate 295. The store represents a new concept for the company, with a new look and an increased focus on fresh, quality food offerings.

In his latest “One City. One Jacksonville. Two Minutes.” video, Mayor Lenny Curry talks about his pension proposal before the state Legislature, the most recent efforts of Jax Journey and the next edition of his Community Conversations focused on public safety. 

The City of Jacksonville was named a 2016 Healthy Weight Community Champion by the Florida Department of Health. The recognition is awarded to counties and cities that implement best practices to reduce obesity and encourage healthier lifestyles for residents.

The Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission is requesting nominations for its annual awards ceremony to take place Thursday, May 12, at the Jacksonville Main Library Auditorium (303 Laura Street N. - 32202). This annual event recognizes outstanding projects and services that promote historic preservation in the Jacksonville area.

Yesterday, Governor Rick Scott announced the selection of two Jacksonville leaders, Earl Johnson and Rutledge Henry Pearson, to the Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame. Also announced was the selection of Jesse McCrary, Jr. of Miami. Governor Scott chose these three from a list of 10 distinguished nominees selected by the Florida Commission on Human Relations for making significant contributions to the improvement of life for minorities and all citizens of Florida.

Aiden Michael McClendon, a 22-month-old boy, died early Saturday morning after being struck by gunfire while inside a vehicle with his mother and grandmother. The incident occurred in the 700 block of Spearing Street on the city’s eastside. The shooting is believed to be gang-related.

Mayor Lenny Curry joined Sheriff Mike Williams, State Attorney Angela Corey, City Council members, various local ministers and other community leaders in a news conference on Saturday, Jan. 30, at A. Philip Randolph Park – less than a mile from the scene of the fatal shooting. 

Watch unedited video from the Jan. 30 news conference