Mayor applauds City Council for backing legislation to reduce wait time

Mayor Alvin Brown’s plan to overhaul economic development policy is now official. The mayor signed legislation (2012-213) Wednesday creating a more efficient process for companies to collaborate with City Hall for development, relocation or expansion in Jacksonville. The bill-signing followed a unanimous vote by City Council to approve the measure Tuesday night.

“This is about investing in our future and making Jacksonville the most competitive city it can be at time that cities all over America are fighting for jobs,” said the mayor. “Our streamlined policy empowers the City of Jacksonville to work more effectively with the private sector for jobs and opportunity. I commend City Council for its hard work and dedication to economic development.”

In accordance with Ordinance 2005-361-E, the second Committee week and City Council meeting of the month of December are suspended, due to the Holiday Season.  The Jacksonville City Council meeting cycle will resume with Standing Committee meetings on Wednesday, January 2, 2013.

Jacksonville University's Information Technology Department donated 15 computers for distribution by the city’s Education Commissioner. Ten computers were delivered to Northside Community Involvement, Inc. and five were delivered to Ortega Elementary School. Ortega Elementary Principal Stephanie Shepard was excited about receiving the computers. She said that they would be valuable tools in helping her school’s students prepare for testing and improving their typing and research skills. Roshanda Jackson, Executive Officer, Northside Community Involvement, was very eager to get the computers operational for the students that they serve.

Read a thank you letter from Principal Shepard

Team Wins Pop Warner Midget Division National Championship

On Saturday, December 8^th the Sweetwater Athletic Association Pop Warner football team (Midget Division – ages 12-15) defeated the Northwest Raiders Midget Team from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by a score of 30-0 to win the Pop Warner Division 1 Midget National Championship at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
 

Mayor Alvin Brown presented awards to the nine winners of the inaugural Mayor Brown Essay Contest on Friday, Dec. 7, at City Hall. The essay contest theme, “With A College Degree I can…”, prompted 827 entries from elementary, middle and high school students throughout Duval County. First place winners received iPads; second place winners received Nexus Tablets and third place winners received a $200 Visa gift card. Prizes were purchased through the Mayor’s Education Trust Fund.

Watch the video from the award presentation

In accordance with Ordinance 2012-423-E, the City Council regular standing committee meetings scheduled for Monday, December 31, 2012, and Tuesday, January 1, 2013, will be held 48 hours later than normal.  The Monday committee meetings will be held on Wednesday, January 2, 2013, and the Tuesday committee meetings will be held on Thursday, January 3, 2013.

City Rescue Mission to host pilot project

City Rescue Mission is partnering with the City of Jacksonville to administer a one-year pilot project that will host a daytime resource center intended to transform the lives of Jacksonville’s homeless.

Watch video from the announcement

Mayor Alvin Brown applauded the City Rescue Mission and its CEO, David Bugher, during Thursday’s announcement, saying it marked a significant step toward developing solutions for those who are trying to rebuild themselves amid personal and economic challenges.

The City of Jacksonville is proud to announce the 26th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast on Friday, January 18 at 7:30 a.m. at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. The event honors the life and legacy of service of Dr. King.

Challenge Day was celebrated at Terry Parker High School November 13-15, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. each day. Over 120 students and volunteers participated in the Challenge Day activities. Challenge Day programs go beyond traditional anti-bullying efforts, building empathy and igniting a movement of compassion and positive change.