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.

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.

In conjunction with the 3rd annual Historic Mayport Village Ferry Fest to be held this Saturday, August 2, 2014, the St. Johns River Ferry Commission voted to waive all fares for the St. Johns River Ferry between the hours of 10:00 am and 6:00 pm on the day of the event.  Instead of paying the normal fare, the St. Johns River Ferry Commission is asking riders for a donation of school supplies to fill 150 backpacks which will be given to area children for the upcoming school year.

The Jacksonville City Council will meet in the Council Chambers today at 4 p.m. for the installation of the Honorable Clay E. Yarborough, as the 2014-2015 Council President, and the Honorable Gregory B. Anderson, as the 2014-2015 Council Vice President.  In accordance with Council Rules, the positions will become effective July 1, 2014.

Click here to watch video of this event.

In accordance with Ordinance 2005-361-E, the first Committee week and City Council meeting during the month of July are suspended for a summer break. The Jacksonville City Council meeting cycle will resume with Standing Committee meetings the week of July 14, followed by the City Council meeting on July 22, 2014.

The morning departure times for the St. Johns Ferry have changed.  On Monday through Friday, the Ferry now departs from Mayport Village at 6:00 a.m., 6:30 a.m., and continuing on the hour and half hour, with the final departure at 7:00 p.m.  Departures from Ft. George Island are at 6:15 a.m., 6:45 a.m., and continuing on the quarter after and quarter before the hour, with final departure at 7:15 p.m.

The St. Johns River Ferry will extend operating hours to 9:00 p.m., on Friday, May 2nd, for the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival in Fernandina Beach.

The Federal Highway Administration has awarded the St. Johns River Ferry a $900,000 grant from the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP).  The grant will be distributed to the ferry in two $450,000 annual payments beginning this fiscal year.

The Jacksonville City Council is seeking nominations for the 2014 “Robert O. Johnson Good Government Award”.  The award was established by the Jacksonville City Council in 2003 in honor of former City Council Auditor Robert O. Johnson.  Each year, the award is bestowed upon an employee who has demonstrated a sustained and significant contribution to the increased efficiency and effectiveness of the City of Jacksonville or its Independent Agencies.