On June 12, 2016, 49 people lost their lives, and just as many more were injured in the deadliest mass shooting in our country’s history.

Mayor's Summer jobs Program in 11th Year

Yesterday, Mayor Lenny Curry joined Jacksonville youth as they kicked off the 11th year of the Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program. 

Company Chose to Locate in Florida Over Silicon Valley, Ohio and New York
 
Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that randrr, a digital platform that helps connect individuals with job opportunities, will be creating up to 200 software developing jobs in Jacksonville by 2018 and adding $9 million in capital investment. randrr chose to establish their new app development offices in Florida over Silicon Valley, Ohio and New York. The company already employs 15 Floridians and plans to add up to 50 employees by the end of this year.
 
Governor Scott said, “We are excited to welcome randrr to Jacksonville and celebrate the company’s creation of 200 new jobs. randrr chose to establish its new offices in Florida over several other locations across the country, including Silicon Valley and New York, because of our talented workforce and focus on STEM education.” 

First in Series of Meetings Held Today at City Hall

Mayor Lenny Curry kicked off a series of Employee Town Hall Meetings this afternoon in his continued effort to educate Jacksonville citizens about the City’s pension crisis. The first meeting, which included personnel from City Hall departments and area offices, was held in the atrium of the St. James building. The town hall meetings are an opportunity for employees to hear directly from the mayor about the City’s pension debt, and the solution he proposes to solve the pension crisis for good.

Citizens Encouraged to Prepare for Possible Flooding, High Winds

As City of Jacksonville departments and agencies prepare for the potential impact of Tropical Storm Colin, citizens are encouraged to do the same. This afternoon, Mayor Lenny Curry received information on plans and preparations being led by a variety of City departments and agencies including Public Works, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD), Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) and JEA.

School is almost out for thousands of students throughout Jacksonville. With a goal to stay healthy and physically active during the summer months, local students at Holiday Hill Elementary pleadged to continue a school tradition while on vacation – The Morning Mile! Throughout the school year, Holiday Hill students, school administrators, faculty and parents, walk (or run) a mile around the school’s track to begin their day. 

Mayor Lenny Curry joined Director of Duval County Emergency Management Steve Woodard, National Weather Service Jacksonville Meteorologist in Charge Scott Cordero, and other city leaders to announce the release of the 2016 Emergency Preparedness Guide at a news conference Wednesday. 

Five names were added to the list of more than 1,600 local heroes enshrined on the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall on Monday at the city’s annual Memorial Day observance. The five servicemen were recognized for their service and sacrifice for our nation by the hundreds of citizens that attended. 

As Healthy and Safe Swimming Week (May 23 – 29) concludes, and Memorial Day weekend begins, Mayor Lenny Curry and Councilman Garrett Dennis hosted a news conference today to announce an initiative and programs that teach swimming and promote water safety practices.

The 2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival kicks off tomorrow, Thursday, May 26, at The Florida Theatre with the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition presented by Keyboard Connection Piano & Organs, and will last throughout the Memorial Day weekend. The festival will feature more than 35 performers, four stages, and a vibrant street festival atmosphere. 

Today, Governor Rick Scott announced Jacksonville added 21,600 new private-sector jobs over the year in April. The area’s unemployment rate declined by 0.8 percentage point over the year to 4.3 percent.

According to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Jacksonville ranks 12 in both the most populous and largest numeric increase categories for American cities. From July 2014 to July 2015, the city’s population increased by 13,000 residents, bringing the 2015 total to 868,031. 

During the 2016 Senior Expo on May 19, Mayor Lenny Curry presented awards to three outstanding seniors who have enhanced their community through service and leadership.

With unanimous support, the Jacksonville City Council has cleared the way for voters to approve the pension solution to appear on the Aug. 30 primary election ballot. The referendum extends a half-cent sales tax dedicated to paying down the City’s unfunded pension liabilities. The approval came with all 19 City Council members signing on as co-sponsors of the bill (2016-300). The vote is the final step in the legislative process Mayor Curry’ led to address the challenges and limitations created by the City’s crippling pension debt once and for all.

Elected officials and dignitaries joined Sheriff Mike Williams, Undersheriff Pat Ivey and Fraternal Order of Police President Steve Zona in front of the Police Memorial Building on Bay Street with the members of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) and the family and friends of fallen officers for the annual Police Memorial Day Observance.