The nation’s leading rating agencies continue to take notice of the City of Jacksonville’s improved finances. The most recent example is a credit upgrade to ‘AA’ from ‘AA-‘ by Fitch Ratings on a program that supports the City’s financing needs. Fitch is the latest ratings agency to acknowledge Mayor Lenny Curry’s strong fiscal management practices and his bold steps to solve Jacksonville’s pension crisis as major reasons for continued upgrades in the City’s credit ratings.

Each year, our nation observes National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The observation is a time dedicated to celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino American citizens to our country. The observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson, and was expanded to a monthlong celebration by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.

The City of Jacksonville is set to begin a new fiscal year with a sound, balanced budget. Closely following voter approval of a pension reform plan, the Jacksonville City Council has approved the 2016-2017 annual budget of approximately $1 billion. The new budget contains increased funding in priority areas including public safety and neighborhood support without raising taxes. 

In accordance with a directive by City Council President Lori Boyer, the Jacksonville City Council has filed a list of proposed budget amendments for consideration at tomorrow night’s City Council meeting where members are expected to vote on the final 2016-2017 City Budget (Bill 2016-504).

In a Saturday morning ceremony at EverBank Field, Jacksonville Jaguars Owner Shad Khan transferred the keys to a brand new, specially branded van to Bill Spann, director of the City of Jacksonville Military Affairs and Veterans Department (MAVD), to aid in the organization’s continued outreach to local veterans. The van features a patriotic color scheme and images of military at recent Jaguars games. 

Jacksonville City Council President Lori Boyer was named “Elected Official of the Year” by Northside Business Leaders, Inc. at the organization’s annual awards banquet last week.

Colin…Hermine…Julia…north Florida has already seen its share of tropical weather so far this year. September is annually recognized as National Preparedness Month, which serves as a reminder for everyone to prepare now and throughout the year for the types of emergencies that can happen where we live.

The newest members of the Mayor’s Young Leaders Advisory Council (YLAC) have been named, and have already begun planning activities for the new school year!

Governor Rick Scott announced today that the Jacksonville area added 24,300 new private-sector jobs over the year in August. The area’s unemployment rate was 4.7 percent in August, a decline of 0.8 percentage point in the last year. Florida businesses created 22,600 private-sector jobs across the state during August 2016, bringing the total number of jobs created since December 2010 to 1,191,900 jobs.

The City of Jacksonville and Keep Jacksonville Beautiful will host the 8^th annual beach cleanup on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. as part of the Right Whale Festival in Jacksonville Beach.

Jacksonville City Council member Anna Brosche was one of 34 honorees recognized today at the 24th annual Mayor’s Environmental Awards Luncheon. The awards, recognize Duval County individuals and organizations for their demonstrated leadership, creativity and commitment to our local environment.

The Senior Services Division will host its 2016 Senior Games Friday, Sept. 30 through Saturday, Oct. 8. Citizens are encouraged to experience all the fun and camaraderie of these Olympic-style events. For more information or to register to compete in the Senior Games, call 630-7392 or visit coj.net/seniors. Registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 23.

City commemorates September 11, 2001 by lighting sykline

Following a week’s end of successful collaboration and emergency preparedness efforts resulting from threatening weather conditions produced by Tropical Storm Hermine, Mayor Lenny Curry convened federal, state and local officials to discuss the practices and procedures conducted for the safety of Jacksonville citizens. 

Local Industry Professionals Recognized with Awards