Nearly 700 citizens are registered to attend the City of Jacksonville’s Neighborhood and Community Summit Saturday, April 21. The free inaugural event, to be held at the Prime Osborn Convention Center (1000 Water St. – 32204) from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., offers Jacksonville citizens one-stop access to City departments, resources and information.
 
“Since my election almost three years ago, I’ve strengthened my understanding and commitment to improving neighborhoods,” said Mayor Lenny Curry. “In addition to investments that address safety, infrastructure and neighborhood conditions, we must also equip our citizens with the resources and information they need to help their neighborhoods and our entire city thrive.”
 
The Neighborhoods Department was re-established by Mayor Curry in 2016 to improve services and communication with citizens. The department oversees neighborhood improvements, housing, animal control, code enforcement and more.
 
Summit attendees will have the opportunity to attend a variety of educational workshops that are grouped in “tracks” covering topics including neighborhood safety, neighborhood advocacy and neighborhood resources. They will learn how to build and create a homeowners association, create a neighborhood watch or address litter in their communities. The workshops will be led by City officials representing the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), Municipal Code Enforcement, JEA, Recreational Services and more.
 
The event will also feature an awards ceremony recognizing individuals who have gone above and beyond to make the Jacksonville community a better place to live. The mayor’s inaugural CHAMPION Award will be awarded to two citizens who have exemplified what it means to be advocates for their neighborhoods and the city of Jacksonville. “CHAMPION” stands for Community Heroes & Advocates Making Positive Impacts on Neighborhoods.
 
Assistant Chief Deloris Patterson, an officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), will be presented her award at the summit for her exceptional commitment to neighborhoods through her support and promotion of public safety in the Jacksonville community. Throughout her more than 20 years of service with JSO, she has exceeded the call to protect and serve by developing meaningful relationships with community members through volunteerism, mentorship, advocacy and more.

Tracy Grant will also be recognized for her leadership and commitment to neighborhoods by advocating for the well-being and improved quality of life for citizens in a community that had historically been plagued with unsafe conditions, blight and other challenges. As the president of the Eureka Gardens Tenant Association, Grant went above and beyond to be a voice for her neighborhood. As a devoted advocate for fair and equal housing, she took her fight all the way to Washington, D.C. to be a voice for citizens of this nation.

Additional neighborhood awards to be presented Saturday include Outstanding Neighborhood of the Year Award, Lifetime Community Service Award, Community Catalyst Award, Perfect Partnership Award, Neighbors Get Moving Award, and the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Award.
 
To register, citizens should visit http://www.coj.net/neighborhoodsummit2018.
 
Program Agenda
8 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.                   Registration and continental breakfast
8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.              Welcome/Introduction of CHAMPION Award winners
8:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.              Remarks by Donovin Darius
9:45 a.m.  – 10:30 a.m.           Workshop Session 1

Track 1: Public Safety in Your Neighborhood
Track 2: Running Effective Neighborhood Meetings
Track 3: It’s Your Money. Spend Wisely with JEA’s billing, conservation & saving tips
 
10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.          Workshop Session 2
Track 1: Public Safety Partnerships
Track 2: Keeping Your Neighborhood Clean (panel discussion)
Track 3: Recreational Services
 
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.         Workshop Session 3
Track 1: Code Enforcement Made Simple
Track 2: How to Create a Neighborhood Association
Track 3: Mythbusters About Affordable Housing

12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.           Lunch; Neighborhood Award presentations; CPAC leadership recognition
1:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.             CommUniverCity graduation