The Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) – the City of Jacksonville’s sole economic development and community redevelopment agency for Downtown – is pleased to announce the launch of its new, investor-focused website at https://investdtjax.com. The new website has been designed to offer the ultimate user-friendly experience with unique tools aimed at attracting investment and promoting Downtown Jacksonville nationwide. This City is brimming with possibilities, and https://investdtjax.com strives to be the go-to source for finding the next opportunity in Downtown Jacksonville.
 

New design honors Jacksonville’s strong Black and immigrant heritage and continues revitalization of broader LaVilla neighborhood

Today, the City of Jacksonville is pleased to reveal design plans for the highly-anticipated Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park in the historic LaVilla neighborhood. The park is located at 120 Lee Street, the birth site of Jacksonville natives James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson. The Johnson brothers wrote and composed what is now known as the Black National Anthem, “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” at their home in LaVilla between 1900 and 1905. As one of the first cultural landmarks to be developed as part of the greater LaVilla redevelopment strategy, Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park was carefully designed to honor the contributions of some of Jacksonville’s most renowned citizens, as well as encourage the next generation of artists and thought leaders to make their marks on this historic space.

Skinks, Musical Instrument, or Interactive Sculpture? New City of Jacksonville Public Art

The Art in Public Places program of the City of Jacksonville dedicates the first in a series of new public art in Jacksonville neighborhoods. The in-person and online dedication will start at 11 AM on October 2^nd  at the Cuba Hunter Park with its entrance at 3540 Bedford Rd. The interactive sculpture, created by Seattle-based public artist Matt Babcock, was designed to be a playful representation of a series of blue-tailed skinks, a lizard native to Florida. 

SONG OF THE SKINKS

Mayor Lenny Curry was invited to speak at JAXUSA's 3rd quarter partnership luncheon on Thursday, September 17, 2020.

The City of Jacksonville’s Keep Jacksonville Beautiful invites residents to participate in the 2020 Florida Coastal Cleanup event. This event, which will provide volunteers with an opportunity to help beautify the city’s shorelines, is part of the Ocean Conservancy’s Annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC).
 

Curbside pickup of items on hold continues to be available at 14 locations

In observance of Labor Day, several City government offices and facilities will be closed Monday, Sept. 7.

The much-awaited dog park in City Council District 3 opened Friday, Sept. 4, in time for families and dogs to enjoy during the Labor Day weekend. The dog park, located at Abess Park (12743 Abess Blvd., near the corner of Girvin Rd. and Abess Blvd.), will be accessible daily from dawn to dusk, and features separate fenced areas for large dogs and small dogs. The large dog section includes a loop trail through the woodland area and an open grassy field for free play. Small dogs are able to play in a shaded grassy field. Benches, drinking fountains and other amenities will be added for everyone’s enjoyment.

National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning. While things look different this year, it is still as important as ever to prepare. 

The theme of National Preparedness Month is "Disasters Don't Wait. Make Your Plan Today." 

You're invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony to be held in celebration of the opening of the dog park at Abess Park in City Council District 3. During the event, social distancing measures will be in place and masks will be required when an appropriate distance is unable to be maintained.

 

Opportunity for Free, Rapid Testing Will Include Charter & Private Schools

INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY: TIME TO REMEMBER, TIME TO ACT

In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, which is observed on Aug. 31 ever year, Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department (JFRD) and Drug Free Duval are offering free online training on recognizing the signs of an overdose and how to administer NARCAN® Nasal Spray, an FDA approved treatment for an opioid overdose. Participants are eligible to receive free NARCAN®. Two training sessions will be offered on Monday, Aug. 31, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Registration is required and can be completed by clicking these links: 10 a.m. session or 2 p.m. session.

The City of Jacksonville’s Keep Jacksonville Beautiful invites residents to participate in the 2020 Florida Coastal Cleanup event. This event, which will provide volunteers with an opportunity to help beautify the city’s shorelines, is part of the Ocean Conservancy’s Annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC).

The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville’s 44th Annual Arts Awards will be held virtually on Wednesday, September 2 at 7:00 p.m. The event, hosted by Tenikka Hughes and Al Emerick, promises to be a virtual extravaganza, combining award presentations, appearances from distinguished members of the community, moving and impactful performances, and more.

The City of Jacksonville recently sold $245 million worth of municipal bonds at an average interest rate of 2.22%, a new record for the City. Within this bond issue, the City was also able to save taxpayers more than $25 million by refinancing higher rate bonds at substantially lower rates.