Have you seen all of the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons or RRFB's around Jacksonville? Our Transportation Planning Division have installed 64 so far with many more on the way, giving pedestrians a safe way to cross busy streets. Check out this short video that shows pedestrians how to properly use RRFB's and motorists what to look out for when they see one.

The Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) is allocating $950,000 to support renovations of street-facing facades on old downtown buildings. The new DIA Storefront Façade Grant program will provide grant funding for the improvement of storefronts, and, if applicable, second story façades in the Downtown Jacksonville Historic District — located in the Northbank CRA — to activate the streetscape and the overall revitalization of Downtown Jacksonville. This program is focused on physical improvements to the exterior of buildings, unlike the DIA's Retail Enhancement Grant program, which is focused on the operating business and interior and exterior improvements required for such business operations.

The City of Jacksonville will launch phase two of the Senior and Disabled Financial Assistance Program on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 8 a.m. to provide support to senior citizens (72 years or older) and anyone receiving Social Security Disability benefits. With this grant program, the City will make one-time payments of $300 to 3,000 qualifying seniors and disabled citizens.

Jacksonville City Council members LeAnna Cumber, District 5, and Ju’Coby Pittman, District 8, have launched an awareness campaign in an effort to inform residents about the potential dangers and important functions of retention ponds. The campaign features a web page, PondSafetyJax.com, which provides information discouraging the use of retention ponds for recreational activities, like swimming, boating and fishing. In addition to the list of hazards, visitors will also find a map with the locations of City-managed ponds; safety tips, including how to get out of a pond after an accidental slip; and information about ponds’ crucial roles in water quality treatment and flood control.

Mayor Lenny Curry provided a virtual update to local media on the local response to COVID-19 from his office at City Hall. 

The Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) – the City of Jacksonville’s sole economic development and community redevelopment agency for Downtown – is proud to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website at https://dia.coj.net/. The new site features a streamlined, modern design, improved functionality, and easy access to essential information to help developers, investors, business owners and the public obtain desired information and make well-informed decisions when investing in Downtown Jacksonville.

Starting on Monday August 10, 2020, census takers will visit Jacksonville homes that haven't yet responded to the 2020 Census.

The City of Jacksonville will launch the second round of the Small Business Relief Program on Thursday, July 16, at 9 a.m.

Funds Will Help Cover Cost Of Repairs

The City of Jacksonville has launched the Downtown Businesses Financial Assistance Program to provide aid to businesses that, following the lawful, peaceful protests from May 30 – June 1, 2020, experienced property damage due to vandalism by those other than the peaceful protesters. The City will make a one-time payment of up to $1,500 to help with repairs.
 

In observance of Independence Day, several City government offices and facilities will be closed Friday, July 3.

Effective Monday June 29, 2020 at 5 p.m., the City of Jacksonville adopted a mandatory mask requirement for public and indoor locations, and in other situations where individuals cannot socially distance.

Elevated Levels Of Particulate Matter Are Projected To Be In The Unhealthy Range For Sensitive Groups

The City of Jacksonville's Neighborhoods Department, Environmental Quality Division is issuing an air quality advisory, as elevated levels of Particulate Matter are occurring today and projected through the weekend. The dust storm from the Sahara has reached Florida and is contributing to elevated Particulate Matter concentrations.

“I have been briefed by JFRD Fire Chief, Keith Powers, that 214 firefighters are now in self-quarantine as a result of contact guidelines established by the CDC for COVID-19. As of this evening, 14 have tested positive for the virus,” Mayor Lenny Curry said.
 

View Fireworks from Multiple Locations throughout the City of Jacksonville
 

“With many businesses now requiring a negative COVID-19 test result to allow employees to come to work, and with some clearly not taking this virus seriously, we are experiencing surge in numbers at testing facilities.” Mayor Lenny Curry said. “Just yesterday, 783 people were tested at Lot J, setting a record since it first opened. The Legends Center tested 270. Across the City, multiple private locations tested hundreds more for COVID-19. As a result, our positive test results are increasing, and we are aware that most of those individuals are asymptomatic or experiencing mild symptoms.”