Residents from throughout the First Coast descended upon Hemming Plaza and City Hall on Friday, Dec. 6,  for the annual Holiday at St. James celebration. The event featured live entertainment, a holiday photo booth, cookie decorating, tours of the Mayor and City Council Offices, and a holiday tree lighting in Hemming Plaza.

See photos from the Holiday at St. James

See photos from the City Council's Holiday Open House

Authorities, Mayor Brown Urge Jacksonville to Take Part in Thursday Game

With support from executives of Jacksonville’s independent authorities, Mayor Alvin Brown urged the city to rally in support of the Jaguars as the team takes the national stage Thursday night at EverBank Field.

The Jaguars will host the Houston Texans in a primetime NFL game, and the independent authorities and the City of Jacksonville urged the community to show its support of the home team. The NFL Network will broadcast the game and put Jacksonville on display again as a topflight site for major football games and other sporting events.

“The Jaguars undoubtedly will bring everything they have to win the game, and our city should step up, too,” Mayor Brown said. “As executives of government agencies, we want to show the national audience that our Downtown and our community embraces being a top destination for football and events. Our residents and businesses have a great opportunity to enjoy festivities at EverBank Field.”

City Moves Up to No. 3 in National Ranking

The City of Jacksonville ranked third nationally in e.Republic’s Center for Digital Government’s Digital Cities survey results. The city moved up from No. 10 ranking last year, highlighting the increasing strength of information technology in Jacksonville.

“Technology plays a crucial role in improving public service,” said Mayor Alvin Brown. “It’s critical that we continue to innovate, find new ways to connect, and deploy better quality services. I’m proud of the hard work from the city and all of our partners that show that Jacksonville is a major player on the national stage.”

Jacksonville shares the No. 3 spot with Riverside, Calif., after Boston, and Louisville, Ky.,and Philadelphia, which are tied for second. Jacksonville is the only Florida city ranked among the nation’s largest metropolitan areas.

New Center to Enhance Offerings, Provide One-Stop Home of Service for Veterans

The ribbon for the new City of Jacksonville and Jacksonville Jaguars Veterans Resource and Reintegration Center was cut today at City Hall by Mayor Alvin Brown, Jaguars owner Shad Khan, Deutsche Bank Managing Director Michael Fleming, and City Military Affairs, Veterans and Disabled Services Director Vic Guillory. The center is part of a five-year, $1 million partnership between the city and the Jaguars Foundation that will enhance and expand services for Jacksonville area military and veterans.

“I’m proud of this partnership, highlighting the city and Jaguars’ commitment to the dedicated men and women who serve, or have served, in the United States military,” said Mayor Alvin Brown. “By working together, we are able to enhance and expand the services available to our military and veterans, showing our community’s gratitude and support in strong and meaningful ways.” Read more

Week of Events to Salute Service and Sacrifice of Jacksonville’s Military, Veterans

Mayor Alvin Brown and the City of Jacksonville is proud to announce the Week of Valor from Nov. 6 to 17, to salute the service and sacrifice of our military service men and women, and Jacksonville’s large and growing military veterans community.

The 2013 Week of Valor includes a wide variety of educational, patriotic, community and civic events, all focused on demonstrating Jacksonville’s deep appreciation and respect for those who serve and those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

“Jacksonville is a proud military city, which is evident by the many businesses, organizations and individuals in our community who step forward every day to support our brave men and women,” said Mayor Alvin Brown. “The Week of Valor is about coming together to thank these brave men and women while building a stronger connection to our military and veterans’ community.”

The University of Florida Gators will take home field against the University of Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday, Nov. 2, at 3:30 p.m. at EverBank Field.

“The Florida-Georgia Football Classic has a strong tradition with deep roots here in Jacksonville,” said Mayor Alvin Brown. “This game draws countless people to the Downtown area, showcasing our city as a national destination for big-time sports events. We are proud to host this great rivalry, and we look forward to a great game and an unbeatable fan experience all week long.” Read more

Due to the closure of the Mathews Bridge, traffic to the Sports Complex and Downtown Jacksonville will be impacted for Sunday's Jaguars Game. Fans are encouraged to leave thirty minutes early to allow for extra time to and from the stadium on Sunday.

Fans who normally take the Mathews Bridge are encouraged to take the Hart Bridge to get to the game. Fans who normally take the Hart Bridge are asked to drive over the Main Street Bridge.

Stadium Parking Map

JTA Buses and Water Taxis will both be available on Sunday. Visit www.jtafla.com for bus schedule and pick-up/drop-off locations. Water Taxi schedule and pick-up locations can be accessed at www.jaxwatertaxi.com.

Click here for more Game Day tips from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius visited Jacksonville this week to discuss the Affordable Care Act with community stakeholders.

Dozens of community stakeholders representing hospitals, non-profits and local government attended a meeting with the Secretary at the Sulzbacher Center on Monday. The meeting was held in anticipation of the Oct. 1 enrollment launch supported by www.healthcare.gov, a government website to connect people with insurance options. Read more in the Mayor's Blog.

HealthCare.gov and a toll-free line, (800) 318-2596, are available to help people explore insurance options available under the Affordable Care Act. 

See more photos from Sec. Sebelius' visit on Sept. 16, 2013

Dr. Annmarie Kent-Willette, an award-winning educator and communications expert, will serve as Jacksonville’s education commissioner, Mayor Alvin Brown announced today at Jacksonville University. Dr. Kent-Willette will serve on-loan from Jacksonville University for a term of two years.

“As a parent, accomplished professional and educator, Dr. Kent-Willette brings passion and insight into this important role to build partnerships and advocate for quality education throughout Jacksonville,” said Mayor Brown. “We’ve already made great progress with efforts to build mentorship, expose more young people to the possibility of college and promote financial literacy for all ages. We must continue to intensify our focus and work together. The education commissioner plays a key role.” Read more

Program Creates a Long-Range Arts Education Plan for Students Grades K-8

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has chosen Jacksonville, Florida as the 14th site for Ensuring the Arts for Any Given Child, a program that creates a long-range arts education plan for students in grades K-8. The program will incorporate existing resources of the Duval County Public Schools, along with those of local arts organizations and the Kennedy Center to create a plan for arts education specific to the city.

Any Given Child seeks to bring access, balance, and equity to each student’s arts education, using an affordable model that combines the resources of the school district, local arts groups and the Kennedy Center. With the assistance of expert consultation services provided by Kennedy Center staff and other professionals, community leaders develop a long-range plan for arts education that is tailor-made for the school district and community.

Move Expands to 1 Gigabit Network, Saves Up to $200,000

The City of Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), JEA and the Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) are consolidating their internet service in a move that will produce up to $200,000 in combined savings annually. Mayor Alvin Brown announced the cost-savings move in a news conference on Monday.

“This is a great opportunity for all the partner agencies to work together to provide superior service and save money at a time we need to make every dollar count,” said Mayor Brown. “With a growing number of websites and applications helping to expand the reach of city government, we owe it to taxpayers to invest wisely in the most effective and efficient systems to keep everyone connected.”
 

Former Jacksonville Mayor Hans Tanzler died today at the age of 86.

In office from 1967 to 1979, Mayor Tanzler was the first mayor of the consolidated City of Jacksonville. A Jacksonville native, Tanzler graduated from Robert E. Lee High School and went on to earn a law degree from the University of Florida. Mayor Tanzler was a dedicated public servant, and was well known as a strong advocate for local education, economic and downtown development, and our treasured St. Johns River.

Statement from Mayor Alvin Brown

Slideshow: Mayor Hans Tanzler

Mayor Alvin Brown delivered the proposal and his annual address to City Council on July 15, 2013.

Total spending: $952.9 million
Retirement obligations: $181.3 million
Balanced without tax increase or use of reserve funding
Eliminates more than $60 million to keep Jacksonville living within its means

To learn more about the mayor’s budget proposal, visit MyJaxBudget.com