The USS Bataan will serve as the platform for the 2012 Navy-Marine Corps Classic men’s college basketball game presented by Florida Blue. The ship is part of the representational amphibious ready group ships that U.S. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced will be homeported in the Jacksonville area.

Mayor Alvin Brown promised earlier this year that he would unveil a retirement reform initiative no later than the end of 2012. Mayor Brown delivered on that promise when the City of Jacksonville negotiating team unveiled his reform proposal for police employees in a collective bargaining meeting with Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5-30 on Oct. 29. The plan is estimated to save $1.5 billion over 30 years.

One day after he unveiled his retirement reform proposal for police employees in the Police and Fire Pension Plan, Mayor Brown unveiled his reform proposal for certain COJ employees in the General Employees Retirement Plan in a collective bargaining meeting with the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees.

“Our city employees deserve a retirement system that is sustainable,” said Mayor Brown. “The current system is broken. We have to fix it to respect and protect employees and taxpayers.”

Residents, visitors urged to be prepared

The City of Jacksonville is continuing to monitor Hurricane Sandy off the coast and is urging residents and visitors participating in outdoor events this weekend as part of the Georgia vs. Florida College Football Classic to take precautions.

Sports fans attending the game or nearby festivities are urged to closely track weather reports.

While the storm is still expected to stay well offshore, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Northeast Florida and Coastal Southeast Georgia. The NWS expects gusty winds through Sunday morning. Read more.

It's that time again! Time for the annual match-up between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Florida Gators in Downtown Jacksonville. This week, our Downtown will be filled with tons of activites for the entire family to enjoy. Don't miss RV City activities, the Touchdown Showdown, the Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Corporate Village and much more! It all leads up to the big game on Saturday, October 27 at EverBank Field.

Visit MakeASceneDowntown.net to learn more about the week's exciting events!

The City of Jacksonville, U.S. Naval Station Mayport, and the cities of Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach are proud to present the 2012 Jacksonville Sea & Sky Spectacular, Oct. 20-21, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., in Jacksonville Beach.

“The Sea and Sky Spectacular will be a fun, family-friendly opportunity to get an up-close look at some of the world’s most talented aviators as they pilot high-performance and unique aircrafts along our beautiful coastline,” said Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown. “The City of Jacksonville is proud to take part in this great event with numerous community partners, the Beaches' cities and our dedicated Armed Forces members to ensure a quality experience for all.”

This free event will feature military and civilian flight teams, recruitment displays, interactive and static displays, live entertainment, the Mini-Boss Kids Area presented by ACUVUE, Aviator Autographs presented by VyStar Credit Union, food and beverage vendors, and more. Premier Viewing and Corporate Cabana areas will also be offered.

The City of Jacksonville celebrates 90 years of a classic rivalry. The University of Georgia Bulldogs will take home field against the University of Florida Gators on Saturday, Oct. 27, at 3:30 p.m. at EverBank Field.

“It’s my honor to welcome back the thousands of fans who have made this classic college football matchup a tradition that puts a spotlight on Jacksonville,” said Mayor Alvin Brown. “This is one of the most exciting times of the year in our city, and I’d like to thank everyone from the athletes to the staff and volunteers for the important roles they play in creating an unbeatable experience right in the heart of our city.”

Series of events will honor veterans, educate the public, and celebrate the lives of veterans

Highlighting Jacksonville’s commitment to the military and veterans, Mayor Alvin Brown and an array of community leaders announced a major weeklong series of events to honor and celebrate the contributions of current and former armed forces members and military families.

The Week of Valor in November serves as a way to come together as a community and honor those who serve, reflect on their sacrifices and celebrate their lives.

The Week of Valor kicks off Monday, Nov. 5, with a military appreciation luncheon sponsored by the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. The national spotlight on the city’s deep ties to the military and veteran communities will include two major sporting events.

Financial Design Associates started as a Mass Mutual branch in 1999 with five staff members and has since grown to 50, covering a service area that straddles Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. With the move to Downtown, the firm has announced plans to hire 25 new employees in the next two years and double the size of business within the next five.

“I’m excited to partner with business and community leaders to usher in this new era for our Downtown,” said Mayor Brown. “Everyone brings to the table a unique perspective on what it will take to create a sustainable environment to lure major companies, small businesses and world-class entertainment. This is a tremendous opportunity to polish the Jacksonville brand and make our city more competitive at a time cities all over the nation are fighting to recover.”

Three-week project focuses on Downtown revitalization

A consulting team commissioned by the worldwide technology services company IBM at no cost to taxpayers has concluded a three-week research project Downtown and is now finalizing an action plan to help Mayor Alvin Brown’s efforts to revitalize the urban center.

The work comes as part of the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge, a worldwide initiative to distribute a total of $50 million worth of services and technical assistance to 100 cities through 2013. The project carries an approximate value of $400,000.

Jaguars to Debut at London's Wembley Stadium in 2013

With interest in the NFL in the United Kingdom at an all-time high, the Jacksonville Jaguars have made a multi-year commitment to International Series games in London.

The Jaguars will play one regular-season home game in the United Kingdom in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016, all at London’s historic Wembley Stadium. The date of the 2013 game as well as the opposing team will be announced in the months ahead.

Legislation creating the DIA (2012-364) received unanimous Council approval on Wednesday night. The Mayor and City Council will select a nine-member board of directors to oversee the DIA on an unpaid, volunteer basis.