Mayor Alvin Brown signs declaration of emergency

Mayor Alvin Brown signed a declaration of emergency this morning and made several updates regarding the city’s preparations for Subtropical Storm Beryl. City Council was convened at 10 a.m. and was informed of the proclamation of emergency under Chapter 674 and adopted a resolution of support for the mayor’s action.

Due to concerns for public safety, the City of Jacksonville will cancel its Memorial Day ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Wall scheduled to begin at 8:30 AM on Monday, May 28. The city’s Military Affairs, Veteran and Disabled Services Department will coordinate with the families of the Fallen to schedule another observance.

 Mayor Alvin Brown has announced several updates on the City of Jacksonville’s preparations for Subtropical Storm Beryl. The city’s Emergency Operations Center remains at a Level 2 activation to monitor storm activity.

As a public safety precaution, all activities for the Jacksonville Jazz Festival on Sunday – with the exception of the Jazz Brunch at the Omni Hotel - have been canceled. Crews will be working overnight to break down tents and stage structures to prepare for the storm. 

The Jacksonville Fire and Resuce Department and the Florida State Division of Forestry want to help you protect your family and property during Brush Fire Season. Keep dead wood, brush and climbing vines trimmed back at least 30 feet from your home and deck. And remember, there is a ban on the burning of outdoor yard waste throughout the year.

To learn more, watch the video.

Session two of Mayor Brown’s Business builder will take place May 17 and 18 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. This two-day session will focus on connecting small business owners and entrepreneurs with the resources they need to be successful and creating opportunities for small business growth here on the First Coast.

“It is encouraging to see so many people and organizations come together for the good of our small business economy," said Mayor Brown. "I’m proud to present, free of charge, this public-private partnership to help entrepreneurs better understand from experts what it really takes to get access to capital and credit, develop strategy and compete in today’s complex economy. Small businesses are vital to help put Jacksonville back to work and build a stronger sense of community in our neighborhoods.”

Mayor Alvin Brown and the City of Jacksonville are proud to announce the latest additions and full lineup of performances for the 2012 Jacksonville Jazz Festival. The annual tradition will be held Thursday, May 24 through Sunday, May 27 in the heart of downtown Jacksonville. The festival is free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

“The Jacksonville Jazz Festival promises world-class performances for families and friends throughout Memorial Day weekend,” said Mayor Alvin Brown. “Come join us for the music and take some time to explore Downtown at its best.”

Service comes through public-private partnership at no additional cost to taxpayers

Mayor Alvin Brown is launching Jobs for Veterans, a one-stop service to help military veterans transition to civilian life by connecting them with educational opportunities and job leads at veteran-friendly employers.

“In today’s economy, companies need confidence and a strong work ethic. They could use that never-give-up attitude and that sense of ingenuity that so many of our returning veterans can offer,” said the mayor. “Jobs for Veterans will be good for all of the brave men and women who have so proudly served in defense of our nation.”

Gives city the authority to alter or amend Jacksonville Economic Development Commission (JEDC)

Last December, the Jacksonville City Council overwhelmingly passed Mayor Brown’s government reform initiative, the first major reorganization of city government in 20 years. That legislation reformed the city’s economic development structure to make it directly accountable to the mayor and includes all city functions that could enhance the mission of creating jobs.

In January 2012, Mayor Brown and the City Council sought the approval of the Florida Legislature to alter or amend the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission (JEDC) as a necessary step to evolve the city’s economic development efforts. Both houses of the Legislature unanimously provided that authority. Today, Governor Rick Scott signed the bill – CS/HB 1253 – which provided that authority.

The City of Jacksonville’s Neighborhoods Department is issuing an air quality advisory today in response to smoke from fires currently burning in the area. Elevated levels of particulate matter from smoke in neighboring counties may impact parts of Jacksonville today, as winds blow smoke into the area.

Children, the elderly and sensitive individuals should take steps to avoid exposure by staying inside or refraining from strenuous outdoor activity. If exercising outdoors, substituting less vigorous exercise (a walk instead of a jog, for example) can be helpful. In addition, outdoor activities should be planned for times when particulate levels are lower.

Legislation would reform city policy to create jobs, revitalize Downtown

Mayor Alvin Brown appeared today with leading members of the Jacksonville business community to unveil legislation aimed at reforming the city’s economic development structure and policy to help create jobs and revitalize Downtown.

“One of my priorities as Mayor is to partner with the business community to create jobs and enhance economic growth,” said Mayor Brown. “This legislation will make Jacksonville more competitive by speeding the process of bringing high wage jobs and strong economic development to Jacksonville, while also helping to reinvigorate our Downtown.”

7-Eleven, Inc. has announced plans to open at least 80 new stores in Jacksonville by 2015 with up to 20 of the new locations operating this year.

Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown welcomed 7-Eleven President and CEO Joe DePinto, Governor Rick Scott and Sleiman Enterprises President and CEO Toney Sleiman at The Jacksonville Landing Wednesday, where a group of local leaders applauded news of the company’s growth in the River City. The celebration included 7-Eleven Slurpee drinks as part of a spread of refreshments.