The 10th Annual Jacksonville Film Festival is this week, November 1 - 4.  To see a full schedule, see previews of the films, events and workshops, to volunteer, or to purchase tickets. For more info please visit www.jaxfilmfest.com.

The venues for the Jax Film Fest are San Marco Theatre, Jacksonville Public Library, Florida Theatre - and for the first time - Ponte Vedra Concert Hall.

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!

Jacksonville has some great afterschool programs. So great that they are drawing national attention and $765,000 in support from The Wallace Foundation, a New York-based organization that focuses on innovative ideas to support learning.

Learn more in Mayor Alvin Brown's Blog

The City of Jacksonville Sports & Entertainment Office announced on Wednesday that the 2012 Navy-Marine Corps Classic will be presented by Florida Blue.

“We’re excited to have Florida Blue come on as the presenting sponsor for this great event,” said Mayor Alvin Brown. “We have a tremendous group of corporate partners working with us to make this event a memorable part of the Week of Valor.”

U.S. to face Brazil in first round tie

The United States will begin its chase for the 2013 Davis Cup title when it hosts Brazil in a first round tie at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.

The matches are set for Feb. 1 – 3, with the two teams facing off in a best-of-five series for the right to advance to the second round and face the winner of the Serbia-Belgium match.

“Hosting the Davis Cup competition represents a great opportunity for our city to receive the global attention it deserves,” said Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown. “The word is getting out: Jacksonville is a premier city for major sporting events. Our city’s selection emerged from a highly competitive process and it goes to show that we have the staff, facilities and expertise to create a marquis experience that will delight the thousands of fans headed our way. We have a tremendous tennis community that is eager to engage in a first-class tennis event at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.”

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 winners of the 2012 Mayor Brown Essay Contest have been named. Contest winners will be honored by Mayor Alvin Brown at an Award Ceremony at City Hall to be held at a later date.