Weeklong activities highlight the benefits of a college education

Mayor Alvin Brown and Duval County Public Schools have partnered to bring forth several activities in conjunction with “Jacksonville Goes to College Week.” Students throughout the city will participate in various activities highlighting the college entrance process and benefits of a college education during programs scheduled Friday, Oct. 5 through Saturday, Oct. 13.

Celebration of Afterschool Programs

Dr. Donnie Horner, the education commissioner for the City of Jacksonville will present a proclamation on behalf of Mayor Alvin Brown at the 13th Annual Lights On Afterschool celebration at North Shore Elementary School on Thrusday, Oct. 18. Honored guests include Jill Dame, Interim Executive Director for the Jacksonville Children's Commission; Felicia Hardaway,Principal of North Shore Elementary; Dr. Davalu Parrish, Executive Director of the Bridge of Northeast Florida; and the Honorable Dr. Johnny Gaffney, Jacksonville City Councilman for District 7.

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.

Ms. Chanelle Porter took part in Mayor Alvin Brown's inaugural summer Learn2Earn program -- a summer program which motivates students for college. Ms. Porter met several mentors in the program, including Education Commissioner Dr. Donnie Horner and Cedric Cruse with the City of Jacksonville.

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.