Jacksonville Summit One of 100 Nationwide to Examine Challenges and Solutions for Raising High School Graduation Rates and Preparing All Young People for Success

Mayor Alvin Brown announced today he will convene the Jacksonville GradNation Community Summit with America’s Promise Alliance, the nation’s largest partnership dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth.

The all-day summit will be held Friday, April 4 at the Jacksonville Public Library’s Main Branch. The agenda will focus on how to improve high school graduation rates and better prepare young people for college and the workforce.

Opportunities for Jobs, Leadership and Diversion Begin at MLK Jr. Breakfast

Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown today launched a youth initiative that will increase summer job opportunities, expand efforts to keep first-time, nonviolent juvenile offenders out of repeat trouble and develop youth leaders in the community.

“Improving opportunities for Jacksonville’s next generation is one of my top priorities,” said Mayor Brown. “Young people represent the hope of our community. Wise investments in our youth pay huge dividends for them and for Jacksonville.”

View the fact sheet on the Mayor's Youth Initiative

The mayor announced his youth initiative at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, featuring journalist Soledad O’Brien.

Join Mayor Alvin Brown and the City of Jacksonville to commemorate the anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a breakfast honoring his life and dream for social change on Friday, Jan. 17. CNN reporter and anchor Soledad O'Brien will be this year's keynote speaker. In addition, six local students will be recognized as Tomorrow's Leaders for their volunteerism, leadership and civic responsibility.

Learn more about the 27th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast

The doors open at 7:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 8 a.m. at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. Individual tickets are $40, tables are $400. Complimentary parking will be available for attendees in surrounding lots. Purchase tickets and learn more at JaxHappenings.com

Unfortunately, the required overhaul of the St. Johns River Ferry is taking longer than originally planned.  Although it was anticipated the ferry would return to service by the end of December, the projected date is now mid-January.  We apologize for any inconvenience resulting from this delay. 

Ring in the New Year in Downtown Jacksonville with fireworks at midnight as the skies come alive to welcome 2014. The show will take place over the St. Johns River with a river barge located behind The Jacksonville Landing to light up the night sky and celebrate the New Year!

Learn more at JaxHappenings.com