Blog Posts

Jacksonville is special. We all already know this. And each of us have a different reason for thinking this. One of my favorite things to highlight about Jacksonville is that we are home to the largest park system in North America. 
 
We cannot build up Downtown without building up our arts and culture scene. And the push to revitalize Jacksonville’s art spaces has never been clearer than right now.
 
At this point, many of us have been touched directly by the Opioid Epidemic. Too often we are faced with the devastating loss our friends, family, and neighbors to the scourge that is an opioid overdose. It is a community health crisis, and the increased prominence of Fentanyl in street drugs has only heightened the devastation. 
We are in the final days of the back-to-school season here in Jacksonville. As my fellow parents know, these weeks can be a blur of chaos, relief, newfound worry, and pure joy. As a father of three, I have been around the block when it comes to navigating back to school. 
Each year, a privilege of serving as Mayor is the presentation of our balanced budget for the year ahead. However, this one, as it’s my final budget presentation, is bittersweet. Heading into my final year as Mayor of Jacksonville, I have taken the opportunity to reflect on the last seven years.
When I took office in 2015, I committed to you that, in a few years, you wouldn’t recognize downtown.
 
As mayor of Jacksonville, I want all of our residents and businesses to be safe and resilient in case a disaster strikes.  Summer is upon us. Kids are out of school, days are getting longer, and it is time for another Hurricane Season.
 
Last week, I joined Edward Waters University (EWU) President Dr. A. Zachary Faison to cut the ribbon for the new community field and stadium named in honor of a Jacksonville legend: former sheriff and Edward Waters president Nathaniel Glover. 
This morning, I was proud to join Groundwork Jacksonville, City Council colleagues, and local business and community leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking for a landmark projec tin our community: The Emerald Trail. 
Today, I joined the Jacksonville Icemen and Community First Credit Union to kickoff renovations for the Community First Igloo, which promises to be a premier attraction for Jacksonville families and visitors with two sheets of ice, a restaurant and bar, pro shop, e-sports center, and more.
 
Today, Mayor Lenny Curry presented his seventh proposed budget as mayor of Jacksonville to City Council. A copy of his remarks is provided below, as prepared for delivery. 

The 2021 Proposed Budget Book and CIP documents are available on the Budget Office web page
 
This morning at City Hall, I joined leadership from the local U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) office to present the inaugural COJ/HUD Public-Philanthropic Initiative Award, recognizing three great local organization who have made a tremendous difference in our community.  
This November, our beautiful St. Johns riverfront in Downtown Jacksonville will be transformed into the ultimate skatepark to host the 2021 Street League Skateboarding World Championship!
 
This morning, I joined FIS CEO Gary Norcross and other community leaders for the topping off ceremony for the new FIS Headquarters building going up in the Brooklyn neighborhood, adding to Jacksonville's great momentum. 
In a 14-5 vote, the Jacksonville City Council approved the mayor's Jobs for Jax legislation. Read Mayor Lenny Curry's full statement: 
We made a major annoucement this morning. Jacksonville will be the headquarters for the global leader in business decisioning data and analytics, Dun & Bradstreet. The move will create 500 new, high-paying jobs for our community. 
This morning, I visited the men and women of Century Ambulance Services to thank them for their dedicated service to our community over the past 40 years. I am grateful for all that they do to save lives and support better health outcomes in Jacksonville.
 
Over the past year, nurses have been at the forefront in the fight against COVID-19. They led the way in our testing efforts, cared for patients in the ICU, and are now getting as many people vaccinated as we can to stop this virus once and for all.
 
Yesterday, I visited members of our Senior Services team at the Louis Dinah Senior Center to help package meals for delivery to Jacksonville Seniors.
 
Last week, I had the pleasure of stopping by and helping out at Back to the Grind, a new coffee shop and small business in Downtown Jacksonville. He even let me try my hand at the espresso machine!
Today, I joined the amazing team at JAXPORT to sign a Memorandum of Understanding solidifying the historic ties between Jacksonville and the island of Puerto Rico. 
Jobs for Jax is about more than building new roads and infrastructure. It’s about investing in Jacksonville neighborhoods and strengthening our community by creating more jobs and economic opportunities for our people.
Today, I joined Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) CEO Nat Ford and members of City Council at the JTA Mobility Works project under construction at Collins Road to announce our plan to invest in the future of our city, and create jobs for our citizens.
Saturday, March 13, 2021 marked the one year anniversary of the Mayor's emergency declaration for COVID-19 in Jacksonville. 
Last March, the world changed dramatically for many in our community. Families suddenly found it hard to put food on the table as our city, state, and nation took actions to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Today, I convened a meeting with six Jacksonville business owners and local leaders with vested interest in Downtown Jacksonville to openly discuss ways to improve the urban core. Every Jacksonville resident has a vested interest in a strong and vibrant urban core for our community.
In the campaign for City-County Consolidation over 50 years, promises were made to communities throughout Jacksonville—and especially on the northside—that voting for Consolidation would bring investments in infrastructure and community improvements to neglected neighborhoods. 
This morning, I joined members of my team, my Downtown Homelessness Taskforce, and City Council members to announce a new program providing much needed aid to some of our City's most vulnerable citizens. 
The City of Jacksonville was recognized in the 2021 Census Best Practices Showcase for our partnerships and strategic efforts for the 2020 Census.
 
Edward Waters College (EWC) is the oldest independent institution of higher education in Florida, the first historically black college, and a vital pillar of our community. Today, we unveiled an investment in its future with new and improved student housing. 
In my second inaugural address, I reaffirmed my commitment to sound fiscal management and being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars. Demonstrating my administration’s commitment to this priority, our Finance team was recognized this week for their professionalism and excellence in financial reporting.
 
This morning, I was joined by at-large City Councilman Ron Salem and Daily’s CEO Aubrey Edge for an update on a partnership we announced nearly one year ago.
Today at City Hall, the region's largest nonprofit food bank and hunger relief network, Feeding Northeast Florida, was presented a check that will provide 9,000 meals for Jacksonville families in need. The donation was the result of City employees winning the inaugural Go365 Most Active City Step Challenge. 
The First Coast is a region that is blessed with tremendous natural beauty. Few views are as breathtaking as a sunrise or sunset overlooking the vast salt marsh at Betz Tiger Point Preserve or Pumpkin Hill Creek State Park.
Yesterday, despite the many challenges this year has brought us, the people of Jacksonville came together in a safe and responsible way to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation's heroes. The 2020 Veterans Day Parade demonstrated our city's strong ties and deep commitment to our military service men and women. 
 
Last July, when I took the oath of office for my second term, I committed to making our downtown the vibrant and amazing heart of our community that the people of Jacksonville deserve.
In the fall of 2022, an iconic new park in Jacksonville's historic LaVilla community is set to open to the public, honoring two of our city's greatest sons: James Weldon and John Rosamond Johnson. 
This week, I joined Sheriff Mike Williams, and leaders from the State Attorney's Office and Hubbard House for a virtual kickoff of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Jacksonville.
This week, I joined my colleagues on City Council and the brave men and women of the Jacksonville Fire Department (JFRD) on Gate Parkway to break ground on a brand new fire station for our city. 
Earlier this week, I joined Dr. Sunil Joshi from the Duval County Medical Society to encourage Jacksonville citizens to get their flu vaccines. 
Today, Congressman John Rutherford and Fire Chief Keith Powers joined me at Fire Station 18 on Myrtle Ave. to announce a multi-million-dollar federal grant to improve public safety in Jacksonville.
 
In a statement at the White House on July 23, 2020, President Donald Trump announced the cancellation of 2020 Republican National Convention events in Jacksonville. Mayor Lenny Curry and Sheriff Mike Williams released this joint statement in response:
On July 15, Mayor Lenny Curry presented his sixth budget to the Jacksonville City Council via a Zoom Conference call. 
This morning, I joined community partners at City Hall to kickoff a new public campaign aimed at ensuring Jacksonville gets a "complete count" in the upcoming 2020 Census. 
This morning, I joined the men and women of the Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department and colleagues from City Council to cut the ribbon on a new fire station serving the Argyle and Oakleaf communities. 
This morning, I joined a number of my colleagues from City Council to sign Ordinance 2020-0074 into law, a major step toward ending human and sex trafficking crimes in Jacksonville. 
Yesterday, I joined partners from throughout the community at the Sulzbacher Center to cut the ribbon on a brand new Mobile Medical Unit that will serve individuals experiencing homelessness in our community. 
Last week, I was honored to welcome the friends and family of local missing adults to City Hall for an annual ceremony. 
Today, our city said goodbye to a dedicated leader and public servant: Jake Godbold. He leaves a proud and distinct legacy that goes beyond his term as the second mayor of the consolidated City of Jacksonville.
 
This afternoon, I joined several of my colleagues from City Council to sign legislation (2020-0024) that will have a tremendous impact on the families that live at the former Eureka Gardens (now Valencia Way) and other properties.
I have many fond memories of visiting the Museum of Science & History (MOSH) with school friends in the late-80’s, and now with my family. This museum means a lot to our city, and the partnership announced between MOSH and VyStar today will ensure that legacy is carried on in the years ahead.
This morning, I joined Governor Ron DeSantis, local college presidents, and business leaders to announce the award of more than $3.6 million through the state's Job Growth Grant Fund to develop a stronger financial technology (FinTech) workforce for our region. 
Trust is vital for the successful operation of any public entity. That’s includes JEA. Rebuilding that trust is going to be a top priority for the seven community leaders I am recommending for appointment to the JEA Board of Directors.
 
Did you know that Jacksonville is the home of Florida’s oldest private institution for higher learning? The story of Edward Waters College (EWC) started in 1865, serving African American students during the Reconstruction era.
Last week, I stopped by the Hyatt in downtown Jacksonville to speak with a room full of promising young men, to encourage them to invest in themselves and their futures.
This morning, I joined Sheriff Mike Williams, State Attorney Melissa Nelson and the Northeast Florida Human Trafficking Coalition to kick off National Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Jacksonville. 
This morning, I joined students, families, faculty and supporters of the North Florida School of Special Education's (NFSSE) ribbon cutting for their brand new facilities. It was an amazing and inspiring experience. 
Today, I stood with City Councilman Ron Salem, Daily's CEO Aubrey Edge and other community leaders to  announce a new effort to address a serious issue facing our city’s youth. 
This morning, I joined City leaders and members of the nation's greatest fire department to honor the lives of 22 heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to this city. 
Earlier this week, I popped in for surprise visits three local schools to announce the winners of the Tomorrow's Leaders essay contest. The winners will read their essays on stage at the 33rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast on Jan. 17, 2020. 
This week, I had the honor to welcome Indiana University Football Head Coach Tom Allen and University of Tennessee vice chancellor & athletic director Phillip Fulmer to Jacksonville with keys to the city. The Hoosiers and Volunteers will play in the 75th TaxSlayer Gator Bowl here in Jacksonville on Jan. 2, 2019. 
As Jacksonville prepares for the Thanksgiving holiday, I met with Councilwoman and CEO/president of the Clara White Mission, Ju'Coby Pittman, to film the third in a series of interviews with interesting citizens of Jacksonville. 
This morning, I joined the U.S. Maritime Administrator, elected officials, and leaders from SSA Marine and JAXPORT to break ground on a new international container terminal that will bring more jobs and economic opportunities to our region. 
Yesterday, I joined leaders from Mayo Clinic and Hitachi to announce their plans to build a new carbon ion cancer treatment facility at Mayo's integrated oncology facility under construction at their campus off San Pablo Rd. 
Last week, I joined Numa Saisselin and Leslie Gordon from the Florida Theatre to highlight their capital campaign to renovate and restore this historic cultural and performing arts center ahead of it's 100th anniversary. 
Earlier this month, I sat down for lunch at Fred Cotten's Landmark Bar-B-Que with a true Jacksonville institution: radio and television legend Robbie Rose. 
Today, I joined military service members and leaders from our thriving business community for JAX Chamber's 17th Annual Military Appreciation Luncheon honoring our strong military and veteran community in Northeast Florida. 
This morning, I joined State Attorney Melissa Nelson, Sheriff MIke Williams and law enforcement professionals from throughout the country at the 2019 Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Assembly of Cities conference in downtown Jacksonville. 
 
Yesterday, I joined members of City Council and representatives from Baker, Clay, Nassau and St. Johns counties to sign legislation and interlocal agreements creating The Fire Watch, a new, first-of-its-kind, veteran-led initiative to end veterans suicide in our community. 
Last week, I had the opportunity to sit down with Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack for a discussion about his life in our community off the field. This is the first in a series of conversations I will have with citizens throughout out community. 
As mayor, I am privileged to lead an amazing team of City employees that are dedicated to improving our community. Recently, I joined a crew from our Right of Way & Storm water Maintenance Division to repair sidewalks in a Northwest Jacksonville neighborhood. 
Every October since 1992, the United States observes Customer Service Week in recogntiion of the contributions customer service professionals have in our communities. This year, to show my appreciation for the hardworking professionals at the City of Jacksonville, I am sharing my gratitude for our amazing team at 630-CITY. 
Did you know that Jacksonville is home to one of the world's largest financial technology companies? Fidelity Information Systems--or FIS--is a Fortune 500 company and $12 billion global business leaders in payment processing, financial software and banking solutions. 
I was honored to join law enforcement and personnel from local organizations dedicated to ending domestic violence and support survivors in our community. And I am proud to lend my voice to this effort. 
Last night, the Jacksonville City Council approved my budget for the City of Jacksonville with an overwhelming majority. This morning, I met with members of the Riverside Rotary Club to discuss my budget and priorities for Jacksonville in the next four years. 
Since day one, I've stood side-by-side with Sheriff Mike Williams and State Attorney Melissa Nelson in a shared committment to protect and enhace public safety in our city. 
 
This morning, I was joined in the Atrium of City Hall by Groundwork Jacksonville to highlight developments and next steps for the Emerald Trail project - a wonderful example of the benefits of public-private partnerships.
 
Earlier this year, when I said that you won't recognize Dowtnown Jacksonville in four years, I meant it. I believe that our downtown is the heart of the city and that we need a vibrant, growing core to help grow the entire community.
Mayor Lenny Curry was sworn in for his second term of office as Mayor of Jacksonville on July 1, 2019. Read his full remarks from the from the Inauguration Ceremony: 
When I took the oath of office four years ago, I made a commitment to the people of Jacksonville to do everything in my power as mayor to make Jacksonville a safer city.
A little over two years ago, I convened a team of experts and service providers and charged them with an important task: explore the best options and offerings to end homelessness in Jacksonville.
 
In my budget address last year, I committed to ensuring that there was a rescue unit in every fire station and every community in Jacksonville. Today, I can proudly say that we achieved that goal.
 
During my first campaign for mayor, I had an impactful conversation with an 8-year-old boy on his front porch that I’ll never forget.
 
Few things are more impactful in a young person’s life than the care and attention of a concerned adult.
 
Earlier this month, our city witnessed the implosion of the Old City Hall Annex building on Bay Street.
 
“Four years will be gone in the blink of an eye.” That was a line in the inaugural address I delivered over three years ago.
 
As an annual tradition, my family and I volunteer and hand out gifts at the Children’s Christmas Party of Jacksonville.
Ever since I was a young man working my parents' television repair shop, I knew I wanted to have my own business. As an entrepreneur, I know how hard it is to build a company. As mayor, I know the incredible value small businesses bring to a community.
 
Last week, I joined residents and new owners of the former Eureka Gardens to break ground on a new era of hope for the long-troubled housing complex.
 
Every November, as our nation pauses to honor the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, I think about the men in my family who served our great nation.
It was a little over a year ago when I joined City Council members in a classroom to sign legislation creating the Kids Hope Alliance (KHA). I still remember the sign over the whiteboard that read, “No Slacking Any Time.”
 
Few things are more enjoyable than hopping on my skateboard and riding around the block with my family. My wife, Molly, might say it’s one of the scariest for her.
 
In 1960, Mayor-Commissioner Haydon Burns sealed a time capsule filled with Jacksonville history. City Council President Aaron Bowman and I had the pleasure to open the time capsule as part of a week-long set of activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Jacksonville’s Consolidation.
Last Tuesday, my fourth budget was unanimously approved by my colleagues on City Council.
I recently had the opportunity to join former mayors of Jacksonville during a special forum hosted by Jacksonville University and WJXT.
 
I recently had the honor of attending a membership luncheon for the Jacksonville Bar Association where I presented a proclamation to celebrate Pro Bono Week in Jacksonville.
 
Public safety is my top priority, and that commitment extends to ensuring resources are provided to support the needs of every neighborhood in Jacksonville.
 
Recently, City Council Vice-President Scott Wilson and I joined a team from our Public Works Department to repair a road cave-in in the Beachwood community.
 
This summer, more than 400 young men and women in our city were afforded the opportunity to gain skills and experiences to prepare them to pursue their dreams.
Earlier this year, I shared my thoughts about turning downtown’s potential into action. The recently released 2017 State of Downtown Report demonstrates these actions.
 
This week, I presented my fourth budget as mayor of Jacksonville.
Friday brought good news to youth-serving organizations throughout Jacksonville.
 
Jacksonville is a proud and patriotic city. You could see that reflected in the faces of the thousands of citizens who came downtown to watch the annual July 4th fireworks display.
 
Last week, Jacksonville’s Military Affairs and Veterans Department held its second annual Vetrepreneur Summit.
Summer is upon us. Kids are out of school, days are getting longer, and it is time for another Hurricane Season.
Summer is fast approaching, and my family is counting down the days.
 
“All gave some. Some gave all.”
 
This simple phrase is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women of our military.
 
A solemn duty I face as mayor is the responsibility of helping our city honor our fallen heroes.
I came to Jacksonville the same way many people in our city did – through the Navy.
Every May, Jacksonville joins cities across the nation to observe Older Americans Month, recognizing the many contributions that senior citizens make in our communities. The successes we enjoy today are built upon the strong foundation these amazing citizens helped build.
The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are some of the most important.
 
Jacksonville is on the move. That fact was on full display at the grand opening of Amazon’s JAX2 Fulfillment Center in northwest Jacksonville this month.
 
Logistics is big business in Jacksonville. And it keeps getting bigger.
I recently joined the First Coast YMCA to help break the tie with our rivals in Tampa in the Treadmill Tuesday Challenge.
Great things are happening in Jacksonville and key people are taking notice.
Our first responders have a difficult job. They respond to tragic events and scenes – car accidents, house fires, and medical emergencies – often multiple times per day. Bearing witness to that level of trauma isn’t easy.
Earlier this month, I was honored to witness the amazing heights modern technology has reached. I am inspired by the bright future that lies ahead for the City of Jacksonville due to the innovation and leadership taking place within our community.
 
Every morning, I watch my kids enter the school yard. When they do, I feel a sense of safety and security because I know they are in the care of adults I trust to teach and care for them.
Last week, I had the opportunity to meet and spend time with the “Steiners” – a group of promising students from the University of North Florida.
 
City Councilman Al Ferraro and I were privileged to spend some time with an amazing group of men on Wednesday. We joined a Public Works crew conducting pothole repairs along Whittaker Road on the northside.
Last week, I joined the Jacksonville University community to announce the Master in Public Policy Minority Fellowship program, and it was an honor to be included in a monumental moment that will benefit the City of Jacksonville in the many years to come.
 
As individuals, we might not believe that we can change the world by ourselves; but if we all make a conscious effort to have a positive impact in at least one person’s life, we are well on our way.
One City. One Jacksonville. is a promise for our entire city. Not just for downtown, but for every community in Duval County.
 
As the old adage says, “it takes a village to raise a child.” I’m appreciative of Jacksonville heroes who open their homes and their hearts to children in need.
 
My family and I couldn’t imagine our lives without Blake and B. Those faces you see in that photo greet us every day, reminding us of the special bond and incredible love only pets can provide.   
 
For too long, Jacksonville has been described as a city with “great potential.” It’s time to turn that great potential into actions that produce great results for our citizens and communities.
 
While I’m not thrilled about how the AFC Championship game played out, I’m blocking my hurt and thinking about the guys that played the game.
 
Too many kids in Jacksonville are facing hopelessness. In the past two and a half years, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with some incredible young people. But some of these same kids have faced unfathomable hardship; they have dealt with a friend being shot, seen a parent incarcerated, or struggled with homelessness.
 
Kooker Park has a long history in Jacksonville’s historic Eastside community, and one man is a big reason why. 
 
Success is built on getting the right talent together around a common vision, putting in the time and preparation, and executing the plan. The Jaguars are leveraging these principles into a winning season, earning support and generating enthusiasm all over the city.
 
Each week, I issue birthday and anniversary letters to citizens, celebrating the milestones they’ve reached in their lives or their organizations. Last week was incredibly special in that I was afforded and opportunity to recognize a long-time anchor in the community.
Jacksonville is well known for taking bold steps. That also rings true for the Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department (JFRD).
Though I never served, I learned to honor those who have from my experiences with those in my family who answered the call. I had the chance to honor one of those heroes – my dad – during this year's Veterans Day Parade.
Some of the most valuable insights I receive happen when I get out of my office and meet people face-to-face. That’s how I can learn about citizens’ daily lives and challenges.
There was a sign on the wall, just above the whiteboard, in the classroom at Daniel Academy where I signed the Kids Hope Alliance (KHA) legislation into law. It read, “No Slacking Any Time.”
 
Every October, we gather to honor the lives and service of 22 individuals who gave their all in service to this city. I was proud to join the men and women of the Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department (JFRD) on Oct. 10 to pay tribute.
With two years and now our third budget behind us, Jacksonville continues to send a strong message that we are united and committed to addressing key priorities.
During the long campaign for mayor, I promised the kids that we could get a dog. I won, and so did they.
You can tell a lot about a people by how they respond in times of challenge. These events can be defining moments for communities. Hurricane Irma has proven, once again, that Jacksonville is a resilient city full of resilient people.

Since the start of hurricane season on June 1, we have already seen eight named storms form in the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s back-to-school time in the Curry household. A lot changes when the school bell rings, signaling the start of a new year.
Starting a small business can be a daunting experience. 
When I was a kid, I wanted to grow up to be an NFL linebacker. It was a dream many would describe as wild, but my parents always supported and encouraged me. Jacksonville should be doing the same to help our kids in our city reach for their dreams.
Earlier this month, I met a future leader in our community. Her name is Alexandria Andrade, and she’s a rising 5th grader at Sallye Mathis Elementary School. 

Having been a CPA, I’ve long known that budgets are about priorities. You can tell a lot about what an organization cares about by how it allocates resources. 
Is your family prepared for the next storm? Do you know your evacuation zone? Is your supply kit stocked? Get the answers to these questions and make sure you’re JaxReady this hurricane season. 
Edward Waters College (EWC) should be a beacon of light for our community. Not just because of its historic significance, but because of its many valuable contributions to our city. Today, we announced plans to strengthen those contributions.
If you follow me on Twitter, you know I occasionally share motivational quotes. One of my favorites is from Tony Robbins: “The path to success is to take massive determined action.”
How many of you remember Jacksonville’s old tagline, The Bold New City of the South? While I was not a city resident at the time, I am certainly inspired by the bold history and legacy it represented.
One thing you learn as mayor going door-to-door to talk with residents: they keep it real.
Jacksonville is a city on the move, and we’re not stopping! Just look at these numbers…
 
Growing up can be tough. As the parent of three school-age kids, I know. It helps having someone who believes in you, motivates you, and keeps you focused on the path to success. 
At a recent ribbon cutting for the new YMCA at Baptist North, I joked about the gym being my second office. I was only half joking.