New Public Art and BARGE Event Series Will Help Activate Downtown

Adding to the exciting wave of Downtown renewal, the new, improved Southbank Riverwalk opened today with an event at Friendship Fountain. Mayor Alvin Brown, Council President Clay Yarborough, Councilmembers Warren Jones, John Crescimbeni and Don Redman, and other city leaders announced new features and opportunities in celebration of the opening of this renovated Downtown centerpiece.
 
“This newly redesigned Southbank Riverwalk will add even more momentum to our Downtown riverfront and serve as a destination for our residents and visitors,” said Mayor Brown. “This new 4,000-foot Riverwalk provides a unique experience for the public to enjoy our treasured St. Johns River, and represents a great investment in the quality of life and future of our community.”
 
Originally constructed in 1985, the Southbank Riverwalk was reconstructed during an 18-month design-build project led by the Haskell Company, in partnership with CH2MHill and Flagg Design. The $17 million project replaced the aging wood structure with a concrete path on the river, featuring colorful paver bricks. 

"The Riverwalk is a great asset,” said Council President Clay Yarborough. “I'm thankful the project is finished so that our residents and visitors can enjoy the river and Downtown from this venue once again."

Ordinance 2014-560 Empowers the DIA to Accomplish Key Downtown Projects 

Mayor Alvin Brown signed Ordinance 2014-560 into law Tuesday during the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) board meeting, authorizing the DIA to be the community redevelopment agency for Downtown.  The legislation empowers the DIA to move important projects forward, such as redevelopment of the Shipyards, and The Jacksonville Landing.
 
“Downtown Jacksonville is on the move, and we’ve seen great progress over the past few years,” said Mayor Brown. “With today’s bill signing, the DIA is now the full-fledged engine for Downtown Jacksonville that will drive more jobs, residents and investment in our urban core and revitalize the heart of our city and Northeast Florida.”

View the legislative summary for Ordinance 2014-560.

Public Technology Institute Recognizes Jacksonville for High Standards in Citizen Participation, Service Delivery

The Public Technology Institute (PTI) has designated Jacksonville as a “Citizen-Engaged Community”, one of 18 city or county governments nationwide to be recognized for its best practices in engaging citizens through customer service centers, such as the one Jacksonville operates through 630-CITY.
           
Communities’ applications were reviewed for excellence in several areas for their contact centers, including citizen participation processes, integrated communication channels, integrated technology, and performance reporting.

Study by Visit Jacksonville Shows Local Impact Increased from 2013

This year’s annual Georgia-Florida Football Classic proved to be even more successful than last year, with 132,882 out-of-town visitors generating $33.3 million in economic impact for Jacksonville, according to research by Visit Jacksonville.  The data shows the local impact increased $784,000 from 2013.

There were 37,118 room nights booked throughout the city for the game, generating $3.5 million in room revenue.  Room revenue from hotel stays increased from 2013 by almost $100,000.  Nearly 17,000 jobs were supported by the weekend events, the research shows.

Mayor Alvin Brown announced a multi-agency coalition and launched a six-month campaign to address pedestrian and bicycle safety in Jacksonville today on the front steps of City Hall.

Mayor Brown was joined in support by Council Members Don Redman, District 4, Dr. Johnny Gaffney, District 7 and Jim Love, District 14. During the event, Nathanial P. Ford Sr., chief executive officer of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, Assistant Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools Paul Soares and Chief Michelle Cook from the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office each commented on their respective agency’s ongoing efforts and overall goals in addressing bike and pedestrian safety. Other agency and advocacy groups were in attendance to support the coalition, including FDOT, AARP and the Florida Highway Patrol.

EverBank Field Ready to Host Bulldogs and Gators
 
The University of Georgia will take home field against the University of Florida on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 3:30 p.m. at EverBank Field for the annual Georgia-Florida Football Classic, played in Jacksonville since 1933.

“The Georgia-Florida Football Classic has always been much more than just a game,” said Mayor Alvin Brown. “It’s a great Jacksonville tradition and a hugely popular get-together for students, alumni and fans from Florida, Georgia and beyond.  It brings many benefits to our city, including the positive economic impact from so many out-of-town visitors and the spotlight it shines on Jacksonville as a leading destination for big-time sports.  This promises to be a great week for Jacksonville and a great week for the Gator and Bulldog fans who’ll be joining us from far and wide.”

View Georgia-Florida Fast Facts Sheet