The City of Jacksonville Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services (JaxParks) announced its 2015 summer schedule.
 
This year’s summer camps range from day-camp activities to sports skills to oceanfront experiences. JaxParks will host day-enrichment camps at 12 locations for ages 6 to 12, a Kids Camp for 5-year-olds, tennis camp for ages 6 to 13, Ocean Camp for ages 8 to 15 and Aqua Camp for ages 10 to 14. Most camps are offered in three two-week sessions from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning Monday, June 22. Extended day is available from 7 to 8 a.m. and 5 to 6 p.m.

Ordinance 2015-60 Moves Forward Efforts to Invest in Underserved Neighborhoods

Mayor Alvin Brown today signed legislation that moves forward the efforts of his Renew Jax initiative.  The mayor was joined by Jacksonville City Council members and other city leaders at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church as he signed Ordinance 2015-60, which advances the city’s collaboration with the private and non-profit sectors to invest in Jacksonville neighborhoods. Jacksonville City Council passed the ordinance by a unanimous vote on March 10.
 
“I’m encouraged by the momentum and progress behind Renew Jax and the many partnerships that are making it possible. These collaborations will breathe new life into our neighborhoods and improve the lives of those who live in them,” said Mayor Brown.  “By leveraging public, private and non-profit investments, we are fostering a healthy environment that helps bring in more jobs and opportunity, and create safer, more vibrant neighborhoods for everyone in Jacksonville.”
 
Council Member Reggie Brown was in attendance at the event, which was held in his district. He was encouraged by the potential that Renew Jax holds for Northwest Jacksonville neighborhoods.
 
“The people in these neighborhoods have been looking for investments like these for a long time now. I’m excited to move forward on these concrete actions,” said Council Member Brown. “These enhancements will empower our neighborhoods by improving the lives of residents and creating safer, more attractive and lively communities where businesses can invest and thrive.”

Initiative gives residents new, easy-to-use tools to identify and report blight

Members of the City Council Special Ad Hoc Committee on Neighborhood Blight and city leaders today unveiled the Fight Blight initiative, designed to give residents new, easy-to-use tools to identify and report blight. 

Building on major new investments by Jacksonville University, Mayor Alvin Brown was joined today by City Council members and Jacksonville University President Tim Cost to announce that the City’s Renew Jax initiative will expand to the Arlington area.  Launched by Mayor Brown in November 2014, Renew Jax is designed to empower and revitalize key Jacksonville neighborhoods and corridors through public-private partnerships.

View the Renew Arlington Fact Sheet

“Arlington is a community that’s ready for a turnaround,” said Mayor Brown.  “It’s a neighborhood with a great past and I believe it can look forward to a great future.  By leveraging public and private investments, we will create new business and job opportunities along with a safer, more vibrant environment for everyone in Arlington.”