Florida State Representatives Janet Adkins and Mike Weinstein; Jacksonville City Council Vice President Bill Gulliford; Save the Ferry Task Force members Elaine Brown, Aaron Bowman, Rich Redick and Larry Williams announced today that efforts to “Keep the Ferry” continue, despite a disappointing response from the Secretary of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) that operating funds for the St. Johns River Ferry will not be provided for this year.  The Secretary of FDOT has indicated the Department is not in the position to provide operating funds for the upcoming year, however discussions continue as to the possibility of FDOT contributing money for capital project improvements necessary in the next few years.

In accordance with Ordinance 2012-466-A, the first City Council meeting in the month of August 2012, has been rescheduled to Wednesday, August 15, 2012, due to the date of the 2012 Primary Election.

The City of Jacksonville Sports & Entertainment Office is pleased to announce the inductees into the City of Jacksonville’s 2012 Georgia/Florida Hall of Fame. The 2012 inductees include David Greene and Charles Whittemore from the University of Georgia (UGA) and Doug Dickey and John L. Williams from the University of Florida (UF).

In accordance with Ordinance 2005-361-E, the first Committee week and City Council meeting of the month of July are suspended for a summer break.  The Jacksonville City Council meeting cycle will resume with Standing Committee meetings the week of July 16, followed by the City Council meeting on July 24, 2012.

City Council President Stephen Joost (At-Large, Group 3) today announced the nomination of three new members to serve on the Police and Fire Pension Fund board of trustees.

Are you ready?  JaxReady— brought to you by the Emergency Preparedness Division and Information Technologies Division of the City of Jacksonville, Florida— will help you monitor weather threats and plan for evacuation in the event of a natural disaster. JaxReady provides access to current threat levels, weather reports, and wildfire updates, as well as up-to-the-minute news feeds for emergency preparedness and evacuation.

With nearly 32,000 tickets already sold, the match against Scotland on Saturday, May 26, at EverBank Field will set the attendance record for a U.S. Men’s National Team (MNT) international friendly in the state of Florida.

Jacksonville City Council President Stephen C. Joost (At-Large, Group 3) announced today the formation of a committee to review the nominations for the 2012 “Robert O. Johnson Good Government Award”.  The award was established by the Jacksonville City Council 2003 in honor of former City Council Auditor Robert O. Johnson.  Each year, the award is bestowed upon an employee who has demonstrated a sustained and significant contribution to the increased efficiency and effectiveness of the City of Jacksonville or its Independent Agencies.

More than 20,000 tickets have been sold for the U.S. Men’s National Team game against Scotland on May 26 at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Fla.

Mayor Alvin Brown announces 2012 Jacksonville Jazz Festival Performers and Activities

Mayor Alvin Brown announced today an exciting lineup of activities for the 2012 Jacksonville Jazz Festival. The annual tradition will be held on Thursday, May 24 - Sunday, May 27.

“The Jacksonville Jazz Festival helps to promote a greater quality of life by drawing thousands of people to our Downtown,” said Mayor Brown. “This is the perfect opportunity for families and groups of friends to gather, take in performances, enjoy a stroll along our treasured St. Johns River and feel the heartbeat of our city’s urban center.”

Some of this year’s confirmed performers include Sonny Rollins; Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke and Lenny White Trio; Patti Austin with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra; Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue; Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band featuring Terence Blanchard; and Karrin Allyson.