Jacksonville Blog

Jacksonville boasts some surprising firsts, including the world's first skyscraper and Rock and Roll King Elvis Presley's first indoor concert - a show that proved tame thanks to the watchful eye of a juvenile judge who threatened to shut things down if "Elvis the Pelvis" got out of hand. Once called a "sleepy Southern town," the River City holds many secrets, including a few scandalous morsels..

So, how well do you know Jacksonville? Find out here. Got a great story we missed? Leave a comment.

Mayor John Peyton's proposed budget for fiscal year 2009 is a declaration of war: on crime, that is. The $972.3 million budget introduces Jacksonville's biggest investment in public safety in recent years, while also delivering the smallest annual budget increase in recent memory, just a 1.8-percent jump over the current budget. From early intervention to ex-offender education, the plan focuses on making Jacksonville a safer place to live and delivering a direct hit to the River City's eight-year status as Florida's murder capital.

The plan also includes strategies for going green, including switching part of the city's auto fleet to hybrid and electric cars and continuing the River Accord's $700 million, 10-year commitment to heal the ailing St. Johns River. And our fearless leader has strong words for Central and South Florida: We ain't sharing our precious water resources without a fight, he vows.

For now, Peyton's proposed plan is just that - proposed. It won't take effect unless City Council signs off on it, which could take a few months. What do you think about Peyton's plan? Leave a comment.

Diehard anglers from Northeast Florida and beyond are gearing up for the summer's biggest tournament. The Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tourhnament & Festival attracts nearly 30,000 spectators and participants each year. Get signed up now!

July also brings options for the music lover from '80s icons Foreigner to country superstars Brooks & Dunn. The Southern Classic Gun & Knife Show comes to the Jacksonville Fairgrounds. And art meets medicine in a masterful exhibit at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Enjoy!

The weather guys say the forecast is clear for a beautiful night of fireworks displays throughout the First Coast. And there's plenty to do to celebrate during the daylight hours of the July 4th weekend too.

John Rich and Cowboy Troy headline a day of country music concerts at Freedom, Fanfare & Fireworks at Metro Park. Harley riders ride for a good cause. Late Hollywood star James Cagney makes a visit, as does America's original George W. Professional skydivers put on a show at Jacksonville Beach. And the little ones jettison their electronic gadgets for a taste of simpler times a la watermellon seed spitting contests and water bucket relays.

Declare your independence from the monotonous work week!

It's that time of year. Hurricane season is in full swing and although Northeast Florida hasn't taken a major hit since 1964's Hurricane Dora, residents have learned to be on the ready just in case Mother Nature gets testy.

Preparing for a hurricane means much more than taping up windows, loading up on canned goods and bottled water, and calling Uncle Louie in Des Moines to tell him you're on your way. Pet owners also must make special arrangements for their four-legged family members too. But while Fido and Fluffy are easy to handle, those whose four-legged family members weigh upwards of 1,500 pounds have a real project on their hands - and typically a 72-hour window to get it done.

That project gets a little easier this weekend when Habitat for Horses Inc. hosts a forum for horse owners designed to teach the key steps in disaster preparedness, including hurricane planning, tips on when and how to evacuate and where to go, along with basic emergency medical needs for injured or stressed horses. You'll also get tips on packing emergency first aid kits, identifying your horse after the storm, and how to become involved in the local community after a disaster.

The event is held at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center on Jacksonville's Westside, Saturday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. It's free and open to the public. Online pre-registration is requested. Speakers will include equine and disaster preparedness experts from throughout Florida. Want to learn more? Contact Chris Dunn at 904.626.1990 or cdunn@habitatforhorses.org.

Sounds like one heckuva party. Guys with Ties of Jacksonville hosts Urban Cowboy, a Western-themed party benefitting First Coast No More Homeless Pets this Saturday night. Don your best cowpoke duds and ride on out to Mavericks Rock N' Honky Tonk at The Jacksonville Landing. Take a turn on the mechanical bull before heading upstairs to Miss Ellie's Bordello for complimentary drinks (8:00-9:00 p.m.) and entertainment by DJ Sean Austin.

"What fer," you ask? To help support First Coast No More Homeless Pets save hundreds of cats and dogs through free and low-cost spay and neuter programs. Each day 71 unwanted cats and dogs enter local shelters and 53 are euthanized. Spay and neuter programs are the only proven method for controlling the pet overpopulation crisis. You can even sign up your own four-legged companion for treatment.

Tickets are $20 online, $30 at the door. 21 and up only, please.

A tight economy doesn't have to mean unsafe streets, Mayor John Peyton says. He's preparing to announce details of one of the largest public safety investments in Jacksonville's history - all compliments of funds already available in the city's current fiscal budget.

Peyton is focusing on three top crime-fighting priorities recommended by The Jacksonville Journey committee members: More cops on the street; programs to keep kids busy and off the streets; and helping ex-offenders get back on a law-abiding track.

Think Jacksonville can pull it off? Send in your comments.

Well, the ladies have outdone themselves this time. The Women's Board of Wolfson Children's Hospital has landed a lineup of top names for the Florida Forum's 2008-2009 series.

Presidential historian Michael Beschloss will deliver a lecture based on his latest book. Comedian Dennis Miller will deliver his satirical brand of comentary. Filmmaker Ron Howard and Emmy-winning journalist Charlie Rose will share the spotlight for one event. The series will wrap with a round-table discussion between former presidential advisor David Gergen and political journalists Jim Lehrer and George Stephanopoulos.

And it's all for a good cause. Proceeds help build Wolfson's new, state-of-the-art Behavioral Health Unit.

Qualifying for Special Elections is underway in Duval County. Think you've got what it takes to be a leader in the River City? Seats are open in the Jacksonville City Council, Duval County School Board and Florida House of Representatives. You'll have to hurry, though. Qualifying ends Friday.

Live outside Jacksonville's city limits? A number of seats also are open in surrounding counties including St. Johns, Nassau and Putnam. Happy politicking!

One day just isn't enough. Celebrate Father's Day throughout June with an array of events that cater to every type of dad: The sports guy, the music afficionado, the super hero.

The World Golf Village caters to Dad with free admission to the World Golf Hall of Fame and an IMAX feature. Comedian James Gregory will crack Dad up with his "reflections from the front porch." Is Dad a music lover? He's got choices this month, ranging from the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival to Jacksonville's native sons Lynyrd Skynyrd to rocker Melissa Etheridge. And dads prove their super hero skills with the little tykes at MOSH.

Humor the guy. But please, don't let that super hero thing go to his head.