Did you Know?
So, how well do you know Jacksonville? Find out here. Got a great story we missed? Leave a comment.
Mayor Peyton Declares War on Crime with Proposed Budget
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.
Anglers, Artists & '80s Icons
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!
Jacksonville Gets Fired Up for Independence Day
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!
Equine Disaster Preparedness Forum Saturday
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.
Guys, Ties, Cats, Dogs and Mechanical Bulls
"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.
New Crime-Fighting Plan Won't Cost Jax Taxpayers an Extra Dime
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.
Film, Radio, Political Stars Light Up 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.
Special Elections Qualifying Underway
Live outside Jacksonville's city limits? A number of seats also are open in surrounding counties including St. Johns, Nassau and Putnam. Happy politicking!
Dads About Town in June
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.

