VOLUME 1: ISSUE 3
in thiS ISSUE
India Powell gives the inside scoop on Southeast Jacksonville
Register Your Neighborhood Organization Today!
Contents
11 Neighbor to
Neighbor
4 Letter from the Mayor 7 Share Your
Square
10 Around Town: Southeast Jacksonville 5 Tire & Sign Buyback Helps Fight Blight 6 What is Affordable Housing? 8 Taking a Bite Out of the Mosquito Population 2 OUR JAX MAGAZINE
14 Be JaxReady!
The City Of Jacksonville’s 2017-2018 Preparedness Guide Is Now Available
12 Register Your
Neighborhood Organization
14 Online Resources 15 Neighborhood Notes • •
Foreclosure Property Registry: Protecting neighborhoods from becoming blighted Fair Housing: Ensuring human rights and fair housing for all citizens of Jacksonville
Neighborhood Services Office 214 N. HOGAN ST., 5TH FLOOR JACKSONVILLE, FL 32202 (904) 255-8250 STEPHANIE BURCH Director of Neighborhoods stephanieb@coj.net
Get Help City Customer Service (904) 630-CITY (2489) Neighborhoods Department (904) 255- 7200 Housing and Community Development (904) 255-8200
LISA RANSOM Neighborhood Services Manager lransom@coj.net
Head Start to Home Ownership (H2H) (904) 255-8231
DAN DURBEC Environmental Programs Coordinator ddurbec@coj.net
Jacksonville Housing Authority (904) 630-3810
MICHELLE GODWIN-WARE Neighborhood Coordinator for Districts 4 and 6 michellegw@coj.net AMY HAYS HOLLIMAN Neighborhood Coordinator for Districts 1 and 5 aholliman@coj.net ROSEMARY WESOLOWSKI Neighborhood Coordinator for Districts 2 and 3 rosemary@coj.net SHAUN RYCROFT City Planner srycroft@coj.net
Jacksonville Human Rights Commission (904) 630-4911 Disabled Services (904) 630-4940 JSO (Non-Emergency) (904) 630-0500 JFRD (Non-Emergency) (904) 630-0434
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Letter from the Mayor
JOIN THE JOURNEY TO A HEALTHIER JACKSONVILLE Dear Citizens, With kids out of school and summer in full swing, now is a great time to get out and enjoy Jacksonville’s great outdoor amenities. As someone who exercises daily, I know the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. As mayor, I know the benefits of a healthy community. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation recently announced that our county ranks 55 out of 67 Florida counties for quality health outcomes. This is a further decline from the previous year’s ranking, which inspired me to launch a citywide health initiative to improve the health of citizens and communities throughout the city. With the Journey To ONE campaign, we seek to encourage healthy behaviors, increase availability of quality health offerings, and support and strengthen partnerships that lead to personal and community wellness. Improving our health is a journey. We must understand that each day is an opportunity to build a pattern of healthier choices. Here are some ways you can improve your individual health: • Complete a monthly Mayorthon. Walk or run 26.2 miles per month. Physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression. And we’re asking youth to 4 OUR JAX MAGAZINE
sign up to join the Jax Mayorthon Kids Club, and make healthier food, exercise and safety choices every day. Visit coj. net/jaxmayorthonkidsclub to become a member. • Make healthy food choices. An individual’s diet can be the greatest predictor of risk for chronic disease. Diabetes, heart disease, and even some cancers are linked to poor nutrition. Through its 5-2-1-0 campaign, the Florida Department of Health recommends eating 5 or more servings of fresh fruits and vegetables a day and eliminating sugary drinks. As part of our commitment to ensuring every one in every zip code lives well, we’re taking steps to improve community health. We continue to take steps to enhance public safety, eliminate food deserts and combat neighborhood blight to improve conditions in communities throughout Jacksonville. Sincerely,
Mayor Lenny Curry Learn more about our Journey To ONE at journeytoone.com. Learn more about the County Health Rankings at CountyHealthRankings.org.
Tire & Sign Buyback Helps Fight Blight
Continuing its commitment to cleaner neighborhoods and communities, the City of Jacksonville offered citizens “cash for trash” at the 4th Annual Tire & Sign Buyback event held in May. Citizens earned 50 cents per illegal snipe sign, and $2 per tire. A Fight Blight initiative, the Tire & Sign Buyback event is hosted annually to improve the quality of life in Jacksonville neighborhoods by reducing blight, which threatens public safety, lowers property values and erodes
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quality of life. In addition to illegal snipe signs and tires, other examples of neighborhood blight include litter, overgrown grass and abandoned, unkept properties. Jacksonville residents can help fight blight year-round by reporting instances of blight to 630CITY (2489), or by using the MyJax mobile app via your Smartphone, Android or iOS mobile device. To learn more about the City of Jacksonville’s Fight Blight initiative, visit coj.net/neighborhood-blight.
23,298
3,142
Tires Collected
sIGNS cOLLECTED
Volunteers 1,095
participating vehicles
$43k
+
Funds provided
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what is
AFFORDABLE HOUSING? ‘Affordable housing’ is simply that — housing that is affordable. Definitions may vary, but the federal government’s Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program to house lowincome individuals and families is only part of it. For housing to be defined as affordable, a person must spend no more than 30 percent of his or her gross income on housing needs. Let’s put this into perspective: to the right is a table that illustrates the income of five hypothetical individuals in relation to what they should pay in monthly housing. To determine your own needs, take 30 percent of your gross annual income and divide the number by 12. That number represents the affordable amount you should spend each month on housing. As the table shows, what is ‘affordable’ is different for everyone. The individual earning $8,400 annually could represent an elderly widow trying to survive on Social Security benefits of $700 per month. The $13,000-a-year earner could be a minimum-wage employee who barely reaches full-time hours.
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For these two examples, finding affordable housing is critical. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of housing subsidized by state and federal programs. The lack of quality affordable housing burdens low- or noincome individuals in fulfilling their housing needs. For the higher-income examples, housing is more readily available, and these earners have the freedom to choose whether to own or rent a home. Calculate your own housing expenses in relation to your income. It is likely you will discover that you also live in ‘affordable housing.’
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SHARE YOUR
SQUARE
Jacksonville is BIG. It’s the largest city in the contiguous United States, covering 840 square miles, which means there are many hidden gems like the ones you see here. Can you identify these locations? Better yet, share your own! Show us what you love most about where you live, work, or play by posting your photos on social media with the hashtag #ShareYourSquare.
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Please visit coj.net/ourjaxmagazine for the locations of the Share Your Square photos featured above. OUR JAX MAGAZINE 7
As citizens enjoy the summer season, the City of Jacksonville is encouraging everyone to stay safe and vigilant while engaging in outdoor activities. The seasonably warm weather and related conditions often promote the presence of mosquitoes. “Jacksonville is home to 47 species of mosquito,” said Mosquito Control Division Chief Randy Wishard. “And while many species are nothing more than a nuisance to citizens, several have the ability to carry mosquito-borne viruses, including Zika, West Nile, Yellow Fever and more, infecting both humans and domestic animals.” The City of Jacksonville’s Mosquito Control
Division is responsible for all mosquito control activities and efforts throughout the city. The division sprays and educates the public about its role in reducing the mosquito population throughout Jacksonville using an Integrated Mosquito Management Plan. The plan consists of the following segments: • • • • •
Education Surveillance Source Reduction Larviciding Adulticiding
Mosquito Control works closely with the Florida Department of Health (Duval County) to educate the public on mosquito control, and to garner citizen support in controlling
Mosquito Control Division Chief Randy Wishard joined the team in March 2017. 8 OUR JAX MAGAZINE
and curbing mosquito population growth in their own backyards, and subsequently the Jacksonville community.
has not changed in sixty years, the science and tools to efficiently target these pests certainly has,� Wishard said.
Steps citizens can take to prevent mosquito breeding and biting include:
For more information about the City of Jacksonville Mosquito Control Division, or to request assistance, please call 630-CITY, or visit coj.net/mosquito.
1. Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying. Standing water can form in places such as tarps, buckets, tires, pet dishes, recycling bins, garbage cans, litter and more. These make excellent breeding sites for mosquitoes. 2. Cover skin with clothing and use mosquito repellent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using an EPA-registered insect repellent according to the product label. 3. Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out. 4. Arm yourself with info on mosquito prevention and protection by visiting coj.net/mosquito. National Mosquito Control Awareness Week (June 26 - July 1) is an annual observance dedicated to educating the general public about the significance of mosquitoes in their daily lives and the important services provided by mosquito control workers throughout the United States. Jacksonville Mosquito Control began its operations in the 1950s. When the City of Jacksonville and Duval County consolidated in 1968, the existing Mosquito Control districts were dissolved and the Jacksonville Mosquito Control Division was established. “Even though the strategy for controlling mosquitoes
DID YOU KNOW? Only the female mosquito feeds on blood. They require proteins from blood for development of eggs. Male mosquitoes feed on pollen and nectar. Mosquitoes can smell your breath. They have receptors on their antennae that detect the carbon dioxide released when we exhale from up to 100 feet away. Mosquitoes spend their first 10 days in water. Water is necessary for the eggs to hatch into larvae, called wigglers. Wigglers feed on organic matter in stagnant water and breathe oxygen from the surface. They develop into pupae, which do not feed and are partially encased in cocoons. Over several days, the pupae change into adult mosquitoes. Dark clothing attracts mosquitoes. They are drawn to heat and darker clothes retain more heat than lightcolored clothing. OUR JAX MAGAZINE 9
Around Town:
SOUTHEAST JACKSONVILLE If knowledge is power, Debbie Johnson is working to help her neighbors become community superheroes. As Chair of the Southeast Citizens Planning Advisory Committee (CPAC), her greatest sense of accomplishment comes when citizens are empowered through information. “I consider it a success when a member comes up to me after a meeting and says they’re leaving better informed than when they arrived,” Johnson explains.
“CPACs are the best forums for providing citizens opportunities to learn what is happening in their own communities.”
ing active and engaged in the community to attend, and notes that all CPAC meetings are open to the public.
The boundaries of Jacksonville’s Southeast Planning District 3 are Beach Boulevard to the north, the St. Johns County line to the east and south, and the St. Johns River to the west. The district is home to The Avenues Mall, a 1.1 million square-foot multi-level shopping center.
“The primary purpose is to maintain open and effective communication between Jacksonville residents, businesses, neighborhoods, community organizations, educational institutions and city government,” Johnson adds. “Broad-based public involvement in planning, land use, zoning, transportation, community services, economic development, recreation, schools, police and public safety is absolutely essential.
“As a life-long resident, there are so many things I love about this city! I would have to say it’s the people I love most,” Johnson says. “I have so many wonderful friends I’ve met throughout my life here.” Johnson became Chair of the Southeast CPAC in 2016, and has been an active participant since 2009, when she represented her homeowners’ association. She encourages anyone interested in be-
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Community members sometimes do not know where to go to get help with certain matters,” Johnson said. “When they attend our meetings and can ask a question and obtain the guidance and help they need, there is nothing more rewarding.” For more information, please visit coj.net/cpacs, call the Neighborhood Services Office at (904) 255-8250, or email Neighborhood Coordinator Rosemary Wesolowski at rosemary@coj.net.
NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR SOUTHEAST JACKSONVILLE SPOTLIGHT: INDIA POWELL EATS
There are so many great restaurants all over Jacksonville, but in my community my husband and I really enjoy Metro Diner for breakfast, and Uncle Maddio’s for lunch.
hIDDEN TREASURES parks The Old Baymeadows Golf Course is one of the best-kept secrets in Jacksonville. This beautiful, space isn’t an official park, but is used for its walking trails by residents in the area.
Baymeadows Regional Park near 9A is a great public area but still private enough to feel like your own backyard.
Southeast Jacksonville is a good mixture of the best of Jacksonville. There are family-oriented communities and those bustling with urban professionals on nearly every major street.
entertainment Arts & Culture
The University of North Florida has the best art sculptures! In every area of campus, there are unique pieces created by students, it’s impossible to choose just one.
#MyOneThing
Jacksonville has a diverse scene of cultural entertainment, like World of Nations, Jazz Festival, a Taste of Jacksonville and much more. There’s always a way to get involved and become active as a citizen.
Walking around St. Johns Town Center is recreational for my family. When we just want to get out of the house, grab a bite to eat and maybe do some shopping, it’s always a great choice. We also enjoy spending our free time outdoors in nearby areas like the beaches, downtown Jacksonville and St. Augustine. Not only are these areas known for great outdoor entertainment, but they’re also nice spots for a little relaxation.
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Register Your Neighborhood Organization Today! The Directory of Neighborhood Organization and Registration for Zoning Notifications database is a vital tool for neighborhood organizations in Jacksonville. The purpose of the database, which is currently available on the City’s website, is to provide an additional avenue for neighborhoods to connect with City offices and officials, including members of City Council who use the database to contact associations in their respective districts. Community organizations are encouraged to submit information to help residents find meeting locations and times, to access news about City programs and assistance, and to keep organization information upto-date. Shaun Rycroft, who is project lead for the development and maintenance of the database, said, “Neighborhoods change and the database allows community leaders to keep their information current.” Among other benefits, neighborhood associations, once registered, receive notifications about upcoming programs, such as the Matching Grant Program, which offers neighborhood associations
up to $5,000 for beautification projects, and CommUniverCity, a neighborhood leadership training program. The database will also help to keep associations updated on zoning and development activity in their neighborhoods. Registering or updating information about a neighborhood association may be done online at jaxneighborhoodorganization. coj.net or by requesting a mailed form. Filling out the form, whether electronic or paper, should take no more than 10 minutes, but assistance is available by calling the Neighborhood Services Office at (904) 255-8250. Shaun noted the ability of the database to help better serve all of Jacksonville’s communities. He said, “We want the community to connect with the Neighborhood Services Office. We are here to support the neighborhoods and the more neighborhood organizations we have registered, the greater opportunity we have to help.”
To register your neighborhood organization, visit
jaxneighborhoodorganization.coj.net 12 OUR JAX MAGAZINE
“
We are here to support the neighborhoods and the more neighborhood organizations we have registered, the greater opportunity we have to help!
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Although Shaun Rycroft, City Planner I, has only been a member of the Neighborhood Services Office team since 2016, he has already made an impact, taking on various responsibilities that include assisting several staff members with day-to-day tasks, updating maps and charts, and providing support to area Citizen Planning Advisory Committees (CPACs).
PUBLISH NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION MEETING LOCATIONS & TIMES
KEEP NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION INFORMATION UP-TO-DATE
CONNECT WITH CITY OFFICES & OFFICIALS
ACCESS LASTEST NEWS ABOUT CITY PROGRAMS AND ASSISTANCE
RECEIVE UPDATES ON MATCHING GRANTS AND
TRACK ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY
C omm U niver C ity
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The City Of Jacksonville’s 2017-2018 Preparedness Guide Is Now Available! In an emergency, every second counts. Planning what to do before a natural disaster strikes provides the best protection for you and your family. The City of Jacksonville 2017-2018 Emergency Preparedness Guide is your one-stop resource to help you and your family stay safe in a storm, fire, flood, tornado or hurricane. This guide offers information regarding what to do before, during and after an emergency situation including: • Creating an Emergency Supply Kit • Developing a Disaster Preparedness Plan • Duval County Areas Vulnerable to Flooding • Hurricane/Tropical Storm Checklist • Primary Evacuation Routes • Shelter Information • Returning Home After the Storm Plan ahead. Know the hazards, make a disaster plan with your family, and
assemble an emergency supply kit. Take time now to learn more about your evacuation zone, designated shelters and best sources for up-to-date emergency information. BE JAXREADY! Download the 20172018 Emergency Preparedness Guide at coj.net/hurricaneguide2017, and the JaxReady smartphone app from the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store.
ONLINE RESOURCES Information about Jacksonville neighborhoods is available online through the Neighborhood Services Office webpages at coj.net/departments/neighborhoods/neighborhoodservices-office. You may register your neighborhood in the Neighborhood Organization database and search the database for organizations. The Neighborhood Organization Toolkit is there to help you motivate your community into action (to start an organization or get reactivated). You can also find meeting summaries from Citizens Planning Advisory Committee (CPAC) meetings from 1993-present. 14 OUR JAX MAGAZINE
FORECLOSURE PROPERTY REGISTRY The Foreclosure Property Registry was established in 2010 to limit and reduce the deterioration of property located within the City of Jacksonville caused by foreclosure, and to create a mechanism to protect neighborhoods from becoming blighted through the lack of adequate maintenance of homes going through the foreclosure process. In 2015 the law was amended to require mortgagees (banks/lending institutions) to register all properties whose mortgages are in default or foreclosure, and pay registration fees. The funds collected through the foreclosure registry are deposited into a special account in the Neighborhoods Department. They are dedicated to the cost of developing community revitalization projects, and to protecting against and removing blight due to real property deterioration. The funds are allocated to projects based on a three-tier policy. The first tier focuses on
reaching homeowners trying to navigate the foreclosure process and provides funding for foreclosure intervention and foreclosure counseling programs. The second tier addresses neighborhoods by providing funds to address blight caused by vacant and abandoned homes, as well as assistance in the creation of affordable housing. The third tier addresses the greater Jacksonville community through the rebirth of the CommUniverCity training program, Neighborhood Matching Grant program and funding for the publication of the Our Jax magazine. The Neighborhoods Department is excited to bring you these programs and looks forward to your feedback. If you have any questions regarding the Foreclosure Property Registry, contact: Caleena Shirley Housing Property Administrator Phone: (904) 255-8283 Email: cshirley@coj.net
FAIR HOUSING The purpose of Fair Housing initiatives is to eliminate housing discrimination, promote economic opportunity, and achieve diverse, inclusive communities by means of the enforcement, administration, development, and public understanding of federal fair housing policies and laws. Fair Housing policies protect people from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and familial status. In addition, housing providers that receive Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding, have loans insured by the Federal Housing
Administration (FHA), as well as lenders insured by FHA, may be subject to HUD program regulations intended to ensure equal access of LGBT persons. The Neighborhoods Department, Housing and Community Development Division has partnered with the Human Rights Commission to make a collaborative effort to ensure Human Rights and Fair Housing for all citizens of Jacksonville. If you feel you are a victim of discrimination or to learn more, visit coj.net/Departments/ Neighborhoods/Housing-andCommunity-Development/Fair-Housing. OUR JAX MAGAZINE 15