UST FOR SENIORS THEF COAST IS THE BES LACE FO R S SROINE

1. Retirement-worthy weather! The First Coast is blessed to have great weather all year long! Sun-filled days in the summers and mild temperatures in the winter allow seniors to enjoy the outdoors no matter the time of year.

2. The affordability! For decades, seniors have been drawn to the First Coast due to its affordability. Individual retirement accounts, private and public pensions, 401(k)s and Social Security have no state taxation, as well as no state income tax. The cost of living in Northeast Florida is also below the national average.

3. Healthcare! With many large hospitals and health systems in the area, First Coast seniors have access to the best healthcare available. Northeast Florida is home to Baptist Health, UF Health Jacksonville, Ascension St. Vincent’s, Mayo Clinic and Flagler Health+. For veterans, there are VA clinics in Jacksonville and St. Augustine.

4. Our active adult communities! Northeast Florida is home to many top-notch active adult communities that offer resort-style amenities and recreation. Seniors can choose from several types, styles and price points that meet any budget.

5. Senior centers! The First Coast has numerous community and senior centers that offer enriching programs, classes, events, meals and more. For a senior center near you, see our list on page 87.

6. Volunteer opportunities! Volunteering is a great way for seniors to stay connected with the community. The First Coast has numerous programs and organizations to get involved in, including the Foster Grandparents Program, Catholic Charities, Seniors on a Mission Inc. and RSVP–one of the largest volunteer networks in the nation.

7. Gorgeous parks! Seniors have endless opportunities to explore the great outdoors here. Jacksonville is home to the largest urban park system in the country, with more than 80,000 acres to visit and explore. There are also many beautiful state parks in the area to explore.

8. Attractions! The First Coast is full of attractions that offer senior discounts, such as the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and the Museum of Science and History (MOSH).

9. Sports! Seniors can enjoy every kind of sporting event here on the First Coast, with professional football, baseball, hockey and more. Our area is also home to the world-famous The PLAYERS Championship golf tournament.

10. Our location! Popular vacation destinations such as Daytona Beach, the Gulf Coast or Walt Disney World are just a short drive away from the First Coast. The Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) can also get you anywhere in the world.

Exciting Annual Senior Events!

Seniors on the First Coast can enjoy exciting events throughout the year. For the most up-to-date information on events please visit coj.net, the City of Jacksonville Senior Services Division Facebook page or call 904-255-5667

Fall Fling

Join the City of Jacksonville for a night of fun! Each fall seniors can enjoy a night of delicious food and dancing at this exciting event.

Fish-A-Thon

Held at Hanna Park, this annual fishing tournament for seniors includes games, contests and more. Seniors can win awards for catching the largest fish, smallest fish, most fish, prettiest fish and ugliest fish.

Forever Fit 50 & Beyond: Jacksonville Senior Games

This annual event celebrates fitness after age 50 and has seniors compete in various games and athletic events at multiple venues throughout the city.

Holiday Festival for Seniors

Celebrate the holiday season at the Prime Osborn Convention Center with dinner, dancing and festive entertainment for seniors.

Safety and Security Seminar for Seniors

This seminar gives seniors the tools they need to protect themselves not only physically, but from fraud and scams.

Senior Expo

Hosted twice a year, this two-day expo shares information, programs and resources available in the area for seniors. There is also live entertainment and free health screenings.

Senior Prom

For more than 30 years, the City of Jacksonville has hosted an evening of dinner, live music, dancing and door prizes for the senior community at the Prime Osborn Convention Center.

Walk for Senior Wellness

This scenic walk around TIAA Bank Field celebrates senior fitness and wellness. Before the walk, participants can warm up by stretching and dancing.

First Coast Senior Centers

Baker County

Baker County Council on Aging ........904-259-9315

Clay County

Clayton & Mildred Revels Senior Center .............................904-284-3134

Keystone Heights Senior Center .......352-473-7121

Middleburg Senior Center ...............904-291-3520

Orange Park Senior Center ..............904-269-4731

DUVAL COUNTY DUVAL-BEACHES

Bennie Furlong Beaches Senior Center .............................904-255-6730

Neptune Beach Senior Activity Center ............................904-749-0068

DUVAL-NORTH

Frances Padgett Arlington Senior Center .............................904-255-6733

Jim Fortuna Senior Center...............904-255-6844

Leroy D. Clemons Senior Center ......904-255-6737

Oceanway Senior Center .................904-255-6855

DUVAL-SOUTH

Southside Community Center ..........904-255-6940

Mandarin Senior Center ..................904-255-6750

DUVAL-WEST

Carvill Senior Center .......................904-255-6650

Charlie T. Joseph Senior Center .......904-255-6822

Clanzel T. Brown Senior Center ........904-764-8752

Hammond Senior Center .................904-255-6787

J.S. Johnson Senior Center .............904-255-6755

Lane Wiley Senior Center ................904-255-6644

Lincoln Villa Senior Center ...............904-255-6737

Longbranch Senior Center ...............904-255-6790

Louis Dinah Senior Center ...............904-255-6800

Mary L. Singleton Senior Center ......904-255-6666

Maxville Senior Center ....................904-255-6744

Riverview Senior Center ..................904-255-6797

Wallace Small Senior Center ...........904-255-6825

Nassau County

Nassau County Council on Aging

Janice Ancrum Senior Life Center 904-261-0701

Westside Senior Life Center ............904-845-3331

ST. JOHNS COUNTY

Coastal Community Center ..............904-209-3636

Council on Aging Center at Flagler Health+ Village at Nocatee .......................904-819-3234

Hastings Senior Center ...................904-209-3694

PLAYERS Community Senior Center, THE ......................904-280-3233

River House ...................................904-209-3655

Trout Creek Senior Center ...............904-209-3658

Pickleball on the First Coast

Combining the elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong, Pickleball is becoming a popular sport among seniors! It’s a great way to not only have fun but stay fit and active. The following are resources for playing pickleball on the First Coast.

Jax Pickleball Store www.jaxpickleballstore.com

North Florida Pickleball www.northfloridapickleball.com

Pickle Garden at the Yards, The www.playtheyards.com/pickleball

USA Pickleball Association www.usapa.org