Jacksonville Beach, District 2
Community Newsletter
October 2020
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Please share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors! |
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I hope that everyone who is reading this is well, and that your family and friends are safe. We often hear that these are unprecedented times, and they are. But in situations like this, community matters more than ever.
I know there is a lot of tension in the air. It has been quite a year, and it's still not done. When I am walking through neighborhoods, I see a lot of political signs. There are many signs and flags for the Presidential candidates, often with opposing signs and flags right next door to each other or across the street.
My hope is that while the election (all elections) are very important, we are not letting our political differences with our neighbors negatively impact our friendships and our neighborliness. The pandemic has revealed that we all rely on each other. Today, we truly understand that what community means: the relationships between residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. Be well.
- Georgette
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The last day to register to vote is October 5th! Some useful links:
If you choose to vote by mail:
Reminders!
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Early voting starts on October 19 and ends on November 1.
- In-person early voting will be at the Beaches Library from 7am to 7pm.
- Election Day: Nov. 3
- If voting by mail, you may need to update your signature! A ballot will be rejected if your current signature does not match the signature you used when you registered to vote.
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Please let me know if you have any questions, concerns, or comments.
904.486.6865
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Beaches Ballot Amendments |
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It has been brought to my attention that there is some confusion about the Charter Amendments that are listed on the sample ballot that was sent out by the Duval County Supervisor of Elections Office. The Jax Beach City Council held two readings: the first on May 4, 2020 and the second on May 18, 2020. You can watch the Council’s discussion on the amendments in the videos below.
Summary of Referendum 1
This change would require a super-majority of Council (a minimum of 5 Council Members) to remove the City Manager. It is currently a simple majority.
Summary of Referendum 2
This change would require a super-majority of Council (a minimum of 5 Council Members) to remove the City Attorney. There is currently sparse language in the Charter regarding the City Attorney since we only recently decided to hire one of our own. The previous attorney work via contract.
Summary of Referendum 3
This change establishes a procedure that should City Council decide in the future to contract out police services or Beaches Energy, the decision would then also need to be approved by the voters.
All other City departments only require a majority vote of Council to be combined, moved, or closed.
Summary of Referendum 4
This change provides clarity that those in elected and appointed positions, shall not interfere with City employees’ job duties.
If you have any questions or would like more information on why I proposed and support these amendments, please call me at 904.486.6865.
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Also, be sure to watch the Candidate Forum, hosted by Beaches Watch! Learn more about the candidates and where they stand on local issues. Remember, you will be voting for all local offices this year.
Thursday, October 1, 2020
7:00 - 8:30pm
Candidates
Mayor: Chris Hoffman, Jeanell Wilson
At-Large Council Seat 1: Fernando Meza, Frances Povloski
At-Large Council Seat 3: Ken Marsh, Chet Stokes
For more Jacksonville Beach Election Information: CLICK HERE
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Have You Taken the 2020 Census Yet?
If you've already taken the 2020 Census, thank you! You've helped positively shape the future of our community!
"The census provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use to provide daily services, products, and support for you and your community. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data.The results of the census also determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and they are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts."
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This is just a reminder that Hurricane Season doesn't end until November 1. Make sure you have a plan and are prepared. It is 2020 after all...
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- Jax Beach has concluded its Listening Sessions after engaging with residents and visitors since January, and Council is ready to discuss what was learned to develop a Vision for Jax Beach.
- Once the Vision is developed, the next step will be the development of a City-wide strategic plan. This plan will be used to set priorities.
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Council will being meeting in-person on October 5th at 6pm. Please note the time change. You will still be able to watch and participate electronically.
- Council Briefings will be on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of October at 6pm via Zoom.
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Earlier this year, Jax Beach hired our first communications manager, which has had a positive impact on the City's online presence. While there is still much more to do, below are the City's current official social media accounts: |
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Jax Beach now has its own newsletter! It's easy to sign up.
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The State of Florida has entered Phase 3 in its Covid-19 response. Stay up to date on the impact of Covid-19 in Florida at the
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Construction on the Pier has started again! The Florida Times-Union has written some interesting stories about the work:
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Jacksonville Beach is a proud partner in the "Clean. Dark. Flat." campaign to raise awareness of how we can help ensure the safety of the sea turtles.
Thank you to everyone who changed/updated your lighting so that the sea turtles do not crawl in the wrong direction. It is greatly appreciated!
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Together, we will make a difference. |
Let's continue to work together to ensure that Jacksonville Beach remains one of the greatest places to call home! Reach out if you have any questions or concerns about what is happening in your neighborhood or City. |
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Cell phone: 904.486.6865
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