A Few Minutes with the Mayor – July 2025

THE MONTH OF JULY in Jacksonville is always eventful. Our town is filled with visitors, annual activities, and school kids have been out and about for almost a month. The temperature keeps climbing, and fire season is upon us.

A favorite town activity is our Annual Mayor’s Hot Dog Picnic, celebrating July 4th, Independence Day. The Jacksonville Boosters Club partners with the city to bring together a free, family-oriented picnic on July 4th, noon-3pm. Please join us for hot dogs, chips, watermelon, and water on the lawn at Jacksonville City Hall. It’s a great way to connect with your friends and neighbors to celebrate the birth of our nation. My heartfelt thanks go to the Jacksonville Boosters Club for the time and effort they expend every year on this community event.

As usual, please be cognizant of the dangers inherent in an area susceptible to fire danger. Pack a “bugout bag” for each member of your family, including your pets. Stop by City Hall for a copy of our Emergency Evacuation Checklist and Map, along with our Citizens’ Emergency Guide. Both publications have important material: an explanation of different evacuation levels, a map showing different routes out of town, and practical information about what to do during an emergency evacuation. Keep your driveway clear of debris blocking your way out and clean up any fire-hazardous material on your property. Know where your hoses are and post emergency information in a handy spot. Give clear and simple instructions about what to do in the event of an emergency to your family members. I know most of you have all heard this from me before, but when lives are at stake, it bears repeating. A safety reminder, Jacksonville has a NO Fireworks rule: Sec. 8.03.010 / Prohibited acts under chapter 8.02. (C) Fireworks: Selling, possessing, or using fireworks or similar explosives typically used for display or celebration.

Extreme temperatures also cause problems with leaving pets in your car, even with the windows down. According to the ASPCA and other sources, an outside temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit rises to an internal car temperature of 89°F in 10 minutes, and 104°F in 30 minutes. Increase the outside temperature to 85°F, and you have 104°F in 10 minutes, and 119°F in 30 minutes. A dog’s normal temperature is between 101°F – 102.5°F, and it doesn’t take much extra heat to give them heat stroke. Please watch your pets closely and monitor their water dish. If you have a pet who spends a lot of time outdoors, please look into what it takes to keep them cool and safe.

With summer, we always have an increased amount of traffic. This includes vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles. I’m sure you have noticed our children enjoying summer activities. Please be aware of their presence in places you are not normally used to seeing them. They don’t always cross in designated crossing areas, and the smaller kids are sometimes hard to spot. Areas to be watchful of are our parks, grocery stores, and any locale with family activities. On Britt Festival concert nights, it’s the adults we need to be aware of. Folks excited to attend a performance do not always pay attention to traffic. Jacksonville is very pro-traffic safety, and I encourage you to be aware and help keep everyone safe.

This issue of the Review has a lot of information on the varied summer activities available in Jacksonville. I hope you can participate in them and enjoy all we have to offer. Have a safe and happy summer!