Jacksonville mayor and city council president announce expansion of after-school programs

Jacksonville mayor's budget includes more officers, funds to demolish downtown landmarks Mayor Lenny Curry’s proposed budget includes money to hire nearly 150 more officers and firefighters. Newly-elected city council president Anna (right) signaled her support for the move.

By Sarah Thompson

Jacksonville, FL — It's a last-minute announcement.

With only a few days before the start of the school year, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and City Council President Anna Brosche have announced the availability of funds to expand after-school programs for Duval County youth.

The two announced the availability of $1.071 million to enable the Jacksonville Children's Commission (JCC) to expand after-school programs, which will help serve about 740 additional children.

Curry has recently mentioned reorganizing the Jacksonville Children's Commission and Jacksonville Journey, to focus more on at-risk children- who he calls "at hope".

Curry says, "As I've stated many times before, our youth are our city's future, and I believe every child deserves access to programs and initiatives that will build brighter futures, pathways, and opportunities for them. Although we are pleased to increase the offerings and improve access, we recognize that this is essentially a Band-Aid."

With the newly re-appropriated funds, JCC will add on an additional nine program sites, bringing the total to 58.