by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
When the City Council installs new officers later this month, the ceremony and reception will be unlike any held before. At the request of Council-elect Elaine Brown, everything will be in City Hall.
It’s a big change — in recent years, the official ceremony took place in the T-U Center with the reception in that building ... with the exception of Jim Overton, who had his party at the Cummer Museum.
Why the change?
“I just felt like having it here would be a great way for us to celebrate our downtown and especially all of the projects I’ve helped bring online here,” said Brown of her decision. “It seemed like the obvious choice for me.”
Following the swearing in of Brown and Vice President-elect Kevin Hyde — organizers promise a fairly speedy induction, as opposed to the usual hour-and-a-half of congratulatory speeches — everyone will walk out to Hemming Plaza where food and drink will be served.
Entertainment is currently being scheduled and Brown said “downtown partners” including Downtown Vision Inc., the Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art and the Seminole Club have also agreed to help plan and execute the event.
“We’re looking forward to a very nice evening, one where we can truly celebrate both the past and future of Jacksonville,” said Brown. “And hopefully we’ll get some nice weather, too.”
Previous ceremonies have been as varied as incoming presidents. Among the most memorable was Ginger Soud’s with its formal attire, the First Baptist Church choir and lack of alcohol.