by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Last Wednesday at 11:09 p.m., autumn officially began and predicted temperatures for the next week are on the decline, although still well into the 80s.
That means the fall weather must be just around the corner and with it comes some of Downtown’s most well-attended fall and winter events, including Jacksonville Jaguars games, the Florida-Georgia and Gator Bowl games, the Light Parade, the lighting of the Christmas Tree at the Landing and the City’s Holiday Windows display.
To help Downtown make its best appearance for those who live, work and play in the neighborhood, Downtown Vision Inc. and the Downtown Ambassadors are beginning a beautification program this week.
All 500 tree beds will be cleaned out and have new mulch installed. DVI Director of District Services Amy Harrell said the new mulch is made of pine bark, which is environmentally friendly and a renewable resource. Downtown Ambassadors will perform the work, which is expected to take 8-10 days.
She also said the 70 hanging flower baskets along Newnan, Forsyth and Adams streets will be replanted with varieties of plants and flowers expected to flourish in cooler weather.
The sidewalks along East Bay Street will be pressure washed again for the anticipated high gridiron-related traffic.
“That street is the first thing many football fans see. It’s one of Downtown’s front doors,” said Gary Butler, Downtown Ambassador program manager.
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