JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville's two newest leaders were out of the office and in the community Saturday, meeting face-to-face with residents at the Eureka Gardens Apartments on the city's Westside. It marked the sheriff's first neighborhood crime prevention walk.
Pastors, residents and other officers also took part. Both, the new mayor and new sheriff, are focused on reducing crime in the city. Back in June, the complex was identified as one of Jacksonville's highest crime areas.
"It's really exciting out here today to see members of council, faith community, community centers," said newly-elected Mayor Lenny Curry. "Just all of you that care about Jacksonville and want to make this a good city for everyone."
"We're going to walk, and as the mayor said, listen more than we talk and get some feedback from the community on how we can best help them and how can we engage with them to overcome the challenges that they have out here," Sheriff Mike Williams told News4Jax.
As the sheriff and mayor went door-to-door, neighbors came out, spending time talking to them and expressing their desire for positive change in the area. Dozens of JSO officers were also on hand, allowing community members to interact with them, up close.
"It means a lot to me. It means people are wanting to help, wanting to make sure the community is safe for the children," resident Brittney Carter said.
Sheriff Williams said Saturday, he already has other places in mind for future crime prevention walks where he hopes to listen to everyone who wants to talk to him about anything that is of concern to them.