City leaders unveil plan to help at-risk kids

100 kids to attend 1-week leadership academy 'One City. One Jacksonville.'

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville city leaders Friday unveiled a plan to help at risk kids. 

A one-week leadership academy called "One City. One Jacksonville." will mentor and prepare 100 young adults from the city's urban core to have a successful school year -- in and out of the program. 

Recommended Videos



"One City. One Jacksonville.," which will be held Aug. 1-5, will have educational and motivational experiences and end with the kids going on tours of City Hall, the Police Memorial Building, the Jacksonville Jaguars stadium and State Attorney's Office. 

The new plan was announced by Mayor Lenny Curry, Sheriff Mike Williams and a group of pastors at a news conference at the Police Athletic League Friday morning. 

"Any city that takes care of their young people, particularly young people that are at risk, will be a city that not only survives, but will thrive. So I am excited that we got it here," said bishop John Guns, with Operation Save Our Sons.

Given recent headlines, city leaders said, the leadership academy will help the community come together and ease tensions.


About the Author:

Jim Piggott is the reporter to count on when it comes to city government and how it will affect the community.