New mayor urges unity, optimism

Lenny Curry sworn in as new mayor of Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The No. 1 question during Lenny Curry's campaign for mayor of Jacksonville and the subject he devoted much of Wednesday's inaugural was: How to make Jacksonville residents feels safe.

"I"m committed to a safe city," Curry said. "It starts with the sheriff having the resources to make our city safe. And then we're going to begin to invest in the Jacksonville Journey again. (We're) going to take our time and evaluate and make sure we are investing in programs at work and hold those programs accountable for results."

But Curry said the biggest change will come by addressing subject that he admitted to 1,200 people in the audience at the Times-Union Center might make them uncomfortable.

Recommended Videos



"Love will change the city," Curry said. "These kids need to know we love them."

UNCUT: Lenny Curry's oath, speech

While his immediate priority is putting together a $1 billion spending plan for the new year -- he has 20 days to present a budget to City Council -- his committed to the children of Jacksonville.

"My team right now is going through that budget, line item by line item," Curry said. "I was yesterday going through that budget with my team. That hasn't been done in four years and we are doing the hard work now and my commitment is to produce a budget that his balance that is responsible that is a clear statement of my priorities."

While Curry has named his top staff, he has more to hire -- and many who worked under Mayor Alvin Brown are wondering if they still have a job.

While Curry, as former chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, clearly ran for office with the support of the GOP, his inaugural message was one of unity.

Former Mayor Jake Godbold, a Democrat who endorsed Brown, was encouraged by what he heard.

"I am tickled to death with the staff that is put together," Godbold said. "He brought in people (who) know the city and know their way around. That was one of the mistakes that Brown made."

Others, like former City Councilman Bill Bishop, who ran against Curry in the first election and plans to run again in four years, said this was a big day for Jacksonville.

"We are looking for great things," Bishop said.  "Things are looking brighter for Jacksonville.

Omega Allen, who also ran against Curry in the first election and attended Wednesday's swearing in, is a part of Curry's transition team.

"I'm glad to see things moving forward for Jacksonville, and I'm excited to see where things are going to go," Allen said.

U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Jacksonville, campaigned against Curry, but liked the theme of Curry's message and his slogan.

"'One City; One Jacksonville.' That's me," Brown said. "I've always worked with the mayors."

Republican leaders said the new administration marks big shift in Jacksonville politics

"It is the passing of the generational leadership torch," Mike Hightower said. "It's a great day for Jacksonville." 

Curry will spend Wednesday evening shaking hands, signing autographs and answering questions from citizens who come downtown for Art Walk or attend an open house at City Hall.

Thursday morning, it's getting to work on his agenda for the next four years.


About the Author:

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