JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Skyway Social event scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3, has been canceled because the Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s Skyway service will not be fully operational on the event date, organizers said.
Everyone who purchased a ticket will be contacted by email and receive a full refund, organizers said.
Recommended Videos
The event was planned as a celebration centered on riding the Skyway through downtown Jacksonville. Organizers said alternative transportation, including shuttles and trolleys, was considered but would have changed the experience.
“Rather than move forward with an event that no longer reflects that vision, we believe pausing for this year is the most responsible path forward,” organizers said in a statement.
The cancellation comes as JTA works to address a $39 million budget shortfall.
The agency approved a $139 million budget for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1, down from $178 million in the current fiscal year. JTA plans to eliminate 44 administrative positions and potentially cut up to 150 frontline operations jobs as part of its cost-saving efforts.
JTA also plans to reduce weekday bus service, generally moving routes to a Saturday-level schedule beginning Nov. 2. Some of the agency’s busiest routes and First Coast Flyer bus rapid transit service will continue operating at more frequent intervals.
The Skyway is scheduled to pause passenger operations beginning Nov. 2. JTA has said the pause is expected to save about $10 million during the fiscal year while the agency and the community consider the system’s future.
The authority is also planning to pause its NAVI autonomous vehicle service beginning Dec. 31. That change is expected to save about $487,000 per month.
JTA Interim CEO Cleveland Ferguson said the cuts are intended to stabilize the agency’s finances while preserving essential transportation services.
The Skyway Social organizers said their commitment to downtown Jacksonville remains strong and that they hope to bring the event back in the future.
“We look forward to returning with fresh ideas and world-class experiences for our city in the future,” the statement said.
