JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Monday is dedicated to civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., and although many are off from school and work, people are encouraged to give back to the community.
In Jacksonville there will be several events in his honor, and everyone is invited to participate.
A parade kicked off Monday morning, and thousands were expected to attend.
The parade began at the Federal Reserve Bank at 10 a.m. Gov. Rick Scott and his wife, Ann, were walking in the parade.
The parade route begins on Water Street, goes east past the Jacksonville Landing and then heads east toward Newnan Street. From there the route turns onto Bay Street, goes past the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and continues to Metropolitan Park.
The park ends right outside EverBank Field.
Several of the roads involved in the parade route were closed from 8 a.m. Monday until noon and officers were helping to direct traffic.
Children are out of school and a lot of people have the day off from work.
HandsOn Jacksonville wants people to make this a day of service. It's happening nationwide.
In Jacksonville people can make it a day on, not a day off, by helping with one these four activities:
- Accept, clean and stock donations at the HabiJax ReStore from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. located at 5800 Beach Boulevard, Suite 508.
- Help out at the Teacher Supply Depot which at 3108 Lenox Avenue -- it will be an open house and there will be family friendly activities from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Plant a herb garden for Peaches-NA-Basket Adult Day Care Center from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The center is located at 2040 Soutel Drive.
- Organize and stock food donations at the Mission House at 800 Shetter Avenue from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.