Light the City Ride benefits charities

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hundreds of leather-clad motorcycle enthusiasts braved the dropping temperatures Friday night for the annual Light the City Ride -- the only night-time Jacksonville Sheriff's Office-escorted charity motorcycle ride.

For the last 12 years, JSO has led a growing line of motorcycles through the city streets for the annual Light The City Ride. The ride benefits the North Florida Police Motorcycle charities, including Facing Futures, a foundation started by local surgeon Dr. Barry Steinberg with a focus on the surgical correction of birth defects found in children, the Police Athletic League, and Concerns for Police Survivors, an organization that provides resources to the families of the 140-160 officers killed in the line of duty each year.

This year was among one of the coldest rides to date as the rally had to be rescheduled due to Hurricane Matthew. 

The ride started at 7 p.m. and ended at Adamec Harley-Davidson at 8909 Baymeadows Road. After, riders were able to warm up with a hot meal and drinks.