Local businesses across Jacksonville are pitching in to help neighbors in need as the federal government shutdown affects military families and those who use SNAP benefits.

A veteran support group is collecting essential items to help families impacted by the government shutdown and its first distribution is Friday at Mayport Naval Station.

On Monday, the Mayport Naval Station will welcome a new ship called the USS Marinette.

MAYPORT, Fla. – The USS Iwo Jima has completed an important milestone on her journey to becoming a ready ship. Having now completed Type Command Readiness Evaluation Five Sea Trials, Mayport Naval Station’s newest ship is now being scheduled to undergo a basic training phase. Leaving Mayport on Feb. 6, the Iwo Jima’s engineering, operational, and combat systems were all put under scrutiny. “I am a repairman, so basically my area of responsibility is to do any maintenance and repairs on the fuel stations of the flight deck," Chapin said. More information about the USS Iwo Jima and its crew can be found at the Navy’s website.

From a symposium at the Mayport Naval Station to a children's book launch, here are three fun things to do around town that won't cost you a dime. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. North Florida CPO Selectee Spouse SymposiumFrom the event description:Join us for this year's CPO Selectee Spouse Symposium at the Mayport Naval Station. Mingle with other CPO Select Spouses and find out what to wear to The Pinning Ceremony & Khaki Ball. Join our Kickstarter Launch Party and help us meet our goal of funding book distribution in one hour.

MAYPORT, Fla. – Members of Fleet Reserve at Mayport Naval Station gathered to honor the brave men and women of the military who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor 77 years ago. There were speeches that recalled the day when Japan bombed American warships and countless people died during the attack on Pearl Harbor which changed the course of World War II forever. "It's a solemn day, so it's bittersweet," said Chad Burg of Fleet Reserve Association Branch 290. The last member of the Mayport Pearl Harbor Survivors Club, Robert Beaudreau, 98, died in September which made Friday's ceremony even more meaning. He had to crawl across the hawser line to get from the USS West Virginia to the USS Tennessee to survive.