The City of Jacksonville is gearing up to honor military service members with the annual Veterans Day Parade. Scheduled for Tuesday, November 11 at 11:01 a.m., the event is set to unfold in Downtown Jacksonville, featuring a mix of military figures, community groups, and festive floats. The parade, supported by The Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A., will begin at the Jacksonville Center of the Performing Arts on Water Street, and will make its way through the city, ending at Lot X after a 1.11-mile march expected to last around two hours.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan expressed the city's pride in hosting the parade. “It is truly an honor to participate in this meaningful celebration of the brave men and women from our community who have served our country,” she said on the City of Jacksonville. The veterans' event is pulling together a notable lineup, including Mayor Deegan herself; Honorary Grand Marshal Colonel Len Loving, US Marine Corps, and Mrs. Suzie Loving; and Grand Marshal Padraic “Pat” Mulvhill. Additional parade participants include senior military officials, active-duty, and retired military units, along with local school groups and veteran organizations. Spectators are encouraged to show their support by donning red, white, and blue and waving flags.
As for logistics, the Veterans Day Parade is confirmed as a rain-or-shine event with provisions in place to adjust for severe weather if needed. Safety protocols are a priority with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office managing traffic via both hard road closures and soft rolling closures. Areas affected include Stonewall St & Park St, Water St between Jefferson and Lee, and several other key intersections starting at 7:30 AM, with additional closures at 10:00 AM, and set to reopen at 2:00 PM or following the parade's end.
For those planning to attend, there are multiple vantage points along Water Street, Hogan Street, and Bay Street where the parade can be observed. Full details on the parade route, street closures, and safety measures can be found on the official website at JaxVeteransDayParade.com. The city's Office of Sports and Entertainment, which hosts a range of events to spur economic impact and cultural engagement, organizes the parade as part of Jacksonville's commitment to recognizing its veterans and enhancing the area's profile as a premier destination.
