Jacksonville Veterans Day Parade to Cause Downtown Road Closures

Jacksonville Veterans Day Parade to Cause Downtown Road Closures

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Major road closures and traffic shifts will change downtown Jacksonville this Wednesday, Nov. 11, as the city hosts its annual Veterans Day Parade. According to News4JAX, the event is scheduled to begin at 11:01 a.m., requiring residents and commuters to prepare for substantial disruptions to the urban grid.

The parade follows a 1.32-mile route through the heart of the city. It begins on Water Street in front of the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, moves north on Hogan Street, turns east on Bay Street, and then heads north again on A. Philip Randolph Boulevard. The procession will conclude just past East Adams Street, positioned in front of the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.

Mayor Donna Deegan is set to participate in the ceremony. This year, the city has named Dr. John F. Lovejoy, a Vietnam veteran, as the Honorary Grand Marshal. The lineup includes a mix of senior military officials, active-duty and retired military units, various veteran groups, local schools, and ornamental floats.

Streets Will Close Starting at 7 a.M. Wednesday

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office will manage traffic control at intersections throughout the morning. To ensure safety and clear passage for the participants, several streets will face closures starting as early as 7 a.m. on Wednesday.

🇺🇸 LIVE: Jacksonville’s 28th Annual Veterans Day Parade | Freedom 97.1 WSME

Early closures include Park Street from Stonewall Street to Bay Street, Lee Street from Bay Street to Water Street, and Water Street from Park Street to Hogan Street. By 10 a.m., full closures will take effect across a wider area of the downtown core.

The following streets will have full closures starting at 10 a.m.:

Jacksonville parade veterans day
  • Main Street: Southbound from Bay Street to the Main Street Bridge, and northbound from Riverplace Boulevard to the Main Street Bridge.
  • Acosta Bridge & Riverside Avenue: The Acosta Bridge off-ramp to Water Street and the Riverside Avenue Acosta Bridge on-ramp to Water Street.
  • Newnan Street: From Forsyth Street to Independent Drive.
  • Forsyth Street: The Liberty Street on-ramp to Gator Bowl Boulevard.
  • Monroe Street: The Washington Street on-ramp to Gator Bowl Boulevard.
  • A. Philip Randolph Boulevard: From Gator Bowl Boulevard to Ashley Street.
  • Gator Bowl Boulevard: From Georgia Street to A. Philip Randolph Boulevard.
  • Intersections: Marsh Street and Lafayette Street at Bay Street.

Rolling closures will also begin at 10 a.m. at several key junctions, including Bay Street and Myrtle Avenue, Lee Street and Bay Street, Pearl Street and Water Street, Hogan Street and Independent Drive, Laura Street and Bay Street, and Market Street at East Bay Street. The intersection of A. Philip Randolph Boulevard and Ashley Street will also see rolling closures.

Parking Meters Along the Parade Route Will Be Bagged

The logistical impact extends to local parking regulations. Street parking meters along the parade route will be bagged starting Tuesday, Nov. 10. These affected areas include Water Street between Park Street and Hogan Street, Hogan Street between Water Street and Bay Street, Bay Street between Hogan Street and A. Philip Randolph Boulevard, and A. Philip Randolph Boulevard between Bay Street and Duval Street.

Spectators may view the parade from various points along Water Street, Hogan Street, and Bay Street. While the event is scheduled as a rain-or-shine occasion, city officials have noted that if severe weather creates a safety risk, public notifications will be issued regarding any necessary changes.

For those attending, organizers suggest wearing red, white, and blue and bringing flags to show support. Detailed maps and further information are available at JaxVeteransDayParade.com.

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