Jacksonville, FL. (October 8, 2018) – Councilman Becton joined Sweetwater residents on October 8th, 2018 for a morning “cup of joe” and to present his annual District 11 update during the community’s October meeting event, “Koffee with Katie”.
“Koffee with Katie” is hosted by Katie Hollis, Sweetwater by Del Webb’s Property Manager with First Service Residential. The big announcement in addition to CM Becton being introduced as their guest speaker was on that day, it would be Ms. Hollis last as she was leaving this job to pursue another career opportunity.
CM Becton in his opening remarks stated about Ms. Hollis,
“It has been a great pleasure working with Katie on behalf of the Sweetwater community for the past three years. We have accomplished a great deal together and I know that she will be missed and that it will be difficult to fill Katie’s shoes,” CM Becton added.
Katie Hollis started the community event which is held on the second Monday of every month to interact with Sweetwater residents and address any concerns or questions they may have. The event is also an opportunity for Councilman Becton to present his District 11 Updates to the community and engage the residents on the accomplishments within the District.
Hollis kicked off the meeting at 10 a.m. at the community’s Summerland Hall center which is a beautiful facility for this neighborhood of age 55+ or older, with nearly one hundred residents in attendance.
Councilman Becton has joined Hollis and presented at several “Koffee with Katie” events over the years and definitely appreciates the ability to connect with Sweetwater constituents given their wealth of knowledge and involvement in local issues.
“Sweetwater residents have been an engaging community whereby several big initiatives have been the result of residents who have communicated to me good ideas and suggestions along the way,” Becton explained. “The new traffic light at Sweetwater Parkway, the Philips Highway naming legislation and the recent new JTA Bus Route 23 up and down Baymeadows are all accomplishments that have originated from Sweetwater residents.” Becton proudly added.
Councilman Becton shared his power point presentation with the audience that covered everything from the city’s 2018-2019 budget, which City Council passed at the end of September to current and upcoming legislation for which he is working on.
A few of the major topics he covered during his presentation included the most recent updates and timeline for the new Fire Station #63, the renaming of 9A – Baymeadows Park to Fort Family Regional Park at Baymeadows, it’s new sign and possible projects that could enhance the park with funding from the $1 million dollars to be donated.
“The donation by the Fort Family to our Regional Park provides the community the opportunity to think about capital improvements that can be made, which will enhance the quality of life for everyone,” Becton noted. “Opening up the lake and creating walking trails are already being considered from good suggestions.” Becton stated.
Transportation and traffic were hot topics of discussion with the Sweetwater residents that morning. Councilman Becton touched on the success of the Sweetwater traffic light now in place, which was one of his big initiatives at the beginning of his term in 2015.
He continued the transportation discussion with a few more projects in place to help improve the roadways in his district, such the interchange design at JTB and Gate Parkway and the Baymeadows Road improvements as some of those examples.
As for the economic and growth management news happening in District 11, Councilman Becton announced a second Wawa coming to the area and current updates on the Baymeadows Revitalization project, a new Bentley Motors Dealership, and the recent opening of LifeSouth, a blood donation center off Phillips Highway.
A question and answer period followed his presentation. He concluded his time at Koffee with Katie with an invite to his Town Hall North meeting and public forum scheduled for later that evening at the Southeast Regional Library. This meeting would have City of Jacksonville department heads in attendance from Public Works, Planning, Recreations and Neighborhoods to name a few, plus FDOT to provide their update on projects in the area as well.
