THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE AND THE NAVAL LEAGUE OF THE UNITED STATES CELEBRATE THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE U.S. NAVY

Jacksonville, FL - The City of Jacksonville and the Mayport and Jacksonville Councils of the Naval League are proud to celebrate the 233^rd anniversary of the U.S. Navy Saturday, Oct. 11 through Monday, Oct. 13.  The city will host the USS Stephen W. Groves which will be docked in front of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Jacksonville.  The ship will be open for tours and The Jacksonville Landing will feature landside activities and concerts.  On Saturday, Oct. 12, the evening will culminate with a fireworks show shot from a barge in front of The Jacksonville Landing.  In addition, the 20^th anniversary rededication ceremony of the Jacksonville Navy Memorial on the Southbank will take place on Monday, Oct. 13.  All activities are free and open to the public.  Below is a complete listing of events and highlights of the Navy Birthday Celebration. 

Friday, Oct. 10

• USS Stephen W. Groves arrives from Naval Station Mayport and docks in front of the Hyatt Regency Hotel (Northbank)
  10.30 a.m.
• Northbank Landside Activities
• The Jacksonville Landing
• Live Entertainment (Admission is free)

• Kort McCumber         5-9 p.m.
• Freeze Frame           9:30 p.m.- 2 a.m.

Saturday, Oct. 11

• USS Stephen W. Groves Ship Tours
• Tours from 8-11 a.m. and 1- 4 p.m.
• Bags are subject to search before coming aboard. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No strollers allowed aboard.
• USS Stephen W. Groves is not ADA accessible.
• Free admission

• Northbank Landside Activities
• Booths and interactive displays near the ship
• 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Navy League
• USS Charles F Adams Museum Association
• Navy Recruiting
• Naval Order
• USO
• The Jacksonville Landing
• Live Entertainment (Admission is free)
• Navy Band Southeast Pride followed by Dennis DeYoung and the music of Styx beginning at 8 p.m.

§  Interactive displays and inflatables

• City of Jacksonville Fireworks         9:30 p.m.                               
• Downtown Riverfront
• One barge in front of The Jacksonville Landing
• 10-minute show

Sunday, Oct. 12

• USS Stephen W. Groves Ship Tours
• Tours from 8-11 a.m. and 1- 4 p.m.
• Bags are subject to search before coming aboard. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No strollers allowed aboard.
• USS Stephen W. Groves is not ADA accessible.
• Free admission
• Northbank Landside Activities
• Booths and interactive displays near the ship
• 9 a.m. -4 p.m.
• Navy League
• USS Charles F Adams Museum Association
• Navy Recruiting
• Naval Order
• USO
• The Jacksonville Landing event
• Live Entertainment (Admission is free)

• Deejay                        Noon-4 p.m.
• Brian and Riptide      9:30 p.m. - 2 a.m.

• Interactive displays and inflatables

Monday, Oct. 13

• Navy Memorial 20^th Anniversary Rededication Ceremony
• 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

• Navy Memorial Statue on the Southbank Riverfront
• Sponsored by the City of Jacksonville and the Mayport and Jacksonville Councils of the U.S. Navy League
• General public is encouraged to attend.
• Boaters with decorated vessels are encouraged to anchor near the ceremony.
• USS Stephen W. Groves Ship Tours
• Tours from 8-11 a.m. and 1- 4 p.m.
• Bags are subject to search before coming aboard. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No strollers allowed aboard.
• USS Stephen W. Groves is not ADA accessible.
• Free admission

Tuesday, Oct. 14

• USS Stephen W. Groves departs  

Transportation

Take a convenient Water Taxi along the riverfront to enjoy your day on sea or land during the U.S. Navy Birthday Celebration.           

Hours

Saturday, Oct. 11                  9 a.m.- 11 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 12                     9 a.m.- 9 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 13                    9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Northbank Stops

The Jacksonville Landing, Berkman Plaza, and Metropolitan Park

Southbank Stops

Friendship Fountain, Crowne Plaza Jacksonvillle, and Wyndham Jacksonville Riverfront

One-way fares
Metro Park                 $4
Other stops                $3       

For more information including Sunset Cruises, call (904) 733-3382 or email ssmarinetaxi@comcast.net.

For more information on the Navy Birthday Celebration and surrounding activities, visit www.coj.net or call (904) 630-3690.  This event is part of the Make A Scene Downtown! series.