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Community packs out mayoral inauguration as Deegan brings a ‘brand new day’ to Jacksonville

Celebrations went into the night with the inaugural ball

Crowd at Donna Deegan's inauguration (WJXT)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Several people who attended the historic inauguration for newly-sworn in Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan said witnessing history was their duty and standing behind Deegan is important to move the city forward.

Those who witnessed Deegan’s transition to City Hall were there to show support and embrace a new chapter as she became the new leader of the River City.

Deegan’s slogan is a “brand new day,” and a lot of people at the ceremony felt obligated to witness the moment because they are optimistic and hopeful about Deegan’s vision for Jacksonville.

Paulette Walker and Christine Danford Flethcher attended the inauguration together.

“I just believe in Donna. I think she is heaven-sent. I think she’s got appointed person for this appointment time for the city.

For Flethcher, it’s Deegan’s passion that draws her to the mayor.

RELATED: History in the making: Donna Deegan sworn in as first woman to lead the River City | Celebration & swan song: One mayor marks a new beginning as another bids farewell to office

“You can hear the passion in her voice. You can hear the love that she has for the city. It gives us a lot of hope and encouragement,” she said.

Deegan shared her wide-ranging vision for the city, which includes improvements in healthcare, public safety, literacy and infrastructure.

Those promises impressed Bill Sorenson, who is an investment banker with a family to raise.

“As a father of two boys that we are raising in the city, and we want to stay in the city, she said, that is an investment for our children and their children, and that meant a lot to me,” Sorenson said.

Deegan promised to be a voice for everyone, no matter what neighborhood they live in.

That promise struck a chord with many who believe people who call Jacksonville home need to play a role in any change.

“As citizens of Jacksonville, to know that we have a leader that we can go to at City Hall at any time we want to and not feel intimidated and know that our questions will be answered, our communities will be able to thrive in any part of Jacksonville,” Flethcher said.

Some also recognize that Deegan has a vision that can’t be accomplished alone.

“She can’t do it alone. She needs us. I know all of our constituents, all of the people who voted for her will rally behind her. We are going to help her achieve those goals because we are holding that ladder for her as she climbs higher,” Walker said.

The Celebration for Mayor Donna Deegan continued into the night with the inauguration ball at the River Club in Downtown.

It allowed her to talk with supporters while having a good time.

And while Mayor Deegan didn’t make much of a speech Saturday night at the ball, she shared a heartfelt message to those in the room.

“I just wanted to say I appreciate the fact you spent this whole weekend with me,” Deegan said. “It truly is a new day in our city.”

During the ball the drinks were flowing, there was a live band and people were dancing.

The ball was something supporters like Matt Hartley said was something he was looking forward to.

“I’m just ready to have a great time with people who are really happy about this new day,” Hartley said. “So I’m here tonight to enjoy a lot of great company.”

Attire for the ball was formal or cocktail.

For most, it was a chance to wear a suit and a nice dress.

But for Ron Episcopo, he spent 30 hours on a custom blazer. He said the blazer, which had multicolored butterflies on it, had a special meaning that aligned with Deegan.

“It means good things are happening to Jacksonville that have been delayed,” Episcopo said. “Like my jacket, we’re kind of coming out of the cocoon and into light and bright and color.

And for one city council member, she says tonight embodies what the city is all about and becoming.

“The city needs change and we need to become progressive,” councilmember Tyrona Clark-Murry said. “One thing about Duval County and Mayor Deegan said earlier today is that we have so much potential.”


About the Authors
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Khalil Maycock joined the News4JAX team in November 2022 after reporting in Des Moines, IA.

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