JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – “It is a brand new day for Jacksonville,” Donna Deegan said in her address after defeating her opponent in a runoff mayoral race in May.
Deegan clinched the mayoral seat with a 52% vote after a heated race against Republican Daniel Davis.
History was made Saturday morning with Donna Deegan’s inauguration, making her the first woman to lead the River City. The momentous occasion marked a significant milestone in the city’s political landscape.
Prayers. Laughs. A host of memories... and raps? These are just a few of the events at the packed inaugural celebration at the Jacksonville Center of Performing Arts.
The three-time breast cancer survivor was received with love, kind words, shared memories and an array of support as she officially transitioned into her new position.
“It truly is a new day in Jacksonville,” a resounding theme that has constantly reoccurred since she was announced to be Jacksonville’s next mayor. “A new day where creativity, commitment and collaboration will define our city government.”
A day that Deegan said demands transparency, optimism and opportunities that fit all the diverse communities in Jacksonville.
Watch Deegan’s full inaugural speech below:
“As much as I wanted to stand before you today as mayor, more than that, I wanted love to win [and] unity to be your choice,” she said to the crowd.
She was sworn in with the same Bible as her late cousin and former Jacksonville mayor Tommy Hazouri.
Deegan will lead her administration with what she called the “highest power of all”: love.
“From today forward, I will use every ounce of my energy to harness the power of love we share for our city to take down the walls that divide us and remove the obstacles between us, mindful that in those most stubborn places, the only way around is through.”
As the countdown began for her transition to City Hall, Deegan’s administration hit the ground running to work to address and tackle issues and concerns in the city.
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“Potential is a word that is often used to describe our city. Too often potential has been left unrealized because we’ve placed the politics of fear over the bonds that unite us,” Deegan said.
Uniting the city is also a big factor apart of her administration’s plans as she laid out what is ahead for the team. She addressed city roads, sewage and drainage parks. She also talked about a goal to make Jacksonville healthier by decreasing infant mortality, making the city safer and increasing literacy.
“This is the Jacksonville we can become together. How do I know because in a time of great political division in a world that so often gives into cynicism, despite the pundits and the proclamations are the inevitable victors, you chose love, the highest power of all,” Deegan said.
Watch the post-inaugural discussion with News4JAX Political Analyst Rick Mullaney and Government Law Attorney Chris Hand below: