JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It may have been a great day at the beach, but some decided it was a better day to head to the pool for relaxation and family time. More than two dozen city of Jacksonville pools were open for people to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday with their loved ones.
That’s what Debora Livingston had in mind when she brought her niece, Journey, to the San Souci pool.
“Yes, there’s not one in my area,” Livingston explained. “I live in Arlington area, so I just looked it up on the internet, my sister and I decided to spend our 4th here.”
Livingston’s little niece, Journey, agreed.
“Because I like swimming,” Journey said with a smile. “It’s my favorite.”
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Journey is not alone. The city of Jacksonville told News4JAX the public-owned pools have been packed over the last several weeks.
For perspective, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department confirmed that for the week of June 1st, 11,370 people visited the city of Jacksonville pools.
News4JAX visited multiple COJ pools Thursday including Ribault High School, Julius Guinyard Park, Golfair Park Pool (C.T. Brown), and Robert Kennedy Pool.
One thing the city of Jacksonville wants people to remember with intense heat still in the forecast, city pools are part of the “Stay Cool Jax” campaign to keep people safe. People are still encouraged to consider becoming a lifeguard.
Joseph Winn also stopped by the San Souci pool with family members for the 4th of July.
Celebrating Independence Day means a lot to Winn. He came to the United States nearly nine years ago and is grateful to spend this time with his family.
“This is a great opportunity to have freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and freedom of religion,” Winn said. “And we appreciate the country and those who fight for freedom. Not just for them, but to welcome migrants like us.”
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Rosie Meadows brought her children and other family members to the San Souci pool. She says while the pools felt great to start the day, the festivities are only getting started.
“Yeah, we’re going home to do fireworks,” Meadows said. “Hamburgers and hot dogs, stuff like that.”
“This year, I’ll probably watch them on TV,” Livingston said.
For information about city of Jacksonville pools, splash pads, swim lessons, and lifeguard requirements, visit this website.
As we do every year, News4JAX will televise and stream Jacksonville’s fireworks spectacular as well as others around Northeast Florida.