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Jacksonville Beach community, News4JAX honor 2 sanitation workers with Positively JAX award

The surprise was full of tears, cheers and love

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – We were all in tears of joy this morning as we witnessed the surprise of a lifetime.

A Jacksonville Beach neighborhood, News4JAX and Closets by Design celebrated two local heroes Friday—CJ and Melvin—who were honored with the Positively JAX award for their exceptional dedication and kindness.

As sanitation workers for Waste Pro, CJ and Melvin go far beyond their daily duties, forming meaningful bonds with the community they serve.

For the neighbors on their route, CJ and Melvin are more than workers; they are family. Whether handing out candy and gift cards to celebrate milestones or checking in during tough times, the duo’s thoughtfulness has made a lasting impact.

FULL VIDEO: Press the play button below to watch our 12-minute Positively JAX surprise or continue reading below (Fast forward seven minutes in to watch the full surprise)

Their compassion and positivity inspired dozens of neighbors to come together and nominate them for the Positively JAX award.

To make the announcement extra special, News4JAX surprised CJ and Melvin on The Morning Show, surrounded by a crowd of grateful neighbors eager to say thank you. Our cameras followed CJ and Melvin on their route that morning, capturing every heartfelt moment.

The excitement culminated as they turned onto a familiar street and were greeted by a swarm of neighbors who showered them with love and appreciation.

It was a powerful scene, and emotions ran high when Melvin broke down in tears, sparking a wave of shared emotion among everyone present.

“I couldn’t believe all of this was for us,” Melvin said, wiping away tears. “We’re just doing our jobs, but to know it means this much…it’s overwhelming.”

CJ added, “It’s the little things we do, but it’s the big hearts of this community that make it all worthwhile.”

Their story is a reminder that kindness and connection can transform even the most routine interactions into something extraordinary. CJ and Melvin’s care and dedication truly embody what it means to be Positively JAX.

A Jacksonville Beach neighborhood, News4JAX and Closets By Design celebrated two local heroes Friday—CJ and Melvin—who were honored with the Positively JAX award for their exceptional dedication and kindness. (Copyright 2024 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.)

About the Author
Melanie Lawson headshot

Anchor on The Morning Show team and reporter specializing on health issues.

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