JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – News4JAX traffic anchor Sophia Vitello returned to Jacksonville’s Moncrief neighborhood last week with Mayor Donna Deegan, continuing a series focused on what residents want to see improved in their community.
The visit was part five of Vitello’s ongoing coverage of Moncrief. Her Instagram videos, which have highlighted neighborhood businesses, parks and conversations with residents, caught the attention of Deegan, who joined Vitello for a firsthand look at the area and its needs.
The mayor stopped at Holley’s Barbecue, a longtime neighborhood restaurant owned by Wendy Holley, and spoke with members of Making Moncrief Great Again. She also met with people connected to programs at Simonds-Johnson Park.
‘I’ve never personally seen a mayor come here’
Holley told Deegan that she has lived in Moncrief for 55 years and had never personally seen a mayor visit the neighborhood.
“That means so much to me,” Holley said.
Holley also shared the history of her family’s restaurant, which has been in the same building since 1937. She said the business recently received help from a city council member but that no one had previously told them about the available assistance.
Deegan said the city needs to do a better job making residents aware of resources available to neighborhood businesses, including through the city’s website and direct outreach.
“If you think most of the people in this area are not aware of the resources that are available to them, especially for their businesses, then we need to make that a prominent place on the website or have an outreach of some sort,” Deegan said.
Residents call for investment and stronger relationships
Holley said many people look down on Moncrief because residents do not have a lot of money. Deegan said improvements must begin with public infrastructure, including sidewalks, beautification and parks.
Deegan pointed to work underway along the corridor from 33rd to 45th streets and said the city has improved parks because Moncrief residents deserve those investments.
Members of Making Moncrief Great Again also described the work residents do to support the neighborhood, while saying volunteers cannot replace the resources the city once provided.
One woman said the neighborhood used to have a full-time coach and that children felt safe. She called for more city funding and said money intended for Moncrief has been moved elsewhere.
“They cannot keep all the money on this side of town,” she said.
Deegan acknowledged the frustration and said the city has moved capital improvement projects in Jacksonville’s Districts 7, 8, 9 and 10 to the top of the list after decades at the bottom.
“What this side of town is looking for” is equity, Deegan said.
“Equity, equity, equity,” the woman responded.
Residents raise concerns about policing
Holley said residents also want a better relationship with police officers in the neighborhood. She said people who call to report problems do not always feel they are treated as victims or community members seeking help.
“When we call them and tell them or if something’s happening or something’s going wrong, we aren’t always the criminal,” Holley said. “They make us feel like we’re the criminal.”
Deegan said Sheriff T.K. Waters has held town hall meetings to hear from residents and promised to do her best to connect the group with someone from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
The conversation also included Dr. Carter and others involved in community programs that operate both in Moncrief and in JSO facilities. Dr. Carter said the organization has worked in those facilities for four years and provides six months of support after people are released from jail.
Continuing the conversation
Vitello said she plans to follow up with Deegan in writing about what she heard from Moncrief residents during the visit.
The latest video continues a series that began after viewers urged Vitello to look into Moncrief Road. Her reporting has since expanded to include neighborhood history, road and pedestrian safety, youth programs, local businesses and the residents working to improve the community.
Throughout the series, residents have said they want Moncrief to receive the same attention and investment as other parts of Jacksonville — while also making sure the neighborhood is seen for more than its challenges.
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