News Summary
Mayor Donna Deegan has launched an online merchandise store designed to support local initiatives and promote community pride in Jacksonville. The store features a variety of locally designed products, including t-shirts and hats, with all profits supporting city events and initiatives. The venture aligns with the ‘I Dig Jax’ campaign and does not use tax dollars. Additionally, a scavenger hunt with hidden Rex statues will engage the community further, emphasizing the city’s unique culture and commitment to local programs.
Jacksonville – Mayor Donna Deegan has unveiled an online merchandise store aimed at supporting local initiatives and promoting pride in the community. The announcement was made on Tuesday at the iconic Rex statue in Jacksonville, where Deegan expressed the goal of allowing residents and visitors to showcase their Jacksonville pride while giving back to the city. The store is part of the city’s broader I Dig Jax campaign, which showcases various projects across downtown and the city at large.
The newly launched online store is designed to sell a range of products that represent Jacksonville, including locally designed t-shirts, hats, tumblers, and stickers. With the motto of “giving back and representing Jacksonville in style,” the initiative intends to create a connection between the city’s residents and the local culture.
All profits generated from the sale of merchandise will be directed to the city’s public affairs office. These funds will specifically support marketing for citywide events and initiatives, enhancing public engagement and awareness of local activities. Notably, Deegan emphasized that the establishment of the store did not involve any tax dollars, underscoring the local and self-sustaining nature of the venture.
The store is operational in collaboration with local vendors, with products being made to order to avoid unsold inventory and excess waste. This operational model not only helps stimulate the local economy but also ensures that the merchandise is unique and reflects the Jacksonville ethos. The store is accessible through the city’s official website at jacksonville.gov/store.
In conjunction with the store’s launch, the local government is also initiating a scavenger hunt, featuring five 3D-printed miniature Rex statues strategically hidden around Jacksonville. Participants can find clues about the locations of these statues on the city’s social media platforms, encouraging community engagement and interaction.
In addition to promoting Jacksonville culture, sales generated from the store will also support important local initiatives such as the River City Readers literacy initiative and the I Dig Jax infrastructure improvements campaign. This dual-focus on merchandise sales and community programs demonstrates a commitment to both local pride and direct investment into essential community services and improvements.
The merchandise store’s collaboration with well-known vendors such as Zazzle and Sticker Mule is part of a strategic approach to bolster local initiatives. Zazzle offers a 10% royalty on sales, while Sticker Mule sells items at cost, achieving the goal of directly supporting initiatives without the risk of excess inventory or costs. This innovative approach signals an environmentally conscious strategy while fostering local business relationships.
The launch of the online merchandise store reflects Mayor Deegan’s ongoing commitment to enhancing community pride and local engagement within Jacksonville. As the city continues to develop its offerings and strengthen its cultural identity, the store serves as a vital link in promoting both local artistry and investment in community projects.
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Additional Resources
- First Coast News: Jacksonville Merchandise Store
- News4Jax: City of Jacksonville Announces New Merch Store
- Action News Jax: City Jacksonville Launches City Swag Store
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jacksonville
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
