Q&A with Jacksonville City Council Vice President Tommy Hazouri, At Large District 3

Q: Do you have a public works update for the Mandarin area?
A: On Scott Mill Road, a new and exclusive southbound right-turn lane is being added to improve traffic flow; design is completed and the project is on schedule. Construction began in January. 

In Mandarin Park, the Parks Department has completed the design of a new kayak launch and floating dock. The kayak launch will be ADA compliant and will serve as a tool to further activate our waterways. We have been awarded the grant to proceed with the construction of this exciting project. Additionally, we are working on renovating the existing restroom facility at Mandarin Park. This project will be completed by the spring of 2020. 

The Parks Department continues working on a plan to develop an off-leash dog park in the Mandarin area. This project is still in the early stages; the city has now purchased the land and will be proceeding with planning of the recreational amenity.

Q: What’s the latest on sidewalks along Mandarin Road and the underdrain project on Sunbeam Road?
A: The Mandarin Road sidewalk project includes the design and construction of three segments of sidewalk, which includes San Jose to Ingle Lane, Orange Picker Road to Long Cypress Trail and Long Cypress Trail to Red Cypress Road. Construction started in January 2020 and the project is anticipated to be completed in July 2020.  

For the Sunbeam Road underdrain project, the plan is to remove and replace the existing underdrains, curb and gutter, sidewalk and a half travel lane for a length of roughly 900 feet between Abby Glen Circle and Egrets Landing Drive. Phase 1 of this project covers CARE issue 2014-167361. We anticipate construction to start in February 2020 with an estimated construction completion date in July 2020.

Q: Do you have anything new to share regarding your efforts to stop human trafficking?
A: Last month I talked about my meeting with members of the Northeast Florida Human Trafficking Coalition and other community leaders, affirming my commitment to fight this important issue. I would like to share with readers that at its Jan. 7, 2020 meeting, the Duval County School Board passed a resolution aligning with the City Council’s resolution against human trafficking, and fully supported the recognition of Jan. 23 as Human Trafficking Awareness Day. I am honored that so many members of the Jacksonville community are coming together to fight this scourge that affects victims of every age, race, nationality, income and education level.  Remember, anyone can call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888 or text INFO or HELP 2337333 to access help and services.  

Q: What is the best way for our readers to contact you?

A: They can email me at THazouri@coj.net or call (904) 255-5217.