Downtown Ambassadors

Keeping Downtown Clean and Safe

The cornerstone of a great Downtown is a clean, safe and hospitable environment, which is why we focus on it seven days a week. We collaborate to address unsightly issues in the public realm and we partner with the City, Sheriff’s Office, property owners and others to support economic growth and the live/work/visit experience. Key in supporting our mission, Downtown Ambassadors work across five divisions to provide extra eyes and ears on the street, to clean sidewalks and mend building facades, to reach out to those in need and to activate shared spaces.

Ambassadors 2021

Ambassador Hours
may vary due to special events

Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Ambassador Services

Clean Division Services

  • Remove litter
  • Pressure wash and spot clean sidewalks
  • Remove graffiti
  • Identify and report hazards and property damage issues
  • Remove weeds from sidewalks and tree beds

Safety & Hospitality Division Services

  • Provide directions, maps and parking information
  • Provide Downtown event information
  • Escort you to your destination
  • Provide a safety presence and contact police or rescue during emergencies
  • Report and/or resolve instances of nuisance activity (panhandling, loitering, etc.)
  • Share a smile and a watchful eye

Social Services Outreach Division Services

  • Connect homeless and transient individuals with local social service providers
  • Transport persons in need to services
  • Collect meaningful demographic and behavioral data

Property Maintenance Division Services

  • Maintain streetscape and properties
  • Fix building facades, information kiosks, trash cans and more

NextStep Program

Beginning in 2021, the NextStep Program (previously named the Life Builders Program) in partnership with the City of Jacksonville and City Rescue Mission provides a career pathway for persons experiencing homelessness while increasing the impact of the Ambassadors. NextStep participants are paired with Downtown Ambassadors and trained on responsibilities to improve the quality of life Downtown. This partnership helps connect homeless citizens with important community resources through peer-to-peer contact.

For more information on the program, to request special services, or for sponsorship opportunities, contact Eric Miller, Vice President of District Services.

2023 Ambassador of the Year:
Potrena Jones

Safety and Information in #DTJax

Don’t set yourself up to fall victim to a crime of opportunity.

  • Lock and store your valuables out of sight.
  • Never “flash your cash” in public.
  • Remove name and security badges upon leaving your office.
  • Politely but firmly say no to panhandlers. Give to social charities instead.
  • Call JSO to report all suspicious activity and nuisance behaviors.

Help keep Downtown Safe:

Stay in the know:

Sign up for our Downtown Information and Safety Alerts to receive period emails with street and bridge closures, building evacuations, safety concerns, construction and emergencies impacting the Downtown area.

Attend the Sheriff’s Watch Meetings

Join JSO officers and community members for monthly discussions about crime issues facing our neighborhoods and hear progress updates.
When: 3rd Wednesday of the month, 11 a.m.
Where: Main Library, 303 N. Laura St.

Helpful Phone Numbers

Safety escorts*
Downtown Ambassadors
904.465.7980

Non-emergencies
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office
904.630.0500

Emergencies
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office
911

(*During normal operating hours.)

Homeless Outreach Assistance
HOPE Team
904.394.8091 (limited hours)

Downtown Ambassadors Social Services Outreach Division
646.689.2661
904.914.1662 (limited hours)

Safety hazards
City of Jacksonville CARE
904.630.CITY (2489)

How are we doing? 

Have comments, reviews or suggestions? Contact Us.