Safety zones in Jacksonville will offer help, services to students

October 25, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida students heading to Jacksonville this weekend for the UF-Georgia football game will be given a helping hand Friday and Saturday, thanks to the city’s Sideline Student Safety Zones.

For the fifth consecutive year, safety zones throughout downtown Jacksonville will provide both Gator and Bulldog fans with access to taxis, cell phone chargers, computers, first aid and local maps. Complimentary water, coffee and snacks also will be available at each location.

Six areas will be designated to assist students. Two safety zones at the east concourse of the Jacksonville Landing and at the corner of Laura Street and Independence Drive will offer help from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and from noon to 3 a.m. Saturday. A location at the corner of Coastline Drive and Newnan Street will be open from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and from noon to 3 a.m. Saturday. Students can go to the Georgia-Florida Welcome Center for assistance from 8 a.m. to midnight Friday and from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.

In addition, the Gridiron Get Down and Touchdown Showdown Safety Zones, which will be located outside EverBank Field’s south end zone in Pepsi Plaza, will have hours Friday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Saturday from noon to 3 a.m., respectively.

Each location will be staffed by volunteers, and emergency medical services will be provided by the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.

Students who request assistance at a zone will not be subject to legal action on alcohol issues.

For more information, visit www.flga.org or call the hotline 904-630-SAFE (7233).