Student safety No. 1 goal for Florida-Georgia game

October 25, 2006

The Florida-Georgia football game traditionally has been a meeting of old rivals along the St. John’s River. This year there will be a middle ground, as university officials and the city of Jacksonville are offering a new service to make sure fans of both teams stay safe.

Two Sideline Student Safety Zones will be open from noon to 3 a.m., Friday, Oct. 27, and Saturday, Oct. 28, to assist students with transportation and medical emergencies.

The idea for the safety zones originated at the University of Florida, but both the city of Jacksonville and the University of Georgia have joined UF to make it happen.

“We have been working on this for some time now,” said Dave Kratzer, associate vice president for student affairs at UF. “It has been a good culmination of effort.”

The main zone, in the Modis Building opposite the Jacksonville Landing on Independent Drive, will be lit by a large balloon so students who are lost can easily find help. Another safety zone will be set up inside the Landing in a storefront donated by property owner Toney Sleiman.

Staffed by emergency medical technicians and UF police, the zones will provide maps, coffee, water and telephone access. At any time during the weekend, students may call a safety hot line set up by the city of Jacksonville at (904) 630-SAFE (7233).

“We are going to do everything we can to help students stay safe,” Kratzer said. “We anticipate that this will be an annual event.”