UF, Jacksonville offer safe place for students during football game

October 27, 2008

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Students once again will have a safe haven available in Jacksonville during this weekend’s Florida/Georgia football game.

Launched two years ago, the Sideline Student Safety Zone, organized by the University of Florida and the city of Jacksonville, will be open Friday and Saturday in and near The Jacksonville Landing.

Students and others can find basic medical help and first aid, telephone service, water, coffee, snacks and computer access, and can track down missing friends. Transportation will be available in the form of taxi service and complimentary trolleys.

The Zone will be staffed by UF student affairs personnel and staff and volunteers from the city of Jacksonville. Jacksonville police will have increased presence on Saturday night, and UF police officers also will be on duty.

The goal is to reduce the possibility of accidents and violence that have marred celebrations during the game weekend over the past several years, including the deaths of two UF students.

Sideline Student Safety Zone locations will be behind Starbucks inside The Jacksonville Landing, outside the Landing at the intersection of Laura Street and Independent Drive, and behind the Welcome Center across from Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Hours are 4 p.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday; and noon Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday.

“We want the Florida/Georgia weekend to be memorable for all the right reasons,” said David Bowles, UF recreational sports director. “The safety of the students from both universities is more important than anything, including the football game.”

Bowles urges students to plan ahead, write down their names, friends’ names and cell numbers and the address of where you’re staying. “Don’t get separated from your friends,” he said. For more information, visit:
http://www.coj.net/Departments/Recreation+and+Community+Services/Special+Events/FlaGa/Sideline+Student+Safety+Zone.htm