JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Lil Duval hosted his 10th Duval Day block party on Saturday at a park off Moncrief Road after the event was originally in jeopardy.
The city denied organizers permits to have it on Myrtle Avenue, with officials citing issues like overcrowding and lack of security.
The event found a new home at the Clanzel T. Brown Park off Moncrief Road.
People in attendance were dancing, eating food, buying from vendors and having a good time.
Lil Duval said the day was beautiful.
“We got a bigger space, more room, more freedom, we’re having a good time. That’s the most important part, I just wanted to bring a good atmosphere for everybody to just have a good time,” Lil Duval said.
A vendor named Charlita Carter said this year’s Duval Day is extra special to her since she’s able to serve food in the community she grew up in.
“This was like coming back home to me,” Carter said, owner of Keke’s Cocktails and Refreshers. “True enough, when we were on Myrtle, it was all well, but we’re back home now and everybody just come out to have a good time, enjoy themselves. Kids meet each other, communities come together and we just enjoy.”
Lil Duval said this is a space for fellowship, and it impacts the community in a positive way.
“People spending money in some type of way, they’re spending on something that even if they spent a dollar on it, that’s more than what they would have anywhere else,” Lil Duval said.
Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman was in attendance, and she thanked all the city officials who came together to still make the event happen.
“We had a few bumps at first...but we got the support of the city of Jacksonville, and I am behind it. This is my district, I want to make sure that we bring more events like this,” Pittman said.
She said that there were over 25 food vendors in attendance, and it’s something that they want to continue because it brings the community together.
This is Stazia’s third time coming to Duval Day. She said her favorite part about it is the environment.
“It’s always peaceful, everyone is showing love, the music, and the people. I’m always seeing someone I know,” Stazia said.
Lil Duval also had a response to those who say that Jacksonville is a boring city.
“Yeah, they ain’t been to Duval Day, that’s what it is. They come to Duval Day, I’ll bet they’ll think otherwise,” he said.
Pittman also presented Lil Duval with the Good Deed award.
