The sound from John Citrone's acoustic guitar filled the air Monday afternoon at Hemming Park. Lunchtime live tunes recently stopped in downtown’s central park due to budget restraints, but a local business will now sponsor performances twice a week.
Jax Vision Care, located in downtown Jacksonville across the street from Hemming Park, will sponsor the event through the end of the month. Performances are scheduled for Thursday and Friday.
”I’ve seen a lot of positive changes the last couple of years at Hemming Park,” said Jeffrey Brown, an optometrist with Jax Vision Care. “I’ve always enjoyed — just over my lunch hour — coming out here, enjoying the music, stopping at the food truck and getting something to eat.”
Brown said he thinks his donation is a win-win for Hemming Park and his downtown business. Jax Vision Care will sponsor two live performances a week until the end of August.
The non-profit group Friends of Hemming Park is currently looking for sponsors to support live music on the other days of the week.