About this Event
About the speaker
Jimmy Peluso graduated from The George Washington University with a bachelor's degree in Political Science and History. Upon graduation he completed training at Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island and was subsequently assigned to USS DUBUQUE (LPD 8) in San Diego, CA as the Main Propulsion Division Officer. He was later assigned to the USS CARR (FFG 52) in Norfolk, VA as the Damage Control Assistant.
Upon completing two sea tours, he was selected to teach Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) students at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). While teaching, he graduated with a masters degree in Public Administration from UPenn in May 2015. After resigning from active service, Jimmy moved back to Jacksonville, FL and began working in governmental affairs with the St. Johns River Water Management District. He was a registered lobbyist with the state of Florida, and was selected to serve in the emergency operations center (EOC) in Tallahassee during natural disasters. Since 2018, Jimmy has worked as a political consultant, and as a development manager. In 2020, he was placed on active duty service and deployed to the United Arab Emirates to work as a Liaison Officer for Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT). Returning to Jacksonville, Mr. Peluso now works at VyStar Credit Union as the Government Affairs Manager.
In May 2023, he was elected to the Jacksonville City Council for District 7. He serves on three standing City Council Committees: the Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health & Safety Committee, the Transportation, Energy & Utilities Committee, and the Jacksonville Waterways Commission. He is also the City Council liaison to the Cultural Council, James Weldon Johnson Park, the Jacksonville Housing Authority, and the Homelessness Initiatives Commission.
Mr. Peluso has served on the Literacy Alliance of Northeast Florida’s Board of Directors, the Changing Homelessness Continuum of Care, and on the Memorial Park Association Board of Directors. He has also been a member of the Veterans Council of Duval County. He has received three Navy Achievement Medals and two Navy Commendation Medals, in addition to a meritorious service medal for work at the state EOC during Hurricane Matthew. Mr. Peluso currently serves in the US Navy Reserves, and holds the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Directions:
We meet at Riverplace Tower, also known as the Ameris Bank building. This is a walkable location along the Southbank Riverwalk and also convenient to the First Coast Flyer and the Skyway Riverplace Station.
There is limited free street parking, and paid parking is also available in a neighboring surface lot and garage.
Entering from the Riverwalk: take the stairs or elevator next to Village Bread Company up to the Skyline Room.
Entering from Riverplace Blvd: take the escalators and walk toward the back of the building, behind the Ameris Bank offices.
Entering from the garage: make a right at the first bank of elevators and another right into the hallway between the Ameris Bank offices.
Entering from the driveway between Riverplace Tower and the Doubletree: Walk down the hallway to the left, and make another left toward Village Bread Cafe. Take the elevator or stairs near Village Bread Cafe to the meeting space.
About Cuppa Jax
Cuppa Jax holds gatherings for neighborhood and community leaders that are open to everyone in Jacksonville. Join us on Wednesday mornings in the Skyline Room in the Riverplace Tower on the Southbank to discuss important issues facing our city.
Scheduled speakers will talk for 10-15 minutes. The rest of the time is spent with Q&A and discussion of relevant issues brought up by participants. We also encourage attendees to make community announcements at the beginning of the program.
Some important things to note:
No membership fee. Unlike many other discussion forums in Jacksonville, there is no membership fee to attend or participate in Cuppa Jax. We do ask attendees to cover the cost of coffee and breakfast provided by Village Bread Cafe. If you cannot attend due to the cost of the event, please email [email protected] with a request for a scholarship and we will be glad to cover your ticket.
Topical and timely. We are seeking local thought leaders who can discuss and educate about important community issues to speak at future dates. We don’t accept offers to speak about or pitch organizations. Cuppa Jax is non-partisan, and does not endorse candidates or issues. An offer to speak does not constitute an endorsement. It is simply an opportunity for the community to have a meaningful discussion.
Cost $15 -- Breakfast provided by Fresh Fork
Wednesday, Feb. 12
8 a.m.- 9 a.m.
Riverplace Tower Skyline Room
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Skyline Room, Riverplace Tower, 1301 Riverplace Boulevard, Jacksonville, United States
USD 17.85