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Residents urge Jacksonville council to rename Henderson Drive for longtime officer 'Lieutenant XY Brown'
Summary
Multiple residents and family members urged the council during public comment to rename Henderson Drive (and Henderson Extension) for 'Lieutenant XY Brown,' emphasizing his decades of law-enforcement service, World War II veteran status, and ties to local schools and youth programs; staff has delivered a naming-rights report for council review.
Dozens of Jacksonville residents told the City Council on March 17 they want Henderson Drive (and a Henderson Extension) renamed to honor a longtime local officer the speakers identified as 'Lieutenant XY Brown.' Speakers described him as a World War II veteran and a decades-long law-enforcement officer who worked with children and in community events, and they urged the council to approve the honor while he is living.
Speakers during the public-comment period included Clayron 'Clay' Alexander, Carmen Spicer, Georgia Wilson Fom, Barbara Henderson, Monica and Carl Brown, Mary Louise Pearson Moore (who identified herself as president and founder of the Martin Luther King Keeping the Dream Alive Committee), and Octavia Ward Wilkins. Their remarks recounted Brown’s service to local schools, community events and veterans, and several speakers asked the council to formally rename the street in his honor.
Mayor Phillips and council members acknowledged the comments. Mr. Ray told the council staff delivered a naming-rights report earlier that afternoon and that the report includes the current request and at least one other naming request; Ray said council would have the report available for review and would schedule follow-up direction at a future meeting.
Council discussion during the meeting included expressions of support and the mayor and other members referencing Brown’s service. Council did not take a final vote on street naming at this meeting; instead staff requested direction after council members have had time to review the naming-rights report.
Several speakers referenced a proclamation read in the state legislature in honor of Brown and recounted personal stories about the officer's service to children and the community. Council staff and members noted Brown’s military service during remarks in the reports section of the agenda. A motion later in the meeting moved the council into closed session to discuss land-acquisition matters; the naming request remains pending and will return for council direction after staff follow-up.
