On Saturday, Democratic state Rep. Reggie Fullwood held a Small Business Shop Around tour in Jacksonville House District 13, as a way to focus on independent community retailers.
Fullwood’s visit was in celebration of Small Business Saturday, the national movement urging consumers to avoid the hectic rush of Black Friday by shopping local. Small Business Saturday honors small businesses and their influence in neighborhoods nationwide by promoting alternatives to the big-box retailers.
Joined by state Rep. Mia Jones, Fullwood shopped a number of shops around Jacksonville. He visited the Riverside Arts Market on Riverside Ave., and hosted an event at Phil’s Shoes on N Pearl St. to honor the shop’s more than 50 years of service. Fullwood then continued the day with lunch at the local University Diner on Merrill Rd.
At Phil’s Shoes, Jones presented owner Mark Lewis with a resolution honoring the Lewis family for their efforts improving the Jacksonville community.
Paperwork errors prevented Fullwood, who was previously unopposed in District 13, from qualifying for November’s general election. His ineligibility is forcing a special primary and election.
Fullwood faces Jacksonville City Council member Johnny Gaffney in the Democratic primary on Dec. 16. The winner faces Republican Lawrence Jefferson in the special general election on Feb. 17.
