The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) announced today its partnership with Lights On! – a community-driven program with the mission to heal relationships between communities and law enforcement agencies. This is the first national expansion into the state of Florida and is being funded by the Jacksonville Jaguars Inspire Change initiative.

Under the program, JSO traffic officers can provide drivers with a voucher for a free repair on mechanical problems with the vehicle rather than citing the driver. Some common mechanical violations include burned-out light bulbs, broken turn signals, etc. JSO is pleased to partner with the following businesses for this program: https://www.lightsonus.org/autocenters

• 888 Auto (7287 W. Beaver Street, Jacksonville, FL 32254)
• Allied Auto & Truck Repair (9834 Lem Turner Road, Jacksonville, FL 32208)
• American Garage Company (10329-6 Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32225)
• Auto Fix 4 Less (5002 W. Beaver Street, Jacksonville, FL 32254)
• Davis Tire Center & Repair (505 Lane Avenue North, Jacksonville, FL 32254)
• Hunter’s Auto Electric (2116 Kings Road, Jacksonville, FL 32209)
• Mosley Mechanix (9085 Commonwealth Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32220)
• Sam’s Auto Repair (7444 Lem Turner Road, Jacksonville, FL 32208)
• Toi Phactory Auto Service (7334 W. Beaver Street, Jacksonville, FL 32254)
• Vu’s Automotive (1944 Tourist Street, Jacksonville, FL 32208)

The Jacksonville Jaguars will fully fund the initial launch of the JSO Lights On! program ensuring the program remains free to the Sheriff's Office and voucher recipients. The grant is a continuation of the team’s Inspire Change initiative, designed to promote equality in Jacksonville by creating a greater, more positive human connection such as the relationship between police and the community they serve.

“The Jaguars are proud to partner with JSO and Lights On! to kick off this program here in Jacksonville,” said Jaguars Chief Community Impact Officer Whitney Meyer. “From the personal interactions with drivers and police to the added business coming into local auto shops, Lights On! can have a positive impact on so many in our community.”

Assistant Chief Paul Restivo who leads the JSO Community Engagement Section shared his excitement for the program when he said, “We are so pleased to have yet another means by which we can keep people safe and make a positive connection happen. This program is unique in that it delivers on both of those levels. Our officers can truly help someone who may not have the means to repair their car. And drivers in Jacksonville can have first-hand experiences of JSO serving and protecting them which is our very mission.”

“The Lights On! program is a way to build relationships between police departments and the communities they serve,” said Don Samuels, CEO and Founder of Lights On!. “Instead of punishing drivers for broken lights, we can fix the mechanical issue and mitigate what often becomes a downward spiral for community members in need. We are giving officers a new tool on their duty belt that creates a positive interaction, especially needed in these tense times,” said Samuels. The program is completely free to voucher recipients and is supported by community in-kind and financial donations. To learn more or donate, visit LightsOnUS.Org.