JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Jazz Festival attracts thousands of music lovers downtown every year. But now organizers have to plan the 2013 show with less money.
"I think the jazz festival adds a huge impact to what we offer as a culture, culturally part of this city," said UNF Jazz Ensemble Director, J.B. Scott.
Now the city is relying on fewer funds to host the annual music festival.
Jacksonville's special events director requested $50,000 from the Duval County Tourist Development Council for May's show. But the council only offered $20,000. That's $5,000 less than last year.
City Council President Bill Bishop sits on the tourist council and says the festival should be self-funded. Bishop says the show must obtain a title sponsor and cutting down on the tourist council's annual handout will help.
"We need to see some effort to go out and find title sponsors to come up with this money, and I think that's the right thing to do," said Bishop.
With budget belts tightening, Scott is calling on all music fans to help the cause. "It needs to be supported and it adds a lot to Jacksonville."
This year's festival starts May 23.
