Jacksonville Mayor Deegan announces resignation of Director of Community Initiatives Lakesha Burton

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Mayor Donna Deegan announced that Lakesha Burton, the Director of Community Initiatives in the Mayor’s Office, is resigning.

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Burton took on the role in July 2023 with the responsibility of leading programs focused on creating safer communities through prevention and intervention efforts. Her departure from the city stems from her husband, Greg Burton’s, health concerns.

In a released statement, Mayor Deegan stated “The Burtons are in our hearts and our prayers as Greg faces unexpected health challenges. I am incredibly grateful for Lakesha’s service to Jacksonville, both in the Mayor’s Office and during her extensive 24-year tenure with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. She is a passionate and dedicated public servant who deeply cares about our community. I look forward to future collaborations with her.”

Lakesha Burton shared her resignation with Mayor Deegan in a letter dated today.

The letter read:

Dear Mayor Deegan, I regret to notify you that I am resigning from my position as Director of Community Initiatives effective immediately. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve in your administration. I genuinely felt that I had a great opportunity to move your vision for a thriving community forward. However, the unexpected health challenges my husband is facing require me to step back from my role as a full-time employee. I am open to considering other ways to continue serving you and our city. I cannot thank you enough for the support you have provided me. I look forward to working with you in the future. Sincerely, Lakesha Burton.

This unexpected change in leadership marks a significant shift in Jacksonville’s ongoing community initiatives.

The city will now commence the search for a new Director of Community Initiatives who will carry forward the important work initiated by Lakesha Burton.

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