the Jacksonville Caribbean was created in 1999 with an aim to bring the Caribbean back to Jacksonville. The first Jacksonville Caribbean Carnival, Street Parade and Festival was held at Jacksonville, Florida in the United States. The venue changed to Heming Plaza in 2003 and since 2005 it is located at Metropolitan Park. It occurs in October month.

The festival starts with a Carmeritage De Boat Ride on the Lady St. Johns. It begins with a street parade at Bay Street Market and then proceeds to Metro Park. The parade features sounds of salsa, steel drums, soca, calypso, reggae and colorful costumes, food, street fair and dancing. The boat ride is being sponsored by the Carnival Organization of Jacksonville, Inc. (COOJI) in honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month.