Memorial Day: What Jacksonville-area stores, restaurants and offices will be closed?
Memorial Day is a federal and state holiday to honor U.S. military personnel who died while serving their country. Observed on the last Monday in May, the holiday dates back to the 1860s.
Banks, schools and most government offices will be closed, but most fast-food and casual restaurants, grocery stores and pharmacies will be open
The first Memorial Day was in May 1868 after Gen. John A. Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance later that month.
Originally known as Decoration Day, the day of remembrance became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans use the time to visit cemeteries or memorials or participate in parades or other related events, others hold family gatherings, celebrate the upcoming summer season and partake in Memorial Day sales.
Here's what you need to know about what's open and closed:
Will Kohl's, Target and Walmart be open on Memorial Day?
Yes. Kohl's hours will be 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Walmart hours will be 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Target hours will vary by location, so call individual stores.
Will Publix and Winn-Dixie be open on Memorial Day?
Yes. The grocery chains will maintain regular hours.
Will Food Lion, Fresh Market and Harris Teeter be open on Memorial Day?
Yes, with regular hours.
Will Aldi and Kroger be open on Memorial Day?
They will be open but hours vary by location. Call individual stores for their schedules.
Will Trader Joe's and Whole Foods be open on Memorial Day?
They will be open but hours vary by location. Call individual stores for their schedules.
Will Costco, Sam's Club and BJ's Wholesale be open on Memorial Day?
Costco will be closed. Most Sam's Clubs will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and BJ's will maintain regular hours.
Will CVS and Walgreens be open on Memorial Day?
Yes.
Will McDonald's, Burger King and Wendy's be open on Memorial Day?
Yes.
Will Chick-Fil-A and Arby's be open on Memorial Day?
Yes.
Will Cracker Barrel and Olive Garden be open on Memorial Day?
Yes.
Will KFC and Bojangles be open on Memorial Day?
Yes.
Will Subway, Jersey Mike's and Firehouse Subs be open on Memorial Day?
Yes, but some Firehouse Subs may have limited hours so call ahead.
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Will the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx and UPS ve open on Memorial Day?
No. The Postal Service will not deliver regular residential or business mail and post offices will be closed on Monday. But Priority Mail Express will still be available.
Most FedEx deliveries will also be suspended and stores will have limited hours. FedEx Custom Critical Service will be available.
UPS will not be making deliveries and its stores may be closed, but its UPS Express Critical service will be available.
Will Northeast Florida schools be open on Memorial Day?
No.
Will Jacksonville city government offices be open on Memorial Day?
No.
Will Jacksonville's public pools be open on Memorial Day?
Yes! Mayor Donna Deegan announced that 26 of the city's 29 community pools will be open for Memorial Day weekend. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 25 and Monday, May 27; and 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 26.
For a list of which pools will be open Memorial Day and their addresses, and hours for upcoming weekends, go to jacksonville.gov/welcome/news/city-to-open-pools-for-memorial-day-weekend-and-be.
Will other area county governments be open on Memorial Day?
County government offices will be closed in Baker, Clay, Nassau County, Putnam and St. Johns. But garbage and recycling collection schedules will not be delayed.
bcravey@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4109
USA Today contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Publix, Target are open Memorial Day; Costco, post offices closed
