About 160 years ago, a fraternal organization of veterans who served in the Civil War established “Decoration Day.”
The intent was to designate a day to decorate the graves of Civil War soldiers. The Grand Army of the Republic no longer exists, but its brainchild ultimately became Memorial Day, which was recognized as a federal holiday in 1971.
Every year, on the last Monday in May — May 25 in 2026 — the U.S. remembers its deceased service men and women.
This year, Memorial Day weekend also includes the Jacksonville Jazz Festival May 22-24, the Blue Crab Festival in Palatka May 23-25 and the Riverfest in Green Cove Springs May 25.
Federal, state and local governments will be closed May 25 for the holiday, but most grocery and retail stores and restaurants will remain open.
Here’s a roundup:
Are Jacksonville-area government offices open on Memorial Day?
No. City of Jacksonville offices will be closed for the holiday, as will government offices in Clay, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties and their municipalities.
Do area governments run garbage collection routes on Memorial Day?
Some will, some won’t. Waste collection will not be delayed in the city of Jacksonville and St. Johns County. But Clay, Nassau and Putnam will suspend pickup for the holiday, delaying schedules by one day.
Are Jacksonville Transportation Authority services available on Memorial Day?
JTA’s regular bus routes will operate on a reduced Saturday schedule. The Automated Skyway and Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation will be closed. The Ticket Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. All other services will operate on a regular schedule.
Are banks open for Memorial Day?
No.
Are the U.S. Postal Service, UPS and FedEx open for Memorial Day?
The Postal Service will close, but customers can still access many products and services through usps.com and self-service kiosks available in some lobbies nationwide.
UPS pickup and delivery services will not be available on Memorial Day and its stores may be closed. But UPS Express Critical service will be available.
Most of FedEx’s pickup and delivery services will not be operational on Memorial Day, but FedEx Custom Critical will be available.
Are Publix, Target and Walmart open on Memorial Day?
Yes.
Are Winn-Dixie, Aldi, Kroger and Food Lion open on Memorial Day?
Winn-Dixie and Food Lion will be open. Aldi and most Kroger stores will be open but with limited hours so check individual stores.
Are Costco, BJ’s Wholesale Club and Sam’s Club open on Memorial Day?
Costco will be closed. BJ’s Wholesale Club will be open, as will Sam’s Club, but with modoified hours.
Are Whole Foods, Fresh Market and Trader Joe’s open on Memorial Day?
Yes.
Are Family Dollar, Dollar General and Dollar Tree open on Memorial Day?
Yes.
Are Lowe’s, Home Depot and IKEA open on Memorial Day?
Yes.
Are Petco and PetSmart open on Memorial Day?
Yes.
Are Academy Sports + Outdoors and Dick’s Sporting Goods open on Memorial Day?
Yes.
Are CVS and Walgreens open on Memorial Day?
Yes, but hours may vary based on location.
Are McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s open on Memorial Day?
Yes.
Are Chick-fil-A, KFC and Arby’s open on Memorial Day?
Yes.
Are Hardee’s, Cracker Barrel and Golden Corral open on Memorial Day?
Yes.
Are IHOP, Olive Garden and Texas Roadhouse open on Memorial Day?
Yes.
Are Taco Bell, Buffalo Wild Wings and Chipotle open on Memorial Day?
Yes.
Are Papa John’s, Pizza Hut and Domino’s open on Memorial Day?
Yes.
Are Subway, Firehouse Subs, Jersey Mike’s and Jimmy Johns open on Memorial Day?
Yes.
Are Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’ and Dairy Queen open on Memorial Day?
Yes.
Are Starbucks, Panera and Carrabbas open on Memorial Day?
Yes.
bcravey@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4109
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Governments closed, most stores and eateries open on Memorial Day
Reporting by Beth Reese Cravey, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
