Military Freebies And Discounts In Jacksonville Florida

Military personnel and veterans in Jacksonville, Florida have access to numerous free meals, admission offers, discounts, and special events throughout the year. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the benefits available to active duty service members, veterans, and their dependents in the Jacksonville area, ranging from complimentary meals at local restaurants to free admission at attractions and special event discounts.

Free Meals and Dining Offers

Several Jacksonville restaurants and food establishments offer complimentary meals or special discounts to military personnel and veterans. These offers vary in frequency, with some being available on specific days like Veterans Day, while others occur monthly or during designated appreciation periods.

Pollo Tropical provides one of the most consistent offerings, with a free quarter chicken platter available every second Tuesday of the month at all Florida locations, including five in Jacksonville. The offer is valid all day and applies to both dine-in and drive-thru services. Active duty military and veterans with valid identification can receive this complimentary meal without needing a coupon or code. The Jacksonville locations include 9370 Atlantic Blvd, 4863 Gate Parkway North, 10989 San Jose Blvd., 13776 Old St Augustine Road, and 730 Skymarks Drive.

Several restaurants participate in Veterans Day offers on November 11: - Applebee's provides veterans and active-duty military with a free meal from a select menu at participating locations, with dine-in service required. - Bob Evans offers veterans and active-duty military a similar free meal option from a select menu, also dine-in only. - Bonefish Grill extends complimentary Bang Bang Shrimp with a soft beverage to active-duty service members and veterans with valid ID. - Pilot Flying J enables ID.me verified active, retired, or veteran service members and their families to enjoy a free meal up to $12 through the Pilot's myRewards Plus app at participating locations.

Mission BBQ has shown support for military personnel with a free sandwich promotion during military appreciation week, though the specific dates mentioned are from 2019. The offer was available at both Jacksonville locations (Town Center and Orange Park).

Free Admission and Attractions

Jacksonville's attractions and entertainment venues provide various free admission opportunities and discounts for military personnel and their families.

The Jacksonville Zoo offers specific military benefits: - All military veterans and active-duty service members can reserve one free General Admission ticket for Veterans Day, November 11, 2024. Tickets must be reserved online in advance, and military or veteran ID will be verified upon entrance. - The zoo also provides a 10% discount on all tickets and memberships for military active, inactive, and veteran personnel. This discount must be purchased on-site to allow for verification of ID, DD214, VA card, or veteran denotation on a driver's license.

For entertainment, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp baseball team offers: - Free admission for all military and dependents during military appreciation nights on August 14, 2025, and August 28, 2025. - Military appreciation nights with special promotions and activities.

The USO hosts a Military Appreciation Night at the zoo, though the specific date mentioned is from 2019. This event included zoo admission, unlimited train rides, and access to the land of the tiger exhibit, and was open to active duty, retirees, reservists, National Guard, veterans, DOD personnel, and dependents.

Hotel and Accommodation Discounts

Several hotel chains in Jacksonville offer military discounts and special rates:

• Home2 Suites by Hilton Jacksonville South St. Johns Town Center provides percentage discounts off the best available rate for veterans, active duty, and retired military. Valid United States or Canadian military ID is required at check-in.
• Home2 Suites Jacksonville Airport offers per diem rates and a percentage discount for government contractors.
• Hyatt Place Jacksonville Airport provides a military discount of 5%-10% off the best available rate for active duty traveling on leisure, retirees, and spouses.
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Jacksonville Butler Blvd offers a 12% discount off the best available rate for active and retired military members.
• Marriott Jacksonville Downtown extends 30% off dining in their restaurant, Juliette's, and 15% off overnight stays.
• One Ocean Resort & Spa provides a 15% discount off the best available rate, based on availability, with the promo code "MILDIS" for online bookings. They also offer a 10% discount on catering events for food and beverage.
• Residence Inn Jacksonville Airport offers government per diem rates for suites that include full kitchens, living rooms, and separate bed/bathrooms.

Other Military Benefits and Discounts

Various local businesses and services in Jacksonville offer military-specific benefits:

• Waters CarWash in Orange Park provides a free car wash for active duty, reserve, retired, and veteran military members from November 9-11. Military ID is required.
• Community First Igloo offers a 10% discount for military members on most programs.
• Happy Medium Books Cafe provides a 12% military discount on any purchase.
• Prototype Escape Games offers $3 off per player, with one military ID applying the discount to an entire group.
• Sunrise Surf Shop provides 10% off all items (excluding hard goods).
• The Tasting Tours, LLC offers $10 off per person with military ID.

Special Events and Annual Occasions

Jacksonville hosts several special events and annual occurrences that benefit military personnel:

The Florida's Largest Freedom & Beer Run takes place on the Riverfront in Downtown Jacksonville. The June 29th event features a run or walk along the river with a Halfway Bacon Station, food trucks, live entertainment, and more. Registration includes a race bib and timing chip, an official race t-shirt, a custom medal with beer opener, two beers, and bacon during the race. Participants can use the promo code VETS4VETS to assist with fundraising.

The City of Jacksonville recognizes the importance of military service, as demonstrated by their efforts to locate D-Day/Normandy survivors for the annual Memorial Day ceremony to honor local veterans of the historic invasion.

Eligibility and Requirements

For most military offers and discounts in Jacksonville, proper identification is required. Generally, valid military ID, DD214, VA card, or veteran denotation on a driver's license serves as proof of service eligibility. Some offers are specifically for active duty personnel, while others extend to veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and sometimes their dependents.

Some offers have specific participation requirements: - Certain discounts must be purchased on-site rather than online to allow for verification. - Some offers are only valid for dine-in service. - Many Veterans Day offers are restricted to the specific date of November 11.

Conclusion

Military personnel and veterans in Jacksonville have access to a wide range of free meals, admission offers, discounts, and special events. From monthly free meals at Pollo Tropical to free admission at attractions on special occasions, the Jacksonville community demonstrates appreciation for service members' sacrifices. Many of these benefits require proper military identification, and some have specific date or participation requirements. Service members and veterans are encouraged to carry their military ID to take advantage of these opportunities and to verify current offerings before planning visits, as some details may change seasonally or annually.

Sources

1. Post 129 Offers and Happenings
2. WayRadio Veterans Day
3. Jacksonville.com Pollo Tropical Military Offer
4. Visit Jacksonville Military Benefits