Public Meetings - Jacksonville, Florida

The Jacksonville City Council Rules Committee met at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026, in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 117 W. Duval Street, Jacksonville, FL. Chair Mike Gay presided. The committee received an annual Kids Hope Alliance partnership report, heard public comment, and acted on more than a dozen appointments and legislative items. A contested $2.3 million emergency utility-assistance appropriation failed on a 3-4 vote, and several items were deferred or withdrawn. Public Comments & Testimony - Carnell Oliver asked the committee to defer 2026-0806 (historic-property preservation and disposition), urging a broader, holistic housing-stabilization strategy and saying evictions are rising; he emphasized the needs of foundational Black Americans. - William Hoff expressed support for 2026-0806 and said he was available for questions. - Blake Harper opposed the reappointments of two Library Board of Trustees members, Cameron Frazier and Pauline Mackey Drake, alleging that library materials inappropriate for minors are being promoted; he urged the committee to vote them down or obtain commitments to fix the issue. - Terry Caldwell described an unresolved HVAC dispute with Julio Alayo, the nominee in item 2026-0517, and asked the Construction Trades Qualifying Board to pull Alayo's license and order restitution and a completely new system. Kids Hope Alliance Annual Report - CEO Penny Zuber and Chief Administrative Officer Kenneth Deride presented the annual report required by Code Sec. 77.115. - Funding to providers is allocated through a competitive application process; Deride highlighted partnerships with Parks and Recreation ($105,000 supporting about 150 summer camp slots at 10 locations), Neighborhoods/CPAC meetings, Jacksonville Public Library (library staff visited 44 camps, reached 12,504 youth, and distributed 2,328 prize books), Early Learning Coalition (a $3.5 million dollar-for-dollar state match), JSO, Duval County Public Schools, and Journey Forward. - Council member Boylan asked how KHA might diversify revenue given potential future funding declines; Zuber said foundations have expressed interest in supporting KHA directly, and a possible public-private 501(c)(3) structure was discussed. Discussion Items Appointments & Personnel Actions - 2026-0517 (Julio Alayo, Construction Trades Qualifying Board): After extensive debate about unresolved consumer/code-enforcement issues and the nominee's qualifications, an amendment was approved, the first ballot deadlocked 3-3, and the bill was reconsidered and approved 4-3 after Council member Lannon returned. - 2026-0812 (Brandon I. Blake): Withdrawn 6-0 on the recommendation of the Office of General Counsel so Blake can be refiled for an electrical-contractor seat rather than the citizen seat. - 2026-0815 (Alexandra Field, Opioid and Substance Use Disorder Grants Committee): Approved 6-0. - 2026-0818 (Cameron Frazier, Library Board): Deferred by the chair because the nominee was not present; the chief librarian said Frazier had since passed the 75% attendance threshold. - 2026-0819 (Robert K. Hickson, Chief of Fire Operations): Approved 6-0. - 2026-0820 (Jordan M. Dowling, Chief of Homeland Security): Approved 7-0. - 2026-0821 (Michael B. Shell, Director of Police Services): Approved 7-0. - 2026-0822 (Solomon Olopade, Construction Trades Qualifying Board): Deferred pending review of information received from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. - 2026-0823 (Pauline Mackey Drake, Library Board): Approved 6-0. - 2026-0824 (Bryan Sullivan, Construction Trades Qualifying Board): Withdrawn 6-0 at the Administration's request. Legislative and Policy Votes - 2026-0779: Approved 6-0. Amends zoning parking requirements for industrial/warehouse uses, establishing a maximum of 3 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet. - 2026-0756: Amended and approved 6-0. Updates prohibited city-grant expenditures to include purchase/lease of a motor vehicle unless authorized elsewhere in the Code. - 2026-0805: Approved 7-0. Appropriates $125,000 from Council District 7 CBA contingency to Murray Hill Preservation Association for its Growth and Development Program, with a waiver of competitive award requirements. - 2026-0806: Amended and approved 7-0. Historic-preservation legislation creating an Endangered Historic Homes List, Preservation Priority Properties disposal rules, a $10,000 minimum auction bid, and a two-year rehabilitation covenant with city reverter interest; debate addressed nonprofit vs. for-profit participation, resale/flipping concerns, and protections added to avoid past housing-disposition failures. - 2026-0813: Amended and approved 7-0. Appropriates $162,640 from the Homelessness Initiatives Special Revenue Fund to Youth Crisis Center for the House of Hope 24-hour shelter for young adults experiencing homelessness, including waivers allowing a direct contract and additional Public Service Grant funding. - 2026-0816: Amended and approved 6-0. Expresses Council support for local bill J-1 requiring JAA and JAXPORT to televise/live-stream board meetings and post recordings within three business days; amendment clarified exemptions for meetings exempt from the Sunshine Law. - 2026-0817: Approved 6-1. Expresses support for local bill J-2 creating the Pearl Square Open Container District. - 2026-0826: Approved 7-0. Expresses support for the Best Foot Forward for Pedestrian Safety program. - 2026-0832: Approved 7-0. Amends the Eastside Community Grants Program to allow an employee of the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation or affiliated entity to serve as the ninth voting member. Emergency Utility Assistance Bill 2026-0867 - The bill would have appropriated $2.3 million from General Fund operating reserves: $400,000 to Parks, Recreation and Community Services for utility assistance over FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-28, and $1.9 million to United Way of Northeast Florida for a City to Neighbor program, including $1.7 million in direct JEA payments (maximum $1,200 per household per year, estimated 1,400 additional households), $170,000 for 211 community navigation partners, and $30,000 for two 211 navigation specialists. - It included emergency passage, waivers of competitive grant requirements, and a waiver allowing a 25% ($475,000) advance to United Way; the Council Auditor noted the Code allows only 10% and flagged clawback risk. - JEA Chief Customer Experience Officer Charles Morland reported FY26 net write-offs of about $3.5 million, with roughly 25,164 residential accounts and 534 commercial accounts written off; about 3,387 accounts remained in the 91-120 day bucket as of Oct. 15; write-offs were about 0.17% of JEA revenue, and JEA revenue was about $2.1 billion. - CM Salem opposed, saying the data showed no unusual emergency and that the need was similar to prior years; he suggested JEA revisit its 120-day cutoff or the city reprioritize its budget. CM Lannon noted JEA's projected $119 million surplus and questioned whether the program was truly one-time. CM Amaro objected to roughly 10% administrative costs. CM Miller opposed the use of reserves one month after the budget and questioned the scale (about 1,400 households, or roughly 5% of 25,164 written-off accounts). - CM Clark-Murray, CM Pittman, CM Boylan supported the bill, citing the human impact of shutoffs, the average arrears around $650, exhausted federal programs such as EHEAP, and the importance of reputable nonprofits administering aid. - The bill failed on a 3-4 vote. Deferrals and Withdrawals - Deferred at sponsor/request: 2024-0966 (CM Carrico), 2026-0192 (Council President Howland), 2026-0227 (CM Diamond), 2026-0320 (CM White), 2026-0677 (CM Carlucci), 2026-0809 and 2026-0810 (CM Diamond). - Deferred for procedural reasons: 2026-0803 (JEA meeting transparency, pursuant to Sec. 21.13 City Charter), 2026-0807 (urban agriculture, due to Planning Commission), 2026-0818 (nominee absent), 2026-0822 (awaiting state information). - Withdrawn: 2026-0804 (School Crossing Guard Trust Fund), 2026-0812, and 2026-0824. - Items 30-43 were noted as being on second reading and were not individually voted on by the Rules Committee. Key Outcomes - Approved: 2026-0517 (4-3), 2026-0756, 2026-0779, 2026-0805, 2026-0806, 2026-0813, 2026-0815, 2026-0816, 2026-0817 (6-1), 2026-0819, 2026-0820, 2026-0821, 2026-0823, 2026-0826, 2026-0832, and recognition resolutions 2026-0879 through 2026-0884. - Failed: 2026-0867 (3-4). - Deferred: 2024-0966, 2026-0192, 2026-0227, 2026-0320, 2026-0677, 2026-0803, 2026-0807, 2026-0809, 2026-0810, 2026-0818, 2026-0822. - Withdrawn: 2026-0804, 2026-0812, 2026-0824. - The meeting adjourned without additional action after the final recognition resolution.

The FAO Select Committee, chaired by Council Member Chris Miller, met on November 2, 2026 at 3:00 PM in City Hall Council Chamber to continue its investigation into the Jacksonville Transportation Authority's (JTA) financial crisis. The primary agenda item was testimony from former JTA Chief Financial Officers regarding the agency's financial condition and practices from 2017 to 2026. Former CFO Greg Hayes and former CFO Heather Abora testified. Former CFO Raj Srinath did not appear despite earlier agreement. Discussion Items - Follow-up on Outstanding Questions: Council Member Ron Salem requested cost-saving figures from furloughs and paratransit elimination. JTA staff provided furlough savings of approximately $758,000 from 88 employees through end of FY 2026. Paratransit savings were estimated at $5 million annually if council had adopted JTA's recommendation to end the program. - Fiduciary Documents Request: Council Member Chris Miller reiterated his request for written documents outlining fiduciary responsibilities for JTA board members and executives. JTA's Senior Vice President Jessica Shepler stated no such separate documents exist beyond governor-appointee applications. - Testimony of Greg Hayes (CFO March 2017 – September 2023): Hayes described JTA's financial condition as strong during his tenure: seven consecutive years of surpluses totaling over $135 million, with $187 million in cash when he left. He stated he provided quarterly cash and reserve reports to the board, and projections were done regularly. He noted the board had a written policy of maintaining reserves at 25% of the transit operations budget (approx. $25-35 million). Hayes confirmed that during his tenure, the CEO never directed him to alter projections. He attributed the post-2023 deterioration to expenses outpacing revenues. - Testimony of Heather Abora (Interim CFO for two weeks in 2023; CFO July 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026): Abora described inheriting a "disaster" in July 2025: reserves depleted by over $20 million, grants accounting not billing timely, accounts payable running $12-18 million monthly deficit. She stated the O&M for the Navi (U2C) project was not budgeted for FY2025, adding $3.982 million per month in costs. She identified a projected $45 million shortfall in January 2026, leading to a $14.2 million budget amendment approved in February 2026. She stated she provided monthly cash flow projections to the executive leadership team showing 18-month deficits, but those projections were not presented to the board as prior practice under Mr. Srinath had stopped such reporting. She noted capital projects fund dropped from $76 million under Hayes to $11,000 when she started. - Absence of Raj Srinath: Chair Miller reported that despite a prior agreement, Mr. Srinath's lawyer informed him over the weekend that he would not appear. Council members expressed strong desire to obtain his testimony, with several suggesting a subpoena if necessary. - Deliberation on Subpoena: Council members discussed options. Council President Joe Carlucci initially suggested waiting until January to combine with former CEO Nat Ford's testimony, but after hearing testimony, agreed a sooner date was needed. The committee decided to attempt voluntary appearance on November 10, 2026. If unsuccessful, the finance committee would consider issuing a subpoena at its November 17, 2026 meeting for testimony before the finance committee. Key Outcomes - Subpoena Plan: Chair Miller will continue efforts to secure Mr. Srinath's voluntary testimony for the November 10 FAO Select Committee meeting. If he does not agree by then, the matter will be referred to the Finance Committee on November 17 to consider issuing a subpoena for testimony before that committee. - No Consent Calendar or Public Comments: No routine approvals or public testimony occurred. - Next Steps: The committee will continue investigating the causes of the $40 million deficit, focusing on the period from late 2024 through 2026. Council members noted that the budget and forecasting practices that existed under Hayes (including regular cash flow and balance sheet reporting to the board) were abandoned under subsequent leadership, contributing to the crisis.

The Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health and Safety Committee (NCSPHS) met on November 2, 2026, chaired by Chris Miller. The committee considered numerous ordinances and resolutions, including the approval of multiple funding items, a study of the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) expansion, and a controversial emergency appropriation for utility assistance. Public testimony was heard on a proposed affordable housing development on parkland. Public Comments & Testimony - Miss Bernie (District 9 resident) spoke against Item 14 (2026-0808) which proposes developing affordable housing on parkland (Charles 'Boobie' Clark Park). She cited health concerns, obesity, diabetes rates, and Jacksonville's low ranking in fitness, arguing the park should not be removed. - Carnell Oliver (address on file) also opposed the park redevelopment but supported housing for lineage-specific Black Americans. He called for conditions to ensure descendants of enslaved people benefit and requested a community meeting. Consent Calendar - Item 10 (2026-0802): Appropriation for post-election audit system. Amendment to correct fiscal year and attach revised grant agreement. Approved 7-0. - Item 7 (2026-0756): Amendment to prohibit purchase/lease of motor vehicles with grant funds, with clarification. Approved 7-0. - Item 8 (2026-0779): Parking requirements for industrial uses; set maximum of 3 spaces per 1,000 sq ft. Approved 7-0. - Item 9 (2026-0800): Inmate Welfare Trust Fund budget for FY 26-27. Approved 7-0. - Item 11 (2026-0805): $125,000 grant to Murray Hill Preservation Association. Approved 7-0. - Item 12 (2026-0806): Historic preservation ordinance including endangered homes list, preservation priority properties, and enforcement. Amended to clarify exemptions and correct errors. Approved 7-0. - Item 17 (2026-0811): Gator Bowl Stadium Use Agreement. Amended to remove emergency, clarify trust fund uses. Approved 7-0. - Item 18 (2026-0813): $162,640 from Homelessness Initiatives Fund for Youth Crisis Center. Amended to reflect PSG funding. Approved 7-0. - Item 20 (2026-0816): Resolution supporting J-bills to require live-streaming for JAA and JAXPORT. Amended to exempt state/federal closed meetings. Approved 7-0. - Item 21 (2026-0817): Resolution supporting open container district (Pearl Square). Agenda shows 6-1 vote (Gay dissenting), transcript shows 7-0 approval. Discrepancy noted. - Item 22 (2026-0832): Eastside Community Grants Program amendment for Jaguars Foundation member eligibility. Approved 7-0. Discussion Items - Item 19 (2026-0814): Initial assessment ordinance for Downtown BID expansion. Required first step under state law. Paul Hardin (Jacksonville Jaguars) and William Michaelis (Shad Collective) opposed inclusion of Sports/Entertainment District and shipyards areas, asserting they already provide similar services. Joe Carlucci (sponsor) and OGC stated the ordinance only authorizes a process; no assessment takes effect until final ordinance in August 2027. Council President Howland opposed deferring to avoid surprising businesses, voted no. Committee approved 5-2-1 (Carrico abstained). - Item 33 (2026-0867): Emergency appropriation of $2.3 million from operating reserves for utility assistance. Debate centered on whether an emergency existed, whether reserves were appropriate source, and JEA's collection data. Supporters cited rising costs and immediate need; opponents noted steady JEA delinquency rates and the recent budget approval. The committee first voted 5-2 to approve, but after a motion to reconsider, passed again 5-2. The agenda lists initial emergency passage as failing 3-4, but the committee voted to approve following reconsideration. Key Outcomes - Approved: Items 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 33. - Deferred: Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16 (at request of respective councilmembers). - Second Reading (no vote taken): Items 23-32, 34-38. - Notable Discrepancies: Item 21 vote tally differs between agenda and transcript; Item 33 outcome differs (agenda shows failed emergency, but committee approved after reconsideration).

The Joint Planning Committee (JPC) met on October 30, 2026, to receive Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) follow-up information on the proposed Venetia Elementary replacement and Ortega consolidation, hear public testimony, and make an advisory recommendation on the DCPS master facilities plan. The committee approved the plan as presented with an accompanying memo addressing three review concerns. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the prior meeting were approved by voice vote after a motion and second; no opposition was noted. Public Comments & Testimony - The committee adopted a three-minute limit for public comment by voice vote after a motion and second; no counted tally was recorded. - Laura Garcia, of Ortega, raised concerns about traffic and the Chaffee Trail experience, saying a prior traffic process did not prevent later problems; she urged review of boundary lines and school capacity before deciding and said she was not against Venetia staff. - Caitlin Armstrong said she grew up in Venetia and has children at Stockton; she argued west-side growth requires updated zones and that forcing larger enrollments into existing areas does not fit; she opposed treating school capacity numbers as one-size-fits-all. - An unnamed speaker urged that any recommendation be made subject to comprehensive-plan compliance and traffic-study approval; he argued distances should be measured from students' homes and that sites near Collins Road and Sadie Tillis deserved more consideration. - Cassie Bergstrom, 4660 Yacht Club Road, supported reworking queuing and access but warned that the Winn-Dixie/Roosevelt exit without a signal could cause accidents and likely require costly signalization. - Jason Burdy, 4376 Longgo, asked whether the school is fixed at 840 students or remains expandable to 1,200. - A public-school advocate whose name was not clear criticized the order of events and said students were moved prematurely; he called the counsel memo an opinion, raised a conflict-of-interest concern about shared counsel, and said the alternatives presented were not the community's proposals. - A Venetia teacher at 2280 Tyson Lake Drive supported the new build and said the master facilities plan has been underway for years; she said state FTE funding makes schools below roughly 750-800 students difficult to sustain. - A speaker identified as Yasina said the 2019 plan always included Venetia and Ortega consolidation; she alleged racism and microaggressions in the process, noted about 35% military families at Venetia, and asked the Stockton community to support Venetia families. - Tiffany Clark urged more knowledge of the consolidation history and defended the school board's responsiveness; she said bias concerns had influenced the process and that some opponents prefer the students stay elsewhere, while challenging characterizations of students as bad, saying they are brilliant and determined. - A later speaker opposed the scale and cost and possible later expansion to 1,200; he said the 94,000-square-foot building is well over the 40,000-square-foot zoning-exception threshold and would heavily affect the historic neighborhood; he suggested renovating existing schools and reconsidering alternative sites. Discussion Items - School Board staff presented four requested bringbacks on Venetia: a legal memorandum from school district counsel concluding DCPS followed the collaborative process under Florida statutes, the amended interlocal agreement, and School Board policy, while expressing no opinion on whether technical or operational aspects fit the city comprehensive plan; three traffic-study components, including a September limited study, the city traffic engineer's October 15 comments, and the school board traffic engineer's October 16 redline response; a conceptual site plan showing possible access on Timuquana and behind Winn-Dixie/Roosevelt; and an alternative-site analysis. Staff said a Roosevelt Boulevard study is underway and that FDOT coordination through Jim Knight includes a supplemental agreement for the US 17 and Timuquana signalized intersection, with 20-year background traffic projections to follow approval. A broker is negotiating possible additional access or an easement with the private owner of the Winn-Dixie property, but staff said that outcome is not certain. - The alternative-site analysis said the combined Ortega/Venetia boundary had 809 students in 2025-26 and 761 projected for 2026-27; 244 boundary students choose other schools, 116 attend charter schools, and private-school counts were unavailable. The proposed capacity is 840 versus 814 existing combined stations, a 3.19% change, below the 5% review threshold. Sites reviewed included John Stockton (11.656 acres, floodplain, rebuild to 1,250, 53% in boundary), Timuquana (10.214 acres, about 1,150, 71% in boundary), Ortega (3.247 acres, impractical), Bayview (30.76 acres, about 1,000, 56% in boundary), Fishweir (3.756 acres, too small, 44% in boundary), and Sadie Tillis (12.17 acres, about 1,150, 79% in boundary). Distances from Venetia ranged from 1.3 miles for Stockton to 4.7 miles for Sadie Tillis. Several sites had city MOUs or parks; Stockton had floodplain and a city park, and Bayview had a city emergency telecommunications tower. - The Venetia principal said she has been principal for 10 years and at the school for 13 years; she supported the new build and said students do not walk on Roosevelt or Timuquana, no car-loop accidents had occurred in 10 years, the new queuing system could hold almost 200 cars versus about 15 now, buses could line up on campus, and about 35% of students are military-connected. She said the school has been in the community since 1942 and is ready to move back home. - Planning staff explained that a public building over 40,000 square feet requires a zoning exception, with a public hearing before the nine-member Planning Commission appointed by the mayor; notice goes to neighbors within 350 feet and signs are posted; staff evaluates exception criteria, including comprehensive-plan consistency. The Office of General Counsel said the JPC does not make the final comprehensive-plan consistency determination; that rests with the local government, and the JPC's role is to make an advisory recommendation. Planning staff preliminarily found the proposal consistent but would do a formal review with actual plans. The chair noted comprehensive-plan policy 2.1.6 on direct access to collector or arterial roads; planning staff said that policy is aimed more at new sites and Venetia is an existing school. - Committee members raised concerns about the unfinished final traffic study, the Roosevelt and Timuquana intersection, queuing, and possible off-site improvement costs. City and school board staff said traffic and queuing would be reviewed through the zoning-exception and civil-plan processes, and that permit or stop-work mechanisms apply if required improvements are not completed. The chair proposed three conditions for the recommendation: a city comprehensive-plan consistency determination, final traffic study review and approval by the city traffic engineer, and final queuing plan review and approval by the city traffic engineer, all before construction-plan approval. Legal staff advised that such conditions would be advisory and largely redundant, and recommended conveying the concerns in a memo instead. - At the outset, Councilman Johnson asked that JPC meetings be streamed, recorded, and archived on Jackson Plus and asked the general counsel's office to ensure transparency and accessibility. Key Outcomes - The committee approved the minutes from the prior meeting by voice vote. - The committee adopted a three-minute public-comment limit and later closed public comment by voice vote after motion and second; no counted tally was recorded. - By voice vote, with all in favor and none opposed, the committee approved a motion to recommend the DCPS master facilities plan as presented, including Venetia, with an accompanying memo addressing three concerns: a city comprehensive-plan consistency determination; final traffic study review and approval by the city traffic engineer; and final queuing plan review and approval by the city traffic engineer. The recommendation is advisory and does not bind the Duval County School Board. - Staff announced that an ILA working group meeting should be scheduled in early 2027 and that the JPC should receive future plans around April 2027 before School Board votes; a February meeting is already scheduled. Attendees were encouraged to sign in for notices, and the meeting was adjourned.

The City Council Division One, led by Councilmember Mero, held a town hall meeting on October 28, 2026, at Blue Cypress Park to bring city services to the community. Presentations were given on senior services, street drainage, code enforcement, and historic preservation, followed by extensive public comments and discussion on neighborhood issues including a proposed zoning change for a batting cage facility, sidewalk needs, and code enforcement challenges. Presentations - Digital Seeker Services (Senior Programs): A representative described free programs for adults aged 60 and older, including nutrition, wellness, and recreational activities at 16 senior centers across Jacksonville. Services include in-home care, respite for caregivers, transportation to centers, and large annual events such as the holiday party (December 4, 2026, at the Prime Osborne Center, $10 tickets) and senior games. The program requires an assessment but is free and aims to help seniors age in place. The River City Senior newsletter and website (Jacksonville.gov/seniors) provide additional information. - Street Drainage Division (James Carroll): Carroll reported that the division is complaint-driven, with a citywide backlog of 3,323 complaints and 11 active issues in District One. He highlighted recent resurfacing dollars ($11 million additional), sidewalk repair ($4 million additional), and $1.5 million for drainage rehab. Completed projects include the Lone Star Road connection. He noted obstacles like weather, equipment breakdowns, and staffing. Residents were encouraged to report issues via 630-CITY. - Code Enforcement (Robert): Robert explained that his department handles zoning (Chapter 656), property safety (Chapter 518), signs (Chapter 741), and addressing (Chapter 745). He noted the office currently has five officers (soon to be six) and completed nearly 12,000 inspections last fiscal year. Complaints require a name and address. He discussed procedures for violations, including citations, special magistrate hearings, and daily fines for non-compliance. The city is working on major corridor overlays, particularly on Arlington roads. - Old Arlington Ink (Trish Plitska and Steve Hatchett): Plitska reported the fall home tour set a record attendance of 800 despite stormy weather, with over 50% first-time visitors. The next OAI meeting is November 19, 2026, at JU with Dr. Wayne Wood. Hatchett then detailed a controversial PUD request for a batting cage site on Fort Caroline Road. The current owner seeks to expand the use to include beer/wine and food service, with up to 173 seats and a focus on corporate outings, on a one-acre site with only eight parking spaces. Hatchett explained the original PUD (30 years ago) was a covenant limiting the operation to a residential-scale youth activity, with no alcohol and early hours. The property also has a Recreation and Open Space zoning designation to prevent commercial expansion. Six public hearings have been held, and the item is deferred to the next Land Use and Zoning (LUZ) committee meeting on November 5, 2026 (Wednesday after election day). Residents were urged to attend and write to LUZ members opposing the change. Public Comments & Testimony - Residents raised concerns about the lack of sidewalks on Mill Creek Road, especially for children walking to school, and questioned the city's priorities when installing sidewalks on Townsend Boulevard instead. Carroll noted challenges with the box culvert width and engineering studies. - Questions about paving on Lone Star Road near Strawberry Creek and pothole reporting: Carroll advised using 630-CITY for multiple tickets and noted the division targets repairs based on priority. - A resident asked about a malfunctioning traffic light at Lone Star and Mill Creek; Carroll said he would follow up with Traffic Engineering. - Concerns about a boarded-up Walgreens property attracting illegal activity, and the city's code enforcement process for neglected commercial properties. Robert explained the citation and fine process, and that the property owner is responsible. - Discussion about an extended-stay hotel built at Fort Caroline and 295, which residents felt was out of scale with the residential neighborhood. Councilmember Mero explained it was built by right on commercially zoned land and noted efforts to require branded hotels in other areas. - A resident highlighted that the batting cage PUD applicant has rarely appeared at hearings, and community members expressed strong opposition, emphasizing the need to protect the residential character. - A resident requested a full presentation on the city's proposed text amendment regarding urban infill corridors (specifically University Boulevard), which the councilmember agreed to schedule for a future town hall. - Updates on the College Park church property sale: an agreement for 21 single-family homes (R-60, 6,000 sq ft lots) was reached after earlier opposition to townhomes. Infrastructure concerns were raised. - Discussion about the city's planned improvements to University Boulevard (Matthews Bridge to the Navy roundabout) – two of four public meetings held, with design starting in early 2027. - A resident urged the community to submit ideas for a transformative initiative for District One. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken as this was a town hall meeting. - Directives: Councilmember Mero directed code enforcement to remain vigilant about the Walgreens property and surrounding area. He also committed to scheduling a presentation on the corridor text amendment. - Next Steps: The next town hall meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 7, 2026, at the University Park Branch Library, adjusted due to the holiday schedule. - Action Item: Residents were encouraged to attend the LUZ committee meeting on November 5, 2026, to oppose the batting cage PUD request, and to contact councilmembers. - Follow-up: Carroll will look into the traffic light and sidewalk requests on Mill Creek. Code enforcement will continue to monitor reported violations.

On October 27, 2026, Jacksonville City Council members, planning and code staff, and Historic Preservation Commission representatives met to review proposed historic preservation legislation and a friendly amendment. No agenda or minutes were available for this meeting; the transcript opens with “Time is 1110” and “Good afternoon,” while the provided timestamp is 19:00 UTC. Discussion Items - Councilmember Carlucci offered a friendly amendment adding an Exhibit A map to extend the bill’s benefits to areas in San Marco and St. Nicholas that are not currently locally designated. General Counsel staff and HPC participants confirmed that a non-designated property could be landmarked after the city acquires it, allowing the new disposition process to apply. - The group reviewed the process: Municipal Code Compliance would pull properties with liens and identify historic status, total fines, and accumulated liens. HPC would create an endangered historic homes list at least once each calendar year, and the administration/mayor’s office could further narrow the list. HPC’s role would be limited to identifying priorities, not conducting legal or enforcement review. - If the city forecloses on a qualifying property, it would be landmarked and offered first to qualified historic preservation nonprofits; if no nonprofit can take it, it would go to private bidders with a minimum bid of $10,000. Councilmember Carlucci estimated the program would likely involve only about seven or eight properties in three years, not 185. - Councilmember Palooza suggested adding Durkeeville to the map; the East Side (about 900 properties, on the National Register but with no current overlay) and Normandy Boulevard were also discussed for possible inclusion. Staff said planning could draw the map within about two weeks using the San Marco overlay and a simple outline for St. Nicholas. - Participants discussed changing the eligibility age threshold from 50 years to 70 years after public comment; Councilmember Carlucci and General Counsel staff agreed to 70. Public Comments & Testimony - Mr. Nuni, in a two-minute public comment, urged that the age threshold be applied citywide rather than only to mapped historic areas. He said he would also speak to the issue at that night’s council meeting. Key Outcomes - The group agreed to add a friendly amendment with an Exhibit A map including San Marco, St. Nicholas, and Durkeeville, with East Side and Normandy Boulevard still under consideration. - The age threshold for qualifying structures was revised to 70 years. - Planning staff will prepare the map; it is needed for the enrolled bill when it reaches full council. - The bill is expected to move through Rules, Neighborhoods, and Finance committees, with a committee meeting scheduled for the following Monday morning. - No formal vote was taken at the work session; HPC participants expressed strong support for the bill and its intent.

The Jacksonville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chamber, City Hall, with all 19 members present. The council approved the October 13, 2026 minutes on a 19-0 voice vote, filed nine communications from the mayor and other entities, and proceeded through quasi-judicial items, consent agenda, public comment, public hearings, readings, and introductions. Council President Howland announced that the week of November 2 committee meetings would move from Tuesday to Wednesday because of the November 3 general election, and that JSO had served a subpoena to former JTA CEO Nat Ford compelling testimony before the Finance Committee. The meeting adjourned at 8:46 PM. Presentation and Announcements - Council Member Pittman presented framed Resolution 2026-613-A honoring Duval County Public Schools for earning an A grade from the Florida Department of Education for the second consecutive year. Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier and board members accepted; statistics cited included 98% of traditional district schools earning A/B/C grades, a 97.6% graduation rate in traditional high schools, and 94% overall graduation rate, up from 80.5% in 2013. - The Council President also announced that Council Member Rory Diamond was coordinating with Mr. Ford on a date to testify, and that the Attorney General investigation and FAO Select Committee inquiry would continue. Quasi-Judicial Ordinances - Approved 19-0: 2026-0660 (rezoning at 11713 Alta Drive from RR-ARCE to RLD-100A for Jacksonville Homes, LLC); 2026-0695 (rezoning at 9520 Sandler Road from RR-Acre to RLD-70 for Jacksonville Homes, LLC); 2026-0696 (rezoning at 0 103rd Street from CO to CCG-2 for Ricky Rand); and 2026-0747 (sign setback waiver at 960 Girvin Road for the Diocese of St. Augustine, reducing the minimum setback from 20 feet to 12 feet). Ex parte communications were declared on several items. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda, less item 2026-0830, was approved 19-0. Council Member Diamond pulled 2026-0830, honoring retiring broadcast journalist Phil Amato; a floor amendment was adopted and the resolution passed 19-0 as amended. - Routine approvals included the donation of city-owned property at 1725 East 22nd Street to Destined for a Change, Inc. for permanent affordable housing; an appropriation of $34,496.25 for JFRD critical care equipment, including $25,872.19 in state grant funds and $8,624.06 city match; numerous board appointments and reappointments; and recognition resolutions for National Adoption Day/Month, the 160th anniversary of Edward Waters University, Carol J. Alexander, Reverend Elizabeth Elaine Yates, and Phil Amato. Clint Noble reappointment to the Environmental Protection Board (2026-0773) was withdrawn 19-0. - Unfinished business 2026-0769, declaring October 2026 as Scouting America Page Month, was approved 18-0 after a council amendment. Public Comments & Testimony - Many speakers opposed the Finance Committee effort to divert $2.8 million of the $4.9 million Affordable Housing Trust Fund to the Tori Meadows apartment project, saying the funds were intended for down-payment assistance, utility connection help, and construction financing for homeownership. Carol Hawkins, Alan Maston, Terry Rosenberry, Reverend Madison Hilt, Carmen Dawson, Pastor John Turner, Reverend Amber Kearney, James Schwartz, Wells Todd, Etta Etlinger, Emily McMillan, and Denise Cook all urged the council to keep the trust fund intact; several noted that Vestcor, the developer behind Tori Meadows, had a high number of eviction filings. - Speakers including Jeff Bio and Suzanne Sapp supported affordable housing trust fund legislation and emergency utility assistance; Sapp identified herself with Sierra Club and the Duval Affordable Clean Energy Coalition and pushed for keeping JEA public and decisions made transparently. - Michelle Wilson and Nicole Sparks spoke in support of the urban agriculture ordinance (2026-0807) but asked for clarification separating educational programming from retail rules, more community market days, and clearer enforcement definitions. - Carnell Oliver, Vanessa Collins Hopkins, Katrina Spencer, and Denise Presley opposed or questioned the Gateway Mixed-Use PUD rezoning and called for traffic studies and deferral. - Blake Harper questioned the reappointments of library board members and raised concerns about graphic books accessible to children. - Other commenters discussed JTA financial management, code enforcement, redlining and reparations, the Emerald Trail, data centers, Amendment 3, and a campaign-shirt incident at the meeting; the General Counsel explained the electioneering and campaigning restrictions and said the person had been warned before the sergeant-at-arms was notified. Discussion Items - JEA board reappointment (2026-0203): Council Members Diamond and Salem opposed reappointing Joseph P. DiSalvo, citing JEA rate increases and DiSalvo's conduct at the February board meeting. Supporters, including Carlucci, Peluso, Clark-Murray, and Howland, defended his independence and service. The resolution was approved 12-7, with J. Carlucci, Carrico, Diamond, White, Arias, Gay, and Salem voting no. - Administrative Services Department (2026-0722): Council Member Salem's floor amendment requiring a bachelor's degree unless waived by 10 council votes failed on a hand vote after debate; a rules amendment correcting technical provisions passed. The ordinance was approved 17-2, with Carrico and Salem dissenting. - Tori Meadows development loan (2026-0752): Finance Chair Lahnen said the finance substitute attached a funding source because the bill was introduced without one and warned of $38 million in unfunded commitments by FY 28-29. Opponents called the substitute an underhanded diversion from the recently approved affordable housing trust fund. The finance substitute failed; a rules amendment passed, and the ordinance authorizing a $2,800,000, 20-year development loan for approximately 180 affordable housing units was approved 15-3, with Lahnen, Gay, and Miller dissenting. Public Hearings - 2026-0558 (rezoning at Richardson Road) was continued to November 24, 2026. - 2026-0743 (Gateway Mixed-Use PUD at Norwood Avenue and 44th Street) received four opposition speaker cards and its public hearing was closed without a vote; LUZ review was scheduled for November 4. - 2026-0748 (Kings Creek II CDD boundary contraction of 93.24+ acres) was approved 18-0. - 2026-0653 (Walnut Street FLUM amendment) was withdrawn 18-0; companion 2026-0654 (Duval Laundry PUD) was approved 18-0 as amended, with the applicant agreeing to a floor amendment prohibiting live music or amplified sound outside between 11 p.m. and 9 a.m. - 2026-0692 and 2026-0693 (Hendricks Avenue and Grandy Avenue land use and rezoning) were approved 18-0. - Numerous other public hearings were closed without speaker cards, with additional hearings set for November 10 or November 24. Key Outcomes - Votes included: minutes 19-0; quasi-judicial ordinances 19-0; consent agenda 19-0; 2026-0830 19-0 as amended; 2026-0769 18-0; JEA reappointment 12-7; JHFA homeowner mortgage revenue bonds up to $100,000,000 18-1 (Diamond no); corrections defined contribution plan 19-0; Administrative Services 17-2; Zoo capital maintenance amendment 19-0; Tori Meadows loan 15-3; SHIP appropriation of $247,929 18-0; traffic calming and e-bike signs 18-0; Homelessness Commission strategic plan deadline extension 17-0-1 (Pittman abstaining); Kings Creek II CDD 18-0; Walnut Street withdrawal and Duval Laundry PUD approval 18-0. - Second-reading resolutions and ordinances were read and referred to committees. New resolutions and ordinances were introduced, including 2026-0855 Shore Manufacturing economic development agreement with a $65,000 grant, JHFA multifamily housing revenue bonds for Leon Landing ($15,000,000), Tori Meadows ($31,200,000), and Treetop Apartments ($35,500,000), and the urban agriculture ordinance 2026-0807. - Council approved addendum 2026-0886, introducing and assigning an ordinance authorizing a preliminary engineering services agreement with Florida East Coast Railway for a 24-hour quiet zone in the San Marco area. - Council waived Rules 3.103 and 3.302 to add co-introducers to 2026-0867 (utility assistance appropriation), and approved the floor amendment as amended. - The minutes for 2026-0672 contain an internal inconsistency, listing both a 19-0 withdrawal and approval on the consent agenda; the agenda had shown committee withdrawals before final action. - The next regular Council meeting is scheduled for November 10, 2026.

The Jacksonville City Council Finance Committee convened a special meeting on October 23, 2026, to discuss testimony from former Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) CEO Nat Ford and the status of the subpoena issued to him. Chair Will Lahnen presided; Vice Chair Chris Miller and several councilmembers attended. The only substantive agenda item was testimony from Mr. Ford or discussion to otherwise address his testimony before the committee; no public testimony was heard. Call to Order and Introductions - Chair Will Lahnen called the meeting to order and introduced committee staff and members, including Vice Chair Chris Miller and Councilmembers Rockman Johnson, Rory Diamond, Randy White, Nick Howland, Gay, Salem, and others. - Councilmember Diamond, the JTA liaison, summarized how the committee reached this point: the Finance Committee voted to subpoena Mr. Ford at its Tuesday meeting; Mr. Ford was not served that day, but was served at his home on Thursday morning. Mr. Diamond said Mr. Ford was not expected to appear at this special meeting and described the subpoena as still active. Discussion Items - Councilmember Diamond stated that Mr. Ford has historically cooperated with the committee and said his office would work with Mr. Ford's team to schedule a mutually agreeable date. General Counsel Fackler advised that no formal reissuance was needed because Mr. Ford remains under the validly served subpoena. - Councilmember Johnson questioned the necessity of the subpoena, calling the situation disingenuous and arguing for equal treatment of independent authority CEOs. He asked about enforcement if the subpoena were ignored. General Counsel Fackler and Ms. Stepopoulos outlined potential penalties, including a Class D code violation, contempt of council, and charter misdemeanor penalties of up to a $1,000 fine and/or 60 or 90 days' imprisonment under certain charter provisions. - Councilmember Johnson also referenced a Deloitte report requested from JTA. Council Auditor's Office staff member Mr. Peterson said the report had been requested but not yet received. - Councilmember Johnson moved to remove the subpoena and work voluntarily with Mr. Ford's team; the motion was seconded. - The Council President opposed removal, saying Mr. Ford served 14 years as JTA CEO and that Jacksonville citizens deserve his testimony after the near-complete financial collapse of JTA at the end of his tenure. The Council President referred to the subpoena as a "friendly subpoena" and preferred keeping it while arranging testimony collaboratively. - Councilmember White proposed a compromise to hold the subpoena for 14 days and rescind it if Mr. Ford voluntarily scheduled testimony. Councilmember Diamond said he would try to arrange a date with Mr. Ford, but keeping the subpoena in place could also protect the witness. - Councilmember Gay supported keeping the subpoena as an "insurance policy" to ensure the committee obtains information. - Councilmember Salem asked about the duration of the subpoena and whether testimony should come after hearing from JTA CFOs from the relevant period. General Counsel confirmed the subpoena has no automatic expiration, and testimony would occur before the Finance Committee, with FAO select committee members potentially invited. Key Outcomes - The motion to remove or release the subpoena failed; one member voted in favor and all others opposed. - Mr. Ford remains under subpoena. Councilmember Diamond will coordinate with Mr. Ford's team to find a mutually convenient date for testimony before the Finance Committee. - No further action was taken, and the special meeting was adjourned.

The Financial Audit and Oversight (FAO) Select Committee of the Jacksonville City Council convened on October 23, 2026, to continue its in-depth review of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority's (JTA) financial management. The meeting covered follow-up items from previous sessions, a presentation from JTA CFO Randall Barnes on the FY27 budget, the Local Option Gas Tax (LOGT) loan, JTA's current financial condition, and the causes of its fiscal distress. The committee also discussed the recent Fitch Ratings downgrade of JTA's issuer default rating. Consent Calendar - None. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were heard; due to time constraints, the Chair deferred all public comment to the next meeting scheduled for November 2, 2026, where no time limit will be imposed. Follow-Up Items from Prior Meetings - Council Auditor Philip Peterson reported that JTA received approximately $135 million in COVID-19 relief funds over five years, used for operations and capital projects. He noted no audit findings of misuse, but could not confirm whether the funds masked underlying operational shortfalls without deeper transaction-level review. Council Member Ron Salem expressed concern that the end of COVID dollars may have coincided with the emergence of JTA's deficits. - Chair Chris Miller requested documentation on fiduciary responsibilities for JTA executives and board members, including oaths, board policy manuals, and ethics training records. He asked JTA to provide current versions without specific names. - Council Member Salem requested analysis of cost savings from proposed paratransit cuts and furloughs that JTA had considered earlier in the year, as well as a timeline of CFOs over the past two years. - Chair Miller announced he is reaching out to former CFOs (Greg Hayes, Raj Surinath, Heather Abora) and former board chairs (Debbie Buckland, Andre Wallace) to appear before the committee. Former CEO Nat Ford was served a subpoena on October 22 and has agreed to testify; a date is being coordinated. Discussion Items - JTA FY27 Budget and Actions: CFO Randall Barnes outlined the approved $139.2 million operating budget for FY27, which had been passed by the JTA board and city council. He contrasted it with FY26 unaudited actuals, revealing a $42 million shortfall. JTA responded by reducing its workforce by approximately 200 employees, suspending Skyway and Navi services, and moving to a modified Saturday bus schedule. A new “working budget” is being implemented to replace what Barnes characterized as a “fictional” approved budget that had been constructed by making indiscriminate, across-the-board cuts without proper cost analysis. The working budget includes tighter controls and will be used for accurate variance reporting starting in November. - LOGT Loan: JTA was authorized to borrow $30 million from its Local Option Gas Tax (LOGT2) funds. The primary use will be to pay down a $25 million line of credit, saving an estimated $1.5 million per year in interest. Barnes confirmed that the loan will comply with all reporting requirements. - Financial Condition and Fitch Downgrade: Barnes presented FY26 results showing a $40 million deficit, with expenses $32.9 million over budget due largely to labor and services (especially paratransit and NABI). Cash reserves had fallen to about $8 million, well below the board’s target of $41.6 million. Fitch Ratings downgraded JTA’s issuer default rating from AA+ to AA- with a negative outlook, citing diminished financial resilience and weak budgeting controls. Barnes noted that the downgrade affects overall reputation but not existing debt ratings, which are tied to specific revenue streams. He outlined credit-positive steps: the LOGT loan, the FAO committee’s oversight, a planned external audit, and stricter governance. - Budget Process Failures: In response to questions from Council President Nick Howland and Council Member Roy Diamond, Barnes confirmed that the budget team (reporting to the CFO) had unilaterally cut line items to match revenue constraints without collaboration with operating departments. This practice, he stated, is not standard and left the budget unrealistic. Council Member Diamond stressed the need for accurate financial reporting to provide early warning of problems. - Paratransit and NABI Costs: The committee agreed to schedule future deep dives into paratransit cost drivers and the NABI (autonomous vehicle) project, including the associated maintenance facility cost overruns that consumed significant cash reserves. JTA’s General Counsel Cleveland Ferguson indicated that paratransit costs are rising and that the broader policy question of how to fund such services requires council input. Key Outcomes - Subpoena for former CEO Nat Ford was served; he has agreed to testify. The committee will coordinate a date for in-person or virtual testimony. - Former CFOs and board chairs will be invited to future meetings to provide perspective on JTA’s financial decline. - No formal votes were taken by the committee, but consensus was reached to hold longer sessions (no time limit) starting November 2 to allow for public comment and extended discussion. - JTA committed to present detailed reports on paratransit operations and NABI project finances at upcoming meetings.