Public Meetings - Jacksonville, Florida

This meeting was a one-on-one conversation between two Jacksonville City Council members regarding the upcoming 2627 leadership cycle. Councilmember (unidentified in transcript) declared their candidacy for Vice President of the Jacksonville City Council and sought to understand the qualities needed for leadership, as well as the priorities of District 8. The meeting began with a moment of remembrance for two-year-old Amari Robinson, a victim of gun violence. Opening Remarks - Councilmember (speaker) called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. and led a moment of silence for Amari Robinson, a two-year-old who was shot and killed days earlier. The speaker expressed grief and called for an end to senseless gun violence in the community. Discussion Items - Leadership Qualities for Vice President: Councilmember (speaker) asked Councilmember Regal Gaffinett Jr. (District 8) what qualities are necessary for a leader at this point. Councilmember Gaffinett emphasized: bringing the council together, bipartisan leadership, changing the morale and environment of the council (moving away from drama), ensuring all colleagues feel valued and have a voice, and making sure no district is left behind. He referenced the need for fairness and respect. - District 8 Priorities: The candidate asked Councilmember Gaffinett about priorities for District 8. Councilmember Gaffinett identified: infrastructure (sidewalks, traffic lights, flooding), smart growth rather than building without adequate infrastructure (citing a pending 89-home development at Morris and C board), and ensuring community notification and involvement in development decisions (referencing a recent meeting on the Neighborhood Bill of Rights). He noted that District 8 and District 12 are the fastest-growing districts in Jacksonville due to land availability. - Candidate’s Pitch: The candidate stated they are “uniquely positioned” to be Vice President, plan to be in the race “for the long haul,” and asked for Councilmember Gaffinett’s support. The candidate noted that former council members warned that pledge forms “don’t mean nothing” because people can change their vote, but they hope for critical consideration and eventual support. Key Outcomes - No formal vote or decision was taken. The meeting was informational and exploratory. - Councilmember Gaffinett expressed appreciation for the candidate’s friendship and pragmatism, and agreed to consider the candidacy. He did not make a formal commitment. - The meeting ended with adjournment at an unspecified time.

On March 25, 2026, Chairman Will Lane (District 3) and Councilmember Rockland Johnson (District 14) held a meeting to discuss leadership qualities and the upcoming City Council Vice President election. The meeting also included a public comment from John Nooney. Public Comments & Testimony - John Nooney addressed the council, noting that the agenda from a recent CPAC 3 meeting lacked representation from JBA and JTA in staff reports, calling this a concern. He also stated that public access to waterways is "probably the worst ever." Nooney reported that the Office of General Counsel (OGC) is not present at meetings of the Mayor's Disability Council and Council on Senior Citizens, leaving those meetings without proper procedure. He requested the restoration of public participation in the Jacksonville City Council legislative process, referencing 2017-160. Discussion Items - Councilmember Johnson initiated the discussion on leadership, asking Chairman Lane what qualities he seeks in the next Vice President. Johnson emphasized the importance of understanding the different priorities of districts, noting his own focus on land use and zoning (LUZ) after three years of service on that committee. - Chairman Lane shared his perspective, stating that the council's role is "90% about the budget, 5% about land use and zoning, and 5% noise." He expressed a desire for "less drama and more numbers and less words" in future leadership. Lane drew on his military service, relaying a former captain's standing order to "be nice" as a lesson in civility for the 19-member council. He also stressed the importance of transparency, stating he does 99% of his talking on the dais and avoids social media. - Both councilmembers discussed the upcoming Vice President election, with Johnson noting that there are four candidates who "care deeply about Jacksonville." Lane acknowledged the pledges of support but remarked that pledges "mean nothing" based on advice from former council members. Johnson indicated he would be observing candidates' votes and stated that "whoever wins, I'm gonna support them and applaud them." - The date of the election was noted as May 26, 2026, which is also Johnson's 50th birthday. - Councilmember Johnson raised a concern about the lack of a council liaison for certain bodies like Elder Affairs and the Disability Council, and he has been in conversation with the General Counsel about having legal representation at CPAC meetings due to procedural issues. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken. The meeting served as a preliminary discussion of leadership priorities and an exchange of views on governance style. - Councilmember Johnson committed to sending a follow-up email to Chairman Lane requesting his vote, and Lane indicated he would consider it. - The public comment by John Nooney led to a brief discussion among the councilmembers, with Johnson stating he would work on moving forward the issue of restoring public participation and has already been in conversation with the General Counsel about OGC presence at CPAC meetings.

The Jacksonville City Council met on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chamber at City Hall. The meeting was presided over by Council President Kevin Carrico. It included an invocation, pledge, approval of prior minutes, several presentations, quasi-judicial hearings, a consent agenda, public comments, public hearings on land use and other items, third reading resolutions and ordinances, second reading items, and introduction of new legislation. The meeting adjourned at 8:11 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the March 10, 2026 regular meeting (voice vote 17-0). - Approved the Consent Agenda (with the exception of 2026-0194) by a 17-0 roll call vote. Items included: confirmation of several board appointments (Sex Trafficking Survivors Leadership Council, Cultural Service Grant Program Committee, Duval County Election Advisory Panel), recognition of Arab American Heritage Month, honors for Darnell Smith Sr., Judge Henry Lee Adams Jr., Mark Middlebrook, the San Marco Preservation Society, and the Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi at Edward Waters University. - Resolution 2026-0194 (honoring Darnell Smith Sr.) was pulled by Council Member Johnson, amended with a council amendment, and approved 17-0. - Two resolutions (2026-0049 and 2026-0074) were withdrawn. Public Comments & Testimony Public comments lasted from 5:23 PM until roughly 6:30 PM, with speakers given three minutes each. Key topics included: - Soccer Stadium Location: Kathleen Pereira urged placing a soccer stadium downtown rather than at the Town Center, citing flood risks, traffic, and noise impacts on neighborhoods. - Redlining and Neighborhood Bill of Rights: Several speakers (Wells Todd, Bobby O'Connor, Anthony Brown, Addison Patrick, Denise Cook, Nancy Murray Settle) criticized council for prioritizing developers over residents and urged support for a neighborhood bill of rights. They noted only two council members attended a town hall meeting the previous night. - George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier: Multiple speakers (Angela Freedman, Belle James, Ulysses Cromedy Sr., John Nooney) requested reopening the Duval County side of the bridge for fishing, citing it as a popular recreational site. - JTA Connection Plus: Sharon Dykes, executive director of the Center for Independent Living, described poor on-time performance for paratransit and urged council to find a better solution. - JEA Contract Negotiations: Several JEA water/wastewater employees (Ronnie Burris, Nick Smith, Amanda Breen, Eric Stodola) expressed frustration over stalled contract talks, noting wage gaps with other JEA divisions and the essential nature of their work. - Flock Cameras: Dragon Beloit submitted draft ordinances to regulate or ban automated license plate readers, urging council to act. - Baby Boxes: Kathleen Pereira and Blake Harper supported the appropriation for infant safety devices at fire stations. - Public Service Grants Microgrant Program: Speakers debated the amendment to allocate 3% of PSG funds to microgrants, with council members and the Chief of Grants testifying. Discussion Items - Quasi-Judicial Ordinances (2026-0060, 2026-0132, 2026-0135): All three were approved unanimously (18-0) after declarations of ex-parte communications. - Public Hearings: - Several land use amendments and rezoning items were continued to April 14, 2026 (e.g., Morse Ave, Historic Kings Rd, Old Kings Rd, Rampart Rd, Pitts Rd, Southside Blvd). - Approved items included: Eagle LNG Partners rezoning at Zoo Parkway (FLUM amendment 2026-0083 approved 16-0; companion rezoning 2026-0084 approved 17-0); Millennial Christian Schools rezoning at Park St (2026-0085 and 2026-0086 both approved 17-0 after amendments). - Public hearings were held for numerous funding ordinances, including $4.5 million for tree planting (2026-0180), $359,000 for fire specialty teams, $120,000 for an artificial reef, $100,000 for City Hall elevator repairs, $314,900 for baby boxes at 14 fire stations, $30,000 for North Florida School of Special Education vocational training, and $355,000 for McDuff Ave Park land acquisition. - Third Reading Ordinances (selected): - 2026-0136 (New Berlin Rd land acquisition): Approved 18-0 after amendment. - 2026-0137 (Council Rules attendance changes): Approved 18-0 after amendment. Council Member Johnson expressed concern about lack of flexibility for committee chairs. - 2026-0138 (PSG categories for FY 26-27): Amended to add a microgrant category (3% of total PSG funding) by a floor amendment, passed 16-1-1 (Council Member Diamond nay, Pittman abstain). The amendment was debated extensively; supporters argued it fulfilled a budget commitment, while opponents (including the grants chief) cited administrative burden and desire to use carryover funds instead. - 2026-0139 (Homelessness Initiatives Fund oversight): Amended to require council approval for expenditures over $100,000, then approved 16-2 (Peluso, Pittman nay). - 2026-0142 (Opioid settlement grant for MAT clinic): Approved 17-0-1 (Carrico abstain). - 2026-0144 (Justice Center due diligence): Approved 16-2 (Amaro, Diamond nay). - 2026-0150 (Campbell Cove affordable housing loan): Approved 18-0. Council Member Peluso noted an opportunity for a larger $10 million investment was missed. - 2026-0151 (PSG code amendments): Approved 17-0-1 (Pittman abstain). - Second Reading Resolutions (selected): - 2026-0197 (Women's History Month): Approved 18-0 with council amendments. - 2026-0200 and 2026-0201 (Five Points Special District appointments): Approved as emergencies, 17-0. - 2026-0229 (Honoring Rob Sweeting): Approved as an emergency with floor and council amendments (18-0), after news of his passing. Key Outcomes - Approved Resolutions & Ordinances: Numerous ceremonial and administrative actions approved (see Consent Calendar and votes above). - Land Use Approvals: Eagle LNG rezoning (FLUM and rezoning) approved; Millennial Christian Schools rezoning approved with amendments. - Funding Allocations: $4.5M for tree planting, $314,900 for baby boxes, $355,000 for McDuff Ave Park, $120,000 for artificial reef, $100,000 for elevator repairs, $30,000 for vocational training, and others passed second reading and moved to third reading. - Policy Changes: Council Rules amended (effective July 1, 2026); Homelessness Initiatives Fund now requires council approval for expenditures over $100,000; PSG categories for FY 26-27 include a new microgrant program at 3% of total funding. - Appointments Confirmed: Cultural Service Grant Program Committee members (Kaci Barnes, Dr. Darren Brownlee, Alanna Luksha, Chrys Yates), Duval County Election Advisory Panel (Raymond Pringle Jr., Edward Williams), Five Points Special District Board (Alonzo Walton, David Wingard, Cody Mashni as alternate), Sex Trafficking Survivors Leadership Council (Taneeisha Hammett), and others. - Deferrals: Several land use cases continued to April 14, 2026 for additional public hearings. - Introduction of New Bills: Multiple new resolutions and ordinances introduced, including a resolution supporting protected bicycle lanes downtown (2026-0231), an appeal of a historic preservation decision (2026-0232), a prohibition on city funds for abortion services (2026-0227), and expansion of the Downtown Entertainment District boundary to include Brooklyn (2026-0223).

The Special Committee on the Future of Downtown met on March 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The meeting covered two main agenda items: an update from the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) and a presentation on focus area one regarding public realm coordination. Key discussions focused on aligning governance, funding, and operations for downtown public spaces, as well as updates on development projects and planning initiatives. Discussion Items DIA Update (Colin Tarbert, CEO) - Financial Consultant & Incentive Study: DIA received JPAC approval for three financial consultants—CHM Warnick (hospitality), BJH Advisors/Foresight Street Advisors (mixed-use), and PFM (municipal finance)—to support underwriting and incentive evaluation. Contracts are being finalized, and the consultants will be available within 30-45 days. A full incentive study is expected by year-end. - Planning Initiatives: Three RFPs are being drafted: a digital twin (3D GIS model), updated downtown design guidelines, and an overall master plan update (five-year cycle). The digital twin and design guidelines are expected to go out in 30-60 days. - Development Updates: The N7 project (740 apartment units, $28 million incentive request) is expected to go to City Council in May. Riverfront Plaza restaurant solicitation closes March 28; Riverfront Plaza Phase II (beer garden) aims for completion by end of 2027. Riverfront Music Garden opens in spring 2026. Shipyards office building (One Tower Court) is opening soon. On the South Bank, Friendship Fountain restaurant solicitation closes March 31; MOSH demolition timeline finalized (notice to proceed expected soon, taking 5 months); Related Group to begin pile work soon. - Disposition Activity: 330 East Bay Street received one proposal; evaluation committee meets April 1, board consideration in April. - Other Projects: 44 West Monroe Street and 231 North Laura Street (Mags Cafe) legislation filed; Baptist Health Hotel redevelopment (eight million dollar completion grant) moving forward; La Villa Heritage Trail markers installation beginning. - Good News: Green Leaf Building (JWB office) and The Hub (food and beverage) ribbon cuttings celebrated. Councilmember Questions/Comments - Councilmember Pelusa expressed opposition to the riverfront plaza restaurant, suggesting it may be too much activation alongside the beer garden and gateway project. He requested a timetable to space out developments and noted lack of an operator for the cafe. - Councilmember Matt Carlucci emphasized that DIA has vetted these projects and the committee should respect their authority. - The Chair asked about the cafe operator update (deferred to Parks). - Councilmember Pelusa inquired about Hans Tanzler Marina timeline (Parks to provide schedule) and management (in-house via Docemaster). - Councilmember Matt Carlucci requested the marina be referred to as Hans Tanzler Jr. Public Realm Coordination (Laura Edgecombe) - Charge: Focus Area 1—map public space stakeholders, agencies, ownership, operations, maintenance, and programming; identify redundancies and gaps; recommend changes. - Key Gaps Identified: Lack of clear role definition, sustainable funding/capacity, consistent vibrancy/density, and overarching downtown marketing/positioning strategy. - Recommendations: 1. Expand Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) boundaries to match the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) boundaries to align services and reduce confusion. 2. Transfer operations and management of James Weldon Johnson Park from Friends of the Park to Downtown Vision Inc. (DVI), with oversight under DIA. This requires legislative amendments. 3. (Forthcoming) Office of Sports and Entertainment to propose updates to Chapter 191 of the Jacksonville Ordinance Code regarding special event permitting. - Request: Support from the Mayor’s Office to convene facilitated interagency working sessions (including DIA, Parks, Public Works, Sports & Entertainment, DVI, committee chair, and OGC) to establish unified public realm operating agreements, funding strategies, and performance metrics. Councilmember Questions/Comments - Councilmember Pelusa strongly supported the expansion of BID to include Brooklyn, especially for ambassador services and cleanliness. He advocated for DVI to clean DOT-owned rights-of-way. He confirmed Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park (Liz) is on board. - Councilmember Matt Carlucci asked about planters and beautification (addressed in future streetscape work). He suggested a small millage increase for litter cleanup. - Councilmember Pelusa raised the need for streamlined reporting of maintenance issues (potholes, missing bricks, lights) and advocated for DVI to handle beautification. - Councilmember Salem urged minimizing outside legal counsel and relying on OGC for legislative drafting. - Councilmember Boylan inquired about including the Jacksonville Riverfront Alliance (JRA) in working sessions; Ms. Edgecombe agreed to invite them as contract negotiations progress. Key Outcomes - Consensus to proceed with legislative actions for BID boundary expansion and James Weldon Johnson Park management transfer. OGC (Michelle) will coordinate with DVI and stakeholders to draft ordinances. - Support for convening interagency working sessions, facilitated by a third party, with participation from the Mayor’s Office, OGC, and relevant agencies. The Chair will serve as committee representative. JRA will be invited pending contract status. - Office of Sports and Entertainment to bring Chapter 191 ordinance update to the committee in April. - No formal votes were taken; the meeting concluded with directives to move forward on these items and report back in April.

The Special Investigative Committee on JEA met on March 23, 2026, to address allegations of a toxic and racist workplace at JEA, capacity fee issues, and the conduct of a workplace survey. The committee heard public testimony, discussed a letter of information requests to JEA, received an update on the capacity fee audit, and heard sworn testimony from former JEA Chief of Staff Kurt Wilson. Public Comments & Testimony - John Baker (JEA board member, speaking as a citizen) expressed support for JEA's internal investigation and urged the committee to delay its survey, warning that dueling surveys could harm JEA and split the community. He asked the committee to give JEA a chance to handle the matter and suggested involving the inspector general if needed. - John Nooney (Jacksonville resident) made general comments about city boards and commissions, praising former JEA employee Mr. Wilson's helpfulness. Discussion Items - JEA Survey Update: Chair Salem announced discussions with potential survey vendors and noted the need to include field employees and former employees. A formal announcement is expected at the next meeting. - Information Requests to JEA: Councilmember Pittman proposed a comprehensive list of questions covering employee counts, organizational structure, compensation, diversity data, executive transitions, career development programs, and internal surveys. The committee approved a motion to empower OGC to draft a letter incorporating these questions and additions from Councilmember Diamond (promotions, demotions, disciplinary actions). The motion passed unanimously. - Capacity Fee Audit: Council Auditor Kim Taylor reported that her office met with JEA General Counsel to begin gathering records dating back to the 1980s/1990s. JEA is cooperating, but the task is time-intensive. The committee agreed to proceed with the audit and escalate if issues arise. - Testimony of Kurt Wilson: Wilson was sworn in and testified for approximately 40 minutes on the work environment under CEO Vicky Cavey and on capacity fee issues. He described a climate of fear, instances of harsh treatment by Cavey, and the termination of employees who raised concerns. He also discussed the discovery in 2022 of unbilled capacity fees affecting multiple customers, including a major client (implied to be Mayo Clinic). He stated the CEO and management were aware but had not brought the issue to the board. He also addressed the Ballard lobbying contract, stating that Mayor Donna Deegan pressured Cavey to cancel it due to former Mayor Lenny Curry's involvement. Wilson denied any effort to hide the capacity fee issue. He could not answer questions about privileged communications with JEA's former general counsel. - Councilmember Jurisdiction Debate: Councilmembers Boylan and Peluso argued that the committee's actions may exceed the City Council's authority under Article 21 of the charter, which grants JEA independent authority over personnel. Councilmember Diamond countered that oversight is the council's duty. Key Outcomes - Motion Passed: The committee unanimously approved a motion to draft a letter requesting detailed information from JEA on employee demographics, compensation, promotions, demotions, disciplinary actions, and internal programs. The letter will be signed by the committee chair and sent to JEA's human resources head. - Capacity Fee Audit: The committee agreed to let the Council Auditor's office proceed with its audit, with reporting back on any obstacles. - Next Steps: The committee will continue to gather testimony and surveys. Council President Carrico raised the possibility of using the Inspector General or Office of Human Rights to allow employees to speak confidentially. OGC will explore options. - No Action on Ballard Contract: The committee took no formal action on the Ballard lobbying contract, which is not part of its official charge.

The meeting was called to order at approximately 12:34 PM by Councilman Matt Carlucci (Group 4, At-Large). Present were Corey Armstrong (ECA for Matt Carlucci), Rockman Johnson (Council Member, District 14), Tyrone Clark Murray (Council Member, District 9), Mike Gay (Council Member, District 2), and Carla Shell (Office of General Counsel). The council discussed three naming requests: renaming an existing park after former council member Warren Jones, a historic street designation for Dr. Gopel, and naming a preserve after the late Mark Middlebrook. Discussion Items - Renaming Woodstock Park after Warren Jones – Councilman Carlucci proposed renaming Woodstock Park (previously referred to as Woodland Acres Park) after the Honorable Warren Jones, citing his 28 years as the longest-serving city council member, two terms as council president, and eight years as school board chair. He emphasized that Warren Jones is still living, and noted a city ordinance that generally prohibits naming public facilities after living persons (originally authored by his father). Carlucci explained that he had consulted with Warren Jones and his family, and that Jones preferred Woodstock Park because of its baseball fields (Jones is a baseball enthusiast). Councilman Mike Gay suggested possibly naming a baseball field at Woodstock Park instead, to avoid overriding any historical significance of the park's name. Councilman Carlucci insisted that the honoree deserved a full park, not just a field. Councilman Rockman Johnson offered to research the historical significance of the name Woodstock Park and confer with Daryl Joseph (Parks Department, who was absent) before proceeding with a bill. Carlucci agreed to co-introduce the legislation if no historical issue arises. - Dr. Gopel Historic Street Designation – Councilman Carlucci presented a request from the family of Dr. Gopel, a community leader who lived in District 9 for 40 years, to designate the 1100 block of Kingsbury Street (between Ellis Road and Fountain Road) as a historic street. He noted that no affected property owners exist on that block and that other nearby blocks have similar designations. Councilman Tyrone Clark Murray (District 9) expressed no objection, stating she was familiar with the area and that a recent rezoning bill nearby did not conflict. Both council members agreed the process would be straightforward. - Naming of Middlebrook Preserve – Councilman Mike Gay proposed naming a portion of the Cedar Point Preserve (approximately 5,600 acres owned by the city) as "Middlebrook Preserve" in honor of Mark Middlebrook, who died recently. Gay described Middlebrook’s role as a reporter, later as an official in the John Delaney administration, and as a key figure in the Timucuan preservation land acquisition program that preserved tens of thousands of acres. Gay stated that John Delaney endorsed the idea, and that Mark Middlebrook’s family (wife Gail and three children) loved the proposal. He asked Councilman Johnson for support and for community outreach in District 14. Johnson expressed openness but requested community meetings to educate residents about the history and impact of Middlebrook’s work. Gay noted a memorial service is scheduled for May 8, and hoped to announce the naming at that service. Johnson offered to include the topic in his next town hall meetings (April 7 and April 9) and to reach out to the Black Hammock Island community. Gay said he may send a representative to the April 9 meeting if he cannot attend due to a prior family commitment. Key Outcomes - Woodstock Park renaming: Councilman Carlucci will wait for Councilman Johnson’s research on any historical significance of the name Woodstock Park before introducing a bill. If no historical issues, Carlucci and Johnson will co-introduce legislation to rename the park as "Warren Jones Woodstock Park" (or a similar dual name). - Dr. Gopel historic street designation: Councilman Carlucci indicated he will proceed with legislation for the 1100 block of Kingsbury Street, with no opposition from District 9. - Middlebrook Preserve naming: Councilman Gay and Councilman Johnson agreed to hold community meetings to discuss and build support for naming a section of Cedar Point Preserve after Mark Middlebrook. Johnson will coordinate outreach via his town halls and possibly a community meeting on Black Hammock Island. Gay hopes to announce the naming at the May 8 memorial service.

This was an informal meeting held at 12:00 PM on March 19, 2026, between Councilmember Matt Carlucci (Group 4 At-Large) and Councilmember Rogman Johnson (District 14, West Side). The conversation focused on leadership philosophies, the upcoming vice‑presidency election, committee assignments, relationships with the mayor’s office, and the importance of collegiality. No formal votes or actions were taken. Discussion Items - Vice‑Presidency & Leadership: Carlucci shared his experience as council vice president under President Alberta, emphasizing the value of observing the president’s handling of conflicts and taking notes on colleagues’ priorities. He praised Johnson for bringing “excitement” and genuine competition to the vice‑presidential race, contrasting it with what he described as previous near‑automatic successions. - Committee Assignments & Inclusivity: Johnson articulated his philosophy of building a “team of rivals” akin to Lincoln’s cabinet, saying he would appoint committee chairs based on effectiveness and skills, not party affiliation. He stressed communication and listening as essential for including members with differing views. - Relationship with the Mayor’s Office: Johnson stated he would maintain a respectful but independent stance, not rubber‑stamping administration proposals. Carlucci agreed that a good relationship with the mayor is beneficial but not a requirement for agreement. - Naming Opportunities (Briefly): Carlucci mentioned two pending naming proposals (for Warren Jones and Mark Middlebrooks) that he wished to discuss with the respective district council member before proceeding further. - Personal Anecdotes: Both members shared stories about past council camaraderie, competitive spirit (e.g., the ETM games, a softball grand slam), and tributes to former leaders such as Senator Carlucci and Betty Holzendorf. Public Comments & Testimony - One member of the public, Mr. Oliver Cornell, was present but due to time constraints was asked to submit his comments in writing. No oral testimony was given. Key Outcomes - No formal decisions or votes occurred. The meeting served as a collaborative discussion on leadership strategies. Johnson indicated he would continue seeking input from colleagues as the campaign for vice president proceeds.