OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Jacksonville City Council Regular Meeting – April 28, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, April 28, 2026
BodyJacksonville, Florida
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, April 28, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 4:35:58

Transcript — Verbatim
0:03

Good evening.

0:04

Welcome everybody to the Jacksonville City Council meeting for Tuesday, April 28th.

0:09

It is 5 p.m.

0:10

on the dot.

0:11

I'm your presiding officer.

0:14

And we are welcoming you to the chambers.

0:17

This meeting is now in session.

0:20

Thank you, Mr.

0:20

President.

0:21

Our first order of business is the invocation and pledge of allegiance.

0:24

Please recognize our council chaplain, Councilmember Kennemar.

0:28

Thank you, Mr.

0:29

Floor Leader.

0:33

Tonight, our invocation is being delivered by Pastor Chris Tomlinson.

0:37

He is the lead pastor of Destiny Church of Jacksonville, a thriving non-denominational church dedicated to helping people know God, find freedom, discover purpose, and make a difference.

1:00

In addition to his role as pastor, Chris is also a small business owner and a voice of leadership in Jacksonville, committed to seeing both people and the city flourish.

1:10

He and his wife, Jody have been married for 28 years, and together they're the proud parents of three daughters.

1:18

Please receive Pastor Chris Tomlinson.

1:23

Good evening, everyone.

1:25

It's an honor to be here with you guys once again.

1:29

As a pastor in this wonderful city, I get the front row view into the lives of those who these policies and decisions here impact.

1:40

And I want to say to each and every one of you, thank you.

1:43

What you do makes a difference more than you'll ever know.

1:48

And I also want to say to you, you guys are doing a good job.

1:51

I'm sure that's probably something you don't hear a whole lot from this podium, but I just want you to know that it is absolutely true.

1:59

It's easy for people to criticize from the cheap seats when they've not chose to be on the field.

2:05

You guys have chose to be on the field.

2:08

You've chosen the weight of responsibility.

2:11

And for that, we are grateful, and our city is better because of it.

2:15

So thank you guys.

2:16

I'm reminded of a scripture as I was on the way to pray.

2:19

It's James chapter one and verse 17.

2:21

And it says that every good and perfect gift comes from heaven above.

2:25

And so to begin this meeting, we want to go to God and acknowledge that all wisdom comes from him, that we're not led by emotion, but that we're led by his spirit.

2:35

So I'd like for us to just ask for God's divine wisdom and his guidance and his covering over this meeting.

2:42

So would you guys bow your heads and join me in prayer if you would, please.

2:47

Heavenly Father, we come before you, Lord, with humility and gratitude in our hearts.

2:53

We acknowledge that every ounce of wisdom, every ounce of justice, every ounce of truth, it comes from you alone.

3:01

And so, Lord, we invite you to reign over this meeting and over this city.

3:06

I pray for every leader that's in this room.

3:08

Strengthen their hearts when the weight feels unbearable.

3:12

Sharpen their minds whenever the choices are complex, and steady their resolve when the path is unpopular but right.

3:21

Let them be men and women who lead not out of the fear of criticism, but out of the fear of the Lord.

3:28

Father, I ask that unity would rise higher than division, that clarity would cut through confusion, and that integrity would be the standard by which every decision is measured.

3:40

Let this council be known not only for what they decide, but for how they decide, with honor, with wisdom, and with courage.

3:50

Bless Jacksonville, Lord.

3:52

Watch over our neighborhoods and schools, our families and first responders, our businesses and our leaders.

3:58

Let this be a city that doesn't just grow in size but grows in righteousness.

4:03

A city that lifts the hurting, that protects the vulnerable, and that stands as a beacon of hope and justice.

4:10

And tonight, I pray that your presence would fill this room in such a way that every conversation, every vote, and every action carries a sense of divine purpose.

4:20

Let the impact of this meeting ripple out beyond these walls and into the very fabric of our city for generations to come.

4:27

And we ask all of this in the mighty name of the Son of God in Jesus' name, and would all the saints who join me in saying Amen.

4:35

Thank you.

5:31

19 present.

5:32

Thank you.

5:33

Next up is the approval of the minutes from the regular council meeting of April 14th.

5:37

I move the approval.

5:38

We've got a motion and a second on the approval of the minutes.

5:41

All in favor of the minutes being approved, signify by saying aye.

5:44

Aye.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████████████25%
Zoning And Land Use███████████████████19%
Community Engagement███████████11%
Land Use and Zoning██████████10%
Economic Development██████6%
Public Safety████4%
Parks and Recreation███3%
Environmental Protection███3%
Cannabis Regulation███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Jacksonville City Council Regular Meeting – April 28, 2026

The Jacksonville City Council met on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chamber. All 19 members were present at roll call, and the meeting adjourned at 9:12 PM. The agenda included quasi-judicial items, consent agenda, public comments, public hearings, and third-reading legislation. Key actions included approval of a $12 million economic development incentive for Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, approval of a land use change and rezoning for 89 single-family homes on Morse Avenue, expansion of the Downtown Entertainment District to include Brooklyn, and several appointments and recognitions.

Consent Calendar

  • 2026-0185: Appropriated $100,000 for City Hall elevator repairs. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0187: Appropriated $30,000 for North Florida School of Special Education vocational training program. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0214: Approved first amendment to United Way 2-1-1 program grant. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0215: Appropriated $75,000 for beautification initiatives from Solid Waste Disposal Fund. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0217: Appropriated $25,000 from Special Law Enforcement Trust Fund to First Coast Crime Stoppers. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0220: Repealed Sign Enforcement Fund and amended sign code. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0222: Approved Declaration of Restrictive Covenant with FDEP for Lomax St and Bishop Gate Ln. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0224: Approved first amendment to 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline grant. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0225: Appropriated $90,576 for mosquito control operations. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0226: Appropriated $77,440 from Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission for derelict vessel removal. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0231: Resolution supporting protected bicycle lanes downtown on Beaver, Monroe, Hogan, and Liberty Streets. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0236: Confirmed Sheriff's appointment of Joseph D. Stronko as Chief of Patrol Support Division. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0237: Approved revisions to Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0242: Withdrawn – Mayor's appointment of Ariane Randolph to Eastside Grants Committee. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0243: Confirmed Mayor's appointment of Beth Breeding to Mobility System Working Group. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0245: Confirmed Mayor's appointment of Emily Pierce to Mobility System Working Group. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0247: Confirmed Mayor & Council President's joint appointment of Kristen D. Reed to Mobility System Working Group. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0248: Established FY 26-27 opioid settlement funding allocations and grant process. Approved 15-0-2 (Carrico, Pittman abstained). Pulled from consent for separate vote.
  • 2026-0250: Confirmed Council President's appointment of Brian Small to Mobility System Working Group. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0251: Confirmed Council President's appointment of Michael Herzberg to Mobility System Working Group. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0252: Confirmed Council President's appointment of CM Rahman Johnson to Mobility System Working Group. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0256: Withdrawn – Council President's appointment of E. Shawn Ashley to Eastside Grants Committee. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0262: Resolution honoring Jaydon Sinard Dexter (Bigga Rankin) for contributions to music and community. Amended and approved 17-0. Pulled from consent for separate vote.
  • 2026-0271: Resolution commending Etta Taylor & Public Works Ground Maintenance Team. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0272: Resolution honoring Pastor Spike Hogan upon retirement. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0278: Resolution commending Jacquelyn H. Cornelius for arts education leadership. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0279: Resolution recognizing April 2026 as Second Chance Month. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0281: Resolution recognizing May 8, 2026 as Provider Appreciation Day. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0282: Resolution recognizing May 2026 as National Foster Care Awareness Month. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0283: Resolution recognizing May 2026 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. Approved 17-0.
  • 2026-0284: Resolution recognizing May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month. Approved 17-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Overdevelopment and neighborhood character: Multiple speakers opposed the Morse Avenue rezoning (2026-0006/0007), citing traffic, fire safety, and inconsistency with the comprehensive plan. Others supported the project, citing need for housing and developer concessions.
  • Hogpen Creek siltation: Residents requested funding for an ecological study of Sandalwood Canal and Hogpen Creek, citing sediment buildup from construction and lack of maintenance.
  • Eastside Grants Committee appointments: Several speakers criticized the appointment process, alleging that nominees did not meet residency or business interest requirements, and that the community was not properly consulted.
  • Brooklyn 3 AM liquor expansion: Business owners and residents supported including Brooklyn in the Downtown Entertainment District for extended alcohol sales, arguing it is part of downtown and would benefit small businesses.
  • Jail location: Speakers supported Resolution 2026-0356, urging that any new pre-trial detention facility not be located in historically redlined areas.
  • Other topics: Concerns about overdevelopment, George Crady Bridge fishing access, free-to-garden act, and public meeting disruption.

Discussion Items

  • Quasi-Judicial: Appeal of JHPC denial for 2230 St Johns Ave (2026-0232): The Council granted the appeal 9-8, allowing construction of a new primary structure in the Riverside/Avondale Historic District. Councilmember Peluso, who opposed, stated the decision could set a precedent for small changes to the historic overlay.
  • Rezoning at 0 Commonwealth Ave (2025-0630): Withdrawn 17-0.
  • Rezoning at 6926 Garden St (2025-0724): Approved 17-0 for CRO to CN.
  • Rezoning at 903 University Blvd N (2026-0170): Approved 17-0 for College Park PUD major modification.
  • Road frontage waiver at 0 Wages Wy (2026-0174): Approved 17-0.
  • Administrative deviation at 0 Wages Wy (2026-0175): Approved 17-0.
  • Road frontage waiver at 4526 Mundy Dr S (2026-0177): Withdrawn 17-0.
  • Zoning exception for Kappuccinos at 11247 Alta Dr (2026-0211): Approved 16-1, then reconsidered and approved 16-0.
  • Road frontage waiver at 1923 Valencia Dr (2026-0212): Approved 17-0.
  • Economic Development Agreement with Johnson & Johnson Vision Care (2026-0285): Approved 16-0. The agreement authorizes a 6-year Recapture Enhanced Value Grant of $10.5 million for the Centurion Parkway facility expansion and a 5-year REV grant of $1.5 million for a new packaging/logistics facility at 815 S. Main St. Total capital investment is $550 million.
  • Public Hearings – Land Use Amendments:
    • Morse Avenue land use change (2026-0006): Approved 11-6 for a small-scale FLUM amendment from LDR to MDR, with a site-specific policy capping density at 8 units per acre. The companion rezoning (2026-0007) to PUD for 89 single-family homes (later reduced to 77) was also approved 11-6.
    • Other land use amendments: Several were continued to May 12, 2026 (2026-0122, 0123, 0126, 0127, 0168, 0169). Others were approved: 2026-0164 (Leon Rd, LDR to BP) 16-0; 2026-0165 (Leon Rd rezoning) 16-0; 2026-0166 (Edgewood & Moncrief, FLUM amendment) 17-0; 2026-0167 (Edgewood & Moncrief rezoning) 17-0.
  • Opioid settlement opt-in (2026-0261): Approved 15-0-2 (Carrico, Pittman abstained) to participate in national settlement with pharmacies.
  • Riverview Collective OysterFest funding (2026-0263): Approved 17-0 as emergency.
  • Budget amendment for budget stabilization (2026-0213): Approved 18-0, changing process for using unassigned fund balance increases to fund future financial obligations tied to economic development agreements.
  • Downtown Preservation & Revitalization loans for 38-44 W. Monroe St (2026-0218): Approved 14-4, authorizing up to $1,620,655 in DIA loans.
  • Downtown Preservation & Revitalization loans for 231 N. Laura St (2026-0219): Approved 14-4, authorizing up to $1,907,345 in DIA loans.
  • Appointment of Shannon Nazworth to JHFA (2026-0221): Approved 16-2, waiving residency requirement for Duval County.
  • Downtown Entertainment District expansion to Brooklyn (2026-0223): Approved 14-4, amending code to include Brooklyn in the district for extended alcohol sales.
  • JSEB Micro-Grant Program (2026-0249): Approved 17-0, appropriating $200,000 for micro-grants to small businesses.
  • Second Reading Resolutions:
    • 2026-0269: Resolution commending Jax Gents Inc. for step championship. Approved 18-0.
    • 2026-0270: Resolution denouncing Resolution 2021-162-A and recognition of Cesar Chavez Day. Read 2nd & rereferred.
    • 2026-0277: Resolution appointing Phillip Peterson as City Council Auditor. Read 2nd & rereferred.
    • 2026-0280: Resolution supporting James Beard Award nominations for Maria La Mota and Chason Spencer. Discharged from committees, declared emergency, amended, and approved 18-0.

Key Outcomes

  • Quasi-Judicial Action: Appeal granted for 2230 St Johns Ave (9-8).
  • Consent Agenda: Approved 17-0 with two items pulled (2026-0248 and 2026-0262), both later approved.
  • Economic Development: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care incentive approved 16-0.
  • Land Use: Morse Avenue FLUM change and PUD approved 11-6 each.
  • Opioid Settlement: City opted into national settlement 15-0-2.
  • Downtown Entertainment District: Expanded to Brooklyn 14-4.
  • Budget Stabilization: Ordinance amended 18-0.
  • Appointments: Multiple appointments to boards and commissions confirmed.
  • Next Meeting: The next regular Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Committee meetings for the week of May 4 were announced.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. Welcome everybody to the Jacksonville City Council meeting for Tuesday, April 28th. It is 5 p.m. on the dot. I'm your presiding officer. And we are welcoming you to the chambers. This meeting is now in session. Thank you, Mr. President. Our first order of business is the invocation and pledge of allegiance. Please recognize our council chaplain, Councilmember Kennemar. Thank you, Mr. Floor Leader. Tonight, our invocation is being delivered by Pastor Chris Tomlinson. He is the lead pastor of Destiny Church of Jacksonville, a thriving non-denominational church dedicated to helping people know God, find freedom, discover purpose, and make a difference. In addition to his role as pastor, Chris is also a small business owner and a voice of leadership in Jacksonville, committed to seeing both people and the city flourish. He and his wife, Jody have been married for 28 years, and together they're the proud parents of three daughters. Please receive Pastor Chris Tomlinson. Good evening, everyone. It's an honor to be here with you guys once again. As a pastor in this wonderful city, I get the front row view into the lives of those who these policies and decisions here impact. And I want to say to each and every one of you, thank you. What you do makes a difference more than you'll ever know. And I also want to say to you, you guys are doing a good job. I'm sure that's probably something you don't hear a whole lot from this podium, but I just want you to know that it is absolutely true. It's easy for people to criticize from the cheap seats when they've not chose to be on the field. You guys have chose to be on the field. You've chosen the weight of responsibility. And for that, we are grateful, and our city is better because of it. So thank you guys. I'm reminded of a scripture as I was on the way to pray. It's James chapter one and verse 17. And it says that every good and perfect gift comes from heaven above. And so to begin this meeting, we want to go to God and acknowledge that all wisdom comes from him, that we're not led by emotion, but that we're led by his spirit. So I'd like for us to just ask for God's divine wisdom and his guidance and his covering over this meeting. So would you guys bow your heads and join me in prayer if you would, please. Heavenly Father, we come before you, Lord, with humility and gratitude in our hearts. We acknowledge that every ounce of wisdom, every ounce of justice, every ounce of truth, it comes from you alone. And so, Lord, we invite you to reign over this meeting and over this city. I pray for every leader that's in this room. Strengthen their hearts when the weight feels unbearable. Sharpen their minds whenever the choices are complex, and steady their resolve when the path is unpopular but right. Let them be men and women who lead not out of the fear of criticism, but out of the fear of the Lord. Father, I ask that unity would rise higher than division, that clarity would cut through confusion, and that integrity would be the standard by which every decision is measured. Let this council be known not only for what they decide, but for how they decide, with honor, with wisdom, and with courage. Bless Jacksonville, Lord. Watch over our neighborhoods and schools, our families and first responders, our businesses and our leaders. Let this be a city that doesn't just grow in size but grows in righteousness. A city that lifts the hurting, that protects the vulnerable, and that stands as a beacon of hope and justice. And tonight, I pray that your presence would fill this room in such a way that every conversation, every vote, and every action carries a sense of divine purpose.

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