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#votekirwan #jacksonville #fl04 #claycounty #duvalcounty

Committee approves series of land-use and rezoning measures; multiple items carried or deferred Duval County’s Land Use & Zoning Committee approved a batch of mostly noncontroversial land-use amendments, PUD rezonings and exceptions in February, including industrial and commercial rezones near Port Jacksonville Parkway and multiple PUDs; several items were deferred for further outreach or review.

Duval County's Land Use & Zoning Committee just approved a series of impactful rezonings and land-use amendments, paving the way for new commercial and industrial developments!

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#DuvalCounty #FL #ZoningReform #CitizenPortal #LandUse #CommunityOutreach

JSEB monitoring committee: participation up, nearly $200M paid to small-business participants in two years The JSEB monitoring committee reported growth in supplier participation and payouts: presenters said the program paid nearly $200 million to JSEB participants over two years, certified JSEBs increased to 551, and FY25 JSEB payments were roughly $86 million. Councilmembers asked follow-up questions about access-to-capital programs and tiering.

Jacksonville's JSEB program has skyrocketed, with nearly $200 million paid to small businesses in just two years—how is the city fostering this incredible growth?

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#DuvalCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #EconomicGrowth #SmallBusinessSupport

Council auditors flag documentation gaps and monitoring weaknesses in grants and contracts audit Council Auditor Kim Taylor presented Report 901 finding insufficient documentation on a substantial share of tested payments; of about $1.3 million tested, $477,000 had no or insufficient support. The auditor said corrective actions are under way and a follow-up audit is planned.

A recent audit revealed that a staggering $477,000 of payments in Duval County were made without proper documentation, raising serious concerns about oversight and accountability.

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#DuvalCounty #FL #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #FinancialTransparency #GovernmentEfficiency

Police and Fire pension contribution to rise to $224M; actuarial assumption changes cited Tim Johnson told the Finance Committee the city's Police & Fire pension contribution for the next fiscal year will be $224 million, citing a quarter-point reduction in return assumptions and updated mortality and salary assumptions as key drivers; auditors said some of the forecasted increases will affect multi-year budget projections.

The city’s Police & Fire pension contribution is skyrocketing to $224 million, driven by new mortality and salary assumptions that could shake up the budget for years to come.

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#DuvalCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #PublicFinance #BudgetaryAccountability #PensionReform

Former Jacksonville council member Warren Anthony Jones reflects on 28 years in office, segregation and neighborhood projects Warren Anthony Jones, who served 28 years on Jacksonville's city council, recounted growing up under segregation in Duval County, the civic influences that drew him to public service and neighborhood accomplishments such as a $36 million Grand Park drainage project. He urged future leaders to run for the right reasons and prioritize infrastructure and community engagement.

Warren Anthony Jones, a former Jacksonville city council member, reflects on his inspiring journey from a segregated upbringing to championing transformative neighborhood projects over his 28-year tenure.

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#DuvalCounty #FL #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal

LUZ committee grants appeal to allow expanded self-storage site plan at Yellow Bluff and Starrett After hours of public testimony and questioning on March 3, the city’s Land Use and Zoning Committee voted 5–1 to grant an appeal and approve a minor modification to a 2007 PUD that clears the way for an approximately 85,000 sq ft self-storage facility on roughly 6 of 12.22 acres; planning staff had recommended approval while the planning commission had denied the change 4–3.

The city's LUZ Committee just approved a controversial expansion of a self-storage facility, sparking fierce debates over traffic, safety, and community impact.

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#DuvalCounty #FL #ZoningReform #CitizenPortal #LandUse #CommunityConcerns

Neighbors press committee to reject Business Park rezoning on Historic Kings Road; item deferred At a February meeting of Duval County’s Land Use & Zoning Committee, neighbors strongly opposed a proposed change from low-density residential to business park zoning on Historic Kings Road South; the committee deferred the item and directed the applicant to meet with residents for more outreach.

Neighbors are rallying to protect their peaceful community from a controversial business park zoning change that could disrupt their lives forever.

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#DuvalCounty #FL #NeighborhoodPreservation #CitizenPortal #LandUsePolicy #CommunityOutreach

Finance committee tightens rules on completion grants, approves multiple budget measures The Duval County Finance Committee adopted an amendment to prohibit funding unfunded completion grants with debt and approved a string of budget and CIP measures, leaving the committee with a much smaller unfunded completion grant balance. Several bills and neighborhood amendments passed by unanimous 7-0 votes.

Duval County's Finance Committee just took a bold step to tighten rules on completion grants, ensuring transparency and preventing debt funding—what does this mean for the future of local projects?

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#DuvalCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #CommunityFunding #FiscalResponsibility

Retirees urge council to ask state legislators not to cut ad valorem property tax revenue Terry Wood and John Keane of the Retired Employees Association urged the Rules Committee to ask the delegation to avoid drastic changes to ad valorem property taxes, saying local services and pensions depend on that revenue; they asked the council to pass a resolution communicating that concern to state lawmakers.

Retirees in Duval County are sounding the alarm over potential cuts to property tax revenue, warning it could jeopardize essential local services and pensions.

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#DuvalCounty #FL #LocalRevenue #PensionSecurity #CitizenPortal #DuvalCountyRetirees #PropertyTaxReform

Council auditor flags lower state shared revenue, department variances and JTA budget risks Kim Taylor, the council auditor, told the committee that first‑quarter projections show a slight overall negative variance, a $9.2 million projected decline in state shared revenue (half‑cent sales tax), and debt‑service savings of about $14.1 million; she urged continued monitoring and flagged several independent authority and JTA budget issues.

Council auditor Kim Taylor reveals alarming first-quarter trends, including a projected $9.2 million dip in state shared revenue and significant departmental variances that could impact the budget.

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#DuvalCounty #FL #DuvalCountyFinance #CitizenPortal #RevenueDecline

Rules committee approves 3 a.m. service in downtown entertainment district and adds Brooklyn The Rules Committee voted Feb. 17 to advance ordinance 20260063 to allow certain downtown establishments to serve alcohol until 3 a.m., adopting an amendment to include Brooklyn; the measure passed the committee as amended after debate over resident impacts and plans for six‑month monitoring with Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office coordination.

Jacksonville's nightlife is set for a major transformation as the City Council approves extending alcohol service to 3 a.m. in downtown and Brooklyn, promising a boost for local businesses and tourism!

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#DuvalCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #SmallBusinessSupport

Finance committee adopts East Side grant substitute adopting 'opioid model' after hours of debate over scope and oversight The finance committee approved a substituted ordinance adopting the 'opioid model' for East Side Community Benefit Agreement grants, shifting oversight to the Grants and Contract Compliance Division and adopting auditor-recommended clarifications after debate over definitions, rollovers and eligibility.

The Finance Committee has approved a new ordinance that shifts oversight of East Side grant funds to enhance transparency and accountability, sparking intense debate over the definition of economic development.

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#DuvalCounty #FL #TransparencyAccountability #CommunityBenefits

Rules Committee declines to fast‑track Rodman Dam resolution after members press for delegation clarity The Rules Committee debated an emergency resolution urging state action on Rodman (Rotman) Dam restoration but voted down the emergency after members said they lacked assurance the entire Duval delegation and the governor supported the measure; the item will proceed in regular order.

The Jacksonville City Council Rules Committee has voted down an emergency resolution on the Rodman Dam, citing concerns over delegation support and the governor's position—what's next for this pivotal legislation?

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#DuvalCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalPolicy

JEA presents regional ‘Water First North Florida’ recharge plan; feasibility study, partnerships underway JEA told the TEU Committee that Water First North Florida would move roughly 40 million gallons per day of highly treated reclaimed water west for aquifer recharge, aims to address state mandates and springs’ minimum flows and levels, is in feasibility phase and carries an estimated $1 billion price tag with early partner commitments.

A groundbreaking project aims to shift 40 million gallons of reclaimed water daily to recharge Florida's aquifers and restore vital spring flows, all while navigating a hefty $1 billion price tag.

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#DuvalCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #WaterRecharge #EnvironmentalProtection

Jasper County vs. Duval County | Counties Across Texas Spotlight Series — TEXAS FORWARD PARTY Contrast the deep pine forests of East Texas with the legendary brush country of the South and learn why Forward believes that the logger in Jasper County and the roughneck in Duval County both…

Pine & Brush. 🌲🌵 Today’s #CountiesAcrossTexas match-up: Jasper County (Timber/Lakes) vs. Duval County (Hunting/Oil). A spotlight on rural legends ➟ www.texasforwardparty.org/counties-x-t...
#JasperCounty #DuvalCounty

Forward believes that the logger in Jasper and the roughneck in Freer deserve a fresh start. In #JasperCounty, the community is healing and growing. #OpenPrimaries would allow voters to move beyond old divisions and elect leaders who focus on economic opportunity and infrastructure. #RankedChoiceVoting would ensure that all voices in the community are heard and respected. In #DuvalCounty, the shadow of the past looms large. #RankedChoiceVoting empowers the community to break free from single-party dominance or machine politics, allowing voters to support candidates who prioritize transparency and local development. It offers a new path for South Texas democracy.

Forward believes that the logger in Jasper and the roughneck in Freer deserve a fresh start.

Full series found here ➟ www.texasforwardparty.org/counties-x-t...
Link to match up in comments below ⤵︎

#CountiesAcrossTexas #ForwardTexas #ForwardParty #JasperCounty #DuvalCounty #WeLoveTexas

Rules committee approves four JEA collective bargaining agreements; full council to vote Jan. 13 JEA presented four collective bargaining agreements covering PEA, IBEW, AFSCME and JSA with multi-year wage schedules; the Rules Committee approved the resolutions and staff said the agreements go to full council on Jan. 13 for final action.

The Rules Committee has just approved four major collective bargaining agreements that promise significant wage increases for JEA workers—will the full council give it the green light?

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#DuvalCounty #FL #CollectiveBargaining #WorkforceDevelopment #LaborRights #DuvalCountyUnions

Committee approves land sale substitute after developer agrees to reimburse CDBG shortfall The committee approved a substitute for the land-sale item (20250876) after staff reported the developer agreed to cover a CDBG funding shortfall; an amendment increased the purchase price by $496,537.10 so the city is repaid, producing a new purchase price of $3,044,050.70.

A significant land sale in Duval County just got a makeover as the committee approves a new deal ensuring the developer covers a CDBG funding shortfall—what does this mean for the city?

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#DuvalCounty #FL #CommunityDevelopment #DuvalCountyCDBG #AffordableHousing

Council auditor reports unaudited $33.6M net growth but warns numbers are unaudited; JTA shows $19M overrun Council Auditor Kim Taylor presented the quarterly summary showing unaudited results, explained a $92M current‑year variance that largely reflects carryforwards and a $33.6M net increase to operating reserves (before appropriations), and flagged independent authority JTA’s $19M net overrun driven by paratransit and bus operations.

Council Auditor Kim Taylor reveals a potential $33.6 million growth in operating reserves, but warns these unaudited figures could shift with year-end adjustments and highlights a concerning $19 million overrun from the Jacksonville Transportation Authority.

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#DuvalCounty #FL

Votes at a glance: Neighborhoods Committee actions, Jan. 5, 2026 The committee approved multiple bills, including workforce-funding reallocation, outdoor-dining pets ordinance (amended), the Armory sale (substitute, amended), several small appropriations and an emergency JSO grant; one member recorded a single dissent on the Armory sale.

The Neighborhoods Committee made significant decisions on January 5, 2026, from reallocating millions in workforce funds to allowing dogs at outdoor dining areas—what does this mean for Duval County?

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#DuvalCounty #FL #WorkforceFunding #CommunityInitiatives #PublicSafety

Committee approves sale of Armory after contentious debate over price and CDBG repayment The committee approved the substitute for bill 20250876 to sell the historic Armory building to a redevelopment group for $2,547,513.60, with $496,537.10 used to repay a prior CDBG loan. Members raised concerns about the sale price relative to assessed value, remediation costs and a proposed three-year transfer restriction; the measure passed 5–1.

The sale of the historic Armory property has sparked a heated debate over its price and the use of funds, raising questions about the city's fiscal responsibility.

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#DuvalCounty #FL #CommunityDevelopment #FiscalResponsibility #HistoricPreservation #CitizenPortal

Finance committee approves workforce-and-education substitute after debate over Edward Waters funding and payment terms The committee approved a finance substitute that folded revised term sheets for workforce and education projects, moved $2 million for Edward Waters University above the line, created a $675,000 contingency for apprenticeship programs, and set a 37.5% reimbursement model with a 10-year clawback; an initial proposal for 25% upfront payments was amended to an invoice/reimbursement approach.

The Duval County Finance Committee just approved a significant $2 million funding package for Edward Waters University, igniting a heated debate over public purpose and accountability measures.

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#DuvalCounty #FL #WorkforceDevelopment #EducationFunding #CitizenPortal

Rules committee confirms slate of local appointments, approves new public-safety and planning nominees The Duval County Rules Committee approved a series of appointments, including a planning commission chair and several Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office leadership positions, voting unanimously on each nomination after brief introductions and questions.

The Duval County Rules Committee just made significant strides in local governance by unanimously confirming key appointments aimed at enhancing affordable housing and public safety.

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#DuvalCounty #FL #DuvalCountyHousing #AffordableHousing #CommunityTransparency #PublicSafety

City official: Jaguars stadium renovation "a little bit over budget" but on track for August opening City project lead Mike Weinstein told the finance committee the Jaguars stadium renovation is progressing, remains under the Jaguars' overrun protections in the lease, and is currently slightly over budget though the August opening date is still targeted.

The Jaguars stadium renovation is slightly over budget, but city officials assure us it will still be ready for kickoff by August 28th!

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#DuvalCounty #FL #CommunityEngagement #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment

Committee approves amendment excluding District 9 from 103rd Street special-district petition, then defers bill After heated debate, the Neighborhoods Committee approved an amendment removing District 9 from a proposed 103rd Street special-dependent district petition and voted to file that amendment, but the introducer and chair agreed to defer final approval to allow more outreach and technical work on petitions, notice and staffing.

District 9 has been officially removed from the proposed special-dependent district along 103rd Street, sparking a heated debate over community priorities and safety improvements.

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#DuvalCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #CommunityOutreach #PublicSafety #DuvalCountyNeighborhoods

Committee presses MOSH on plan that cuts on-site parking from 75 to 30; amendment on performance schedule carried, bill deferred Council members pressed MOSH and DIA on a proposal to reduce on-site parking from 75 to 30 spaces to save an estimated $4 million for building and exhibit work; a staff amendment clarifying six‑month extension authority for DIA carried, but the bill was deferred for more design detail and parking logistics.

The committee's bold move to slash on-site parking from 75 to just 30 spaces at the new Museum of Science & History could save $4 million for better exhibits, but will it meet the demand of thousands of visitors?

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#DuvalCounty #FL #PublicParking #CommunityAccessibility

Rules committee advances $15M development and workforce package after amendments; Edward Waters funds moved "below the line" After debate and a legal red flag about Edward Waters University’s public-purpose footing, the Rules Committee approved a $15 million finance substitute with $2 million for EWU placed below the line pending legal review and $675,000 set aside for apprenticeship training.

The Duval County Rules Committee has advanced a $15 million finance package aimed at bolstering higher education and workforce initiatives, but not without addressing crucial legal concerns first.

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#DuvalCounty #FL #WorkforceDevelopment #TourismInvestment #HigherEducation

Council liaison says JTA is cutting fares: fixed routes to $1, paratransit to $1, and Navi free Rahman Johnson told the committee Jan. 6 that JTA has reduced fixed‑route fares from $1.75 to $1.00 (a 43% cut), reduced paratransit from $2 to $1, and made the Navi neighborhood service complimentary; he announced public input meetings in early January and urged the public to use the reduced fares.

Big news for Duval County commuters: JTA is slashing bus fares by 43% and making neighborhood rides free!

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#DuvalCounty #FL #PublicInput #DuvalCountyTransportation #AffordableTransit #CommunityMobility #CitizenPortal

Committee approves Armory parcel sale as‑is; developer pledges large remediation plan and job creation The finance committee approved a rules substitute and the sale of the Armory parcel 'as is' with a three‑year nonflip restriction. Redevelopment Associates said making the building usable will require about $15M of remediation as part of a roughly $30M project; the developer expects to create hundreds of local jobs and produce ongoing tax revenue.

The Finance Committee just greenlit a $30 million redevelopment of the Armory parcel, promising hundreds of local jobs and a hefty $15 million earmarked for environmental cleanup!

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#DuvalCounty #FL #EconomicDevelopment #EnvironmentalRemediation #JobCreation #CitizenPortal