Request to expand Southside halal grocery store moves forward after slaughterhouse proposal withdrawn
Read full article: Request to expand Southside halal grocery store moves forward after slaughterhouse proposal withdrawnA request to expand a halal grocery store on Beach Boulevard advanced through the Jacksonville City Council Land Use and Zoning Committee after the applicant withdrew a request to build an animal processing facility, according to News4JAX partners at the Jacksonville Daily Record.
Southside slaughterhouse won’t be built after store owners remove proposal from rezoning request, council president says
Read full article: Southside slaughterhouse won’t be built after store owners remove proposal from rezoning request, council president saysA proposed slaughterhouse expansion to a Jacksonville halal grocery store was shut down after months of public pushback and negotiations with the owners, City Council President Kevin Carrico said.
City council approves sending $200k to local food bank as food insecurity plagues numerous families during shutdown
Read full article: City council approves sending $200k to local food bank as food insecurity plagues numerous families during shutdownThe Jacksonville City Council will consider two different bills Wednesday to give money to a local food bank amid the government shutdown.
City council committee workshops aim to boost education, mentorship for youths in Jacksonville
Read full article: City council committee workshops aim to boost education, mentorship for youths in JacksonvilleThe committee, chaired by Councilmember Terrance Freeman and established by Council President Kevin Carrico, was created to enhance communication between city agencies and their partners, focusing on education, mentorship, workforce readiness, and safe community spaces for Jacksonville’s younger population.
‘Never seen a budget this contentious’: Councilmembers react after marathon meeting leads to passed $2B city budget
Read full article: ‘Never seen a budget this contentious’: Councilmembers react after marathon meeting leads to passed $2B city budgetJacksonville City Council members endured a nearly 14-hour meeting that stretched into early Wednesday morning to finalize the city’s budget. The session, which began Tuesday afternoon, wrapped up around 4 a.m., marked by intense debates over a property tax reduction and a controversial budget amendment.
Jacksonville City Council sets ground rules of conduct ahead of contentious meeting
Read full article: Jacksonville City Council sets ground rules of conduct ahead of contentious meetingWith a packed agenda and razor-thin votes expected on several hot-button issues, the Jacksonville City Council is bracing for what could be a tense and lengthy meeting Tuesday night.
Council president calls for removal of council-appointed board member who said Charlie Kirk ‘spewed nothing but hate’
Read full article: Council president calls for removal of council-appointed board member who said Charlie Kirk ‘spewed nothing but hate’Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico has called for the removal of a city-appointed board member who posted what he calls “hateful rhetoric” regarding the death of Charlie Kirk.
City council moves to ban free tickets for elected officials. Free tickets still available for family members, staff
Read full article: City council moves to ban free tickets for elected officials. Free tickets still available for family members, staffThe Jacksonville City Council is set to vote on Tuesday night on an ordinance that would change how free event tickets are distributed among the city’s elected officials.
‘Not the time’: City Council members debate proposed millage rate cut and its impact on road maintenance
Read full article: ‘Not the time’: City Council members debate proposed millage rate cut and its impact on road maintenanceAs Jacksonville city council members approach a vote on the final budget and a proposed millage rate cut, a debate unfolded over the potential impact on road maintenance funding.
DeSantis criticizes increases in local budgets, says they should focus on ‘core functions’ and reduce property taxes
Read full article: DeSantis criticizes increases in local budgets, says they should focus on ‘core functions’ and reduce property taxesOn Tuesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized local governments that have proposed budget increases, saying that they should focus on core functions and cut property taxes.
Council president says proposed $13M in tax cuts gives money ‘back to the citizens,’ still funds ‘essential services’
Read full article: Council president says proposed $13M in tax cuts gives money ‘back to the citizens,’ still funds ‘essential services’City Council President Kevin Carrico is hosting a news conference on Monday where he is expected to lay out his “bold plan” to lower property taxes and eliminate what he calls unnecessary government spending.
Jacksonville Finance Committee reaches compromise on Meals on Wheels funding in new budget
Read full article: Jacksonville Finance Committee reaches compromise on Meals on Wheels funding in new budgetJacksonville’s Finance Committee is adding back some funding for the Meals on Wheels program. In its final budget hearing, the committee moved forward with $1.7 million for the program after pushback against proposed cuts to Mayor Donna Deegan’s initial budget request.
TPC and Timberlake: Which councilmembers got the most free event tickets in 2024? Here’s what city records show
Read full article: TPC and Timberlake: Which councilmembers got the most free event tickets in 2024? Here’s what city records showFrom Jaguars tickets to concert seats and parking passes, the News4JAX I-TEAM obtained a list released by the City of Jacksonville with detailed information regarding its free ticket distribution, including the names of those who requested tickets, how many they received and the events they attended.
Council president takes shot at mayor with ‘DEEGAN’ amendment aimed at eliminating free Jags tickets for city officials
Read full article: Council president takes shot at mayor with ‘DEEGAN’ amendment aimed at eliminating free Jags tickets for city officialsLess than a week after City Council President Kevin Carrico asked another councilman to look into possibly drafting legislation to change how free tickets and perks for events at city-owned venues are distributed among councilmembers, he’s now going against what the councilman proposed and calling for the elimination of the long-held practice related to Jacksonville Jaguars tickets.
Attorney calls for Sunshine Law investigation into Jacksonville City Council president, 2 other members
Read full article: Attorney calls for Sunshine Law investigation into Jacksonville City Council president, 2 other membersA local attorney is calling on the State Attorney’s Office to investigate three Jacksonville City Council members for potential violations of Florida’s Sunshine Law, raising new concerns about transparency inside City Hall.
Councilmen want easier access to the city’s free event tickets, like Jags games. One member says they’re ‘out of touch’
Read full article: Councilmen want easier access to the city’s free event tickets, like Jags games. One member says they’re ‘out of touch’A prominent Jacksonville city council member is calling some of his colleagues “out of touch” as they push for easier access to perks at a time when the council is cutting some critical community programs.
‘Stop lecturing City Council’: Mayor Deegan, council president spar over proposed budget cuts
Read full article: ‘Stop lecturing City Council’: Mayor Deegan, council president spar over proposed budget cutsMayor Donna Deegan and City Council President Kevin Carrico are going back and forth over the proposed property tax cut by the Finance Committee that was recommended hours before Florida DOGE arrived Thursday.
Potential new buyer interested in Laura Street Trio, council president says
Read full article: Potential new buyer interested in Laura Street Trio, council president saysThe owner of the historic Laura Street Trio in Downtown Jacksonville has found a potential new buyer for the long-vacant buildings, Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico said on WJCT’s First Coast Connect on Tuesday.
Jacksonville NAACP supports councilman Peluso after committee removal, calls action ‘political agenda’
Read full article: Jacksonville NAACP supports councilman Peluso after committee removal, calls action ‘political agenda’The Jacksonville Branch of the NAACP says it stands with City Councilman Jimmy Peluso after he boycotted a committee meeting and was then removed from the committee.
A Democrat councilman boycotted his first committee meeting. The Republican council president just removed him
Read full article: A Democrat councilman boycotted his first committee meeting. The Republican council president just removed himJacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico, a Republican, announced Tuesday that he had removed a fellow councilman from a council committee after he boycotted the first meeting.
Incoming Council President Kevin Carrico outlines priorities for Jacksonville
Read full article: Incoming Council President Kevin Carrico outlines priorities for JacksonvilleJacksonville City Councilman Kevin Carrico is set to take the gavel as council president on July 1. In a recent interview, Carrico shared his vision for the year ahead, emphasizing a focus on youth, public safety, and fiscal responsibility.
‘I feel threatened’: Tensions reach boiling point between two prominent Jacksonville city council members
Read full article: ‘I feel threatened’: Tensions reach boiling point between two prominent Jacksonville city council membersTensions between two prominent Jacksonville city council members reached a boiling point Thursday, with incoming council president Kevin Carrico requesting security.
Councilman says city directed JSO not to enforce local immigration laws. But mayor’s office calls it legal advice
Read full article: Councilman says city directed JSO not to enforce local immigration laws. But mayor’s office calls it legal adviceA social media post made by the Jacksonville City Council president on Thursday sparked questions about police enforcement of local and state immigration laws in the city.
Jacksonville city council denies rezoning for Costco gas station at St. Johns Town Center
Read full article: Jacksonville city council denies rezoning for Costco gas station at St. Johns Town CenterJacksonville City Council denied a rezoning for a members-only gas station at the Costco at St. Johns Town Center on Tuesday, according to news partner Jacksonville Daily Record.
Kevin Carrico says he is ‘ready to lead’ as city council president, with three areas of focus for the city
Read full article: Kevin Carrico says he is ‘ready to lead’ as city council president, with three areas of focus for the cityThe shift in Jacksonville City Council’s leadership has started its transition.
Kevin Carrico tapped to lead Jacksonville City Council, Howland to serve as VP
Read full article: Kevin Carrico tapped to lead Jacksonville City Council, Howland to serve as VPAt a Tuesday afternoon meeting, members of Jacksonville’s City Council voted for Kevin Carrico to serve as the next president, replacing current president Randy White, who has concluded his year in the position.
Councilman Carlucci says he’s concerned about ‘potshots’ aimed at mayor ahead of council leadership vote
Read full article: Councilman Carlucci says he’s concerned about ‘potshots’ aimed at mayor ahead of council leadership voteWith a City Council leadership election approaching, Councilman Matt Carlucci is expressing his concerns about the direction of Jacksonville’s local government. He stated that he has concerns about what he perceives as “pot shots” at the mayor that could set the city back.
Mayor Deegan says she will not sign immigration bill, agrees to fund JSO’s additional fingerprint scanners
Read full article: Mayor Deegan says she will not sign immigration bill, agrees to fund JSO’s additional fingerprint scannersCouncilman Kevin Carrico will hold a news conference on Wednesday to call for Mayor Donna Deegan to sign the Jacksonville Illegal Immigration Act into law. An hour after Carrico’s news conference, Deegan will hold a separate news conference with community leaders to discuss the immigration bill.
Deegan says she is reviewing illegal immigration bill before signing it. But councilman says ‘she’s making excuses’
Read full article: Deegan says she is reviewing illegal immigration bill before signing it. But councilman says ‘she’s making excuses’The legislation approved by City Council Tuesday night that aims to crack down on illegal immigration in Jacksonville is now sitting on Mayor Donna Deegan’s desk, who said is still in the process of reviewing it before deciding whether to sign it or not.
‘Jacksonville is not a sanctuary city’: Bill on illegal immigration enforcement heading to full council vote
Read full article: ‘Jacksonville is not a sanctuary city’: Bill on illegal immigration enforcement heading to full council voteA proposed Jacksonville Illegal Immigration Enforcement Act is now on its way to a full vote by the Jacksonville City Council.
City Council to review proposal to provide police resources, increase penalties when it comes illegal immigration
Read full article: City Council to review proposal to provide police resources, increase penalties when it comes illegal immigrationTwo Jacksonville lawmakers are pushing for tougher local immigration policies through two proposed bills.
‘Full-on assault of immigrant communities’: Local activist groups voice concerns over proposed immigration policies
Read full article: ‘Full-on assault of immigrant communities’: Local activist groups voice concerns over proposed immigration policiesJacksonville City Council introduced two bills related to illegal immigration Tuesday. Protesters shared their concern about those bills ahead of that meeting.
Jacksonville councilman files legislation to ensure JSO has tools to enforce illegal immigration laws
Read full article: Jacksonville councilman files legislation to ensure JSO has tools to enforce illegal immigration lawsJacksonville City Council Vice President Kevin Carrico filed legislation to ensure the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has the resources needed to enforce illegal immigration laws.
Council passes emergency resolution, clearing the path for new ownership of the Laura Street Trio
Read full article: Council passes emergency resolution, clearing the path for new ownership of the Laura Street TrioJacksonville City Council passed an emergency resolution that will encourage the mayor’s office to come to an agreement with a potential new owner of the Laura Street Trio.

Jacksonville City Council debates Laura Street Trio future, new developer emerges
Read full article: Jacksonville City Council debates Laura Street Trio future, new developer emergesThe Jacksonville City Council met on Monday to discuss the future of the historic Laura Street Trio. The meeting highlighted the growing tension between city officials and developers over how to resolve the long-standing issues surrounding the vacant buildings.
Laura Street Trio developer cites ‘lack of communication, respect’ during failed negotiations with city of Jacksonville
Read full article: Laura Street Trio developer cites ‘lack of communication, respect’ during failed negotiations with city of JacksonvilleThe city of Jacksonville says it is ending negotiations with the developer of the Laura Street Trio, which means redeveloping that area does not have a path forward for the time being.
‘Ready to blossom’: Councilman wants Laura Street Trio agreement in place by end of year
Read full article: ‘Ready to blossom’: Councilman wants Laura Street Trio agreement in place by end of yearThe “coming soon” signs around the Laura Street Trio have been in place for, what some say, feels like years. It’s no secret, people are ready to see those signs go down, and the construction go up.
Jacksonville University celebrates opening of new College of Law downtown campus
Read full article: Jacksonville University celebrates opening of new College of Law downtown campusJacksonville University held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday morning to celebrate the opening of its new College of Law campus downtown.
Jacksonville City Council focuses on lack of downtown development
Read full article: Jacksonville City Council focuses on lack of downtown developmentA new committee looking at the city agency that’s supposed to bring in development to downtown met for the first time Monday. The question many have now is why downtown development is taking so long and what about the future of the Downtown Investment Authority and its leader, Lori Boyer.
Heavy equipment moves into downtown to begin construction on long-awaited Riverfront Plaza park
Read full article: Heavy equipment moves into downtown to begin construction on long-awaited Riverfront Plaza parkThe old Jacksonville Landing site is finally getting a makeover. After more than three years of waiting for development, the city of Jacksonville said construction will begin Monday at Riverfront Plaza.
Man who says he needs money from drivers to survive says new law is unfair; sponsor says it’s about safety
Read full article: Man who says he needs money from drivers to survive says new law is unfair; sponsor says it’s about safetyThe only thing standing in the way of banning those asking for money on the city’s roadways is Mayor Lenny Curry’s signature.
Jacksonville looking to crack down on panhandling in medians and intersections
Read full article: Jacksonville looking to crack down on panhandling in medians and intersectionsThe city of Jackosnville is looking to crack down on panhandling in the median of roads. This has been an issue all over the city in recent years and the city council is working improve safety.
Unopposed: Three Jacksonville city council seats
Read full article: Unopposed: Three Jacksonville city council seatsThree members of the Jacksonville City Council have been re-elected before any ballots are even cast. Each of these council members drew no opponents during the qualifying period for the 2023 city elections. Their new four-year terms will start July 1. All three of these council members are Republicans.
JEA continues ‘flushing’ Pottsburg Creek after sewage spill
Read full article: JEA continues ‘flushing’ Pottsburg Creek after sewage spillBacteria levels in Pottsburg Creek remain elevated but are decreasing after raw sewage overflowed into the Jacksonville tributary on Sunday, according to a spokesperson for JEA.
I-TEAM: New test results show elevated bacteria levels in Pottsburg Creek
Read full article: I-TEAM: New test results show elevated bacteria levels in Pottsburg CreekNew test results show elevated bacteria levels in Pottsburg Creek, where a pump malfunctioned over the weekend at a wastewater site on Holiday Road, the News4JAX I-TEAM has learned.
Body found in burning Jacksonville strip club that city officials are trying to close
Read full article: Body found in burning Jacksonville strip club that city officials are trying to closeThe body of a man found inside a Jacksonville strip club Sunday night will undergo an autopsy Monday to determine how he died, police said.
Residents share concerns amid investigation at Pottsburg Creek dig site
Read full article: Residents share concerns amid investigation at Pottsburg Creek dig siteResidents who are upset over a project behind their homes in Jacksonville’s Grove Park neighborhood gathered on Monday evening for a meeting to share their concerns.
State regulators find leakage, unpermitted work, environmental concerns at Pottsburg Creek dig site
Read full article: State regulators find leakage, unpermitted work, environmental concerns at Pottsburg Creek dig siteState environmental regulators have issued a stern warning to contractors accused of illegally pumping wastewater into wetlands and a nearby Jacksonville waterway.
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Contractor cleans up, removes pump during investigation into runoff at Pottsburg Creek
Read full article: Contractor cleans up, removes pump during investigation into runoff at Pottsburg CreekThe I-TEAM on Monday learned that local and state agencies are investigating complaints of illegal dumping into a Jacksonville waterway, and on Tuesday, a city councilman told News4Jax he’s following the situation closely.
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Jacksonville City Council, District 4
Read full article: Jacksonville City Council, District 4I truly care about this city and its residents and will serve them responsibly and passionately. I want to leave the District and the City in a better place than it was when I'm sworn in. COVID-19 presents a unique set of circumstances that will challenge our Nation and our City to ensure the safety of its citizens. I would hope to be remembered as someone that was truly for the people of this district and city. We must make Jacksonville a city for ALL people and acknowledge where we have fallen short.

