While hospitalized, Itiyah Yisrael was referred to Jacksonville’s HealthLink program. She called it a lifeline during one of her toughest moments. But the program is under scrutiny by some city leaders.
The Duval DOGE committee is meeting on Tuesday at 11 a.m. to get an update from The Bailey Group on the city’s Group Health Plan and the 2% lapse.
A Jacksonville city council member is facing criticism from a colleague after publicly alleging potential misuse of taxpayer funds in the city’s telehealth contracts — without providing evidence of illegal activity.
Jacksonville City Councilmember Rory Diamond wants to strip about $247 million from funding that was promised to the Jacksonville Transportation Authority for phases two and three of the Ultimate Urban Circulator project.
A 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.
The Special Committee on Duval DOGE held a meeting Tuesday to review additional information about the city’s telehealth contract amid concerns of potential misuse of taxpayer funds, conflicts of interest and allegations of fraud.
Jacksonville’s telehealth provider Telescope Health strongly denied fraud allegations on Wednesday as the city’s Special Committee on Duval DOGE emergency met to discuss concerns about the company’s multi-million dollar contract with the city.
Jacksonville’s telehealth contractor responded on Wednesday to fraud allegations regarding its management of the city’s telehealth program, which provides health care access for Duval County residents.
Jacksonville’s telehealth program, Healthlink JAX, and its contractor Telescope Health are facing scrutiny as city councilman Rory Diamond calls for an investigation into the city’s telehealth contracts.
The Special Committee on Duval DOGE on Tuesday is holding a meeting on JTA’s autonomous vehicle program and the city’s group health fund deficit.
Jacksonville’s DOGE Committee met Tuesday to review three city programs as part of its ongoing effort to identify potential waste, inefficiency or abuse in local government.
The Jacksonville City Council voted against a resolution that would have allowed the Duval County School Board to change the city charter and hire its own attorney.
The attorney representing a prominent Jacksonville activist and adjunct Douglas Anderson School of the Arts teacher, who’s under fire for controversial remarks on social media, called for her return to the classroom.
A prominent local activist has been reassigned from her position as an adjunct teacher at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, the district confirmed to News4JAX on Friday.
Jacksonville 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.
After nearly 14 hours of intense debate, the Jacksonville City Council officially passed a $2 billion city budget, in what’s being called one of the most contentious budget battles in recent memory.
Jacksonville’s $2 billion budget passed after nearly 14 hours of debate and a last-minute vote change from Councilman Will Lahnen. The meeting included heated discussion over a controversial bath of amendments and a narrow vote to cut property taxes. Here’s how it all unfolded
The Jacksonville City Council is set to vote Tuesday on a $2 billion budget that could shape the city’s future for years. The proposal includes a property tax cut and reductions in funding for several core social services, and it’s sparking one of the most contentious political battles City Hall has seen in years.
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.
Jacksonville City Councilman Rory Diamond fired back at the four councilmembers who abruptly walked out of Tuesday’s meeting during budget amendment discussions.
Four Jacksonville city councilmembers walked out of a city council meeting during budget amendment discussions Tuesday night, sparking drama and prompting the sergeant at arms to intervene.
The city’s Finance Committee held its final meeting on Friday to review the proposed $2 billion budget before it heads to the full city council for a vote. During the meeting, however, council members approved a series of amendments introduced by Council member Rory Diamond, known as the “Big Beautiful Budget Amendments.”
The Jacksonville City Council Finance Committee voted this week to strip funding for tickets for the city’s luxury suite at Jaguars games, a move that could sideline both council members and the mayor’s office.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan responded to Councilman Rory Diamond’s proposed budget amendments, which he calls the “Big Beautiful Budget Amendments.” Diamond’s proposals aim to ban spending on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, undocumented immigrants, and abortion services.
A Jacksonville city councilmember accused Mayor Donna Deegan of attempting to improperly route city funds through a local nonprofit for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) purposes — an allegation the mayor and United Way both strongly deny.
Jacksonville City Councilman Rory Diamond announced on Tuesday what he called “Big Beautiful Budget Amendments” to Mayor Donna Deegan’s proposed $2 billion budget.
Jacksonville Councilman Rory Diamond said Florida DOGE is coming to the city to “identify and report on excessive spending at the city and county level.”
A recently filed lawsuit by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier claims that a Jacksonville-based company engaged in deceptive and unfair business practices related to the sale of hot tubs, outdoor kitchens, and swim spas.
Recently filed financial disclosure forms by members of Jacksonville’s City Council have revealed that the majority of them have a net worth exceeding $1 million. The forms, which are required to be filed by July 1 under Florida’s ethics law, show that at least 10 millionaires, all of whom are Republicans, make up the River City’s council.
A Jacksonville councilman, who authored a controversial bill that aimed to ban the use of city funds for services to support undocumented immigrants, condemned the mayor’s decision to veto the proposed legislation.
A controversial immigration bill passed by Jacksonville’s City Council is now on the mayor’s desk — and pressure is building. The measure would block city funds from being used to support undocumented immigrants.
Mayor Donna Deegan’s office issued a statement saying she has concerns about the immigration bill that was passed on Tuesday night.
A last-minute push to pass an emergency resolution supporting state funding for education acceleration programs -- like Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Dual Enrollment -- didn’t make the cut at Tuesday night’s Jacksonville City Council meeting.
The city of Jacksonville is considering a plan to build townhouses, duplexes and other multi-family homes to address the “missing middle” in the housing market. But not everyone is on board.
Councilman Rory Diamond said on Wednesday that General Counsel Michael Fackler should step down from his position as general counsel for the city of Jacksonville.
Some Jacksonville City Council members are questioning the job performance of the city’s top legal officer, General Counsel Michael Fackler, following Mayor Donna Deegan’s recent veto of a controversial waste contract.
Two Jacksonville lawmakers are pushing for tougher local immigration policies through two proposed bills.
Jacksonville City Council introduced two bills related to illegal immigration Tuesday. Protesters shared their concern about those bills ahead of that meeting.
With the Blue Angels set to soar over the skies of Jacksonville Beach again this year in October, the Jacksonville City Council needs to approve $200,000 in funding for the Sea & Sky Air Show.
Councilman Ron Salem is calling for a special meeting on Wednesday to figure out the next steps when it comes to the Meridian Waste contract, which comes as the trash hauler is threatening to sue the city of Jacksonville over how it’s paid.
In this episode of This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition, Kent Justice interviews Ric Anderson from the Jacksonville Daily Record about the “missing middle” housing issue in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville’s PATH team—short for “Providing Assistance to the Homeless”—is on the frontlines of tackling the city’s homelessness issue amid a Florida law that bans people without homes from sleeping outdoors overnight in public places.
According to JTA, now that the San Pablo Road project is done, there are almost 5 miles of new sidewalks, nine new pedestrian crosswalks with flashing beacons, nearly 90 new streetlights and new drainage and utility pipes.
A Black Jacksonville couple filed a lawsuit against Walmart on Wednesday after they said they were “profiled” and “humiliated” when they were accused of stealing children’s clothing at a Northside store in October.
A day after Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters responded to Mayor Donna Deegan‘s controversial comments about former President Donald Trump’s proposed immigration policy, a racist banner flew over downtown taking aim at the sheriff.
Jacksonville City Council passed Mayor Donna Deegan’s $1.9 billion budget, which focuses on issues like addressing public safety and homelessness.
Northeast Florida leaders are taking a stand against plans to develop Anastasia State Park and eight other state parks around Florida.
A Jacksonville councilman has filed a class action lawsuit against a local outdoor kitchen and hot tub company.
Jacksonville Councilman Rory Diamond said the city has “criminally underfunded animal control” for years.
The finance committee overseeing Mayor Donna Deegan’s proposed 2024-2025 budget on Friday voted to defund the Chief of Diversity and Inclusion position, currently held by Dr. Parvez Ahmed.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan is defending her proposed budget and bracing for a tough fight in the coming weeks over funding for initiatives like affordable housing, the arts, and equity in city government.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan is defending her proposed budget and bracing for a tough fight in the coming weeks over funding for initiatives like affordable housing, the arts, and equity in city government.
The head of the group in charge of development and growth in Downtown Jacksonville says the City Council’s efforts to intervene are responsible for more delays in long-awaited projects.
Members of the public will have a chance to share their thoughts about the proposed bill to fund the Jaguars stadium renovation at a special meeting scheduled for Monday.
The Beaches community received updates on the Jaguars stadium deal, the future of Penman Road and the potential of school closures.
The Jacksonville City Council is holding the first of two workshops Wednesday to discuss the multi-million dollar deal to renovate the Jaguars' stadium.
Documents were made public on Thursday that spell out in writing how the city could spend $775 million on a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars to help renovate EverBank Field and turn it into the “Stadium of the Future.”
It’s a complicated plan that doesn’t involve raising taxes and News4JAX has been asking questions to those who drew up the deal and one council member who has been very critical of it.
Plans to build a self-storage facility with affordable housing and retail space in San Marco are moving forward after the Jacksonville city council voted to bring the facility to the corner of Hendricks Avenue and Prudential Drive.
Plans to build a self-storage facility with affordable housing and retail space in San Marco are moving forward after the Jacksonville city council voted to bring the facility to the corner of Hendricks Avenue and Prudential Drive.
A day after the news broke that JEA CEO Jay Stowe is expected to step down from his position leading the city-owned utility — according to multiple sources — Stowe sent a short and cryptic email to the entire staff.
The Atlantic Beach City Commission ruled unanimously in support of a proposal requesting the Duval County School Board to ensure that Atlantic Beach Elementary School will remain open after the school board said it’s looking to consolidate and close several schools.
Mayor Donna Deegan is hosting a signing ceremony for the Jacksonville Heroes Act.
The Jacksonville Beach City Council heard from more than a dozen residents Monday night who all expressed concerns about public safety after three separate shootings Sunday night prompted a lockdown of the downtown bar district.
The impromptu topic of conversation at Monday’s Jacksonville Beach city council meeting was Sunday’s three separate shootings that left one person dead and three others injured.
One of the two juries reached a verdict in the federal trial of former JEA executives accused of conspiracy and fraud.
City Councilman Rory Diamond, who serves in the Florida Army National Guard, wants the city of Jacksonville to do something to alleviate struggles for city employees who serve in the military.
CSX is condemning hateful displays that purportedly appeared on the side of the company building downtown during the Jacksonville Jaguars game this weekend.
Jacksonville City Councilman Rory Diamond has introduced a bill that would impose new mandatory building inspections for Jacksonville in the wake of the Surfside building collapse last year that killed 98 people.
Agencies and nonprofits providing resources to veterans to prevent suicide say a lower suicide rate is an encouraging trend but believe there is still more work to be done.
Low pay for veteran teachers and more than 500 teacher vacancies in Duval County Public Schools are just some reasons why a community group is now pushing for Jacksonville to vote “yes” to increase property taxes.
There’s a push to bring tiny houses to Jacksonville properties.
The Jacksonville Beach Pier is set to reopen in the next few weeks after a lengthy construction project.
The Jacksonville City Council on Tuesday evening voting unanimously to withdraw legislation that was aimed at creating a reimbursement option for city employees who travel for “medical treatments related to reproductive rights.”
Civil rights groups have filed a lawsuit demanding the Jacksonville City Council “start over” on recently approved boundary lines.
The Jacksonville City Council is expected to hold a public hearing Tuesday on the term limit bill introduced in February, but it appears the legislation could be in trouble.
City Councilman Rory Diamond thinks people will be able to go on the pier again sometime this summer in either June or early July.
The Duval County School Board on Tuesday discussed the possibility of asking voters for a one-mill increase in property taxes to help increase teacher pay and improve arts and athletic programs for students, according to the school district.
Emergency legislation was filed Tuesday by Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry to remove the Berkman Plaza II building, which has had its implosion pushed back time and time again.
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A third reading of an ordinance that would make Juneteenth a paid holiday for city workers in Jacksonville is scheduled during City Council’s meeting Tuesday evening.
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The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department’s Mobile Incident Management Unit arrived early Saturday in South Florida to help with rescue efforts at the Surfside condominium building that collapsed Thursday.
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Members of the Jacksonville City Council took a major step forward Tuesday on one of the latest projects planned along the Southbank.
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Ahead of a special forum to discuss a proposed local option gas tax in Duval County, the Jacksonville City Council on Tuesday heard from members of the public during a town hall meeting at City Hall.
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Last year, the Women’s Center of Jacksonville performed more than 300 sexual assault exams and the tip line got more than 2,000 reports. Leaders say only about 1 in 4 victims of sexual assault actually come forward. With Sexual Assault Awareness Month about to kick off in April and crowds growing at Jacksonville’s busiest beach businesses, city leaders and advocates say the message about preventing sexual assault is more important now than ever -- particularly when you mix the dangers of parties, people and alcohol. Diamond joined the mayors of Jacksonville, Atlantic and Neptune beaches on Tuesday to launch a sexual assault campaign in conjunction with the Women’s Center of Jacksonville. The campaign includes the slogan, “3 beaches... 1 mission: Wipe out sexual assault” along with the Women’s Center’s 24-hour Rape Crisis Hotline: 904-721-7273.
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After a debate that turned heated and slightly personal at times, Jacksonville city leaders approved an amended version of a bill to adjust how city council raises are handled. The original plan would have done away with automatic pay raises for council members and forced them to vote each year on whether to take salary increases. The NOPE bill stands for “No Obligatory Pay Enlargement,” but after a debate centered around a cost of living increase, the city council passed an amended version of the bill that removed the original language. City council salaries make up only a small part of the city’s $1.3 billion budget. Last fall, council members approved a 4.6% increase, bringing salaries for most council members to over $52,000 a year.
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A bill that would get rid of built-in pay raises for Jacksonville City Council members hit a hurdle in committee Tuesday with an amendment that Councilman Rory Diamond called an attempt to “gut” the legislation. Diamond, who introduced the bill earlier this year, wants to require council members to pass standalone legislation to increase their salaries each year. “But we can still pass the original bill, stop automatic pay increases and have a public vote. Finance Committee voted to PROTECT automatic pay raises for Jax Council. Thank you, Council Members Cumber and Salem for voting for TRANSPARENCY and an up or down public vote on a raise.
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Duval County went blue in the most recent elections for president and governor but local Democrats are seeing red as infighting in the party had led to calls for the resignation of the chairman of the Duval County Democratic Party. Dennis, along with five other Democratic members of city council, called for Henry to resign during a Friday news conference. AdCouncilman Garrett Dennis calls for the resignation of Duval Democratic Party Chairman Daniel Henry. As chair of the Duval County Democratic Party, I am united with all Democrats in demanding non-gerrymandered seats on the City Council, and together we will make this happen. Duval County Democratic Chairman Daniel HenryDiamond also did not want to talk on camera but issued a statement.
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville,” Jacksonville City Councilman Rory Diamond discusses the recent report on the JEA investigation. U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida, talks about the upcoming impeachment trial and holding people accountable for the Capitol siege. And Writer CEO May Habib explains how the ugliness in political conversations online has gotten toxic.
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Several Jacksonville City Council members are calling for a freeze on council salaries. Councilman Rory Diamond introduced a bill Wednesday that would get rid of built-in pay raises for council members and instead require them to pass standalone legislation to increase their salaries. This is not the time for an automatic pay increase.”DOCUMENT: View a copy of the proposed legislationThe City Council OK’d a $2,302 raise programmed into the 2020-21 city budget, bringing salaries for most council members to over $52,000. According to figures provided by Diamond, the city spends more than $1 million a year on council salaries and $595,000 more in benefits. Under his legislation, the City Council would fix annual salaries for council members at a rate equivalent to half the salary for a county commissioner in a county roughly the same size as Duval.
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