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Jacksonville faces difficult budget cuts as homestead tax exemptions expand. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

FROM EXTENSIVE ENTERPRISES MEDIA

Jacksonville homeowners might get a break from the property tax amendment passed last week. But the city budget — and what it funds — will not.

Chief Administrative Officer Mike Weinstein says raising homestead exemptions to $150,000 next year, $250,000 in 2028 and higher in the years after will force tough choices on policymakers and what Mike Mendenhall of Jacksonville Today calls “across the board” cuts.

Jacksonville homeowners may save on taxes, but City Hall is already sharpening its budget pencils.

“But the budget will probably have fewer people as city employees, and it’ll probably have the services that we provide continue to be provided, but some of them may be a little bit less. Maybe the libraries will be open not quite as long. In the parks, maybe mosquito spraying is delayed. Maybe code enforcement is a day late to get out,” the veteran administrator and former politician told the reporter this week.

Hiring will slow down even though the current budget for a fiscal year that runs through Sept. 30 is technically good. The city will manage force reductions through attrition.

Weinstein says the city won’t run off reserves to spackle over deficits but will “fix the core organization to match our revenue.”

“There has to be an impact. You can’t take away 20%, 30%, 35% of discretionary dollars and not have an impact. So, there will be less of many services, but not in a diminished way that they’ll be devastated. But maybe mowing in the public areas will be one less per year, that kind of stuff.”

Economic incentives for developers are not on the chopping block, though.

“The way the incentives work is that the developer comes in and says this is what we want to do and this is where we want to do it. And they come in with a pro forma as to the finances of that. Then the city and consultants review all that and see what’s necessary, if anything, to fill a (financial) gap. And if there is a gap and we really want the projects, then we discuss and contemplate filling that gap. But I don’t see – I see in the future, because of homestead, maybe the programs and projects being a little slower, being scrutinized a little more, although they’re scrutinized to a very great extent. But I don’t see them stopping from coming, and I don’t see us stopping from doing the important ones.”

Nixon’s next move

Angie Nixon won’t be in office the next couple of years. But she’s going to stay in the game, she said this weekend on “Facing South Florida,” as she bemoaned a lack of fundraising in her close-but-not-quite U.S. Senate race.

“I was underfunded, a very small fraction of what Andrew Gillum had, a very small fraction of what James Talarico had, and everyone else had across the country, based on our numbers and everything. And so, we did really good. We got really close, but the overall message is that Florida is worth fighting for. The people of Florida are worth fighting for, and I’m going to continue to throw down so that we can help improve their quality of life.”

Angie Nixon is taking a breather, not necessarily a bow. Image via Miami Herald.

She’s not committing to another run yet.

"I haven't seen my kids … And so, I'm just going to hang out with them," she said. "I'm going to get some rest, and then I'm going to get back to work to really just organizing the state, which is what I love to do."

Crime-fighting cash

Even as Jacksonville leaders fret about how to fill a budget hole created by Amendment 3, the Sheriff's Office will make up some of the loss, thanks to the Donald Trump administration.

This week, the Justice Department announced a $73 million award to the city through its Model Cities Initiative, billed as “a flagship effort to reduce violent crime, restore law and order, and strengthen public safety in communities across the country.”

Jacksonville lands a federal crime-fighting windfall, with new technology joining the beat.

This was a competitive process, with dozens of cities falling short. As a result of the funding, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office will get funding for what the DOJ calls “common sense policing, including prioritizing deterrence through proactive policing and increasing police activity in high-crime areas.”

"Funding will also encourage the adoption of new technologies – including drones and artificial intelligence – and modern methods to track criminal behavior and gather intelligence," the DOJ adds.

“The Model Cities Initiative reflects the Trump administration’s commitment to reducing crime across the country and ensuring the safety of every American,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “These cities are setting an example of proactive law enforcement that will strengthen the rule of law and improve public safety in their jurisdictions. As violent crime rates continue to fall to historic lows, the Department of Justice is redoubling our efforts to invest in local communities and keep American families safe.”

Jacksonville’s murder rate has fallen in recent years, and the federal money will let the city use technology to improve clearance rates and, ultimately, maintain the positive momentum.

State and local leaders hailed the disbursement.

“In Florida, we hunt down child predators, lock up fentanyl traffickers, and make safety a number one priority,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “I commend U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche and our federal partners. Violent crime has seen a historic decline, dropping to its lowest level in over a century, and I’m grateful for this grant, which will save lives across North Florida.”

“We are deeply grateful to the Department of Justice for this generational investment in our community’s safety. It’s an investment that will allow us to build on our success, strengthen our investigative capabilities, and innovate our technological assets,” said Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters. “Through the Model Cities Initiative, we will, together, make strides to keep our children and grandchildren safe for many years into the future.”

Access accomplishments

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan is trumpeting two recent awards for initiatives under her administration that make it easier to access local government and to understand what policymakers are doing.

Jacksonville.gov gets a digital pat on the back. Even City Hall appreciates a good refresh.

In the wake of the Center for Digital Government bestowing a 2026 Government Experience (GovX) Project Award for the Jacksonville.gov “Website Redesign and Digital Experience Transformation” and the Lean Competency System giving the city its 2026 Scaling Continuous Improvement Capability Award for the city’s 904Lean program, the first-term Democrat says citizens are getting what they should from the city government.

"Jacksonville residents deserve a city government that is always looking for ways to serve them better," said Deegan. "Whether it's finding what you need on Jacksonville.gov or getting a faster answer from a city department, these two awards reflect the same goal: a government that is easier to work with and more responsive to the people we serve. The credit belongs to employees across our city who are rethinking how we work every day."

Wanyonyi Kendrick, Chief Information Officer for the City of Jacksonville, discussed the website revamp that earned the GovX honor.

"We set out to build a digital experience that is simple, accessible and connected, so residents don’t need to know which department handles something to get it done. This recognition is a credit to our technology team and our partners across every city department. And we’re not finished. We will keep listening to residents and improving the experience," Kendrick vowed.

Regarding 904Lean, which is said to have streamlined permitting and contract approvals, LCS head Catrin Archer said it exemplifies “what scaling continuous improvement looks like.”

"Jacksonville has gone beyond individual projects to build the people, leadership and culture needed to make improvement part of everyday government. We're delighted to recognize 904Lean and the city's commitment to building lasting improvement capability," Archer added.

Coast to coast

United Airlines is rolling out nonstop flights between Jacksonville and San Francisco next year, twice a week on Mondays and Fridays.

The hope is to open the Eastern Hemisphere with a one-stop flight.

Jacksonville to San Francisco, nonstop. The West Coast just got a little closer.

“With this new route, travelers in Northeast Florida will be able to conveniently reach the West Coast and, from there, destinations across the Pacific with United’s leading global route network from our San Francisco hub,” a United official said.

“The Bay Area was one of our largest unserved markets,” Jacksonville Aviation Authority CEO Mark VanLoh said. “United’s new nonstop flight not only provides us much-needed access to the West Coast, but it also unlocks convenient connecting service to Asia.”

Credit is due

Florida State College at Jacksonville military veterans can bank on a boost from a local credit union.

VyStar is investing $2.7 million to renovate VyStar Military and Veterans Service Centers at all four campuses between now and 2028.

VyStar invests in a smoother landing for veterans heading from military service to college.

“Military-connected students bring tremendous experience, determination and leadership to our classrooms and communities,” said Dr. John Avendano, President of FSCJ. “Thanks to this partnership with VyStar, we are strengthening the support systems that help them turn their goals into achievements. From academic guidance and career development to essential resources and personal connections, these centers will help ensure our military-connected students have the opportunities and support they need to thrive.”

The resource centers will help an estimated 3,700 veteran students make the transition from serving the country to civilian life.

Beach driving ahoy!

St. Johns County is preparing to offer passes for driving on the beach in the historic county.

County officials announced this week that preseason annual beach driving passes go on sale Dec. 1. Passes for residents cost $65, non-resident passes cost $125, and Americans with Disabilities passes cost $40.

St. Johns County beach driving passes are coming. Sand in the floor mats sold separately.

St. Johns County is one of the East Coast counties that still permits widespread driving on local beaches. To obtain a residential pass, applicants must present valid identification with a St. Johns County address or proof of property tax payments in the county. Disabled applicants must present a disabled person parking permit to get the beach pass.

Disabled military veterans get free annual passes by showing a letter from Veterans Affairs acknowledging their disabled status or showing their military identification.

Pre-season beach driving passes can be purchased at the following St. Johns County government offices:

— Tax Collector’s Main Office, 4030 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine.

— Tax Collector’s DuPont Center Office, 6658 U.S. 1 South, St. Augustine.

— Tax Collector’s Julington Creek Office, 725 Flora Branch Blvd., St. Johns.

– Tax Collector’s Ponte Vedra Office, 151 Sawgrass Corners Drive, Ponte Vedra Beach.

— St. Johns County Beach Services Office, 901 Pope Road, St. Augustine.

– St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier Gift Shop, 3 50 A1A Blvd., St. Augustine.

Palm Coast culture

Eight local arts and cultural organizations have been selected to receive funding from the Palm Coast 2026-27 Cultural Arts Program.

The local funding supports arts and cultural projects and efforts to provide cultural experiences in Flagler.

“Through these programs, the city continues to support arts and cultural opportunities that enrich the community, encourage creative expression, and celebrate the diverse traditions and talents found throughout Palm Coast and Flagler County,” a Palm Coast press release said.

The groups receiving the funding from Palm Coast include:

The African American Cultural Society is presenting a calendar of 12 public cultural programs celebrating American and African Diaspora history and culture.

City Lites Inc. for presenting the Motown & Mo’ cultural program, a live musical and theatrical production celebrating the music, artists, choreography, and cultural influence of Motown.

Palm Coast puts some money behind the Motown magic. Cue the soundtrack.

City Repertory Theatre Inc. for its 16th season of theater, featuring a variety of productions spanning Broadway musicals, classic American literature, and contemporary drama.

The Community Chorus of Palm Coast Inc. for its 2026-27 concert season, featuring its annual Holiday Concert on Dec. 4 and 6, and its Spring Concert on April 16 and 18.

The Flagler Auditorium Governing Board and its season of live performing arts and educational programming are designed to connect the community with the arts.

The Flagler Education Foundation for the Josh Crews Creative Writing Project, a district-wide literary and visual arts program serving students in grades 4-12 across Flagler County Public Schools, including the virtual academy.

The Hispanic American Cultural Society for its annual Hispanic Food & Arts Festival of Palm Coast, celebrating Hispanic heritage and traditions from across Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Palm Coast Songwriters Festival is in its ninth year, featuring hit songwriters sharing the stories behind their songs and performing their music.

Sweater weather

If you’re noticing a chill in the air, chances are those least able to protect themselves from the elements are, too.

Enter WJCT with a solution that helps make it a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

The public broadcaster is running its Mr. Rogers Sweater Drive through the end of the month.

You can drop off donations at WJCT Studios at 100 Festival Park Avenue in Jacksonville, participating VyStar Credit Union locations, Suddath locations, and all Tom Bush Family of Dealerships locations. On Dec. 17, 2026, donations will go to nonprofits: the Clay County Rescue Mission, City Rescue Mission (Duval), Clara White Mission (Duval), and Barnabas Center (Nassau County).

A little warmth goes a long way as WJCT collects sweaters for neighbors in need.

“Mister Rogers had a way of making every person feel seen and valued,” said Karen Feagins, President and CEO of WJCT Public Media. “I love that his influence is still being felt here in Northeast Florida. Every sweater or jacket donated reminds us that being a good neighbor doesn’t have to be complicated. We’re grateful to our partners and everyone who gives to this effort.”

They doled out five tons of cold-weather gear this year.

Can 2026 exceed that?

Only one way to find out.


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Jaguars swing for the fences

For years, Jaguars fans have screamed for more respect. In the seasons when the team has been a contender, the national press rarely heaps praise upon Jacksonville. But after Thursday night’s dismantling of the Baltimore Ravens and the big swings taken before the trade deadline, the narrative is changing.

First, the trades. In the day before Tuesday’s trade deadline, the Jaguars added three players to replace injured starters.

With injuries spreading through the safety position, the Jaguars added Jessie Bates III in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons. The Jaguars sent a second-round pick in the next draft and a 2028 fifth-round pick for the 29-year-old veteran. Bates was a Pro Bowl pick in 2023.

The Jaguars are making moves, and the rest of the NFL is taking notice. Image via News4JAX.

The Jaguars lost starter Eric Murray to a season-ending elbow injury in their Nov. 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Then, the Jaguars added a stout run stopper to replace the injured DaVon Hamilton, trading a conditional sixth-round pick to the New Orleans Saints for veteran nose tackle Davon Godchaux. Those two picks alone made the Jaguars among the most active movers on the trade market.

Then, late Monday afternoon, the bombshell came. The Jaguars sent next year’s first-round pick and a 2029 second-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for massive defensive tackle Jordan Davis. The former Georgia Bulldog has a sack and a half in nine games this season, but his real value is in clogging up the middle against the run.

The Jaguars now have picks in the third, fourth, fifth, and seventh rounds next season.

General Manager James Gladstone values players over picks and is most concerned with making a run at the Super Bowl now.

Even before the trades, the Jaguars’ play was getting attention. The Jaguars have outscored the opposition by 108 points this season. That’s the biggest point differential in the NFL. Granted, some wins have come against teams that have traded away key players (Indianapolis Colts) or played without their starting quarterback (Baltimore Ravens), but they are still NFL teams.

The national media is also aware of the Jaguars’ remaining schedule, the easiest schedule remaining in the NFL.

Rich Eisen crowned the Jaguars as Super Bowl contenders after the win over Baltimore. Former NFL veterans Ryan Fitzpatrick and Andrew Whitworth said on this week’s Fitz & Whit podcast that they dedicated a sizable chunk of time to the Jaguars. NBC Sports posted an article declaring that Trevor Lawrence is having, by far, the best year of his career. The Associated Press noted that, because of the schedule, nobody should be surprised if the Jaguars win the AFC North and secure home-field advantage in the playoffs.

Lawrence has also entered the MVP conversation. While Buffalo’s Josh Allen and Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow are the co-favorites, Lawrence’s name has been mentioned more often as the year has gone on.

Lawrence leads the NFL in passer rating (111.7, which would obliterate the franchise record, held by David Garrard at 102.2). Lawrence is second in yards per pass attempt, third in touchdown passes and in the top 10 in passing yards, ESPN’s QB Rating and fewest interceptions.

When your quarterback is playing at a high level, your team gets more attention. When your coach makes the right calls and your general manager is ready to do what it takes to build a Super Bowl team, attention and respect will come in droves.