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Jacksonville politics, festivals, development, and sports collide in busy week. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

From: Extensive Media Enterprises

No plans for Saturday? Let the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce be your concierge.

"Set beneath the Fuller Warren at Artist Walk, the all-inclusive Jacksonville Food & Wine Festival will take place on March 7, 2026, transforming the area into a lively celebration of the region's food, wine and culture. The festival will showcase 25+ chefs and restaurants, bringing together the best in local cuisine for an evening of tasting and connection. Guests can indulge in a wide selection of wines, craft beverages and specialty pairings, while enjoying live entertainment and interactive experiences that showcase Jacksonville's creative spirit."

Guests sample food and wine during the Jacksonville Food & Wine Festival at Artist Walk beneath the Fuller Warren Bridge in Jacksonville.

The event kicks off at 4 p.m. under the Fuller Warren Bridge. Disco Cowboy, Chris Thomas Project, Ballesteros, and SATELITEFRANK will be kicking out the jams.

$25 gets you in.

Barrel of a gun

Attorney General James Uthmeier is taking issue with State Attorney Melissa Nelson, a fellow Republican, for deciding not to prosecute the city of Jacksonville for maintaining a list of gun owners entering city buildings.

And Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan believes he's out of line.

Melissa Nelson and James Uthmeier clash over Jacksonville's firearm logbook investigation and potential penalties.

"As we have stated from the very beginning, the records will show that Mayor Deegan and her leadership team were unaware of this action taken by an individual employee concerned about building security – and that the practice was immediately ended once it became known. The State Attorney, who comes from the same party as the Attorney General, conducted an eight-month investigation into this matter and concluded there was no deliberate misconduct. As the state pursues politically motivated deflections that waste taxpayer dollars, the Mayor remains focused on addressing affordability challenges for the people of Jacksonville. It would be nice to have a state partner that is doing the same," reads a statement from Deegan's office.

Uthmeier concedes his office lacks the authority to prosecute the case of the "firearm logbook." But he says his office, led by Deputy AG Jason Hilborn, will retrieve all evidence in the case, which involves lists kept at City Hall and the Yates Building between July 2023 and Spring 2025, for potential civil action under Section 790.335(4)(c).

That statute could permit a $5 million fine against the city for maintaining a list of gun owners or guns that went against the state's ban on such lists.

The 4th Circuit State Attorney's Office said that while Jacksonville officials were guilty of "poor communication" regarding a registry of people carrying guns, there is no ground for criminal charges related to the practice.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and others have pilloried the gun registry as a violation of constitutional rights. The "Check Points and Perimeter Security" memo from Facility Manager Mike Soto was drafted June 30, 2023, during the transition between the outgoing Lenny Curry administration and Deegan's incoming group. Soto revised it in July after Deegan's swearing in.

Nelson's office notes that the city "stopped the practice immediately once it was discovered," but not before "more than 140 entries recording the names, birth dates, ID numbers, and firearm types of over 100 individuals" were memorialized.

The SAO concluded that "sanctions only apply when a registry is created 'knowingly and willfully.'" The Public Works manager who created the registry did so because "he wanted data about how many people carried firearms into city buildings — believing it would improve preparedness in case of an emergency, not realizing it created a legal problem."

Uthmeier's memo takes issue with this read and says the SAO's work does not "withstand scrutiny."

He said the logbooks do constitute a record of gun owners, thus violating the law. He also argued that the keepers of the list, including the public works manager, who were responsible for its existence, did so knowingly and willfully.

"Ignorance of the law is no excuse," he wrote.

"City leadership," he added, either was "fully aware" and "did nothing," or "failed to adequately train and supervise" staff.

See ya

Jacksonville Democratic Rep. Angie Nixon had more conflicts during her six Sessions in Tallahassee than bills passed or appropriations brought home.

But her farewell speech Tuesday morning took a positive tack, discussing the "honor and the privilege" of serving Duval County and giving stories of constituent service, including helping people on the verge of homelessness and those struggling with the unemployment compensation system during the pandemic.

Angie Nixon delivers farewell speech on the House floor after six Legislative Sessions.

"To the Democrats, the battle can't be won unless we get in the fight. We owe it to our community to demand more than what they just give us. We need to put people over profit, politics and even people over party. It's been great being in this fight with you, especially my junior class. And especially the Black Girl Magic squad, (Sen. LaVon) Bracy Davis, (Rep. Michelle) Rayner, destroy the evidence."

Nixon battled tears as she thanked friends and family and other politicians, notably saying she was Malcolm X to Sen. Tracie Davis' Martin Luther King, Jr., before she moved back to her politics and policy considerations, with words tailored to beyond Tallahassee.

"My job was to make you see and hear the people you were elected to serve because they do not have the absurd wealth required to buy access to you all and what they deserve. I want to remind Floridians that we deserve more than what we've been getting and we have the opportunity to build a new vision for our country. One where every family has stability, and every worker has dignity, and every child has the opportunity to really, truly reach the American dream. I look forward to continuing to fight on the front lines for everyone across this state and across this country, and I look forward to representing y'all in D.C."

House Speaker Daniel Perez was the only one to speak after her remarks, and the Miami Republican was careful in his words.

"Rep. Nixon, while we haven't seen eye to eye on many of the issues, I do understand that you worked very hard, and you've represented your district with determination, and we wish you the best. Good luck."

Then, very quickly, the discussion moved back to the amendment process of a bill under consideration.

Nixon took the unusual step of launching her Senate campaign during the Legislative Session, and the path ahead will be challenging, with Lt. Col. Alex Vindman already raising funds well.

Should she win the Primary, she will face incumbent Republican Ashley Moody, who has won two statewide races for Attorney General.

Greco challenger

Republican Rep. Sam Greco of HD 19 will face competition in November after all.

Democrat Suzanna Pavelle of St. Augustine filed earlier this year.

Suzanna Pavelle enters race to challenge Sam Greco in House District 19.

"A lifelong advocate for working families, Suzanna understands that Florida's challenges — from affordability to education to health care — require bold, practical solutions. With deep roots in her community and a passion for public service, Suzanna is committed to fighting for every family in District 19. She believes that government should work for the people, not special interests," says her website.

Greco ended 2025 with roughly $160,000 on hand between his campaign account and his political committee, the First Coast Conservative Coalition. He won in 2024 with more than 60% of the vote.

Rolling on

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority has stabilized its budget — for the time being.

In an announcement, JTA said it "approved a comprehensive operations budget amendment that includes a revised fare structure for Connexion Plus while adjusting other operational and administrative expenses to stabilize the budget through the remainder of the fiscal year ending Sept. 30."

The agency also cut top-level salaries by 15% and says it is cutting some administrative positions.

"The JTA is committed to ensuring financial stability across the agency, while maintaining the services we provide for this community," JTA CEO Nat Ford said. "The adjustments made today, while difficult, are necessary to ensure we end this year with a balanced budget while preserving the transportation services that citizens of Northeast Florida rely on each and every day."


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Wyse choice

Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico looks to bring in a fire union head to help put out the fires at the city's utility.

Carrico announced Monday the nomination of former Jacksonville Association of Fire Fighters President Randy Wyse to join the Board of Directors.

Randy Wyse nominated to serve on JEA Board amid Jacksonville utility scrutiny.

"Randy Wyse is a proven leader who has dedicated his life to public service, both in uniform and in leadership roles advocating for Jacksonville's firefighters and their families," said Carrico. "Over more than three decades with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, Randy advanced through the ranks and eventually served as President of the Jacksonville Association of Firefighters Local 122, where he was re-elected by his peers multiple times — a testament to the respect he commands, and the trust placed in him by his colleagues."

"In that capacity," Carrico added, "Randy has balanced organizational leadership with a commitment to fiscal responsibility, negotiation and accountability. That blend of operational insight and institutional experience is exactly what Jacksonville needs on the JEA Board — to bring stability to our utility, ensure the utmost transparency, fight for lower rates and remain focused on serving the people."

"It is a deep honor to be nominated to serve on the JEA Board of Directors," Wyse said. "Throughout my 32-year career with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and in my union leadership roles, my focus has always been clear: serve the community faithfully, advocate for transparency and accountability and work collaboratively to solve complex problems. If confirmed, I will bring that same ethic to the JEA Board — ensuring that the voices of residents, workers, and ratepayers are heard, respected, and reflected in the decisions that impact our city's future."

Wyse's nomination is likely to be less controversial than the process surrounding Carrico's previous pick, his boss at his day job, who has withdrawn himself from consideration after the kerfuffle.

Last month, Carrico reached out to JEA Board member Arthur Adams Jr. to urge him to step down, saying that he owed a "big favor" to his intended appointment, CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida, Paul Martinez.

The outcry has led to an investigation from the 4th Circuit State Attorney's Office.

Gambling gambit

More than 500 illegal gaming machines were seized at 39 different locations in an investigation launched by Attorney General Uthmeier.

The two-day sting operation last week cracked down on illegal gambling outfits in four counties. A total of 525 illegal gambling machines and $190,000 in illicit gambling proceeds were seized in the law enforcement operation that spanned Volusia, Brevard, Duval and Flagler counties.

Illegal gambling machines were seized during a multiday law enforcement crackdown across four Florida counties.

"Unlawful gambling operations often play a role as the financial backing behind criminal networks," Uthmeier said in a press release. "These illegal casinos fuel organized crime, prostitution and other illicit activities. Florida will see a major statewide crackdown on illegal gaming in 2026. If you're running an illegal operation, don't roll the dice; shut it down now."

The investigation was a joint operation between the Gaming Control Commission, Uthmeier's Office of Statewide Prosecution and Volusia, Flagler and Brevard counties and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Offices.

Illegal machines were found in restaurants, bars, gas stations, bogus arcades and some stand-alone illegal casinos. Some of those outlets were masquerading as other businesses, such as nail salons and beauty supply stores. The illegal gaming machines include slot machines, personal computer slot machines, tabletop machines, coin-push machines and fish table machines.

The latest crackdown comes as Florida officials have increased illegal gambling enforcement in the past year and as the Legislature is considering revising gaming laws to prohibit illegal gambling.

Hospitality happening

Top performers in Northeast Florida's hospitality industry were honored in downtown Jacksonville on Wednesday night.

The 17th Annual Recognition of Service Excellence (ROSE) awards were bestowed by the Northeast Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA). The event was sold out and held at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront.

Hospitality professionals honored during the ROSE Awards at Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront.

More than 500 people attended the event, and 149 hospitality professionals from 45 different businesses were nominated for the awards. Some 33 team members were honored.

"At its heart, hospitality is about people taking care of people, and the ROSE Awards give us a chance to shine a light on the individuals who make that happen every single day," said Nicole Chapman, Northeast Florida FRLA Regional Director and the event's creator and organizer. "These honorees represent the warmth, professionalism, and pride that define our region's visitor experience and keep guests returning year after year."

The ROSE Awards have become the hallmark event for hospitality professionals on the First Coast for more than a decade.

"Seeing hundreds of industry partners come together to celebrate front-line team members sends a powerful message – service excellence matters, and it deserves recognition," said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the FRLA.

STEM stations

The University of North Florida (UNF) has a new $3 million center for students planning careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

UNF opened its Flight Deck Esports & Innovation Arena on Friday. The center is located on the Southside Jacksonville campus in the John A. Delaney Student Union. It's an academic addition that was supported by local government, as the Jacksonville City Council committed $3 million to the project nearly a year ago.

Students can now compete inside the University of North Florida Flight Deck Esports & Innovation Arena.

The primary purpose of the center is to help students advance to careers in STEM fields. But UNF will also host regional and national competitions at the facility.

UNF Interim President Angela Garcia Falconetti said the center is a key component to advancing STEM at the school.

"The UNF Flight Deck will open new pathways for students interested in science, technology, engineering and math, while also teaching them communications, teamwork, strategic thinking and similar skills," Falconetti said. "At the same time, this arena will strengthen our regional workforce, attract more visitors to campus and generate meaningful economic impact for our community."

The facility is 2,800 square feet and can hold 170 occupants. There are more accessories, such as a broadcast studio for streaming and console play zones for online gaming. The center is located next to a student auditorium that can accommodate additional spectator seating for larger events.

Honor system

The old days of pro wrestling TV studio tapings are back.

And in a twist, they are at Jacksonville's public broadcasting station.

The Wrestling Observer reports that Tony Khan, best known for All Elite Wrestling, said this weekend that his secondary promotion, Ring of Honor, will be taping at WJCT going forward.

Tony Khan brings Ring of Honor television tapings to WJCT studios in Jacksonville.

Matches were taped at AEW events.

There is precedent for Jacksonville tapings for the son of the Jaguars' owner. AEW was recording its shows at Daily's Place during the early part of the pandemic.

Admission is limited. Estimates show it as low as 43 people.

The venue rental fee is $3,200, meanwhile.

The next taping is on March 22.

Stadium spending

The Jacksonville Daily Record is reporting that permitting continues to move forward on the Stadium of the Future for the Jaguars, "now that the city issued a permit Feb. 27 for $696.5 million of work on the project, the largest portion of the at least $1.4 billion renovation."

This was "for a construction bid package IFC #4 that involves eight levels and 652,735 square feet of renovations at EverBank Stadium" in "a joint venture of Hunt Construction-Barton Malow."

Club spaces, private suites, mechanical, electrical, lighting, fire alarms, and Wi-Fi are all included in the latest permit.

The goal is to have the stadium ready for the 2028 season.

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Soccer-specific JAX

A soccer-specific stadium is coming to Jacksonville.

Sporting Club Jacksonville, also known as Sporting JAX, announced plans for a stadium and associated development near the St. Johns Town Center.

The plan calls for "a true urban district with walkable streets, hotels, dining, nightlife and entertainment, all anchored by a stadium at its core," said Ricky Caplin, the club's majority owner and Chair.

The location, just west of Interstate 295 and north of the existing Town Center shopping center, is near the UNF campus, where Sporting JAX plays home matches currently with the women's pro team in the Gainbridge Super League and is scheduled to play USL Championship matches with the men's team when the season kicks off on Saturday.

Rendering of the planned stadium and commercial development announced by Sporting JAX on Monday.

"We are envisioning a community-centered sporting district that integrates dining, retail, hospitality, entertainment, and family-friendly gathering spaces into a vibrant, year-round destination, Caplin said. "With thoughtful design, intentional green space, and preserved areas that allow room to gather, this district will be active 365 days a year, not just on match days."

Among the dignitaries on hand for the announcement were Sporting JAX co-owners Tim Tebow and Fred Taylor. Recently appointed president of the Sporting JAX Development Company, Michael McNaughton, said the company is "master-planning a destination."

"This will be a true urban environment that is centrally located, easily accessible, and rooted in where Jacksonville already lives, works, shops, and gathers," McNaughton said. "This is a privately capitalized development. We have secured the land and are financing this project through private investment — not public dollars."

McNaughton, who worked on projects like Mizner Park in Boca Raton, the World Trade Center redevelopment in lower Manhattan, Boston's Faneuil Hall, and large-scale mixed-use districts.

Sporting JAX launched its inaugural season with the women's team in August. Since then, the team has risen to the top of the Gainbridge Super League standings and boasts the league's leading goal scorer, 19-year-old phenom Ashlyn Puerta, the top three assist creators (Meg Hughes, Paige Kenton, and Puerta), while goalkeeper Kaitlyn Parks leads the league with seven clean sheets.

The men's team is scheduled to kick off the second-division USL Championship season on Saturday against Hartford Athletic.

While the USL did not specify a timetable for the stadium's completion on Monday, it plans to launch a first-division league, USL Premier, and implement a promotion/relegation system. Sporting JAX has stated that the club has applied for inclusion in USL Premier. Currently, US Soccer Pro League Standards require first-division clubs to have a stadium capacity of at least 15,000 to qualify. The club has said in the past that the vision was for a 15,000-capacity stadium.

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BAY POST INTERNET

Thursday, March 5, 2026

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