Deegan launches an interactive promises tracker
A new city page tracks Deegan's promises, JTA maps out its search for a new CEO, and the city says home gardening is legal.
Mayor Donna Deegan launched a new city webpage on Aug. 5. It is called "Promises Made, Promises Kept, What's Next." The page is interactive. It gives Jacksonville residents a clear way to explore the commitments her administration has made. It also shows the progress delivered so far. And it lays out the priorities guiding the city's future. It outlines what comes next for the city. The city says the resource reflects its commitment to transparency, accountability and accessibility. Residents can review those commitments in one place. The page is posted on jacksonville.gov as featured news. (City of Jacksonville)
JTA sets its process for hiring a new CEO
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority board has set out how it will hire its next chief executive. It also set a plan for filling the job in the meantime. Top executive Nat Ford is set to leave in October. A vote on an interim leader is expected Aug. 27. The plan covers the interim pick and the search for a permanent CEO. That puts a leadership change at the region's transit agency on a set timeline. (Jacksonville Daily Record)
City says gardening is not illegal in Jacksonville
Growing food on residential property is not illegal in Jacksonville, the city says. It responded to questions about what its rules allow on home lots. The response follows a City Council meeting last month. Several people showed up there to propose a "Free to Garden" act. The proposal put home food gardens in front of council members. It also led the city to spell out how current rules apply. (News4JAX)
Council committee backs 110-unit San Jose project
A Jacksonville City Council committee has backed an infill housing project in San Jose. The project has 110 units. It is planned along Old Kings Road South. The developer's representative agreed to partial terms on two requests tied to the project. That came during the committee's review. The vote clears the committee stage. The project would add homes on an existing corridor in the San Jose area. (Jacksonville Daily Record)
Three Jacksonville restaurants land Michelin recognition
Three Jacksonville restaurants earned recognition Wednesday from the Michelin Guide. The guide is an internationally acclaimed dining authority. It named the three at a ceremony. City leaders say the ceremony marks a turning point for a culinary scene that has long been overlooked. The recognition came as city officials pushed back on a "most boring city" label. The nod puts three local kitchens in front of a national dining audience. (News4JAX)
Old Dominion Insulation expands in Baymeadows
Old Dominion Insulation is expanding at Lakepointe Business Park in the Baymeadows area. The job ranks among the largest commercial building permits by cost issued Aug. 3, 2026, by the city of Jacksonville. That list tracks the biggest commercial jobs cleared that day. It gives a running look at where commercial building money is going in the city. (Jacksonville Daily Record)
Jacksonville remembers DJ Bigga Rankin
People gathered outside Paxon Revival Center Church to honor Billy "Bigga Rankin" Plummer. He was a Jacksonville DJ and promoter. The viewing drew artists and DJs who shared stories of his mentorship. They also spoke about his record-breaking influence. Those who spoke described a lasting impact on artists nationwide, well beyond the city where he built his career. (News4JAX)
Hurricane season enters its peak months
The Atlantic hurricane season is entering its peak stretch. August through October are the months under closest watch. Forecasters expect the El Niño pattern to keep getting stronger. A stronger El Niño is expected to suppress hurricane activity in that window. The pattern shapes the outlook for the rest of the season on the Northeast Florida coast. (Jacksonville Today)
Jacksonville's budget season is underway
Jacksonville's annual budget process has begun. The mayor's budget address to the City Council opened it. Residents who want a say in next year's spending have ways to take part as council review moves ahead. The address is the formal start of the budget work that follows. (Jacksonville Today)