Jacksonville City Council approves rezonings and invasive species funding; Finance Committee greenlights $200,000 for Springfield Cleanup Corps
The Jacksonville City Council approved two rezoning requests and $72,300 for a parks invasive species removal initiative on July 28, while the Finance Committee advanced $200,000 for a Springfield neighborhood cleanup program earlier in the week.
City Council — July 28
The Council approved several items by 18-0 votes:
- Rezoning of 23.31± acres at Bird Rd & Kirk Rd for single-family housing.
- Rezoning of 10.51± acres at 4420 Hodges Blvd for church facility modernization.
- $72,300 for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's FY 26-27 Parks Invasive Species Removal Initiative.
- Confirmation of Michelle Begley as Chief of the Accounting Division.
- A resolution commemorating the 158th anniversary of Historic Mount Olive AME Church.
The Council withdrew an $8,489,497 appropriation for General Fund balance and economic obligations and withdrew the appointment of Corey Ford to the Construction Trades Qualifying Board, both by 18-0 votes. Council minutes from the June 23, 2026, regular meeting were approved 17-0.
Finance Committee — July 21
The Finance Committee approved three related items for the Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council, Inc. (SPAR), each by 6-0 votes:
- A $200,000 appropriation for personnel costs in the Springfield Cleanup Corps Program.
- An extension of the SPAR grant term to September 30, 2029.
- An increase of SPAR maximum indebtedness to $496,181.
Eight other ordinances were deferred, including items on the Mayor's Transfer Authority, a settlement agreement with Live Oak Ancient City Living, LLC, retiree adjustment payments, and an ordinance prohibiting expenditures for abortions and related services.
FAO Select Committee — July 27
The FAO Select Committee reviewed findings from the Council Auditor's Office on unbilled JEA water capacity fees. The committee identified an estimated $55 million to $75 million in unbilled capacity fees since 2003 and determined that no unbilled capacity fees are owed to the City of Jacksonville. JEA is developing new retroactive and future billing policies to present to its Board in early 2027. No formal votes were taken. The committee's charge runs for 60 days and expires September 18, with progress reports recommended to go to the Finance Committee after that date.
Land Use & Zoning Committee — July 21
The committee approved four items, each by 5-0 votes:
- A small-scale amendment to the 2045 Comprehensive Plan at 0 Old Kings Rd for Outdoor Depot, Inc.
- Rezoning at 0 Old Kings Rd from IL to IH for Outdoor Depot, Inc.
- A small-scale amendment at 5710 Pickettville Rd for Robert Ledwick, II.
- Rezoning with conditions at 5710 Pickettville Rd to permit an outdoor storage yard for Robert Ledwick, II.
Several public hearings were continued to future dates, including items at 0 Old Kings Rd (Sandcastle Capital Holdings) and 6919 Pitts Rd (Fluffy Buttons, LLC), both continued to August 4, 2026.
Rules Committee — July 20
The Rules Committee voted 7-0 to name the city-owned baseball complex at 2142 Melson Ave the "Warren A. Jones Baseball Complex at Hammond Park." The approval included amendments to attach a Historic Preservation Section report and waive specific timeline requirements. All other agenda items were deferred.
Other Committee Activity
The Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health and Safety Committee received a presentation on hurricane season preparation and disaster recovery reimbursements on July 20. All listed ordinances were deferred. The Transportation, Energy & Utilities Committee held its first meeting of the new Council Year on July 21 to discuss attendance rules and future topics; no votes were taken.
Coming Up
- **Aug. 3 — Rules Committee:** Discussing $413,900 for I.M. Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless shelter capacity, $390,000 for turn lanes and sidewalks at Trout River Blvd and New Kings Rd, and renaming a portion of Kingsbury Street to "Gopal Way."
- **Aug. 3 — Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health and Safety Committee:** Reviewing a proposed $28.25 million completion grant and $21.412 million REV grant for a mixed-use project at 119 Beaver St W, plus $413,900 for homeless shelter capacity.
- **Aug. 4 — Finance Committee:** Reviewing the 2026-27 FY Consolidated Government Budget, including $56,000,000 for indigent care at Shands Jacksonville Medical Center, Inc., and annual property tax levies for multiple service districts.
- **Aug. 4 — Land Use & Zoning Committee:** Public hearings on rezoning requests including affordable senior housing at 888 Franklin St and townhomes at 7401 Old Kings Rd S.
- **Aug. 4 — Transportation, Energy & Utilities Committee:** Vote on renaming Kingsbury Street to Gopal Way and discussion of electric bicycle regulations.