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Jacksonville debates flag bans, loyalty oaths, and rising housing costs. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

From: Extensive Media Enterprises

Pride and MAGA flags and other political banners would be banned in governmental offices if one Sen. Clay Yarborough bill becomes law, while another one would require loyalty oaths for teachers.

SB 426 proposes "prohibiting a governmental entity from displaying, placing, or causing to be placed certain flags on real property... which contains or depicts any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawing, symbol, or advertisement of any nature which represents political partisanship, political ideology, race, gender, or sexual orientation."

Violations could lead to daily fines of $500.

The bill would permit the display of some flags, including those of other countries.

The bill has special stipulations for local governments.

Clay Yarborough proposes banning partisan flags and requiring teacher loyalty oaths in Florida schools.

They "may not adopt an ordinance or regulation that authorizes the flag of the local government to contain or depict any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawing, symbol, or advertisement of any nature which represents political partisanship, political ideology, race, gender, or sexual orientation."

Any ordinance they might have passed permitting that would be rescinded upon SB 426 becoming law.

Former Sen. Randy Fine carried a version of this legislation in the 2025 Legislative Session, but it was withdrawn when he was elected to Congress.

That's not the only Yarborough bill that could be a big talker in 2026.

SB 430 proposes that teachers and administrators in public schools, colleges and universities affirm the following.

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, protect and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and the Constitution and Government of the State of Florida; that I am duly qualified for employment as a member of the school personnel in this state; that I will well and faithfully perform the duties of a member of the school personnel in a professional, independent, objective and nonpartisan manner; that I will uphold the highest standards of academic integrity and professional ethics; that I will foster a respectful learning environment for all students which promotes critical thinking, civic responsibility and lifelong learning; and that I will serve as a positive role model in both conduct and character, so help me God."

Yarborough's bill is a companion to HB 147, which is sponsored by Rep. Tom Fabricio of Miami-Dade.

Tax break

While it's ultimately unclear which proposals will emerge from the Legislature to eliminate homestead property taxes, a new bill in the Senate would prevent homeowners from being penalized for preparing for storms.

Sen. Tom Leek's SB 434 would stop property appraisers from boosting a home's "just value" just because the homeowner adopted "changes or improvements made to improve the property's resistance to wind damage," which people often do to fortify their properties and lower their insurance costs.

Tom Leek's proposal shields homeowners from tax hikes for wind-resistance home improvements.

The following would be covered: Strengthening roof decks; creating secondary barriers to block water intrusion; installing wind-resistant shingles, gable-end bracing, storm shutters and opening protections; and reinforcing roof-to-wall connections.

The bill would take effect in July 2026 if passed, but it would only apply to work after the beginning of 2027, meaning that, as currently written, modifications would still lead to increased tax penalties through the end of next year.

No House version of this bill has been filed yet.

Like father, like son

Republican Chase Brannan continues to build momentum in the race for House District 10, announcing that his campaign leads the field in fundraising while adding a slate of new local endorsements.

Brannan's campaign said most contributions came from within HD 10 — covering Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Alachua and Union counties — signaling strong local support.

Chase Brannan gains North Florida endorsements while pursuing the House seat held by his father.

The Macclenny native also picked up endorsements from four North Florida Mayors: Starke Mayor Andy Redding, Raiford Mayor Lamar Griffis, High Springs Mayor Tristan Grunder and Lake Butler Mayor Melissa Hendrix. They join previously announced backers, including Macclenny Mayor Mark Bryant and Lake City Mayor Noah Walker.

"This campaign is powered by North Florida," Brannan said. "Our support comes from friends, neighbors and families who care deeply about their communities and the future of our region. I'm honored to have the backing of these outstanding Mayors and so many local leaders who believe in our shared values of service, hard work and integrity."

Brannan said his campaign's fundraising strength and widespread local support and endorsements demonstrate growing momentum across HD 10 and a shared desire for strong, homegrown leadership.

"Leading the field in fundraising isn't just about dollars — it's about direction," Brannan added. "People across our district want someone who will fight for our small towns, defend law enforcement, protect agriculture, and preserve the values that make North Florida home."

HD 10 is currently represented by Brannan's father, Rep. Chuck Brannan, who is term-limited in 2026.

No silence on violence

A total of 230 Mayors, including Jacksonville's Donna Deegan, have signed the Oklahoma City Declaration, a document that opposes political violence in all of its forms.

"At some point, we have to start seeing each other's humanity," Deegan added. "I know these are difficult times, but even in our passionate disagreements, we won't find our way back with hate for each other. Let's choose love over fear. It has never been more important than it is now."

Donna Deegan joins 230 Mayors nationwide condemning all forms of political violence.

Mayors from Florida who signed on include Boca Raton's Scott Singer, Coral Springs' Scott Brook, Davie's Judith Paul, Deltona's Santiago Avila Jr., Fort Lauderdale's Dean J. Trantalis, Gainesville's Harvey Ward, Hallandale Beach's Joy Cooper, Deegan, Lake Worth Beach's Betty Resch, North Miami's Alix Desulme, North Miami Beach's Michael Joseph, Oakland Park's Tim Lonergan, Orlando's Buddy Dyer, Panama City's Allan Branch, Pembroke Pines' Angelo Castillo, Pensacola's D.C. Reeves, Pompano Beach's Rex Hardin, Tampa's Jane Castor and Winter Springs' Kevin McCann.

"We will condemn those who use or condone political violence, and will seek full accountability for their actions, even if their political position was one with which we agreed," the Mayors wrote.

Home sale signs

Housing sales for the six-county First Coast region ticked up slightly in October, while prices for single-family homes are starting to come down.

The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (NEFAR) released its housing market statistics for October this week. There were 1,662 single-family homes sold in the region last month.

That's a slight 2.3-percentage-point uptick compared to October 2024, when there were 1,625 houses sold on the First Coast. Meanwhile, October's figure is a decrease from the month before, when 1,716 homes were sold. That's a drop of 3.1 percentage points, and it's the fourth consecutive month of falling home sales dating back to June, when there were 2,056 homes sold.

First Coast home prices dip slightly while overall housing inventory continues to rise.

Home prices are also starting to moderate, as the median cost of a home on the First Coast in October was $385,000. That's a 1.7-percentage-point drop from the October 2024 figure of $391,589 and a 0.7-percentage-point decline from September's price of $387,597.

NEFAR's report also shows that the number of homes for sale in Northeast Florida is increasing. There were 7,903 homes on the market in October, a 1.2-percentage-point increase from a year ago and a 1.4-percentage-point increase from September. The inventory of homes for sale has fluctuated throughout much of the year. The high point was in May, when 8,545 homes were for sale.

In the individual county breakouts, Duval County, home to Jacksonville and the region's largest population, saw an increase in home sales, with 882 closing in October. That's up 4.9 percentage points from a year ago and is a 0.5-percentage-point increase over September. The median sales price dropped, though, to $325,000, down by 1.8 percentage points from a year ago and 1.5 percentage points from September.

St. Johns County, the region's fastest-growing county, saw a notable decrease in sales, with 393 homes sold last month. That's a 4.1-percentage-point decline from October 2024 and a sizable 10.9-percentage-point drop from September. The median sales price in St. Johns was $559,000 in October, up 0.5 percentage points from a year ago but down 0.2 percentage points from September.

Nassau County had a mixed bag of home sale indicators last month, with 99 houses sold, a 5.3-percentage-point increase from a year ago but a 9.2-percentage-point drop from September. The median sales price came in at $450,000, a 5.8-percentage-point drop from a year ago and a 5.1-percentage-point decline from September.

Contraction consternation

North Florida manufacturing contracted in October, signaling continued sluggishness among First Coast industries.

The University of North Florida Jacksonville Economic Monitoring Survey shows a stubborn trend among local manufacturers. Of the 12 manufacturing sectors the survey follows, 10 either contracted or remained unchanged from September.

Only two areas — output prices and average input prices — expanded.

North Florida manufacturing slows as UNF survey shows weaker demand and cautious production levels.

UNF Coggin College of Business interim Dean Albert Loh oversees the manufacturing survey.

"This slowdown reflects continued caution among manufacturers as they adjust production and purchasing levels in response to weaker demand and persistent cost pressures," Loh said in his summary of the survey, which taps First Coast manufacturing companies each month to see where they stand on production and several other factors.

Preservation of property

The Florida Defense Support Commission is giving a sizable grant to the North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) to help block any development near Camp Blanding.

The NFLT has been acquiring thousands of acres of property near Camp Blanding in the past decade to preserve the land, as much of that property is part of the Ocala to Osceola (O2O) wildlife corridor. The grant from the Defense Support Commission is for $550,000. It's designed to help the nonprofit environmental conservation organization block any further development deemed "incompatible" near the Camp Blanding preserves and the Joint Training Center.

North Florida Land Trust receives $550,000 grant to protect Camp Blanding lands from development.

"This grant will assist us in continuing our work with Camp Blanding, ensuring these lands remain natural spaces, because it is now or never," said Allison DeFoor, President and CEO of NFLT.

"Camp Blanding is a critical link in the O2O, and conserving the property surrounding the base is both essential for the military and for protecting essential wildlife and plant habitats. We have been able to protect thousands of acres in coordination with Camp Blanding and look forward to conserving even more."

Taylor's version

Unless you're associated with the Kansas City Chiefs or with pop music royalty, chances of being photographed with the reigning queen of the charts are close to nil.

That is, unless you head to Potter's Wax Museum in St. Augustine.

If you're there this month, you not only can pose with singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, but you also can win a prize for your efforts.

Potter's Wax Museum invites fans to pose with Taylor Swift and win themed prizes. Image via Potters' Wax Museum.

"Channel your inner Swifty! Pose with Taylor, showcasing your favorite era, and upload your original photo … and be entered to win! Enter now through Nov. 30. We will announce the winner in the first week of December via the email provided. The winner will receive four Taylor Swift-themed spa packages, a VIP professional photo shoot and a themed high tea experience at The Modern Rose."

If you enter and win, please let us know what the spa package includes.

History repeating

An old axiom is that the winners craft the narrative of history.

If that's the case, at the San Marco Library, anyone can be a winner through Nov. 15.

San Marco Library celebrates its anniversary by sealing community mementos inside a 75-year time capsule. Image via City of Jacksonville.

"San Marco Library is concluding its anniversary celebrations by preserving mementos from its last 75 years in a time capsule … including letters, photos and other trinkets. These items can be dropped off at the library any time before the sealing ceremony later this month," the Resident News reports.

The capsule will be opened in 2050, so if you have donor's remorse in the next quarter century, you can retrieve your keepsakes then.

Cuppa Jax

Cuppa Jax's next community breakfast is on Wednesday, Nov. 19, featuring Joe Mobley, managing partner and shareholder at The Fiorentino Group, working in both Jacksonville and Tallahassee.

Lobbyist Joe Mobley to discuss leadership, policy, and civic engagement at Cuppa Jax breakfast event.

Mobley brings decades of experience in legislative affairs, having previously served at Fidelity National Financial and as an aide to former Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll. Active in statewide politics and community organizations, Mobley will discuss leadership, public policy, and civic engagement in Northeast Florida.

Cuppa Jax connects local leaders, residents, and professionals to foster dialogue about regional growth and collaboration.

The event begins at 8 a.m. in the Riverplace Tower Skyline Room, 1301 Riverplace Boulevard, Jacksonville. Open to the public, tickets are $15 and include breakfast from Fresh Fork.

For tickets and more information, please click here.

Sagging students

Members of the legislative delegation in Duval County are likely to hold planning sessions with officials from the Duval County Public Schools to formulate an approach to a charter school program that's dragging down enrollment.

Duval Superintendent Chris Bernier, in a WUSF National Public Radio affiliate report, said he is seeking to change the District's Schools of Hope charter programs on the First Coast. Those schools are organized and operated by nonprofit organizations and have tax-exempt status. The schools serve low-income families with students from kindergarten through 12th grade, as overseen by the State Board of Education.

Duval County leaders confront declining charter school enrollment and seek legislative solutions to ensure sustainability.

During a recent town hall meeting at Riverside High School, Bernier noted that enrollment declines are emerging and that they are linked to charter schools.

"You have enrollment issues. And it's not just about taking kids from charters. There's less kids coming," Bernier said in the WUSF report. "All these things are starting to pile on your superintendent, and he's trying to figure out a way to navigate through this."

Bernier said such an enrollment pattern is unsustainable, and he wants the help of Florida legislators from the Northeast Florida area to alleviate the "complicated" issue and develop modifications to charter school policies that could return enrollment to higher levels.

Shuttle showoffs

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) proudly showcased the inner workings of its shuttle system and autonomous vehicle technology to visitors from Japan on Nov. 5.

JTA officials hosted a contingent of 13 members of the Highway Industry Development Organization from Tokyo, Japan. JTA officials explained the urban system and the city's Ultimate Urban Circulator and Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation (NAVI) program.

A contingent of Japanese transportation officials meets with Jacksonville Transportation Authority leaders on Nov. 5. Image via JTA.

JTA CEO Nat Ford also invited Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, a Republican, among other dignitaries, to interact with the delegation from Asia.

"It was an honor to welcome the Japanese transportation delegation to Jacksonville and show them what the JTA is doing with autonomous vehicle technology, and the impact it will have on our city, on our economy, and in the lives of Jacksonville residents and tourists," Ford said.

The Japanese contingent hoped to incorporate some of the Jacksonville technology and approaches into their cities in their home nation.

"We are grateful for the visit from (the) delegation from Japan. Their interest in NAVI speaks to the JTA's global leadership in autonomous vehicles and the future of public transportation. It also represents the vast economic impact that this project is bringing to Jacksonville," Deegan said.

Housing crisis

The average home in Nassau County now nears $500,000, according to the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors — a staggering price that's forcing many working families out of homeownership and even stable rentals.

News4JAX tells the story of Lisa, a 30-year resident, who became homeless after selling her house during the market boom. She quickly discovered that rent deposits and monthly payments had soared beyond her reach. "They keep building $400,000, $500,000 houses," she said. "It's not helping single parents or the elderly."

Affordable Housing First combats Nassau County's soaring costs with new homes for working families.

Her situation reflects a growing trend seen by Affordable Housing First, a nonprofit founded last year by Carlene McDuffie and Kevin Harriman. The group helped Lisa secure a new home and is now building affordable housing in Yulee.

The nonprofit has raised $1.9 million toward developing 14 acres along Pages Dairy Road, where it plans to build hundreds of homes for working families earning below 80% of the area's median income. McDuffie says more community support is crucial: "If you change one person's life, you've created a miracle."

Running man

In all the chaos, running brought peace for Michael Sickler, a two-time cancer survivor who lost his parents to the disease.

He put on his heavy metal and listened to his favorite songs over and over as he trained at Neptune Beach, stopping first to admire the sunrise.

At the start of the year, Sickler was too ill to run.

Now, on Saturday, Sickler will test himself in Saturday's Wild Florida 50K.

Cancer survivor Michael Sickler trains for Wild Florida 50K after overcoming years of illness.

Sickler envisions the finish line and thinks about how much his legs will hurt at the end.

"I love it. I can't wait," said the 31-year-old Jacksonville resident who works as a Trulieve project manager for the dispensary.

Sickler, who grew up in Tallahassee, was heading into his senior year of high school when the wrestler and soccer player underwent a routine annual physical. The blood test was off, a red flag that something was wrong. His white blood cell count came back 10 times normal.

The cancer had been caught early, so Sickler didn't need formal chemotherapy or radiation. He took eight pills a day that "killed cells indiscriminately," ravaging his body for a few months. He threw up 10 to 20 times a day.

After an ordeal lasting years, doctors told him the cancer was undetectable in February.

He started slowly. Walking. Then jogging. Then he kept going.

Since February, he has run 1,000 miles, leading up to Saturday's race.

He counts his blessings.

"I can't articulate how thankful and appreciative and blessed I feel," Sickler said.


	Save the date

Can Jaguars bounce back?

The road looks dark and dreary for the Jaguars.

Despite sitting in the final playoff spot in the AFC, the Jaguars (5-4) are dealing with injuries and ignominy with two months left in the season.

The team's 19-point fourth quarter collapse on Sunday in Houston marked one of the low points for a franchise that has experienced more than its share this century.

Injury-plagued Jaguars face a crucial must-win matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers to stay playoff-relevant.

On Tuesday, word came that cornerback and wide receiver Travis Hunter would miss the rest of the season after knee surgery.

So, let's count the ways the Jaguars need to improve:

— The quarterback must play better

— The offensive line must protect the quarterback and create a better run game

— Receivers must step up with both Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr. out with injuries

— Thomas must return to his rookie form when he returns to the lineup

— The pass rush must show itself

— The secondary must improve

— Coaching needs to be better

Other than that, the team is in good shape.

On Sunday, the Jaguars host the Los Angeles Chargers. Like the Jaguars, the Chargers have been dealing with injuries and poor play on the offensive line. And yet, Los Angeles quarterback Justin Herbert is ranked among the league leaders in passing yards (second), touchdown passes (tied for third), and is completing 67% of his passes, despite being sacked 33 times, the third most in the league.

If the playoffs started today, the Chargers, 7-3, would be the fifth seed in the AFC.

In other words, Sunday's game matters for the Chargers.

It should also matter for the Jaguars. After losing to the Houston Texans, the Jaguars' margin for error is shrinking. Let's play out the rest of the schedule:

After this weekend's game, the Jaguars travel to Arizona to face a Cardinals team who have moved on from quarterback Kyler Murray. Then it's a trip to Nashville to race the struggling Titans. The Jaguars also have a home game against the lowly Jets and finish the season at home against the Titans. Let's say the Jaguars win all of those games. That's nine wins. There is a chance they could get into the postseason with a 9-8 record, but it's no guarantee. A win over the Chargers (or splitting with the Colts or Broncos, both division leaders) could help them reach 10 wins, but it doesn't look promising.

That's why Sunday's game is so important. It's as close to a must-win game as you'll find in the middle of November.

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