Jacksonville Bold for 5.13.26: The $5 million question

Mayor Deegan faces legal pressure as Jacksonville election cycle begins. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

From: Extensive Media Enterprises Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan is facing more pressure as the General Election approaches in about a year, which will decide if she gets another term. On Tuesday, Attorney General James Uthmeier announced he is suing Jacksonville for keeping lists of people who brought firearms into City Hall and the Yates Building between 2023 and 2025, saying this goes against state law. This move isn’t unexpected. Uthmeier had already threatened legal action once the practice became public. The relevant law, Florida Statutes 790.335, bans registries under threat of criminal and civil penalties, including potential “felony of the third degree” charges and “a fine of not more than $5 million” via a civil action from the Attorney General. The felony rap is off the table, but the state seeks the five million dollars as a culmination of a story arc that was Mayor Donna Deegan’s responsibility. The 'Check Points and Perimeter Security' memo was created on June 30, 2023, during the transition from Lenny Curry’s administration to Deegan’s. It was updated and put into effect in July after Deegan became Mayor. Deegan’s office stands by its handling of the matter, saying a staff member made the mistake and pointing to a statement it gave in March. “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 … 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.” Is not knowing about the issue a valid defense? Based on what the Mayor said on the radio a few months ago, she seems to think so. “It wasn’t a policy, necessarily. It was a, you know, ‘This is the step that we’re going to take to comply with this new law.’ I think that was my supposition from simply what I know, what I’ve seen, is that this new law was going to go into place. I guess there was a response from the security folks of, ‘Here’s how we’re going to try to keep people safe’.” It’s still unclear why security staff were allowed to set policy. Uthmeier, on the other hand, views this as a constitutional issue. “The Second Amendment is not a second-class right. And we will use all the power of this office to protect the rights of Floridians,” he said in a social media video Tuesday. Some City Council members are echoing this view, including Rory Diamond, who often criticizes Deegan. “Mayor Deegan broke the law. She hates the 2nd Amendment. This is what happens when you elect radical leftists.” As the 2027 Elections approach, Republicans are eager to paint Deegan as too liberal for Jacksonville, a city that has known her for nearly fifty years through her work in TV news, organizing a major road race, surviving breast cancer, and now as Mayor. Deegan’s critics have focused on problems at JEA, controversial comments from the city’s former Hispanic Outreach Coordinator about ICE stakeouts, and other similar issues. They also have support from an ally in Tallahassee. Uthmeier is considered one of the most politically savvy Attorneys General in Florida’s history. He played a big role in DeSantis’ success over two terms and helped block the abortion and cannabis amendments in 2024. He takes on these fights because he believes in the issues and knows it’s better to challenge his opponents directly. As he attempts to become better known statewide between now and November, he’s willing and able to wade into this Jacksonville drama. And the headlines created through March will undoubtedly be part of attack ads when the mayoral race heats up. Meanwhile, challengers continue to queue up to stop Deegan’s re-election, with a third Democrat now entering the race, bringing the total to nine candidates. Rhachel Toombs is best known for what most would consider right-of-center political involvement, including with Americans for Prosperity and the America’s Future Foundation. And in another twist, Toombs works for the city’s Public Works Department. She said the city Ethics office cleared her to run, which is legal because she’s not an appointed official. She also believes she is the first active city employee to run for Mayor. Toombs, a resident of the Woodstock area on Jacksonville’s Westside, has worked for the city for a year and a half by her estimate. That is longer than she’s been a Democrat. She joined the party last Fall. Despite Deegan being backed by the Democratic establishment, Toombs believes she will find a receptive audience in the party. “I really feel that in the Democratic audience, you have so many people that really do embrace classic liberal values, and that we have a lot in common there, and we have a lot in common on our views on issues and desires on what we want to see happen in the country and in particular in Jacksonville,” Toombs said Monday, during a break from her day job. Deegan does not impress Toombs as a leader. “Deegan has been largely ineffective. I think she’s maintained popularity because her handlers at least try to prevent her from getting into hot water over hot-button issues,” Toombs said. Read more.

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Bring the noise   Democratic Rep. Angie Nixon is exiting the House this year, but one of her last actions as a member will be scrutinized Thursday. The House Rules and Ethics Committee will meet to discuss “member floor conduct” in the wake of the Jacksonville Democrat’s decision to use a bullhorn to protest congressional redistricting. Nixon pre-empted the vote with a small, hot-pink megaphone, shouting, “This is a violation of the constitution.” The drama led Democratic Reps. Allison Tant of Tallahassee and Marie Woodson of Hollywood to initially vote “yes,” which they had to change retroactively. Angie Nixon uses a megaphone to protest the Congressional redistricting map the House was preparing to pass. The alleged damage wasn’t just to the vote tally, though. Republican Rep. Yvette Benarroch said the high-volume outburst damaged her ears. She filed a workers’ compensation claim, something that rarely, if ever, has happened on the floor of the House. On Thursday, the Committee will consider the incident under House Rule 15.2(b). That rule governs the “integrity” of the House. It requires members to “respect and comply with the law and … perform at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and independence of the House and of the Legislature.” “Each member shall perform at all times in a manner that promotes a professional environment in the House, which shall be free from unlawful employment discrimination. Member conduct that causes a material disruption of official legislative business is grounds for discipline by the House,” the rule says. Nixon could be reprimanded or subject to “further action” of an indeterminate type from Speaker Daniel Perez based on the Committee recommendation. Nixon, a candidate for U.S. Senate who has gotten few bills passed in six years in Tallahassee, said “fighting for Democracy is more important than having decorum” after the incident. She did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday morning. This is not even her first controversy regarding demonstrating against a congressional reapportionment vote. Nixon was also involved in a sit-in protest during the 2022 redistricting effort.

Catch of the day   Gov. Ron DeSantis has finally gotten what he wants from the Donald Trump administration when it comes to expanding Atlantic Ocean access to red snapper fishing. Seasons for recreational anglers have been shortened in recent years, amid claims of fish scarcity that DeSantis and others have disputed. But a longer red snapper season has finally been granted to those on the east side of the state, matching the more permissive rules in the Gulf of America that allow for a 120-day season currently. Gov. Ron DeSantis announces expanded Atlantic red snapper fishing access during an event in Nassau County. DeSantis has pushed on this issue since he was in Congress. Speaking Monday in Nassau County, he said that in 2025, anglers had just two days to fish outside a commercial construction zone. And in 2024, it was just a one-day season. NOAA has “officially approved” Florida’s expanded permit effective this year, DeSantis said, allowing for a 39-day season that will be split up seasonally. The Summer season begins on May 22 and runs through June. A Fall season includes three-day weekends in October. DeSantis said he had promised to return to Northeast Florida with good news on the fish front, and he delivered this week.

Bible based   U.S. Reps. Aaron Bean and Kat Cammack are getting high marks for legislative records that accord with delivering what faith-based employers want, according to the Christian Employers Alliance’s (CEA) Congressional Biblical Business Index. Aaron Bean and Kat Cammack earn recognition from the Christian Employers Alliance for votes supporting faith-based business priorities. While Florida’s congressional delegation ranks 25th in the country, the two North Florida Republicans have applied “a clearly defined methodology grounded in Scripture, limited government, and long-standing Judeo-Christian social principles.” Six members of Congress from Florida and five state legislators were recognized this year, but only these two from North Florida received the honor.

Collins in SJC   Lt. Gov. Jay Collins continues to suggest that even though DeSantis hasn’t endorsed him as his successor, a close reading of what DeSantis says implies support. “I’m the Lieutenant Governor of Florida. I’m not talking about it. I’m already doing it. I have the opportunity to lead nearly 23 and a half million people right now. I don’t have to talk hypotheticals. I know how to lead this state. When someone like Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has been the greatest Governor in our state’s history in my mind, says, If something were to happen to me, and this is the day I was appointed, the state would be ready because Jay is day one ready. He would step in. We wouldn’t lose a beat. Nothing. He is ready to lead now. That’s a big statement. You know, when he says that, I think people should take a step back and listen to the words he’s using,” Collins said on Monday’s edition of “904 Now.” Jay Collins discusses Gov. Ron DeSantis’ comments about his readiness to lead Florida during a ‘904 Now’ appearance. DeSantis has had multiple opportunities to endorse Collins, a Montana native who moved to Florida in 2019 and served in the state Senate from 2022 to his appointment in 2025. The Governor has refused to do so, prompting speculation about why, which Collins has explained away. At times, he has pointed to the words DeSantis said when he announced him as LG. On other occasions, Collins has said there’s a “great chance” that DeSantis endorses him. But time is running short for that.

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No competition   Jacksonville Republican Jessica Baker’s path to another term representing House District 17 is currently obstacle-free after Democrat Bryson Morgan opted to run for City Council instead. Morgan, an Amazon driver who ran last cycle at 21, raised just over $200 in his first quarterly fundraising report, covering activity through March 31. Jessica Baker enters the 2026 Election cycle without a declared Democratic challenger in House District 17. He now lives in House District 13 and City Council District 7, where he will be one of seven candidates to replace incumbent Jimmy Peluso, a Democrat who is running for an at-large seat next year. Baker received roughly 58% of the vote the last time she faced Morgan. The seat is drawn with a Republican plurality, complicating any Democratic challenge. Though Baker couldn’t raise money during the Legislative Session, she got her work in before it officially began in January, bringing in more than $20,000 for the quarter that ended March 31.

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License and registration   Duval County Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland says that if you got a new driver’s license after July 31, 2024, then you need to make sure his office has the new number. Jerry Holland urges Duval County voters with newer driver’s licenses to update records with the Supervisor of Elections Office. “Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles began implementing legislation that requires the distinguishing numbers assigned to a driver’s license or identification card to include at least four randomly generated numbers. This change was part of a new law designed to enhance security and prevent identity theft,” his office says. The license number is “one of the ways voters are verified for record updates, initiative petitions, and vote-by-mail ballot requests.”

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Putnam Place   The North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) is still buying land for conservation, with its latest purchase being over 500 acres in Putnam County. NFLT officials said they worked with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to secure conservation easements. The 518 acres in Putnam County are now part of the Ocala to Osceola (O2O) Wildlife Corridor. The Putnam County property is bordered on three sides by the Lake George conservation area, managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District. It’s valued at about $1.18 million. North Florida Land Trust preserves 518 Putnam County acres within the Ocala to Osceola Wildlife Corridor. NFLT officials arranged the deal, but the DEP purchased the land with funds from the Florida Forever Program. This state initiative is one of the largest in the country and has protected over 1 million acres since 2000. The Hoffmeister family owns the Putnam County land, which has been used as a cattle ranch. Ranching will continue even as the property is now protected by the state. “This property is a beautiful place, and we wanted to keep it protected and free of development so future generations of our family could enjoy and appreciate the nature, wildlife and agriculture on the property,” said Bill Hoffmeister. “We love this land and want it to remain natural forever. Placing a conservation easement on the property allows us to do our part to slow the growth of development in the O2O and protect the aquifer and the many fragile ecosystems found here.” The O2O Wildlife Corridor covers about 1.6 million acres, stretching roughly 100 miles from North Florida through several counties into Central Florida.

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Manufacturing musings   Northeast Florida’s manufacturing industry grew slightly in April. The University of North Florida Jacksonville Economic Monitoring Survey (JEMS) measures 12 manufacturing areas. Seven of those showed signs of expansion in April, despite rising economic tensions related to the war with Iran. Albert Loh, who oversees the JEMS report, said the overall Purchase Managers Index (PMI) held its own for North Florida firms last month, though there is room for improvement. “The Jacksonville area PMI registered 51.9 in April, indicating that the local manufacturing economy continued to expand, although business conditions were not especially strong,” said Loh, Associate Dean at the UNF Coggin College of Business. UNF survey shows modest First Coast factory expansion amid cost challenges and mixed production signals due to the Iran War. Loh said the economic instability from geopolitical developments is still hitting Northeast Florida firms. “The strongest warning signal came from input prices, which rose sharply in April. Local companies reported higher costs for many key production inputs, freight, and fuel-related surcharges,” Loh said, adding that rising oil prices and tariffs are sparking uncertainty and caution among manufacturers. UNF researchers from the JEMS project reach out to First Coast manufacturing companies each month to see where they stand on production and several other factors. One of the more robust indicators in April was manufacturing output. Loh said that the key element is standing firm. “This is a positive sign that business activity in Northeast Florida remained on a growth path in April, even if the pace of growth should still be interpreted as moderate rather than booming,” Loh said. At the same time, the employment picture is shaky. Loh said there is a decline in the number of workers at manufacturing plants. “Manufacturing employment in the Jacksonville economy declined slightly from the previous month. This suggests that companies may be cautious about adding workers even while output and new orders may still show expansion,” Loh said.

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On the radio   St. Johns County wants its officials to enter the “influencer” space with a new podcasting service. St. Johns County announced this week the launch of “a new lineup of official podcasts and radio programs” featuring local government employees and officials who detail county government projects and address issues facing residents. The county has set up a webpage to access the podcasts. County officials are already referring to the service in terms akin to those used by broadcast programmers and managers. The press release said the website already offers “three shows” to view. Links will also be provided for recordings of radio broadcasts on WSOS 103.9 FM, based in St. Augustine. That show is entitled “Behind the SJCenes.” St. Johns County launches podcasts and radio programs aimed at expanding public engagement and government transparency. The site also provided links to other St. Johns County radio broadcasts on WFCF 88.5 FM, featuring “County Conversations,” and WFOY 102.1 FM, highlighting the “SJC Report.” The initiative “is part of a broader communications strategy to increase transparency, build community trust, and encourage public participation,” the press release said. “Each show is produced in a different format and style to deliver county information in various ways.” The county is also cross-promoting its newly established media outlets on its YouTube channel and Facebook. St. Johns County Digital Media Manager Matt Denny said the effort is part of a broader community engagement approach. “The expanded lineup supports the County’s commitment to its Strategic Plan, which identifies community trust as a core priority. The plan emphasizes proactive communication, transparency, and increased opportunities for civic engagement,” Denny said.

Jaguars schedule coming soon   The NFL is scheduled to release the 2026 schedule on Thursday. While we know the teams the Jaguars will face during the season, we do not know when the games will be played. The Jaguars have played a regular-season game in London in each of the past several years. Image via AP. In advance of the schedule release, here are the biggest questions about the Jaguars’ schedule: — Who will the Jaguars open the season against? After finishing the 2025 season with a 13-4 record as division winners, the Jaguars will play a first-place schedule, including games against five other division winners in the AFC (the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, and Chicago Bears) and another wild-card team, the Houston Texans, who the Jaguars will play twice. In addition, the Jaguars will also face the other teams in the AFC North (the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, and Baltimore Ravens), the NFC East (Washington Commanders, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants), and home and road games against the AFC South. Over the past decade, the Jaguars have opened with a divisional rival four times, including most recently in 2023, when they beat the Indianapolis Colts to begin a season that ended with a 9-8 record, just missing the playoffs. — How many games will the Jaguars play at home in the warmest months? As Jaguars’ training camp practices in the Florida heat, players are prepared in ways teams from the north are not. If the Jaguars are scheduled to play teams like the Colts, Browns, Steelers, Commanders, or Patriots in Jacksonville early in the season, it could provide some momentum to start 2026. This year’s caveat is that the Jaguars will play two “home” games in London. Which begs the next question to be answered: — Who will the Jaguars play in the United Kingdom? While the Jaguars have played back-to-back games in London, this will be the first time in franchise history that the team will play multiple home games in London. The team was scheduled to do that in 2020, before the pandemic canceled all international games. This time, the dual London games are a result of the Jaguars playing to a reduced capacity at EverBank Stadium while renovations continue. Next year, the team will play home games in London and Orlando. On Wednesday morning, the team announced that the Jaguars will play the Eagles in Week 5 (Oct. 11) at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at 9:30 a.m. ET. The following week, Oct. 18, they will face the Houston Texans at Wembley Stadium, also at 9:30 a.m. ET. The team has requested a bye week and a road game following the London trip to allow more uninterrupted time for crews to work on stadium renovations. The best guess is that the Jaguars will be away from EverBank Stadium for most, or all, of October. — Finally, will the Jaguars get any primetime games? As a returning playoff team, the Jaguars could be candidates to play on Thursday, Sunday, or Monday nights. They could also be considered for a Thanksgiving game, although the Jaguars are the only NFL team that has never played on Thanksgiving. After the schedule is revealed, predictions for the 2026 season may begin.

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