News archive
Older First Coast Observer coverage — page 13 of 21.
Government
Jacksonville City Council's In-House Lawyer Sparks Debate Over Authority and Consolidation
Jason Teal, the City Council's secretary and legislative counsel, has emerged as a powerful figure challenging the mayor's appointees and the city's general counsel, raising questions about checks and balances in Jacksonville's consolidated government.
Infrastructure
EverBank Stadium Construction Reshapes Jacksonville Jaguars Season Experience
The Stadium of the Future renovation closes EverBank's upper 400-level seating for the 2026 season, while new climate-controlled clubs, patio seating, and the Met Park Marina debut as Jacksonville prepares for preseason kickoff.
Real Estate
Northeast Florida Home Prices Drop 3.2% in July as Inventory Climbs to Nearly 4-Month Supply
Single-family home prices fell across the six-county region in July as buyers gained negotiating power from rising inventory and longer market times, with the most dramatic price drops in Nassau and Duval counties.
Public Health
Nassau County Opioid Task Force cancels August meeting
The county's Opioid Task Force has called off its Aug. 13 meeting with no rescheduled date announced, interrupting the panel's work addressing substance abuse across Nassau County.
Public Health
Health Department Issues Swimming Advisory for River-to-Sea Preserve Beach
Elevated bacteria levels detected in water quality tests have prompted state health officials to warn against swimming at the Flagler County beach preserve until conditions improve.
Public Safety
St. Johns County Urges 811 Calls Before Digging on National Awareness Day
With Florida averaging 93 underground utility strikes daily, St. Johns County is reminding residents and contractors to use the free 811 locate service before any digging project to prevent damage to water, sewer, electric, and gas lines.
Education
St. Johns County Schools Seeks Volunteers for Library Book Challenge Committee
The district is recruiting residents to serve on a committee that will review formal objections to library materials, with an initial training deadline set for September 11.
Education
St. Johns County Schools Open with 48,093 Students, Up 441 Over Last Year
The district enrolled 441 more students on opening day than last year, a 0.93% increase that continues the growth pressures on one of Florida's fastest-growing school systems.
Real Estate
Divorce complications can derail home sales across Northeast Florida, attorneys warn
Separated spouses retain legal rights that can block closings even when their name doesn't appear on the deed, creating pitfalls for sellers and agents in Jacksonville and across the region's hot housing market.
Real Estate
Jacksonville Real Estate Agents Urged to Stay Curious as Market Evolution Continues
As Northeast Florida's housing market navigates shifting buyer preferences and new technologies, industry leaders say the agents who thrive are those who never stop learning — regardless of how long they've been in the business.
Real Estate
Northeast Florida Realtors Urged to Keep Communication Logs Amid Rising Dispute Costs
Transaction disputes cost agents an average of $15,000 per claim, prompting new guidance for Jacksonville-area real estate professionals to systematically document client conversations and transaction details.
Trade & Logistics
JAXPORT Positions Jacksonville as Gateway for Caribbean Supply Chain Growth
Growing nearshoring momentum in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic is driving increased cargo volumes through the port, as manufacturers seek alternatives to distant overseas production and JAXPORT invests in coordinated terminal capacity to support the trade lane.
Government Technology
Fernandina Beach Launches Digital Permitting System August 31
The city's Building, Planning, and Utilities departments are migrating to CityView software to streamline permit applications and approvals. A two-day transition period starting August 27 will shift inspection and application processes online.
Real Estate
Jacksonville-Area Real Estate Agents Warned: Don't Rush to Respond When FREC Calls
Florida real estate attorney advises Northeast Florida licensees to cooperate with state commission investigations but take time to prepare documentation and responses to avoid license revocations.
Government
Clay County Fire Rescue Chief Lorin Mock to Retire; Nationwide Search Begins
Chief Lorin Mock will step down in April 2027 after leading Clay County Fire Rescue. County officials have launched a nationwide recruitment effort for his successor as the department serves one of Northeast Florida's fastest-growing areas.
Infrastructure
Pope Road Beach Access in St. Johns County Partially Reopens After Cable Removal
The western half of the parking lot is now open to beachgoers following the successful removal of a buried cable, with full access expected to return Tuesday morning when removal equipment is cleared from the site.
Real Estate
Surveillance Cameras at Northeast Florida Home Tours Changing Buyer Behavior
A new survey finds 72% of recent buyers spotted recording devices during showings in the past five years, prompting many to hide their reactions and rethink negotiations — a trend Jacksonville and Northeast Florida agents say is reshaping how they advise clients.
Real Estate
Bankruptcy Doesn't Bar Jacksonville-Area Buyers From Homeownership, Realtors Say
Past bankruptcy filings don't automatically disqualify Northeast Florida homebuyers, but navigating the mortgage approval process requires realistic timelines, specialized lenders and clear financial preparation, according to industry guidance.
Real Estate
Northeast Florida Realtors Navigate Rising FREC Scrutiny as Complaints Mount
With Florida's real estate market boom drawing more regulatory attention, local agents and brokers are learning how to respond when the state commission investigates complaints—and what mistakes can cost them their licenses.
Education
St. Johns County Schools Superintendent Welcomes Families to 2026-27 Year
Superintendent Dr. Asplen kicks off the new academic year highlighting student achievements and thanking staff and community partners as the fast-growing district serves one of Florida's largest enrollment bases.
Infrastructure
Main Street Bridge Lane Closure Set for Downtown Jacksonville Riverfront Plaza Work
Southbound traffic on the iconic downtown bridge will narrow to one lane for five months starting August 24 as the city builds a permanent pedestrian link to the new Riverfront Plaza on the Southbank.
Community
Jacksonville to Honor Purple Heart Recipients at Downtown Memorial Ceremony
The City of Jacksonville will host its annual Purple Heart Day commemoration at the Duval County Veterans Memorial Wall on August 7, featuring remarks from Mayor Donna Deegan and a musical tribute honoring combat-wounded veterans.
Civic Infrastructure
Jacksonville Offers Free Downtown Parking for Primary Election Voting
The city and Downtown Investment Authority are waiving meter fees on Monroe and Duval Streets near the Supervisor of Elections office during early voting and Election Day to remove a barrier to voter participation.
Courts & Justice
Three Attorneys Vie for Duval County Judge Seat in Competitive August Primary
A public defender, former magistrate, and human rights prosecutor are competing to fill a retiring county court judge's seat in Jacksonville. The winner will handle misdemeanors, traffic cases, and civil disputes for a six-year term.
Real Estate
Jacksonville's Dream Finders Homes to Acquire Atlanta's Beazer in $2.2B Deal
The acquisition would create the nation's sixth-largest homebuilder with operations spanning 26 markets across the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Texas, and beyond. The combined company would operate approximately 520 active communities, including throughout Northeast Florida.
Education
St. Johns County School Board to Meet Aug. 11 Amid Continued Growth Pressures
The district's school board will convene Tuesday for its regular monthly session as the county continues to add thousands of new students annually, straining capacity and prompting debate over how to fund future facilities.
Development
Jacksonville Industrial Market Sees 8 Million Square Feet of Warehouse Space Built
Real estate experts say Northeast Florida's transportation network, port access, and growing population continue to drive warehouse and distribution center construction, with 6 million square feet of spec space now available.
Courts
Two attorneys vie for open Duval County Court judge seat in August primary
Matt Lufrano and Latoya Williams Shelton are competing for the County Court Group 1 bench in Jacksonville, both emphasizing their civil legal aid work as early voting begins August 7.
Community
Downtown Jacksonville Celebrates 904 Day with Art Walk, Markets, Local Shopping
904 Day on September 4 brings a packed lineup of events and local business spotlights to downtown Jacksonville, from the monthly First Wednesday Art Walk to gatherings at James Weldon Johnson Park and neighborhood shops.
Politics & Policy
Judge Orders Rewrite of Florida Property Tax Amendment on November Ballot
A Leon County judge ruled that ballot language describing a proposed constitutional amendment to cut property taxes is misleading, ordering the Attorney General to prepare revised wording as public safety groups warn the measure could strain local budgets across Northeast Florida.
