News archive
Older First Coast Observer coverage — page 19 of 28.
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.
Development
Downtown Jacksonville parking garage to get retail makeover on Beaver Street
A five-story parking structure in the Pearl Square District is being converted to mixed-use with 16,000 square feet of storefronts wrapping two corners, marking the latest downtown activation effort.
Planning
Palm Coast sets workshop on FY2027 infrastructure budget, historic preservation rules
The city council will review capital spending plans for roads and utilities, proposed land development code changes, and a new ordinance creating a historic preservation board and review process for projects affecting historical sites.
Development
Palm Coast Weighs Appeal After Court Rules Against Higher Impact Fees
A Flagler County judge sided with home builders in a lawsuit challenging Palm Coast's 2025 increases to fire, parks, and transportation impact fees, though the city says the ruling doesn't immediately change what developers pay.
Infrastructure
Overnight lane closures set for SR A1A at Camino Del Mar in Flagler County
FDOT will close one lane of State Road A1A at the Camino Del Mar intersection on Flagler County's barrier island for four nights starting August 10 for traffic signal work, with flaggers directing alternating traffic through the construction zone.
Infrastructure
Pope Road Beach Access in St. Johns County to Close Aug. 10 for Cable Removal
The popular beach access point and parking lot will close for one day to allow crews to deliver equipment for removing a buried cable, part of ongoing public safety remediation work along the St. Johns County coast.
Code Enforcement
Code Enforcement Hearing Canceled for Callahan Property on Marvin Street
Nassau County has canceled an August 11 code enforcement hearing for a property at 45041 Marvin St in Callahan, with all other scheduled hearings proceeding as planned.
Real Estate
Florida Realtors Convention in Orlando Features Wealth Building Summit for Real Estate Professionals
The two-day convention Aug. 19-20 at Rosen Shingle Creek brings together real estate professionals statewide for education on AI, fraud prevention, and long-term wealth strategies, with a new full-day summit on building financial security.
Real Estate
Jacksonville Real Estate Brokers Face Increased Scrutiny on Supervision, Attorney Warns
Florida regulators are cracking down on brokers who fail to actively oversee their associates, with enforcement focusing on training, accessibility, and documented compliance procedures, a real estate attorney told industry professionals at a statewide legal summit.
Real Estate
Gen Z Buyers Willing to Leave Northeast Florida to Find Affordable Homes
Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z homebuyers would relocate to another city or state rather than stretch their monthly housing budget, a trend that could reshape how real estate agents approach younger customers searching in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida's competitive market.
