News archive
Older First Coast Observer coverage — page 2 of 21.
Infrastructure
Clay County seeks public input on Moody Avenue, Doctors Lake park upgrades
The county is pursuing state grant funding for improvements to two Green Cove Springs parks and is inviting residents to weigh in on priorities before the application deadline.
Real Estate
Jacksonville real-estate agents shift to relationship-focused referral strategy
As the local market adjusts to higher interest rates and slower inventory turnover, agents in Northeast Florida are refocusing on deep relationship-building over constant prospecting to generate steady business.
Real Estate
Northeast Florida homebuyers lean on agents for mortgage guidance, survey finds
As Jacksonville's housing market draws buyers from across the country, a national survey reveals agents are the top source for financing information — and where the gaps remain.
Real Estate
Fall home buying in Northeast Florida: what buyers should know
With fewer buyers competing and sellers more willing to negotiate, fall offers trade-offs for Jacksonville-area homebuyers navigating a market shaped by mortgage rates near 7% and limited inventory.
Governance
Jacksonville board training order targets oversight of billions in public assets
Mayor Deegan's new executive order encourages financial and ethics training for city appointees overseeing independent agencies — including JEA, JTA, and the port — with plans to make the standards binding through legislation.
Infrastructure
Jacksonville launches Jax Waste Wizard app to streamline trash and recycling
The free mobile app and searchable online database gives residents instant disposal instructions for thousands of household items, aiming to reduce contaminated recycling loads and improve collection efficiency across Duval County.
Community
Duval County Joins Annual Peanut Butter Challenge for Food Pantries
A statewide food-drive competition is collecting peanut butter donations at a dozen Jacksonville locations through October 31, with thousands of jars headed to local food pantries before the holidays.
Budget & Planning
St. Johns County adopts $1.9B budget with $100M on hold for Amendment 3
The county froze capital projects and prepared $61.2 million in extra reserves as it braces for potential property-tax cuts that could hit $191 million annually if voters approve the November ballot measure.
Business
Clay County opens annual vendor conference to businesses
The county's 10th annual procurement conference in November will connect companies with government purchasing agents and offer guidance on bidding for public contracts.
Real Estate
Northeast Florida real estate brokers shift AI use from marketing to operations
A new industry survey shows brokerage leaders are moving artificial intelligence tools into recruiting, back-office work, and daily automation—a sharp pivot from two years ago when the technology was used almost exclusively for writing listings and social posts.
Real Estate
Northeast Florida set for housing turnover as 14M homes come to market
Baby boomers and the Silent Generation are projected to release 13.9 million homes nationally by 2036, most of them family-sized properties in a shift expected to reshape the region's already tight housing market.
Real Estate
Jacksonville ranks 12th nationally for small industrial space performance
The First Coast placed in the top tier of 54 major U.S. markets for small-bay warehouse demand, signaling continued appetite for flexible business space even as the broader industrial sector cools.
Education
Duval County Public Schools opens annual survey to families through Oct. 23
The district's Data Triangle Survey asks students, staff, families, and community members to weigh in on school culture, safety, communication, and support services through October 23.
Development
Palm Coast council to weigh 318-home expansion in Seminole Trace
A proposed land-use change for more than 330 acres would bring 743 homes instead of 416 to the Seminole Trace area, with conservation zones reorganized as part of the master-planned development.
Education
St. Johns County School Board schedules workshop for Oct. 6
The board will meet at 9 a. m. at the Orange Street auditorium, with virtual attendance also available via Webex.
Real Estate
Amendment 3 ballot measure would triple homestead exemption in Northeast Florida
The November proposal would raise the exemption on non-school property taxes from about $51,000 to $250,000 by 2028, with cuts to annual assessment increases for rental and commercial property.
Real Estate
Jacksonville Realtors turn to personalized outreach as market competition grows
As Northeast Florida's booming housing market draws more agents into the field, industry leaders say authenticity and neighborhood-focused marketing can help professionals stand out.
Real Estate
Jacksonville homeowners may soon get alerts to drop mortgage insurance
A federal policy change will allow mortgage companies to contact Northeast Florida borrowers whose home equity may now qualify them to cancel private mortgage insurance and cut monthly payments.
Education
Duval Schools reminds families of bullying reporting tools, prevention resources
As October marks National Bullying Prevention Month, Duval County Public Schools is highlighting its anti-bullying hotline, investigation process, and a student contest focused on kindness.
Infrastructure
JAXPORT renews six-year rail lease at Talleyrand Marine Terminal
The port authority's board approved a lease extension with Watco's Jacksonville Port Terminal Railroad, securing on-dock rail connections that link Northeast Florida cargo to CSX and Norfolk Southern networks.
Governance
Palm Coast faces $21. 7 million revenue loss under proposed property tax amendment
Amendment 3 would expand homestead exemptions and cap non-homestead assessment increases, threatening nearly half the city's property tax revenue that funds police, fire, and infrastructure.
Real Estate
Northeast Florida homebuyers face new appraisal forms as Nov. 2 deadline nears
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are rolling out a redesigned Uniform Residential Appraisal Report, but lenders can request extra time to adopt the new format through May 2027.
Real Estate
Mortgage rates hit 7. 28% in Northeast Florida, highest in nearly 3 years
Rising borrowing costs are reshaping the local housing market as buyers face higher monthly payments and sellers confront a shrinking pool of qualified purchasers across the region.
Real Estate
Most homebuyers exceeded their budgets, national survey finds
A new ServiceLink report shows 77% of recent buyers spent more than planned, with younger generations most likely to stretch budgets—trends that mirror Northeast Florida's competitive housing market.
Environment
Nassau County conservation land committee to meet Oct. 15
The CLAM committee, which advises on preservation and management of Nassau County's conservation lands, will hold its regular quarterly meeting in Yulee.
Education
St. Johns County schools host College & Career Night for 90+ institutions
More than 90 colleges, universities, and employers gathered at World Golf Village to connect with students and families exploring post-graduation options.
Real Estate
Escrow fights can drain deposits before buyers or sellers get paid
When Northeast Florida real estate deals collapse and disputes arise over earnest money, legal costs from court intervention can eat up much of the deposit before either party sees a dime.
Real Estate
Federal Appeals Court Upholds NAR Membership Rules for MLS Access
A 5th Circuit ruling affirms that requiring association membership to participate in multiple listing services does not violate antitrust law, a decision with implications for real estate professionals across Northeast Florida.
Real Estate
Key West broker blends AI tools with personal marketing approach
Stacy Stahl, broker-owner of Realty ONE Group Destination, uses artificial intelligence to organize data but relies on handwritten notes and neighborhood updates to stand out in a crowded market.
Development
The Huguenot Wine Bar Opens on Jacksonville's Southbank
A new wine bar on the Southbank draws on Jacksonville's French colonial past, adding to the growing roster of downtown dining and entertainment options.
