{"id":52062,"date":"2025-07-09T18:29:16","date_gmt":"2025-07-09T18:29:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/52062\/"},"modified":"2025-07-09T18:29:16","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T18:29:16","slug":"jacksonville-bold-for-7-9-25-nostalgia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/52062\/","title":{"rendered":"Jacksonville Bold for 7.9.25: Nostalgia"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mayor Donna Deegan <\/strong>is telling The New York Times<\/strong><\/a> about changes between the Joe Biden<\/strong> and the Donald Trump<\/strong> White Houses.<\/p>\n

Spoiler alert: She liked it better before.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I first came into office, the relationship was very, very good with the Biden administration. But this administration has been a little confusing because we\u2019re not really sure where our feet are right now,\u201d Deegan said.<\/p>\n

In an interview Tuesday with WJCT<\/strong><\/a>, Deegan said she was asked at the U.S. Conference of Mayors and her answer was \u201cchopped up\u201d by the Paper of Record, and that she and others were \u201cstill waiting for the dust to settle\u201d about \u201chow these policies would go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Donna Deegan discusses a \u2018confusing\u2019 new White House and the loss of funding with The New York Times. Image via New York Times.<\/p>\n

Indeed, Deegan was a strong supporter of Biden and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris<\/strong>, and said Trump would set up \u201cconcentration camps\u201d for undocumented immigrants back in October. This led the Trump campaign to call for an apology and the resignation of the \u201cno-name\u201d Mayor.<\/p>\n

The Big Beautiful Bill led to a claw back of $147 million in federal funds for the Emerald Trail, which Deegan said Tuesday, WJCT, was the largest grant the city had ever received. But the city can reapply for the money under the aegis of \u201ceconomic development.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a change of priority for this administration,\u201d Deegan diplomatically said.<\/p>\n

Budget season begins<\/strong><\/p>\n

For our readers, this may be more important than the NYT.<\/p>\n

Monday morning sees the Jacksonville City Council return for Deegan\u2019s third budget presentation.<\/p>\n

The show starts at 9 a.m. in City Council Chambers. It serves as a functional appetizer for August\u2019s more extensive deliberations on the various subfunds by the Finance Committee and other interested parties.<\/p>\n

Raul Arias<\/strong> takes control of Finance this year, and it will be a tough committee for Deegan to get her agenda through. Rounding out the panel are GOP VP Nick Howland<\/strong>, former President Ron Salem, Rory<\/strong> Diamond<\/strong>, Joe Carlucci<\/strong>, Will Lahnen<\/strong>, and one Democrat, Ju\u2019Coby Pittman<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Deegan faces a tough City Council as she prepares to unveil her third budget. Image via WJCT.<\/p>\n

Deegan says she is \u201cencouraged\u201d by early discussions with Arias and Council President Kevin Carrico<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve tried to talk over our mutual priorities. What is it? What is it we both want to accomplish that we can accomplish together? So, I think we\u2019ve had some good conversations so far \u2026 I\u2019m going to be focusing on housing \u2026 on homelessness \u2026 infrastructure is big. We are going to focus even more heavily in this budget on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Spokesperson Phil Perry<\/strong> had this to say.<\/p>\n

\u201cMayor Deegan will present her proposed 2025-2026 budget in the Council Chamber on Monday, July 14 at 9 a.m. It is open to the public and they are encouraged to attend. She looks forward to presenting a balanced budget that continues to invest in the priorities that she shares with City Council and the needs expressed by citizens in budget town halls earlier this year: housing, homelessness, health, public safety, neighborhood infrastructure, and youth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

DUI denied<\/strong><\/p>\n

During the same WJCT interview, the Mayor stated that rumors she had recently been driving while under the influence were unfounded, given that she doesn\u2019t drive herself around and was on vacation at the time.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Calling it \u2018such is political life,\u2019 Deegan denies unfounded rumors of a DUI.<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard the same rumor that started when I was in the Grand Canyon. And I got a phone call saying, \u2018Did you get stopped in Jax Beach last night?\u2019 And I said, \u2018Well, that would have been tough because I was in the Grand Canyon,\u2019\u201d Deegan said.<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Bold indeed called the Jax Beach Police Department weeks ago, which denied the rumor. The story evolved after that into her getting caught locally in a nearby jurisdiction.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a driver. I have a husband who never drinks, so I have a designated driver, even when I\u2019m not driving, but no, that\u2019s not true. And it\u2019s a rumor that, I don\u2019t know how it even got started, but I will say this: Such is political life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tweet, tweet<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Builders\u2019 boost<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Northeast Florida Builders Association<\/strong><\/a> is celebrating funding for its Builders Care<\/strong><\/a> project.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith this $700,000 appropriation from the State of Florida, Builders Care anticipates being able to build 35 home-access ramps for disabled individuals and redo 35 roofs for those who need it most in our community,\u201d NEFBA notes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have seen firsthand the work Builders Care does in our community and how they are changing the lives of our least fortunate citizens for the better,\u201d House Speaker Pro Tempore Wyman Duggan<\/strong> said. \u201cI was proud to help secure this state funding, which will allow Builders Care to provide freedom and quality of life again to those who need it most.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>NEFBA\u2019s Builders Care project receives state funds to repair homes for elderly and disabled residents. Image via Facebook.<\/p>\n

\u201cBuilders Care continues to meet an important need in our community for our often-overlooked low-income veterans, elderly and disabled citizens,\u201d State Sen. Clay Yarborough<\/strong> said. \u201cWith this infusion of state funding, Builders Care will not only help these individuals stay in their homes but will also provide hope again to many who have lost it.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to the appropriations request, \u201creroofing homes for low-income, elderly, veterans, and disabled individuals who are otherwise unable to afford repairs and eventually have to leave their homes due to condemnation\u201d is the ultimate goal of the project, along with \u201chome-access ramps for low-income, elderly, veterans, and disabled individuals who are otherwise isolated and unable to leave their homes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roofing work is intended to prevent houses from being condemned, as holes in roofs can lead to water intrusion and significant damage.<\/p>\n

Clot closure<\/strong><\/p>\n

A bill aimed at improving the screening, treatment and public awareness of venous thromboembolism (VTE<\/strong><\/a>) \u2014 potentially life-threatening in-vein blood clots \u2014 is now law.<\/p>\n

Gov. Ron DeSantis <\/strong>has signed HB 1421<\/strong><\/a>, which mandates that all Florida hospitals with emergency departments and ambulatory surgical centers develop and implement protocols for assessing VTE risk using nationally recognized tools.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The Emily Adkins Act is now law, creating new protocols for deadly blood clots.<\/p>\n

It also requires hospitals to train non-physician clinical staff on policies and procedures for giving appropriate medical attention to patients at risk of VTE. It amends state statutes to include VTE among Florida\u2019s recognized chronic diseases.<\/p>\n

A central provision of the law, titled the \u201cEmily Adkins Family Protection Act,\u201d is the creation of a statewide VTE registry. The Florida Department of Health<\/strong><\/a> must contract with a qualified nonprofit to maintain the registry at no cost to the state.<\/p>\n

Beginning July 1, 2026, hospitals must report VTE-related data \u2014 demographics, diagnosis methods, treatments and outcomes \u2014 to the registry, which monitors care quality and outcomes.<\/p>\n

The legislation is named for Emily Adkins<\/strong>, a Fernandina Beach woman who died from a pulmonary embolism<\/strong><\/a> in 2022. She was 23.<\/p>\n

An estimated 60,000 to 100,000<\/strong><\/a> Americans die yearly from VTE, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which found roughly 900,000 people in the U.S. area affected by the condition.<\/p>\n

Rep. Dean Black<\/strong>, who carried HB 1421 to unanimous passage with Sen. Clay Yarborough<\/strong>, a fellow Jacksonville Republican, told Florida Politics the new law will lead to many lives saved and Florida becoming a national leader in VTE treatment.<\/p>\n

Police story<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Jacksonville Sheriff\u2019s Office Commander is ready to begin her next chapter in public service, leaving police work for politics and policy.<\/p>\n

Deborah Wesley, a Republican, is the first candidate to file in the 2027 Jacksonville City Council At-Large, Group 1 race. With strategist Alex Pantinakis<\/strong> running the campaign and the backing of Sheriff TK Waters<\/strong>, the political newcomer has a path.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>JSO Commander Deborah Wesley, backed by Sheriff TK Waters, launches her campaign for City Council. Image via the Wesley campaign.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been decades since a member of the Jacksonville Sheriff\u2019s Office has gone on to serve on City Council \u2013 that changes with this election,\u201d said Waters. \u201cI appointed Commander Deborah Wesley to my Command Staff because I trust her leadership, her judgment, and her unwavering commitment to public safety. She\u2019s earned the respect of our agency through decades of dedicated service and a no-nonsense approach to getting things done. Deborah Wesley will bring the discipline, command presence, and sense of duty we need at City Hall. I\u2019m excited she\u2019s running \u2014 and I proudly give her my full support and endorsement.\u201d<\/p>\n

A graduate of Ribault High, Wesley is a police veteran, having served with the JSO since 1991. Before becoming a Commander in Corrections, she held positions including Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant and Internal Affairs Investigator.<\/p>\n

Her life in Jacksonville would inform her public service.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve spent my life serving this city, supporting families and standing firm for our values,\u201d said Commander Wesley. \u201cAs a Jacksonville native, I understand the unique challenges our neighborhoods face because I\u2019ve lived them \u2014 and I\u2019ve worked every day to make our city safer, stronger and more united. I\u2019m running because Jacksonville deserves strong, experienced and principled leadership that listens, protects taxpayers, and delivers real results.\u201d<\/p>\n

Randy rakes it in<\/strong><\/p>\n

The most recent former President of the Jacksonville City Council is ramping up his fundraising for his next political act.<\/p>\n

Florida Politics has learned that Westside Republican Randy White<\/strong><\/a> has raised nearly $150,000 as of the end of June for his run for Duval County Tax Collector<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

The strong fundraising suggests any opponent would have an uphill battle against White, who is respected throughout Jacksonville and across party lines.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Randy White amasses a nearly $150,000 war chest for his Tax Collector campaign.<\/p>\n

Some of the largest contributors include two political committees linked to legislative power brokers in Tallahassee.<\/p>\n

Speaker Designate Sam Garrison\u2019s<\/strong> \u201cHonest Leadership\u201d and Speaker Pro Tempore Wyman Duggan\u2019s <\/strong>\u201cCitizens Building Florida\u2019s Future\u201d each donated $10,000.<\/p>\n

The Jacksonville Association of Fire Fighters is also backing the former chief, putting in $6,500.<\/p>\n

The Jacksonville Jaguars and Gate Petroleum each donated $5,000, as did Gate Petroleum and Fernandina Mulch and Stone.<\/p>\n

JaxBiz, the political action committee associated with the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, also donated $2,500.<\/p>\n

Incumbent Jim Overton<\/strong><\/a> is term-limited in 2027. He endorsed White upon the launch of his campaign.<\/p>\n

Assuming an opponent emerges to challenge White, 2027 will be the first competitive election for the post since 2019, when Overton defeated Democrat John Crescimbeni<\/strong><\/a>, getting more than 58% of the vote in an election where no Democrats ran for Mayor.<\/p>\n

White had little trouble in his GOP stronghold district two years ago, getting more than 64% of the vote in the March \u201cFirst Election\u201d and precluding any need for a runoff.<\/p>\n

In 2019, he received more than 67% of the vote against a Republican.<\/p>\n

White was elected in a Special Election in 2018 and faced no competition in that contest.<\/p>\n

Manufacturing malaise<\/strong><\/p>\n

Stubborn sluggishness is hampering the First Coast manufacturing scene as a University of North Florida (UNF<\/strong><\/a>) survey shows contraction in nearly every sector in June.<\/p>\n

The UNF report shows only two out of 12 manufacturing sectors expanded last month, and most either contracted or remained flat. The Jacksonville Economic Monitoring Survey (JEMS<\/strong>), measuring economic indicators impacting manufacturing, was not encouraging.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>A UNF survey reveals a manufacturing slowdown, sparking recession fears on the First Coast.<\/p>\n

Robert Loh<\/strong>, Interim Dean of the UNF Coggin College of Business<\/strong><\/a>, oversees the monthly project and said local manufacturers remain skittish when considering the broader economic picture.<\/p>\n

\u201cLocal output and new orders continue to decline and employment is shrinking, painting a picture of subdued business confidence and a wait-and-see approach among firms facing persistent uncertainty,\u201d Loh said in the report\u2019s summary.<\/p>\n

The on-again, off-again specter of potential trade tariffs implemented by Trump is one of the main reasons North Florida manufacturers are hesitant about moving forward with notable increases in production, according to Loh.<\/p>\n

\u201cTariffs are clearly influencing pricing and procurement decisions, contributing to rising input costs and delays in delivery. While the data does not yet indicate a deep downturn, the combination of tariff pressures, soft demand and reduced hiring could erode local economic momentum and increase the risk of recession if conditions don\u2019t improve in the months ahead,\u201d Loh said.<\/p>\n

Trolley problem<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fernandina Beach is exploring options to terminate its agreement with the JTA to install a trolley in its central area.<\/p>\n

As one City Commissioner put it, some locals believed that the conveyance only benefited tourists.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Fernandina Beach seeks to cancel its JTA trolley deal, claiming it mostly benefits tourists.<\/p>\n

Although he added that it wasn\u2019t the Commission\u2019s intent when they authorized the $175,000 expenditure, the perception was enough for the local legislative branch to urge city attorneys to breach the deal.<\/p>\n

Early termination wasn\u2019t contemplated, as the deal lacked a clause authorizing it.<\/p>\n

The deal was still in concept phase, so it may not be too late to get out of it.<\/p>\n

Read more at the Fernandina Observe<\/strong><\/a>r<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Going Google<\/strong><\/p>\n

Technology giant Google<\/strong><\/a> is adding a significant component to its global technological network infrastructure located in Palm Coast<\/strong><\/a> on Florida\u2019s First Coast.<\/p>\n

A new subsea fiber cable landing station and data center, owned by Google, is being developed at a campus within the Palm Coast Town Center<\/strong><\/a>. Digital infrastructure company DC BLOX<\/strong><\/a> will construct the project.<\/strong> That company is a digital business contractor hired by Google, one of the most prominent players in the global digital tech industry.<\/p>\n

The Palm Coast work is part of a larger project Google has underway called Sol<\/strong><\/a>. That is a new trans-Atlantic subsea fiber cable system owned by Google, which will connect the United States with Bermuda, the Azores and Spain, among other areas.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Google is expanding its subsea fiber cable system, which will land in Palm Coast. Image via Google.<\/p>\n

A Google press release issued Wednesday said the project is part of a substantial expansion of the company\u2019s \u201ccloud\u201d system for the technology giant.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Sol cable will be manufactured in the U.S. and, once operational, bolster capacity and reliability for our growing network of 42 Google Cloud regions around the world, helping meet growing customer demand for Google Cloud and AI services across the U.S., Europe and beyond,\u201d the press release said.<\/p>\n

For Palm Coast and Flagler County, the least populated county on Florida\u2019s East Coast, the project landing in their area is a notable development that increases the technological profile.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a landmark moment for Palm Coast, Flagler Beach and Flagler County, and it\u2019s a clear signal that we are a community of the future, investing in our economic development and vitality,\u201d said Palm Coast Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Jaguars training camp<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Jaguars have announced the public dates for the 2025 edition of the team\u2019s training camp.<\/p>\n

Eight sessions will be open to the public, starting with the Wednesday, July 23 practice, labeled as \u201cKick Off Day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>A new-look Jaguars team, featuring Travis Hunter, prepares for coach Liam Coen\u2019s first camp.<\/p>\n

Other days that will be opened to the public at the Miller Electric Center include:<\/p>\n

\u2014Thursday, July 24 (Throwback Thursday)<\/p>\n

\u2014Friday, July 25 (Season Ticket Member Day)<\/p>\n

\u2014Sunday, July 27 (Back together Sunday)<\/p>\n

\u2014Monday, July 28 (Kids Club Day)<\/p>\n

\u2014Tuesday, July 29 (Discounted Concession Tuesdays)<\/p>\n

\u2014Sunday, Aug. 3 (Military Appreciation)<\/p>\n

\u2014Tuesday, Aug. 5 (Discounted Concession Tuesdays)<\/p>\n

Each practice session begins at 8:30.<\/p>\n

Additionally, a scrimmage is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 1 inside EverBank Stadium. The Jaguars announced they \u201cwill have a national anthem performance, coin toss, entertainment breaks and a full mock game.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tickets to attend training camp are free at Jaguars.com<\/strong><\/a>. With construction ongoing around the stadium, parking for the scrimmage will be available in lots B, C, D, E, J, S and X. Due to construction, only the West Club Gate and Gate 4 will be open for entry starting at 4:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

The training camp will be the first for the Jaguars under the new head coach Liam Coen<\/strong> and will be Coen\u2019s first as a head coach at any level.<\/p>\n

First-round pick Travis Hunter<\/strong> will be the player in the spotlight as the Heisman Trophy winner tries to become the first true two-way player in the NFL in a generation.<\/p>\n

The Jaguars\u2019 roster will have a significantly different look after the team signed 10 free agents, drafted nine players, and added 20 undrafted rookie free agents, meaning that more than a third of the 90-man training camp roster consists of new players.<\/p>\n

Some familiar names are no longer with the team, including wide receiver Christian Kirk<\/strong>, who was traded to the Houston Texans, and tight end Evan Engram<\/strong>, who was released and later signed with the Denver Broncos.<\/p>\n

The Jaguars will enter camp with several starting spots up for grabs. New starters could win both guard spots. Ezra Cleveland<\/strong> is the incumbent at left guard, and free agent addition Chuma Edoga<\/strong> will be given a chance to win the job. At right guard, Brandon Scherff<\/strong> is gone. Free agent signee Patrick Mekari<\/strong> will compete with rookie third-round pick Wyatt Milum<\/strong> for the starting job.<\/p>\n

On defense, it appears the Jaguars will move Jarrian Jones<\/strong> from nickel to outside corner, although he could be pushed by Hunter, depending on how the Jaguars decide to utilize the rookie.<\/p>\n

The Jaguars\u2019 first preseason game is Aug. 9 against the Pittsburgh Steelers at EverBank Stadium.<\/p>\n


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