Chilly Mornings and Championship Continuity: The Jacksonville Morning Briefing

The Big Freeze: A Chilly Start to Wednesday

Jacksonville residents are waking up to a genuine winter chill this Wednesday morning. Chief Meteorologist Richard Nunn has confirmed that the current cold snap is sticking around for the foreseeable future, with temperatures plummeting across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. It is the kind of morning where the heating is running full blast and local coffee shops are bracing for a busy day as the "First Alert" remains on the cold. While the sun is expected to shine, the frigid air serves as a sharp reminder to check on vulnerable neighbors and pets as we navigate this rare deep freeze in the Bold City.

The Talk of the Town: 'Run it Back' at EverBank Stadium

The biggest conversation in the city today is the stability of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Following a stellar 13-4 season in 2025, there was significant anxiety among fans regarding the potential loss of the coaching staff to other franchises. However, the team has officially announced that both Offensive Coordinator Grant Udinski and Defensive Coordinator Anthony Campanile will remain in Jacksonville for the 2026 season. Despite heavy interest and interviews with the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns, both coordinators have agreed to terms to stay put. For a community still celebrating a 2025 AFC South Championship, the news that the architects of the team's record-breaking offense and top-ranked run defense are returning has provided a massive boost of optimism.

On the legislative front, the City Council is moving forward with a debate that could reshape downtown nightlife. Ordinance 2026-0063, introduced by Council Member Raul Arias, is being weighed to allow bars in the NorthCore and Sports districts to extend alcohol service until 3 a.m. While proponents believe this will revitalize the urban core, the proposal continues to be a major talking point for residents concerned about public safety and city resources.

A Reason to Smile: Bexley Boxes Get a Major Boost

In a heartwarming development, a major partnership was announced today to support the legacy of Jared Bridegan. Walmart has committed $100,000 to help Bridegan’s widow, Kirsten, expand the reach of "Bexley Boxes" across Florida. These boxes, filled with comfort items for children entering foster care or facing traumatic situations, are becoming a staple in police departments and advocacy centers. This significant donation ensures that more children in Northeast Florida will have access to comfort during their most difficult moments, turning a local tragedy into a lasting source of community strength.

Morning Bulletin: What’s Happening Today

• 2:00 PM: Council Member Jimmy Peluso hosts a public meeting at City Hall to discuss the next steps for a city-wide landlord registry.
• 8:00 PM: Geoff Tate’s "Operation: Mindcrime" Final Chapter Tour takes the stage at the Florida Theatre for a night of classic rock.
• Development: Commercial permits were issued this morning for the new Mechanism Coffee location in eTown, signaling more growth for the Southside.