City Notices: World of Nations Road Closures and Public Health Alerts
Public Notice: Weekend Road Closures for World of Nations Celebration
The City of Jacksonville has announced several significant road closures starting Friday, February 27, 2026, to accommodate the 34th Annual World of Nations Celebration at Ford on Bay. Motorists and commuters should plan alternative routes as these restrictions will remain in place through Sunday evening to ensure the safety of festival attendees and international exhibitors.
- Market Street: Closed south of Bay Street to Courthouse Drive through Sunday at 11:59 p.m.
- Liberty Street: Closed from Bay Street south to the riverwalk starting at 6:00 a.m. Friday. Access is restricted to local traffic only.
- Bay Street: Closed between Newnan Street and Liberty Street beginning at 6:00 a.m. Friday.
Health Advisory: Measles Outbreak Confirmed in Duval County
The Florida Department of Health in Duval County and Chief Health Officer Dr. Sunil Joshi have issued an urgent public health advisory following the confirmation of a sixth measles case in the Jacksonville area this year. Health officials are now categorizing the cluster of cases as a community outbreak, with the majority of infections identified in young children.
Residents are strongly urged to verify their vaccination status, specifically the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. Experts remind the public that the vaccine is highly effective at preventing the spread of this contagious virus. Local healthcare facilities have been instructed to display signage and implement specialized screening protocols for any patients presenting with symptoms such as high fever and a distinctive rash.
Public Service Announcement: JaxEPICS Transition for Development Services
Effective Saturday, February 28, the City of Jacksonville will officially transition all civil plan and plat reviews to the Jacksonville Enterprise Permitting, Inspections and Compliance System, known as JaxEPICS. This digital migration is intended to streamline the city's development and permitting process, providing a centralized hub for engineers, surveyors, and developers.
The new online portal allows applicants to track review progress independently, view target timelines, and process invoice payments. Public Works officials indicate that this is a major step toward modernization, with final system testing occurring throughout the day today.
Fire Safety Alert: Elevated Risks Due to Extreme Drought
The Florida Forest Service has issued a standing advisory regarding elevated fire risks across the Northeast Florida region. Due to extreme drought conditions currently affecting Duval County, residents are cautioned against any outdoor burning. Homeowners are encouraged to maintain defensible space around their property by removing dry leaves and debris from gutters and roofs to mitigate the risk of accidental ignition.
Infrastructure Update: Nighttime Construction on I-95
The Florida Department of Transportation continues its widening and bridge improvement projects on I-95. Motorists should anticipate nighttime single-lane closures on I-95 between Bowden Road and San Marco Boulevard starting at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 27. These closures will remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. Saturday to facilitate necessary paving and structural work.