Duuuval Morning Briefing: JEA Under Fire, Jaguars Jitters, and Aerospace Ambitions

Good Morning, Jacksonville

It is Friday, March 13, 2026, and the Bold City is buzzing with a mix of high-stakes sports drama and significant political shifts. As we head into a weekend dominated by The Players Championship, here is everything you need to know to stay ahead of the curve today.

The Mood: Jaguars Free Agency Anxiety

If you have spent any time on social media or at local sports bars this week, you know the mood is tense. Jacksonville Jaguars fans are expressing a range of emotions from frustration to outright panic following a quiet start to the 2026 NFL League Year. The team has seen several mainstays depart, including star running back Travis Etienne Jr. to the Saints and linebacker Devin Lloyd to the Panthers. While General Manager James Gladstone has emphasized a big-picture strategy focused on 2027 draft capital, many citizens are feeling the sting of losing the core of a team that went 13-4 last season. Expect the "Jags Jitters" to be the primary conversation at TPC Sawgrass today.

The Key Talking Point: The JEA Probe and Tallahassee’s Final Hour

At City Hall, the primary focus is the newly launched special investigatory committee tasked with probing JEA. City Council President Kevin Carrico has authorized an investigation into millions of dollars in potentially unpaid water and wastewater capacity fees from major commercial entities, including the Mayo Clinic. Beyond the financial implications, the committee is also looking into allegations of a toxic workplace culture and racism within the utility. This move marks a significant escalation in oversight for our city-owned utility.

Meanwhile, all eyes are on Tallahassee today as the Florida legislative session reaches its final day. Jacksonville residents should watch for the final vote on a controversial elections bill that could drastically change voter identification requirements, potentially removing student and retirement home IDs as valid forms of identification at the polls.

Feel-Good Friday: 1,200 Jobs and Safer Waters

On a brighter note, there is excellent economic news for the Westside. The Florida Senate has passed legislation to grow Cecil Airport into a premier aerospace hub. This follows an announcement that Otto Aerospace will invest $430 million to manufacture its Phantom 3500 jet right here in Jacksonville, a move expected to create approximately 1,200 new local jobs.

In community news, Jacksonville Republican Senator Clay Yarborough’s bill to expand child swimming vouchers passed the House. This safety-focused legislation will expand eligibility for swimming lessons to children ages 1 to 7, providing a critical resource for Florida families to prevent drownings.

What’s Happening Tonight?

• The Players Championship: Day 2 continues at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach.
• Hockey: The Jacksonville Icemen host the Greenville Swamp Rabbits at 7:00 PM.
• Comedy: Theo Von brings his "Return of the Rat" tour to the Florida Theatre at 8:00 PM.
• Spooky Fun: For a unique Friday the 13th experience, check out the underground magic show in the catacombs beneath Kickbacks in Riverside at 9:00 PM.