Governor Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Duval County as City Boards Convene
Honoring a Local Leader: Flags at Half-Staff
On this Friday, February 20, 2026, Governor Ron DeSantis has directed that the flags of the United States and the State of Florida be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset across all local and state buildings in Duval County. This order is a mark of respect for the late Terry Fields, a prominent figure in Jacksonville politics who recently passed away at the age of 66. Fields was a dedicated public servant, having represented House District 14 in the Florida Legislature for eight years and previously serving as the President of the Jacksonville City Council. Local government buildings throughout the city are participating in this tribute today to honor his legacy of community service.
Government Boards Move Forward with Strategic Sessions
While legislative sessions in the City Council chambers are lighter today, several key government boards and subcommittees are holding sessions to move city initiatives forward. The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville is currently holding its Board of Directors Retreat. The session, which began at 9:30 a.m. and is scheduled to run until 3:00 p.m., is being held in person with a focus on long-term planning. Facilitated by nonprofit specialists, the board is working to build internal relationships and establish a strategic roadmap for the remainder of 2026, emphasizing the expansion of public arts and cultural funding in the region.
Additionally, the Mayor’s Hispanic American Advisory Board is active today. The board’s Public Safety, Veterans & Faith Subcommittee is meeting from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. This session is being held in a hybrid format, allowing members to attend both in person and virtually. The agenda for this subcommittee includes reviewing community outreach programs and discussing ongoing public safety concerns within the city’s Hispanic community. Public comment periods are included in both meetings, allowing residents to offer input on the board's strategic directions.
City Hall Context: Continued Scrutiny and Environmental Alerts
Today’s meetings occur against a backdrop of significant tension at City Hall. City Council President Kevin Carrico remains at the center of a political firestorm following the recent release of text messages regarding a JEA board appointment. While no formal council vote is scheduled for today, the fallout continues after his nominee, Paul Martinez, withdrew from consideration earlier this week. Carrico has recently made public allegations regarding the corporate culture at the city-owned utility, further complicating the relationship between the legislative branch and JEA leadership.
Furthermore, city officials remain on high alert due to extreme drought conditions. Mayor Donna Deegan and emergency management officials continue to urge residents to exercise extreme caution with outdoor activities, as the wildfire risk in Duval County is at its highest point in over a decade. While no new press conferences are scheduled for this afternoon, the Mayor’s office continues to coordinate with Jacksonville Fire and Rescue to monitor vulnerable wildland-urban interface zones throughout the city.