Jacksonville Morning Briefing: Bracing for the Arctic Blast and Running with Love

The Mood of the City

Jacksonville wakes up this Friday with a sense of determined resilience. While the excitement of the Jaguars' deep run into January has shifted to offseason discussions following a tough Wild Card loss to the Bills earlier this month, the city's energy remains high. There is a palpable mix of community spirit and cautious preparation as residents balance the kickoff of one of the city's most beloved annual traditions with the arrival of a record-breaking cold front. The city feels united, trading in football jerseys for running shoes and heavy coats as we head into a historic weekend for both our community and our climate.

Key Talking Point: The Looming Arctic Blast

The primary topic of conversation at coffee shops and water coolers today is the significant cold snap moving into North Florida. While Friday afternoon may see temperatures reach the low 60s, the National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Watch for the region. A powerful low-pressure system is funneling Arctic air southward, with local forecasts predicting temperatures could drop into the low 20s by Sunday morning—potentially the coldest weather Jacksonville has seen in over a decade. Citizens are being urged to prepare their homes, protect sensitive plants, and check on neighbors. The "unsexy but essential" infrastructure work recently prioritized by the City Council, including drainage and shoreline reinforcements, is facing an early test as this winter system moves through.

Feel-Good Story: Destination Love

Despite the falling mercury, the city is warming up for the 19th Annual DONNA Marathon Weekend, which officially begins today. This year’s theme, "Destination: Love," feels particularly poignant as thousands of runners and breast cancer survivors gather at the Beaches. The festivities kick off today at 11:00 a.m. with the Health & Wellness Expo at the Hilton Jacksonville at Mayo Clinic. Founded by Mayor Donna Deegan, the event continues to be a beacon of hope, raising vital funds for The DONNA Foundation to support those living with breast cancer. The sight of the city turning "pink" serves as a beautiful reminder that in Jacksonville, no one runs alone, even in the face of the coldest winds.

Weekend Quick Hits

• Downtown Development: Progress continues on the "Stadium of the Future," with demolition work visible at EverBank Stadium. Nearby, the first phase of Riverfront Plaza is nearing its public debut, signaling a new era for the Northbank.
• Evening Arts: For those looking to stay indoors tonight, the Jacksonville Symphony presents "Silly Love Songs" at Jacoby Symphony Hall, featuring the music of McCartney, Cher, and Whitney Houston.
• Marathon Prep: Packet pickup for all DONNA participants is required today or tomorrow at the Expo; organizers remind runners that there is no race-day pickup at the Beaches.