Jacksonville Morning Briefing: Braving the Arctic Blast and Building the Future

Morning Briefing: A Frozen Monday in the River City

Good morning, Jacksonville. Grab an extra layer and keep the taps dripping—today is a morning like few others in our city's history. From record-breaking weather to major milestones in our downtown skyline, here is what you need to know for Monday, February 2, 2026.

The City Mood: Shivering but Resilient

The mood this morning is undeniably chilly as Jacksonville grapples with a rare and record-breaking arctic blast. For the first time in years, snow flurries were spotted across the Northside and Middleburg over the weekend, leaving the city in a state of frosty wonder and logistical caution. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office headquarters is closed to the public today due to a water supply incident caused by the extreme cold, with JEA working closely to restore pressure. Residents are urged to conserve both electricity and water as the utility handles the unprecedented demand. While the "Big Freeze" has caused some local businesses to close temporarily, the resilience of the community was on full display yesterday as thousands of runners braved the record-cold temperatures to complete the 19th annual DONNA Marathon.

Key Talking Point: Building Through the Chill

Despite the freeze, the "Stadium of the Future" remains a central talking point. As we enter February, construction on EverBank Stadium is officially roughly 10% complete. However, fans should prepare for a different experience this coming year; the upper deck is scheduled to close following the recent playoffs to accommodate the next phase of renovations, significantly reducing capacity for the 2026 season. Meanwhile, downtown’s skyline continues its shift. Gateway Jax recently broke ground on the Pearl Square project, a multi-billion dollar initiative that will eventually bring 1,200 residential units and a new grocery store to the city's core. Additionally, the Jaguars are slated to move into their new headquarters at One Tower Court this month, marking a major milestone for the Sports and Entertainment District.

Feel-Good Story: Investing in Our Future Caregivers

In a major win for local education and healthcare, Brooks Rehabilitation and Jacksonville University have officially launched a new scholarship program specifically for aspiring nurses. Announced as a highlight of the weekend, this initiative aims to bridge staffing gaps in Northeast Florida by providing critical financial support for students. It serves as a timely reminder that even when the weather is cold, the spirit of investment in our city’s health and future remains warm.

What’s Happening Today

• Art in Public Spaces: The new "Art in Public Spaces Exhibition" officially opens today at the St. Johns County Administration Building, offering a warm indoor escape for art lovers.
• Collegiate Sports: The No. 5 Florida men’s golf team begins play today at the Sea Best Invitational, hosted by Jacksonville University at the Atlantic Beach Country Club.
• Community Alert: JEA continues to monitor water pressure downtown; residents in high-rise apartments are advised to remain patient as crews address cold-weather pipe issues.