Mayor Deegan to Host Westside Town Hall as City Council Committees Reconvene

Community Engagement and Legislative Oversight Take Center Stage

Following the Presidents' Day holiday, the City of Jacksonville has returned to a full schedule of political activity today, Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The day is marked by a series of critical City Council committee meetings at City Hall and a major public town hall hosted by Mayor Donna Deegan on the city's Westside.

Mayor Deegan’s Westside Town Hall

Mayor Donna Deegan is scheduled to host a town hall meeting this evening at Westside High School, located at 5530 Firestone Road. The session, which runs from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., is part of a broader series of community meetings designed to discuss the administration’s core priorities. Residents can expect the Mayor to address efforts to improve housing and health care affordability, enhance infrastructure, and provide targeted support for underserved neighborhoods.

As the Mayor prepares for an upcoming re-election bid, these town halls serve as a primary platform for the administration to communicate its budget priorities directly to constituents. The event is free and open to the public, with no preregistration required.

City Council Committee Activity

Earlier today, the Jacksonville City Council kicked off a busy legislative day with several standing and special committee sessions:

• Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health and Safety (NCSPHS) Committee: Meeting at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers, the committee faced a heavy agenda with 24 items. Discussions centered on community investment and public safety initiatives.
• Rules Committee: Convening at 2:00 p.m., this committee is tasked with reviewing appointments and legislative procedures that will shape the full Council meeting scheduled for next week.
• Special Committee on Youth Empowerment: Scheduled from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Lynwood Roberts Room, this committee continues its work on the charge memorandum issued by Council President Carrico. The focus remains on identifying gaps in city services for local youth and developing long-term strategies for engagement and support.

Legislative Highlights

Among the items moving through committee today is Resolution 2026-0074, which urges the Florida Legislature to pass the "Northeast Florida Rivers, Springs, & Community Investment Act." This act is vital for the restoration of the Ocklawaha River and is expected to create significant recreational and economic development opportunities for Jacksonville and surrounding counties. While committees continue their work today, the full Jacksonville City Council is not slated to meet for a regular session until February 24.