Mayor's LGBTQ+ Advisory Board Convenes for Monthly Session Today

Advisory Board Meets to Discuss Community Inclusion

Today, Friday, March 6, 2026, the Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board is scheduled to hold its regularly scheduled monthly meeting from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The session, held both in person and virtually via Microsoft Teams, serves as a vital touchpoint for the Deegan administration as it seeks to address the needs of Jacksonville’s LGBTQ+ residents and foster a greater sense of belonging within the city government.

The board was established under Executive Order 2024-03 and consists of 11 voting members and one alternate. Current chair Cindy Watson and the board members act as official liaisons between the community and the mayor’s office, providing guidance on policy initiatives and preparing an annual report of findings for both the Mayor and the Jacksonville City Council. While today’s meeting focuses on ongoing advisory duties, it occurs during a particularly active period for the city's executive branch.

Broader Political Context at City Hall

As the advisory board meets, the broader political landscape in Jacksonville remains focused on several high-profile developments. Earlier this week, City Council President Kevin Carrico officially nominated Randy Wyse to the JEA Board of Directors. The nomination, announced on Monday, aims to bring stability to the city’s utility provider following the expiring term of Arthur Adams Jr. This leadership transition at JEA is expected to be a major point of discussion in upcoming full council sessions.

Additionally, city officials are navigating the early stages of a state-level investigation into the Deegan administration’s policies regarding immigration enforcement. The investigation, which recently saw the issuance of a criminal subpoena from the Florida Attorney General’s office, has sparked significant debate within the City Council. While some members have voiced support for the state’s call for transparency, others have criticized the move as political interference in local governance.

Looking Ahead: Zoning and Leadership Votes

While today’s board meeting is the primary official government session, the city is preparing for a busy week of legislative activity starting Monday. Key items on the horizon include:

• Zoning Changes: Council Member Rahman Johnson will host a community meeting on Monday, March 9, to discuss proposed land use and zoning changes for property along Morse Avenue and Seaboard Avenue.
• Council Leadership: Council Member Chris Miller and Vice President Nick Howland have scheduled meetings for March 10 to begin formal discussions regarding the 2026-2027 City Council leadership cycle.
• Waterways and Ethics: The Jacksonville Waterways Commission and various ethics training sessions for boards and commissions are slated for the middle of next week.

Residents interested in participating in today’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board meeting or viewing upcoming council agendas are encouraged to access the city's official notice system. These meetings remain open to the public as part of the city's commitment to transparent governance.