Official Bulletin: City Council Leadership Updates and Severe Water Shortage Mandates

Public Meeting Notices for March 18, 2026

The City of Jacksonville has issued official notices for several public meetings scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Residents and interested parties are encouraged to attend these sessions at City Hall to stay informed on local governance and upcoming administrative changes.

• Council Leadership Discussion: At 12:00 p.m., Council Member Rahman Johnson (District 14) will host a noticed meeting with Council Member Matt Carlucci (At-Large Group 4). The meeting will focus on the upcoming 2026–2027 Jacksonville City Council leadership cycle. This session is intended for members to share visions for the upcoming year and coordinate prior to the formal leadership selection. The meeting will be held in the Henry Cook Room, City Hall at St. James, 117 West Duval Street.
• Public Renaming Projects: Following the leadership meeting, Council Member Matt Carlucci will hold a second noticed meeting at 12:30 p.m. in the Henry Cook Room. This public meeting will address various renaming opportunities and community projects currently under review by the City Council.

Environmental Alert: Modified Phase II Severe Water Shortage

The St. Johns River Water Management District has declared a Modified Phase II Severe Water Shortage for Duval County effective through March 2026. Due to extreme drought conditions and significant precipitation deficits, the following mandatory restrictions are now in place:

• Irrigation Limits: Landscape irrigation is strictly limited to one day per week. This mandate overrides the standard twice-weekly schedule normally permitted during Daylight Saving Time.
• Designated Watering Days: Residential addresses ending in an odd number (or those with no address) may water only on Saturdays. Even-numbered residential addresses may water on Sundays. Non-residential properties are restricted to Tuesdays.
• Prohibited Hours: Irrigation is prohibited between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

JEA has officially extended its once-a-week irrigation schedule for all utility customers to ensure compliance with regional water resource stabilization efforts. Wasteful or unnecessary water use is currently prohibited under this district order.

Public Utility and Health Advisories

JEA Special Investigatory Committee: Following the committee meeting on March 17, the City Council has announced a formal survey of 147 JEA employees. This inquiry, led by Chair Ron Salem, is part of an ongoing investigation into utility leadership and workplace environment allegations. Public testimony from JEA staff is scheduled to continue through March 23.

Health Monitoring: The Florida Department of Health in Duval County continues to monitor seasonal respiratory virus activity and mosquito-borne illness risks. While the primary flu season is tapering off, residents are reminded to remain vigilant regarding mosquito prevention as warmer spring temperatures arrive.