Official Bulletin: Community Town Halls, Urban Development, and Public Initiatives

Mayor Deegan Announces 2026 Community Town Hall Series

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan has officially announced a series of eight upcoming town hall meetings scheduled to take place throughout February and March 2026. These public forums are designed to foster direct communication between the city administration and residents. The primary focus of these discussions will include housing affordability, health care access, infrastructure enhancements, and improvements for underserved neighborhoods.

The town halls are free to attend and do not require advance registration. Each session is scheduled to last approximately 90 minutes, beginning promptly at 6:00 p.m. The schedule includes the following locations:

• February 3: William M. Raines High School, 3663 Raines Ave.
• February 17: Westside High School, 5530 Firestone Road.
• February 19: Duncan U. Fletcher High School, 700 Seagate Ave.
• February 26: Samuel W. Wolfson School for Advanced Studies, 7000 Powers Ave.

Downtown Investment Authority Approves MOSH Building Demolition

The Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) has formally approved plans for the demolition of the former Museum of Science and History (MOSH) building on the Southbank. This decision follows the museum's transition to its new location on the Northbank. According to official reports, the site will initially be utilized for additional public parking in the short term, while the city evaluates long-term development opportunities for the riverfront property. This move is part of a larger strategy to modernize the downtown skyline and optimize waterfront usage.

Launch of the 'State of the Food' Strategic Plan

The City of Jacksonville has officially launched the 'State of the Food' plan, a comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming the local food system. This strategic roadmap seeks to address food insecurity, support urban agriculture, and improve the distribution of fresh, healthy food across Duval County. The plan will serve as a guide for future policy decisions and public investments to ensure a more resilient and equitable food environment for all residents.

JTA Fare Reduction Pilot Program and 2050 Vision

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) has issued a public notice regarding the upcoming Fare Reduction Pilot Program, which is set to begin on February 1, 2026. This initiative is part of the 'Better Together' campaign and aligns with the newly introduced Mobility Visioning Plan (MVP) 2050. The authority aims to enhance public transit accessibility by reducing costs for commuters and modernizing service routes to meet the city's growth projections over the next 25 years.

Winter Weather and Temperature Advisory

Local authorities have issued a notice regarding significant temperature fluctuations for Friday, January 23. Following a chilly morning start, afternoon high temperatures are expected to reach near 80 degrees. Residents are encouraged to monitor local weather updates, as a broader winter storm system is currently impacting the Southeastern United States, potentially bringing cooler temperatures and hazardous conditions to the region through the weekend.