Public Notice: Jacksonville Legislative Schedule, Health Advisories, and Community Town Halls

Legislative Roundup: City Council Committees Convene

Jacksonville City Council remains active this Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with several key committee meetings scheduled at City Hall, located at 117 West Duval Street. These sessions are open to the public and provide a critical look at upcoming local legislation and policy changes.

• Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health & Safety Committee: Convening at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chamber, this committee will review pending ordinances related to community welfare and public safety initiatives.
• Rules Committee: Scheduled for 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, the committee will address internal governance, appointments, and procedural updates for the legislative body.
• Special Committee on Youth Empowerment: Meeting from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Lynwood Roberts Room, this committee is continuing its work under the charge issued by Council President Carrico to address youth engagement and resource allocation.

Public Health Alert: Measles Outbreak and Environmental Risks

The City of Jacksonville’s Chief Health Officer, Dr. Sunil Joshi, has issued a high-priority health advisory following the confirmation of a fifth measles case in Duval County since the start of 2026. Health officials are urging residents to verify their vaccination status. Recommendations have been distributed to local healthcare providers to heighten screening protocols to contain this ongoing outbreak.

Additionally, Mayor Donna Deegan and city safety officials have issued a Public Service Announcement regarding an elevated wildfire risk across the region. Due to sustained dry conditions and low humidity, residents are advised to exercise extreme caution with outdoor fires and to adhere to all local burning restrictions to prevent accidental brush fires.

Executive Engagements and Public Service Updates

Following the Presidents' Day holiday on Monday, all city offices and facilities have resumed normal operating hours as of this morning. Residents can once again access services at the Ed Ball Building, the Yates Building, and all Jacksonville Public Library locations.

Mayor Donna Deegan will host a community Town Hall meeting this evening, February 17, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event serves as a platform for residents to discuss neighborhood concerns directly with the administration. Earlier in the day, the Mayor’s Hispanic American Advisory Board will meet at 12:00 p.m. to discuss education and healthcare wellness initiatives within the community.

Finally, the city recently celebrated the passage of Ordinances 2025-0900 and 2026-0036. These measures secure funding for the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) and launch new blight initiatives aimed at cleaning up litter and improving neighborhood aesthetics across the Eastside community.