Waterways Commission and Local Advisory Committees Convene as City Hall Navigates Legal Challenges

Official Sessions Scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Jacksonville’s local government remains active today with several key commission and committee meetings scheduled to address environmental and community development issues. These sessions come during a period of significant political tension between the Mayor’s office and state leadership in Tallahassee.

Jacksonville Waterways Commission Meeting

The Jacksonville Waterways Commission is scheduled to meet this morning from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers on the first floor of City Hall. Chaired by Ken Amaro, the commission is expected to discuss various legislative matters concerning the city's riverfront and nautical infrastructure. These monthly meetings serve as a primary venue for reviewing environmental protections and maritime developments within Duval County.

Community Development and Advisory Sessions

The afternoon and evening will focus on neighborhood-level governance and redevelopment strategies:

• Renew Arlington Advisory Board: Meeting at 3:30 p.m., this board will convene in a hybrid format (both in-person at City Hall, Suite 250, and virtually). As a Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) advisory body, the board oversees targeted investments and revitalization efforts within the Arlington area.
• North Citizens Planning Advisory Committee (North CPAC): The North CPAC will host its meeting at the Oceanway Community Center on Sago Avenue West. The session begins with the Governmental Affairs (LUZ) Subcommittee at 4:30 p.m., followed by the full committee meeting at 5:30 p.m. This meeting provides residents an opportunity to participate in the planning process and engage with city staff on local zoning and safety issues.

Heightened Legal Tensions at City Hall

While today's meetings focus on routine governance, a shadow remains over the St. James Building following the recent criminal subpoena issued by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. The investigation targets the administration of Mayor Donna Deegan, specifically focusing on communications involving the city’s Hispanic Outreach Coordinator. The state is probing allegations of potential interference with federal immigration enforcement.

The Mayor’s office has characterized the investigation as a "hyper-partisan fishing expedition" and a distraction from pressing local issues such as property insurance and housing costs. This legal battle follows a recent report from the City Council auditor, who was unable to verify state claims of nearly $200 million in wasteful spending by the city, further complicating the ongoing dialogue between local and state officials.