Jacksonville Bold for 2.25.26 – Mommy & Daddy are fighting again.

At least some of our readers are products of dysfunctional families, and they may recognize the dynamic in play in Jacksonville, where former Mayor Lenny Curry and current Mayor Donna Deegan continue to squabble.

It started very early in the Deegan administration, when the city decided to part ways with Ballard Partners, the lobbying firm for which Curry and former Jacksonville Chief of Staff Jordan Elsbury work.

The bad blood flowed from there, with a current stronger than that of the mighty St. Johns River.

Unlike previous Mayors, Curry has had no issue being the most prominent critic of Deegan and having an alleged “history of incompetence when it comes to doing things the right way.”

He has spoken out on issues ranging from the “gun registry” that was maintained at City Hall and the Yates Building to Yanira Cardona going live on social media from City Hall to warn about immigration enforcement.

Unsurprisingly, the critiques have stepped up as the city approaches the 2027 election cycle.

Last week, as the city posted a graphic on social media commemorating Ash Wednesday, Curry was among those who unfavorably contrasted that effort with one the previous day celebrating Ramadan.

“When they show you who they are, believe them,” the former Mayor said.

The heat has also been brought to bear on JEA – in a turn of the tables, given that Deegan was vocal in opposition to the previous administration’s exploration of privatization.

Curry has accused Deegan of “weird and strange” behavior, saying she has been “lying” about him since jump after Deegan urged media to “connect the dots” about a “vile smear campaign” allegedly directed at JEA after the utility went in a different direction with lobbyists and the “toxic political culture” she blames Ballard for.

Back when unions were fighting privatization, they used the slogan “JEA is ours.”

Indeed, it is.

And so is the related dysfunction.

For a decade, Board members and CEOs have been shuffled in and out of the utility like substitute teachers. Here today, gone tomorrow and generally for political reasons.

There are sound reasons for a city to control its own utility, of course, but this one has been a political football.

The Board and the City Council are at cross purposes. CEO Vickie Cavey got a vote of confidence Tuesday, with Board member Rick Morales’ call for her to step down rebuffed.

However, the Council will turn its attention to the utility.

Impeachment impasse

President Donald Trump doesn’t currently face a threat of a third impeachment, but Senate candidate Angie Nixon wants to see it.

The Jacksonville Democrat outraged Republicans with a social media post predicting the President’s incarceration.

“I can’t wait until Donald Trump is arrested and held accountable. I will definitely vote to remove him after becoming Florida’s next U.S. Senator,” Nixon posted on X.

The Republican National Committee, chaired by state Sen. Joe Gruters, slammed the rhetoric in a statement and suggested the post served as a tell for nefarious goals should Democrats regain a Senate majority.

“The Democrat party is unhinged, unpopular, and completely consumed by their hatred of President Trump,” said RNC Chair Emma Hall. “Angie Nixon is a joke and so is her doomed campaign.”

Nixon, a state Representative, launched a campaign in January seeking to challenge U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody.

Trump was impeached twice in his first term, both times after Democrats won a majority in the House. But he survived a trial each time in the Senate, where two-thirds of Senators must support a vote to remove a President for it to happen.

Nixon must first win the Democratic nomination and face Alex Vindman for the nomination. Vindman, a former National Security Council member, was notably fired after he testified about a phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which led to Trump’s first impeachment.

Republicans have predicted a vindictive impeachment of Trump again if Democrats win a majority in the House in November.

Nixon’s fundraising reports for 2025 showed hefty support from U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat. Tlaib became the subject of Republican ire shortly after the start of her first term when she voiced an appetite for impeachment articles.

“We’re going to impeach the (expletive deleted),” she told a crowd, as reported by The New York Times.

Upset minded

A Democrat looking to flip what the map says is a safely Republican seat in Northeast Florida’s 5th Congressional District is touting her fundraising as proof of viability.

Rachel Grage launched her campaign on Nov. 4; in eight weeks, she raised $89,000, while U.S. Rep. John Rutherford raised $35,000 in Q4 2025.

While Rutherford, a former Jacksonville Sheriff endorsed by President Donald Trump as he runs for a fifth term, has more than $311,000 on hand and Grage has less than $70,000, the challenger believes this quarterly win augurs well for what could be the race in November.

“This early momentum reflects the energy we are seeing across the district,” said Grage. “Families are ready for leadership that focuses on lowering costs, protecting health care and restoring accountability in Washington.”

Grage, a New York state native, moved to Florida in 2019 after extensive community involvement up North. Once in the Sunshine State, she got involved in local Democratic organizations, serving as a legislative liaison and learning how Tallahassee worked.

She has both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in engineering from Tulane, where she minored in dance as an undergraduate.

Grage has also been president of her local homeowner’s association.

Her credentials haven’t translated into wins yet; she ran for the state House in 2024 against Rep. Kiyan Michael, earning 39% of the vote.

Meanwhile, Rutherford has run in seven General Elections since 2003 and has never lost.

The district includes Duval County and part of St. Johns.

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Beach bum

U.S. Rep. Randy Fine is doing his part for beach renourishment in Florida’s 6th Congressional District, with $4.7 million in federal money coming in ahead of the 2026 Hurricane Season.

“Strong beaches mean strong communities, protecting our homes, our economy and our way of life,” Fine said. “I thank the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners for their partnership and collaboration. Together – within two weeks of reaching out to FEMA – we secured more than $4.7 million in long-awaited federal funding for beach sand replenishment projects. We are pursuing additional funding to continue renourishing our beaches.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency can program the money and begin projects immediately, Fine’s office said.

It will address legacy damage from Hurricanes Ian and Nicole.

Local officials are also celebrating the help.

“We are grateful for Congressman Fine’s engagement and advocacy on behalf of Flagler County,” said County Commission Chair Leann Pennington. “This award strengthens our ability to restore and protect one of our community’s most vulnerable and valued assets, our coastline.”

“This funding is a critical piece of the overall financial plan for Reach 2,” said County Administrator Heidi Petito. “It allows us to move forward with confidence as we prepare for construction and continue securing the remaining resources needed.”

Fine won a Special Election last year to replace Mike Waltz to represent the sprawling district that runs from St. Johns County to Daytona Beach and the Orlando suburbs, and the Ocala area out west. He has nearly $1 million in cash on hand for his first campaign for a full term.

Know your rights

The Senate continues to move legislation to create a new artificial intelligence bill of rights, adding stronger consumer protection for children and vulnerable adults who don’t know whether they’re talking to a human or a chatbot.

The Senate Appropriations Committee advanced SB 482, filed by Sen. Tom Leek. It was the final Committee stop for the bill, which means it’s ready for the full Senate floor.

“Given the incredible pace of the evolution of the technology and its adoption by business and academia, it is incumbent on us to protect Floridians from some of its problematic results,” Leek said.

An identical House bill (HB 1395) filed by Rep. Alex Rizo has yet to be called to a Committee vote, suggesting this may be it for the proposal, however.

Under the latest amended version of the bill, AI is defined as “a machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments.”

“We spent a great deal of time with industry stakeholders to make sure that our definitions are as tight as they possibly can be,” Leek said during Wednesday’s Committee hearing.

The bill would require parents to give consent for their children to use a companion chatbot platform.

Platforms would be required to periodically remind children 17 and under to take a break from using the chatbot and to note that the companion chatbot is artificially generated and not human.

For everyone — children and adults — the platforms would be required to display alerts that they are speaking with a bot at the beginning of the conversation and every hour thereafter.

“These are not the bots you may run into to answer a routine question on a website, but instead they are created to sustain a relationship with a user that may seem real,” Leek said.

Freedom isn’t free

Legislation (SB 1756) intended to protect parental rights regarding childhood vaccines is moving forward in the Senate, even as similar legislation has stalled out in the House without a hearing.

But while Sen. Clay Yarborough’s so-called “medical freedom” bill was advanced to its final stop during an Appropriations Committee meeting, the legislation remains controversial. The meeting included 100 appearance cards filed by concerned members of the public, as well as questions from both sides of the aisle.

The bill, which the Jacksonville Republican said “makes great strides to ensure Florida parents can make educated medical decisions for their school-aged children,” would prohibit the state health officers from mandating vaccines during public health emergencies. It would also expand religious and conscience-based exemptions for school entry and require new parental acknowledgment forms before minors receive vaccines.

Yet even Republicans are split.

Republican Sen. Gayle Harrell wondered whether Yarborough had spoken with pediatricians about the proposal. He said he had spoken to some.

She was a “no” in the previous Committee that heard this bill and maintained her opposition to this “dangerous bill” at this stop.

In debate, Republican Sen. Ralph Massullo noted that he was “pro-vaccine” but that people who want to opt out of vaccines should be given the same information as those opting in. He ultimately supported in Committee the bill’s central argument equating religion and conscience, but wants changes before the floor, including moderating advocacy of ivermectin, which he attributes to “peer pressure.”

Yarborough said, “There’s a lot to look at moving forward” with the bill.

Republican Sen. Tom Wright was also a “no” on the bill, saying, “We may be missing the boat, and some of the children may not get the vaccines they need.”

Road warriors

Deegan and members of the City Council are extolling the completion of the Lone Star Road project in Arlington.

The Lone Star Road Extension is, per the Mayor’s Office, an “approximately $1.5 million infrastructure investment that improves connectivity along the Lone Star Road–Tredinick Parkway corridor from Mathews Manor Drive to Southside Connector Boulevard.”

“Jacksonville is growing, and our infrastructure has to grow with it,” said Deegan. “This is exactly what ‘I Dig Jax’ is all about — digging in and doing the hard work to make sure our neighborhoods have the roads, connections, and community spaces they deserve. The Lone Star Road Extension is a smart investment in Arlington’s future, and I’m proud that we delivered it for the residents and businesses who call this part of our city home.”

The upgrades include a new roundabout, enhanced roadway connections, a shared-use asphalt path for pedestrians and cyclists, and new lighting and landscaping.

“Through this collaboration with the Mayor’s Office, we keep opening new doors and doing new things to make our community better,” said Council member Ken Amaro. “For Arlington, this is a long-awaited roadway that will make commuting so much easier.”

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Skyway talk

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority wants to hear from the public tonight about the U2C Phase II – Skyway Rehabilitation & Downtown Service Expansion Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study.

The next meeting is tonight: 5 p.m.–7 p.m. — Jacksonville Marriott Downtown, Duval Ballroom, 245 Water Street.

“These meetings are an important opportunity for residents, businesses, and stakeholders to be part of the Skyway’s future,” stated JTA Senior Vice President and Chief Infrastructure & Development Officer Greer Johnson Gillis.

Citizens are asked to “help shape the future of the Skyway as the Authority advances efforts to modernize the system, integrate new technologies, and strengthen mobility in and around Downtown Jacksonville.”

“Community feedback will play a key role as we evaluate options to enhance connectivity, improve system reliability, and address evolving mobility needs in Downtown Jacksonville,” Gillis said.

If you’re missing the confab this evening, March offers more chances.

March 5 — 11 a.m.–1 p.m. and 5 p.m.–7 p.m. — Conference Center at the Main Library, 303 N. Laura St. (enter on Main St.)

March 24 — 11 a.m.–1 p.m. and 5 p.m.–7 p.m. — FSCJ Advanced Technology Center, Room T140, 401 West State Street

March 26 — 11 a.m.–1 p.m. and 5 p.m.–7 p.m. — DoubleTree Jacksonville Riverfront, 1201 Riverplace Boulevard

Safety zone

Jenoptik Smart Mobility Solutions is partnering with the Florida Sheriffs Association to support #VisionZero, a global initiative to reduce traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries.

The collaboration focuses on expanding road and public safety programs across Florida. The goal is to create safer communities while improving secure transportation for all residents and visitors.

#VisionZero centers on eliminating traffic deaths and severe injuries through data-driven enforcement, education and engineering strategies. The initiative has gained traction worldwide as governments seek measurable ways to make streets safer.

Jenoptik says its in-house manufacturing, local customer service and field support teams are positioned to assist local governments and law enforcement agencies throughout the state. The company emphasizes hands-on collaboration and responsive service.

The partnership also helps with community engagement, programming demonstrations and pilot initiatives. Company leaders say they stand ready to work with local partners interested in advancing #VisionZero efforts and strengthening traffic safety outcomes in Florida.

Hot property

The Arlington area is getting its first new fire station in more than 30 years.

Jacksonville Fire and Rescue officials formally broke ground on the construction of what will be Station 66 in East Arlington on Friday. The station is being built off Interstate 295 near the Dames Point Bridge.

Fire Chief Percy Golden II said the facility was long overdue.

“East Arlington has grown substantially in population density over the past two decades, and the demand on our surrounding stations has grown right along with it,” Golden said. “In emergency response, minutes equal lives. Every second we shave off a response time is a second that matters to someone in this community.”

There are already three fire stations in the Arlington area, but the most recent facility opened in 1992. Given the rapid population increase in the Fort Caroline and Arlington area over those 34 years, officials say the new facility will enable first responders to provide faster service.

“Every resident deserves the same high level of fire and rescue service regardless of where they live,” said Joe Inderhees, who represented Deegan’s office at the groundbreaking. “Station 66 closes a coverage gap that exists for this community.”

The city approved construction of the new station following a five-year study that concluded a new facility was necessary to provide more timely service in that area of Jacksonville.

Over the moon

MOCA is bringing in a new art collection on Saturday.

The Jiha Moon: Half Moon exhibit will be on view in MOCA’s UNF Gallery from Feb. 28 through August 23. It will include paintings, ceramics, and mixed-media pieces.

“In her work, she synthesizes traditional Asian motifs, Western art history, and mainstream iconography, interweaving the heritage of her native South Korea with the vernacular of contemporary American pop culture. By reconfiguring conventional narratives of identity, authenticity, and belonging, Moon has created a visual language that is both playful and provocative. This exhibition invites audiences to engage with her keen commentary on globalization, migration, and the fluid nature of symbols,” MOCA says.

MOSH mash

A permit was issued to formally tear down the building that housed the Museum of Science and History (MOSH) on the Southbank of Jacksonville’s downtown.

The permits signal the final demolition of the longtime attraction in the center of the city. The Downtown Investment Authority approved $835,000 in January to cover the demolition costs. But the permit for the work to level the building located at 1025 Museum Circle was formally issued last week. ELEV8 Demolition is the company that will bring down the four-story complex that covers more than 83,000 square feet.

While the city of Jacksonville owns the 7.8-acre site on the Southbank, MOSH will relocate to the Northbank, on a site along the St. Johns River near EverBank Field.

The Southbank site, where MOSH stood since the late 1960s, will likely undergo redevelopment as demolition is slated to begin within weeks.

Jaguars & NFL Combine

The NFL Combine opens on Thursday, and thousands of NFL scouts, coaches, and executives will descend on Indianapolis for an event that is equal parts scouting exercise and industry reunion.

But two significant figures who are not expected to attend are Jaguars’ general manager James Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen.

According to Mike DiRocco of ESPN.com, the Jaguars will not hold face-to-face visits with players at the Combine or at the team’s facility. They did not host any players at the team facility last season either.

Gladstone and Coen both learned of the approach from their time with the Los Angeles Rams. The approach has worked well for the Rams, who have made the playoffs seven of the last nine seasons.

What will the Jaguars miss? Sometimes, during brief interviews at the Combine, a scout will notice something a player says opens a path for further investigation. But Gladstone trusts that the scouting process he has implemented with the Jaguars will yield the answers they seek without that kind of interview.

The Jaguars do not hold a first-round pick this season. They traded it last April as part of the deal that landed them Travis Hunter. The Jaguars do not have a pick until late in the second round, the 56th selection overall. They have three selections in the third round (numbers 81, 88, and 100), and Gladstone could use that draft capital to move up in the draft if the Jaguars covet a specific player.

Free agency begins at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 11, and if the Jaguars do not re-sign either linebacker Devin Lloyd or running back Travis Etienne, they could look to replace either of those positions in the draft.

Notre Dame running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price are both expected to be drafted in the first round. Nebraska’s Emmet Johnson and Washington’s Jonah Coleman could be targets in the second round.

As for linebacker, three off-ball linebackers are expected to go in the first round, but Texas’ Anthony Hill and Cincinnati’s Jake Golday could be under consideration when the Jaguars picks roll around.

In any case, the Jaguars roster will evolve from last season, with the biggest difference being how Hunter is used. The Jaguars are expected to play Hunter primarily at cornerback after they tried him first as a wide receiver in his rookie season. The emergence of Parker Washington and the addition of Jakobi Meyers strengthened the position group. If the Jaguars stick with Brian Thomas Jr., Hunter’s usage as a pass catcher may be limited.