JEA began the third phase of its $117 million Fulton Cut Transmission Line Clearance Project, raising electric transmission lines over the St. Johns River at Fulton Cut to enable larger ships to access Jacksonville. Helicopters assist crews in installing wiring and delivering materials for the new transmission lines.
Jacksonville's City Council voted 18–1 on September 23 to approve Mayor Donna Deegan's $2.03 billion budget, with Republican Councilman Rory Diamond as the sole dissenter. The budget restored nearly $5 million in affordable housing funds that had initially faced cuts.
The City of Jacksonville is turning to its youngest residents for fresh ideas to build a greener future, launching an initiative competition promising to fund youth-led eco-friendly projects.
On September 23, 2026, Jacksonville City Council approved a $2 billion budget and restored the affordable housing trust fund after pressure from officials including Carlucci. The fund had been stripped from the mayor's original proposal.
Reports reference Ukraine using a US-supplied STASH air defense system against Russian drones, and separately, a Jacksonville transit board discussing leadership succession after a CEO departure. These are unrelated news items.
Demolition of Regency Square Mall's food court began on September 14–15, 2026, marking the start of redevelopment on the 47-acre property in Arlington, Jacksonville. The once-popular shopping destination is undergoing major transformation after decades of decline.
Jacksonville's Downtown Development Review Board approved initial plans for Gateway Jax's mixed-use riverfront development featuring a hotel and tower at the foot of the Main Street Bridge. The developer is seeking $70 million in city incentives for the project, which requires Jacksonville City Council approval.
Jacksonville City Council is advancing a tentative $2 billion budget that includes a proposed $4.9 million cut to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The proposal has sparked public outcry and political opposition, with councilmembers seeking to restore the funding before the budget's final approval on September 22.
St. Augustine has constructed its first bioswale—a native plant-based stormwater filtration system that filters pollutants before drainage into the Matanzas River. The green infrastructure project addresses water quality and environmental sustainability.
Florida's Department of Transportation revoked permits for Flock Safety and other automated license plate reader systems on state highway rights-of-way, effective by September 2, 2026, responding to growing privacy concerns about mass surveillance. Local law enforcement agencies across Florida, including St. Johns County, are complying with the directive to remove the cameras.
The incumbent, Democrat Yvonne Hayes Hinson, is not seeking re-election, meaning the race for District 21, which covers parts of Alachua and Marion counties, is an open seat. Jacquelyn “Jackie” Randall won a five-way Democratic primary in August.
Fernandina Beach voters will choose a mayor this fall.
Amendment 1 deals with the Budget Stabilization Fund, sometimes known as a “rainy day fund.”
Republican incumbent John Rutherford is seeking his sixth term in Congress. He faces one challenger in the Republican primary, and there are three candidates in the Democratic primary.