Pet owners investigated for or convicted of animal cruelty could lose access to Jacksonville Beach’s Paws Dog Park under an ordinance the City Council approved on first reading Aug.
The City Council spent Monday in a day-long facilitated retreat that produced a draft code of conduct, a frank airing of where council and staff misread each other, and a proposal that could change what residents hear back after they step to the podium.
The study is a key step toward creating a one-time fee on new residential and commercial construction that would be collected during the permitting process to help fund the infrastructure needed to support future development.
"It's very bittersweet for me. I am definitely leaving as a happy warrior," Smith said. "I feel like I'm going out on top, and that's because of the team."
Jay Dickson has been named the new Planning and Development director for the city of Jacksonville Beach, bringing over 25 years experience in municipal planning and development to the role.
Three candidates for the Duval County School Board's District 2 seat will meet Beaches voters at a candidate forum next month, ahead of the Aug. 18 primary.
Beaches
Atlantic Beach's budget process for fiscal year 2026-27 is underway, and city officials are encouraging residents to weigh in before the City Commission's final vote in September.
Jacksonville Beach City Council moved Monday to make it permanent, clearing the way for new lettering, logos and a metal roof on the century-old building now that a $1 million exterior renovation has wrapped up.
Topics are expected to include successes and challenges from the past year, crime statistics and trends, updates on large events such as the Fourth of July and Memorial Day, staffing, department needs and more.
