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🌱 Patch AM: What will Jacksonville’s new JTA probe reveal about missing millions?

You won't want to miss GMF Online Auction on the Jacksonville Patch calendar

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Greetings Jacksonville! We're your go-to source for what's happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What will Jacksonville's new JTA probe reveal about missing millions?
  • Normandy Village neighbors: what today's JEA takeover means for your bill
  • What the $12.3M Loretto Elementary expansion means for Southside families.

Also on today's calendar: GMF Online Auction and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Couple of thunderstorms, with a high of 89 and low of 73 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, temps: high: 91, low: 73.
  • Saturday: A shower and thunderstorm, with a high of 90 and low of 72 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 'She didn't care': Ex-JTA board member says she warned mayor about invoices possibly tied to probe (actionnewsjax.com) — Jacksonville residents relying on JTA should know the agency faces a $39 million financial crisis, a state investigation, and a new City Council audit, all while service cuts and layoffs continue. A former JTA board member says she warned Mayor Donna Deegan about questionable invoices tied to consulting and marketing firms, raising fresh questions about how taxpayer money was spent and who knew what, when.
   

2. JEA takes over Normandy Village water and sewer service (news4jax.com) — If you live in Jacksonville's Normandy Village, your water and sewer service officially shifts to JEA today, with bills expected to drop about $30 per 5,000 gallons. After years of outages and boil notices, JEA says reliability has already improved and a $20 million grant will help rebuild the neighborhood's wastewater system.
   

3. New building addition under construction at Loretto Elementary (firstcoastnews.com) — Families near Jacksonville's Southside will see big changes at Loretto Elementary as a $12.3 million building addition with 15 new classrooms and improved traffic flow moves forward. Funded by the voter-approved half-cent sales tax, the project will replace portables, expand parent drop-off lanes, and is expected to open in 2028 for the school's 875 students.
   

4. Jacksonville councilman calls for independent investigation of JTA finances amid nearly $40M shortfall (news4jax.com) — Jacksonville's transportation system is under intense scrutiny as a City Council member pushes for an independent audit of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority after a nearly $40 million shortfall and about 200 layoffs. A special council committee is probing the finances, and leaders may redirect $30 million in gas tax revenue to stabilize bus routes and core services.
   

5. Police respond to report of a person shot on San Marco Ave. near the square (actionnewsjax.com) — Police are investigating after a person was reported shot Thursday night on San Marco Boulevard near Atlantic Boulevard in Jacksonville's busy San Marco Square. Jacksonville Sheriff's Office officers have taped off the area and gathered multiple units on scene, while local reporters work to confirm details about the victim and what led up to the incident.
   

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • How to Get Out of a Solar Contract in Jacksonville, Florida: Know Your Options
    Can I Cancel My Solar ContractSearching for how to get out of a solar contract? Whether you signed yesterday or have been paying for years, the... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Please help me find my dog ( he believes he is a puppy tho).
    Last seen at 9:21 am this morning in the back yard. His name is Scrappy a brown boxer/pit mix with brown eyes. He lives in the Dunn & Kings rd area… (Nextdoor Robinson's Addition)
  • I didn't lose a cat or a dog.
    No annoying salespeople showed up at my door. All my packages arrived this week. I don't know how to make sourdough bread let alone sell it. I just… (Nextdoor Grace Development)
  • Suddath posted a job opening for Equipment Operator - Night Shift JJV in Jacksonville. Apply here.
  • Disabledperson, Inc posted a job opening for Stocking Team Associate at Walmart in Jacksonville, Florida in Jacksonville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Jacksonville here.

Ok Jacksonville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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