Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why a Rays game flight is stirring controversy at City Hall

Make time for Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness on the Jacksonville Patch calendar

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Tuesday September 8th Patch AM
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Hi there, Jacksonville! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why a Rays game flight is stirring controversy at City Hall
  • Will $4.9 million for Jacksonville homebuyers get restored?
  • What a new federal lawsuit alleges about misconduct inside JSO.

Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What happened to the pregnant cat that ate yarn? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, with a high of 88 and low of 75 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Wednesday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm, temps: high: 89, low: 76.
  • Thursday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm, with a high of 90 and low of 76 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Jacksonville council president's private jet trip to Rays game on billionaire's plane draws scrutiny (news4jax.com) — Jacksonville residents are hearing new questions about City Council President Nick Howland's private-jet trip to a Tampa Bay Rays game on a billionaire developer's plane, and what it means for ethics and influence at City Hall. Critics say the optics are troubling, while Howland insists all in-kind contributions will be properly disclosed, setting up a likely campaign issue in next spring's city elections.
   

2. 'It's a big deal': City Councilman seeks to restore $4.9M for Jacksonville affordable housing (wokv.com) — Jacksonville homeowners and renters could see new help if City Councilman Matt Carlucci succeeds in restoring $4.9 million for an affordable housing trust to Mayor Donna Deegan's proposed budget. He's lobbying colleagues ahead of a September 22 budget vote to fund down payment assistance for local families priced out of homeownership.
   

3. Woman sues Jacksonville, sheriff and former officer over misconduct during traffic stop (firstcoastnews.com) — A Jacksonville woman has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Jacksonville, Sheriff T.K. Waters and a former officer, alleging inadequate training and supervision that allowed sexual harassment and abuse during a 2024 traffic stop. The suit cites prior misconduct complaints within the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and seeks a jury trial, damages and attorneys' fees, while city officials have not yet publicly responded.
   

4. Labor Day travel winds down at Jacksonville International Airport as travelers head home (firstcoastnews.com) — Travelers passing through Jacksonville International Airport on Labor Day faced steady crowds and some weather-related delays, especially on flights to Miami after a deadly cargo plane crash there. Local passengers reported manageable lines and open parking, while airport officials urged anyone still flying to check with their airline and allow extra time.
   

5. Safe Animal Shelter charity clay shoot set for Oct. 23 (actionnewsjax.com) — Animal lovers in Jacksonville can support Safe Animal Shelter at an Oct. 23 Charity Clay Shoot at Jacksonville Clay Target Sports on New Berlin Road. The fundraiser offers individual and team registrations, plus several sponsorship levels, with proceeds helping provide food, shelter, and medical care for local animals in need.
   

📸 Around Jacksonville

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Today during the lightning storm we lost power after a couple huge strikes.
    Reported it on line and in less than an hour a JEA lineman called and said he was here and needed to get in yard to transformer. It was pouring rain… (Nextdoor Whitehouse)
  • Good morning, would anyone have any recommendations for a place to donate a box of toys that I have?
    I want to make sure it goes to someone who will actually give these toys out to kids and not for resale. I also have some baby/toddler items. (Nextdoor Kernan/Atlantic)
  • NDM Hospitality posted a job opening for Director of Sales and Catering - Island Oaks RV Resort in Jacksonville. Apply here.
  • ICE Mortgage Technology - Ellie Mae, Inc. posted a job opening for Senior Billing Analyst 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: She had mittens! (Thank you April M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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