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Jacksonville Prepares for Town Hall Meetings During Winter Storm

Community members attending a town hall meeting in Jacksonville during winter weather.

News Summary

Jacksonville is set for a series of six town hall meetings led by Mayor Donna Deegan, focusing on the city’s $1.9 billion budget. While residents gear up to discuss issues such as affordable housing and public safety, winter weather warnings impact the community. A Winter Storm Warning and advisory is in effect, prompting safety precautions as Jacksonville also deals with damage from a recent storm at the Fairgrounds. This pivotal moment underlines the importance of community engagement amid challenging weather conditions.

Jacksonville Gears Up for Town Hall Meetings Amid Winter Weather Warnings

Jacksonville is buzzing with excitement as Mayor Donna Deegan prepares to host the next in a series of welcoming town hall meetings aimed at discussing the city’s sprawling $1.9 billion budget. This meeting, set against the backdrop of an unusual winter storm, takes place at Atlantic Coast High School. It’s a golden chance for residents of Duval County to come together and chat about what matters most!

A Series of Six Town Halls

Mayor Deegan is planning a total of six town hall meetings from January to March 2025, where she will delve into crucial topics surrounding the budget. The discussions will spotlight various initiatives designed to improve the community, including affordable housing, the arts, public safety, and tackling homelessness. There’s no doubt that these meetings will shape the development of Jacksonville.

Winter Weather Warnings in Effect

Winter Storm Warning is currently in effect for most areas of the First Coast—including Duval County, Clay County, and portions of western Putnam County. This warning kicks off on February 18 at 7 p.m. and will last until February 19 at 1 p.m.

St. Johns County and eastern Putnam County are under a Winter Weather Advisory that lasts from 1 a.m. to 10 a.m. on February 19. Residents should brace themselves for heavy mixed precipitation, with snow and sleet potentially accumulating up to one inch! Concern over ice is also on the minds of many, with some regions experiencing ice accumulation of up to 0.25 inches.

As you prepare for commuting or running errands, it’s important to note that roads, bridges, and overpasses may be slippery and hazardous. The icy conditions could affect travel plans, especially for the Wednesday morning rush.

Storm Precautions in Place

Assessing Damage at the Fairgrounds

Jacksonville Fairgrounds Exposition Center. Thankfully, there have been no reported injuries from this incident, which happened at a site where the construction project is about one-third complete. $17 million and is slated for completion by early 2026.