Jacksonville, December 9, 2025
Jacksonville, Florida, is making headlines with the introduction of the Jacksonville Waves, a new women’s basketball team, and the successful debut of Sporting Club Jacksonville’s women’s soccer team. These initiatives reflect the city’s dedication to empowering female athletes while simultaneously revitalizing community spaces. Key enhancements include the reopening of the Friendship Fountain and the launch of Riverfront Plaza, alongside innovative projects such as the Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation service. Jacksonville is positioning itself as a hub for women’s sports and entrepreneurial growth.
Jacksonville Welcomes New Women’s Sports Teams and Exciting Developments
New professional basketball and soccer teams set to grace the city alongside remarkable community projects
Jacksonville, Florida, is on the brink of an exciting new chapter in sports and community enhancements. The launch of the Jacksonville Waves, a professional women’s basketball team, alongside the already established Sporting Club Jacksonville’s women’s team, highlights the city’s growing commitment to expanding opportunities for female athletes. These new teams are poised to not only invigorate the local sports scene but also to serve as a beacon for entrepreneurial innovation in Jacksonville.
As the Waves prepare for their debut in May 2026 as part of the UpShot League, and with Sporting JAX already making waves since their inaugural season began in August 2025, Jacksonville is proving to be a fertile ground for women’s sports, fueled by a supportive local community and reduced regulatory hurdles that foster growth. Local entrepreneurs and investors champion these developments, recognizing that such initiatives not only enrich the sporting landscape but also stimulate economic vigor through increased foot traffic and local business patronage.
Jacksonville Waves: A New Era for Women’s Basketball
The Jacksonville Waves were officially unveiled on October 1, 2025, with Jessica Bogia appointed as their head coach. These dedicated athletes will compete at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, home to up to 15,000 fans, reflecting Jacksonville’s enthusiasm for supporting women’s sports. The team’s branding pays homage to Jacksonville’s geography and the historical legacy of the WAVES from World War II, uniting community pride and sporting effort.
Sporting Club Jacksonville’s Women’s Team Thrives
With their inaugural match occurring on August 23, 2025, against DC Power FC, Sporting Club Jacksonville’s women’s team, known as Sporting JAX, has already established a following, competing in the USL Super League. The club is not resting on its laurels, as plans for a new soccer-specific stadium are underway, with a target completion date between 2026 and 2027, contingent on approvals and construction timelines. Such developments underscore Jacksonville’s commitment to creating top-tier facilities for athletes and fans alike.
Revitalizing Jacksonville’s Landmarks and Community Spaces
As sports thrive, Jacksonville is also revitalizing its public spaces. The Friendship Fountain, a beloved city landmark, reopened on February 15, 2024, following an extensive $8 million renovation that addressed severe corrosion and deterioration. Now, the fountain attracts residents and visitors, enhancing community engagement and tourism.
Additionally, the launch of Riverfront Plaza in Downtown Jacksonville on November 29, 2025, marks another significant milestone. This new public area and green space, situated along the St. Johns River, aims to reinvigorate downtown living, offering citizens a serene environment that promotes leisure and outdoor activities.
Driving Innovation with NAVI Service
One of the most innovative projects, the Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation (NAVI) service, commenced in June 2025 along the Bay Street Innovation Corridor. This autonomous passenger service signifies Jacksonville’s commitment to modern infrastructure, enhancing transport connectivity while incorporating cutting-edge technology. Costing $65 million, this initiative not only highlights local government capabilities but also brings residents closer to the broader vision of a comprehensive urban circulator system.
Exciting Developments at the Zoo and Botanical Gardens
The Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens have ambitious plans of their own amid this growth. The zoo has launched its ReZoovenation initiative, which includes the construction of a new main entrance and an expansion of the Manatee Critical Care Center. With over one million annual visitors, enhancing facilities at the zoo exemplifies the interplay of tourism and local investment, further solidifying Jacksonville as a premier family-friendly destination.
Conclusion
The developments in Jacksonville reflect a dynamic approach to fostering entrepreneurship, enhancing community spaces, and showcasing athletic talent. From launching women’s professional sports teams to revitalizing public landmarks, Jacksonville is taking pivotal steps toward a brighter economic future. Residents and local businesses are encouraged to engage with these initiatives actively, as the prosperity of the city hinges on community involvement and support for local endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the Jacksonville Waves’ inaugural game?
The Jacksonville Waves are set to begin play in May 2026 as part of the UpShot League.
Where will Sporting Club Jacksonville’s women’s team play their home games?
Sporting Club Jacksonville’s women’s team plays its home matches at Hodges Stadium on the campus of the University of North Florida.
What is the significance of the Friendship Fountain in Jacksonville?
The Friendship Fountain is a prominent city landmark that reopened on February 15, 2024, after a nearly $8 million renovation. It is one of Jacksonville’s most recognizable and popular attractions.
What is the purpose of the Riverfront Plaza in Downtown Jacksonville?
Riverfront Plaza is a new public area and green space on the St. Johns River in Downtown Jacksonville, part of a broader effort to revitalize the downtown area and enhance public spaces along the riverfront.
What is the Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation (NAVI) service in Jacksonville?
The NAVI service is an autonomous passenger service launched in June 2025 along the three-mile Bay Street Innovation Corridor, part of a proposed $400 million-plus system to expand throughout Downtown and connect to surrounding neighborhoods.
What are the ReZoovenation plans for the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens?
The Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is planning to build a new main entrance and expand their “Manatee Critical Care Center (MCCC)” as part of their ReZoovenation plans.
Key Features of Jacksonville’s Recent Developments
| Development | Description | Location | Expected Completion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville Waves Women’s Basketball Team | New professional women’s basketball team debuting in May 2026 as part of the UpShot League. | Jacksonville, Florida | May 2026 |
| Sporting Club Jacksonville’s Women’s Team | Inaugural season in the USL Super League began on August 23, 2025, with plans for a new soccer-specific stadium. | Jacksonville, Florida | 2026 or 2027 (stadium completion) |
| Friendship Fountain Renovation | Nearly $8 million renovation completed, reopening on February 15, 2024, enhancing its status as a city landmark. | Jacksonville, Florida | February 15, 2024 |
| Riverfront Plaza | New public area and green space on the St. Johns River, part of a broader downtown revitalization effort. | Downtown Jacksonville, Florida | November 29, 2025 (soft opening) |
| Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation (NAVI) Service | Autonomous passenger service launched along the three-mile Bay Street Innovation Corridor, part of a proposed $400 million-plus system. | Jacksonville, Florida | June 2025 (service launch) |
| Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens Expansion | Plans for a new main entrance and expanded “Manatee Critical Care Center (MCCC)” as part of ReZoovenation plans. | Jacksonville, Florida | Ongoing |
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
