Jacksonville to welcome new UF graduate campus after unanimous city council vote
Share and Follow


Jacksonville city leaders and University of Florida trustees say this campus will attract lots of talent to Jacksonville and will be an investment in the city.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida graduate campus will be making Jacksonville its home.

A unanimous vote during Tuesday’s city council meeting passed a bill on a redevelopment agreement between the city and UF.

City leaders and UF trustees say this campus will attract lots of talent to Jacksonville and will be an investment in the future of Jacksonville.

“This UF campus qualifies as one of those transformational moments, so as a matter of principle, I’m not just going to support it, but I’m honored to do it,” said Councilman Rory Diamond.

The graduate campus will be making the historic Lavilla neighborhood home, pretty soon.

Jacksonville City Council unanimously voted in favor of a redevelopment agreement between the city, the Downtown Investment Authority and the UF board of trustees.

UF Board Chair Mori Hosseini calls Tuesday’s vote a big investment.

“Today, Jacksonville showed vision. bold, long-term civic-minded vision,” said Hosseini. “UF is committed to delivering a world-class campus that will make Florida more competitive, grow our economy and attract talent.”

The grad campus will span across 23 acres of land, including a land swap agreement between the Downtown Investment Authority and Gateway JAX.

The city will provide $100 million towards the project and an additional $245 million will come from the state and private donors.

Tuesday night, council also approved a floor amendment from council member Jimmy Peluso on the design standards of the campus.

“I worked with the UF campus and they said that they are going to work with DIA to provide new directions to put into the downtown guidelines that will prescribe to how UF looks,” said Peluso.

Diamond voted in favor of the campus, after saying he usually votes against spending money on downtown projects.

“This is great, this is a big deal so for those who are upset with my vote, I get it, but sometimes it’s just Jacksonville first,” he said.

According to the city, part of the campus will include the Florida Semiconductor Institute, which is part of a national effort to improve research and workforce development.

“I think 10, 15, 20 years from now we’ll look back on this vote and feel extremely proud that we did this tonight,” said Council member Ron Salem. 

Classes are expected to start in the Fall of 2026.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
5 Senate Democrats the GOP is trying to flip on government funding

5 Senate Democrats Targeted by Republicans for Government Funding Support

Senate Republicans are pushing intensely to nab the five additional Democratic votes…
FBI Director Kash Patel vows justice after DHS agent's vehicle rammed in Chicago

FBI Director Kash Patel vows justice after DHS agent’s vehicle rammed in Chicago

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! FBI Director Kash Patel…
Mark Sanchez arrested after stabbed during altercation

Mark Sanchez Detained Following Stabbing Incident

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…
Alex Pereira wins light heavyweight title

Alex Pereira Claims Victory in Light Heavyweight Championship Match

LAS VEGAS — Fan favorite Alex Pereira claimed the light heavyweight title…
NFL fans slam Fox's 'shameful' on-air statement on Mark Sanchez

NFL Supporters Criticize Fox for ‘Disgraceful’ Remarks About Mark Sanchez During Broadcast

Fox Sports extended its thoughts and prayers to announcer Mark Sanchez as…
Dolphins vs. Panthers, Lions vs. Bengals

Dolphins Take On Panthers; Lions Face Off Against Bengals

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…

Gunmen Open Fire in Alabama’s Capital: 2 Killed, 12 Injured in Downtown Shooting

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Rival gunmen started shooting at each other in…
2 dead, 12 wounded in Alabama shooting

2 Killed, 12 Injured in Alabama Shooting

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…