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At a recent Jacksonville City Council meeting, emotions ran high as two significant issues took center stage: a state investigation targeting Mayor Donna Deegan’s administration and a resolution to a long-standing zoning conflict.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Tuesday night, the spotlight was on the City Council meeting in Jacksonville, where discussions were dominated by a fresh state probe into the administration of Mayor Donna Deegan and the conclusion of a prolonged zoning dispute that finally reached a compromise.
Outside the City Hall, a crowd of supporters gathered in a show of solidarity for Mayor Deegan. This demonstration came swiftly after Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier made waves by announcing a criminal subpoena concerning the mayor’s administration. The investigation stems from allegations that her administration may have obstructed immigration enforcement efforts.
Deegan administration subpoenaed
Local advocacy groups, along with members of the Duval Democratic Party, were visibly present, holding up signs with messages like “Hands Off the Mayor” and “Hands Off Jacksonville.” They voiced their discontent, condemning what they viewed as unwarranted state interference in the city’s governance.
One rally participant remarked, “It’s absurd to escalate this into a criminal issue, so we wanted to come out and express our clear support for the mayor.”
“Now to be turned into a criminal matter is preposterous, so we just want to come out and show our support and make that clear,” one rally attendee said.
The debate carried into council chambers, where several residents spoke during public comment.
“Tallahassee has no business in Jacksonville,” one speaker told council members.
Others, including some city officials, said the investigation is warranted.
“Jacksonville doesn’t want to be a sanctuary,” City Council Member Rory Diamond said. “Donna Deegan is fine with us being a sanctuary city, and the attorney general is saying no, you cannot do it, and I think it’s great.”
The Jacksonville Young Republicans Club posted a statement on the social platform X supporting the investigation, saying residents “expect full transparency in government operations and this is certainly no exception.”
Apna Bazar zoning
In the same meeting Tuesday night, council members addressed a zoning issue involving the expansion of Apna Bazar, a meat market on Beach Boulevard. The proposal has drawn opposition from nearby residents for months, with concerns about traffic, environmental impact and the possibility of live animal processing.
“Would you want this next to your house?” one resident asked during public comment.
Ahead of Tuesday’s vote, residents and the developer’s attorney negotiated amendments to the proposal. The City Council approved the expansion with conditions, including prohibiting a slaughterhouse and live animal processing, and requiring measures to address traffic and environmental concerns.
“We are committed to the amendments that have been negotiated with the community,” said Cindy Trimmer, an attorney for Apna Bazar. The market still plans to use the additional space for storage, a warehouse and retail.
“These residents of Cortez Road really understood it was a big difference as to what was going to be proposed by the applicant and what was agreed to by folks talking to each other,” said John Scott, concerned community member.
City Council Vice President Nick Howland, who introduced a floor amendment Tuesday night, thanked both community members and the applicant’s representatives for participating in multiple meetings and reaching a resolution after several months of discussion.