Jacksonville City Council approves Jaguars ‘Stadium of the Future’ deal

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville City Council approved the “Stadium of the Future” deal on Tuesday night.

Action News Jax’s Jake Stofan will have the details of what’s next, including the plan to pass the community benefits agreement, beginning on FOX30 Action News Jax at 10.

Here are the live updates as they came in during Tuesday’s City Council meeting:

7:18 p.m.: The following council members voted to approve the deal: Ron Salem, Randy White, Ken Amaro, Raul Arias, Michael Boylan, Joe Carlucci, Matt Carlucci, Tyrona Clark-Murray, Nick Howland, Reggie Gaffney Jr., Rahman Johnson, Will Lahnen, Chris Miller, and Jimmy Peluso.

Mike Gay voted no. Kevin Carrico and Terrance Freeman abstained. Rory Diamond was excused from the meeting. Ju’Coby Pittman was present for the meeting, but did not take part in the vote. Action News Jax’s Ben Becker has reached out to her to find out why.

7:09 p.m.: Deegan commits to passing the full community benefits agreement.

7:08 p.m.: Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan addressed the Council and took the podium to a standing ovation. “I think this is a tremendous night for the City of Jacksonville.”

7:06 p.m.: The City Council approves the deal 14-1.

7:05 p.m.: City Council President Ron Salem said the city followed its process in terms of vetting the deal and that Jacksonville is the envy of the sports world.

7:02 p.m.: Action News Jax’s Jake Stofan said, “Max voting members on the stadium deal appears to be 15, with two abstentions and two absences. If my count is accurate, at least eight members will have to vote yes, which it seems this bill will easily reach.”

6:57 p.m.: Councilmember Raul Arias said he will be taking a tour of the Eastside this weekend to get to know that community. He said he is focused on getting the CBA done as soon as possible after the council comes back from its break.

6:54 p.m.: Councilmember Matt Carlucci said he believes the carveout amendment was offered “in good faith.”

6:50 p.m.: Councilmember Jimmy Peluso said, “There’s no way I’m voting no.” He said he was disappointed that the same people who couldn’t vote before are abstaining tonight despite carving out $94 million from the CBA.

6:48 p.m.: Councilmember Mike Gay says he can’t support the stadium deal, citing concerns about the fiscal health of the city and other issues. “What we do tonight will echo in eternity,” he said.

6:46 p.m.: Councilmember Ken Amaro said that the city is the landlord and the Jacksonville Jaguars are the tenants and in this case, the Jags are willing to dig into their pockets.

6:40 p.m.: Councilmember Michael Boylan said he is “disappointed” in the “carve out” of the community benefits agreement.

6:37 p.m.: Councilmember Mike Gay said he would forgo his construction company taking part in “Stadium of the Future” construction so he could vote.

6:33 p.m.: Discussion of the stadium deal begins. Councilmember Kevin Carrico said he has a conflict, and so does Councilmember Terrance Freeman. Councilmember Reggie Gaffney Jr. said he is able to vote.

5:51 p.m.: The City Council has heard public comments on other issues such as a cell phone tower in Nocatee, and a proposed fuel depot in Northwest Jacksonville.

5:03 p.m.: Public comment concludes and City Council begins reviewing bills that have been through their third reading.

4:56 p.m.: In addition to concerns about the Community Benefits Agreement, people are also asking for a Gaza cease-fire resolution. Brentwood residents are also speaking out against a morgue that’s being built in the neighborhood that they say is decreasing their property values.

4:38 p.m.: Public comment continues ahead of the stadium deal vote. Former U.S. Congresswoman Corrine Brown spoke during public comment saying that the Council needs to put in writing that it will take up the Community Benefits Agreement as it was originally included in the stadium deal.

3 p.m.: The meeting begins as City Council President Ron Salem presents awards to City Council members and staff.

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