JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A vote to approve the Jaguars proposed $445 million entertainment complex on Lot J at TIAA Bank Field was pushed back during a special meeting Thursday.
The Downtown Investment Authority gave a tentative green light earlier in the week.
There are still about a dozen amendments in question by the council auditor.
“We’ll work overtime in the weekend as we have over the last 6 weeks to make sure the council auditors are comfortable and our attorneys are comfortable,” Jordan Elsbury, chief of staff for the city of Jacksonville, said.
If the majority of city council members are ready to go by Tuesday, they could make a motion to vote.
City Council President Tommy Hazouri wants to make a vote after the first of next year.
“The mayor is rushing after he told us three days ago that there’s no rush; it’s in our hands,” Hazouri said. “I know how hard it was bringing an NFL team here. That was our number one economic issue, and it still is, but not at any price.”
Elsbury said they’re committed to answering the questions, even if it takes until the beginning of next year.
The Downtown Investment Authority values the city’s total input at more than $245 million of taxpayer dollars, which is more than $12 million more than earlier projections.
The council auditor said the city would lose about .56 cents for every dollar spent. That compares to $1.69 the mayor’s office said would be gained.
Dr. Kristi Sweeney teaches sport management at the University of North Florida. She said it’s difficult to put a price on the emotional connection the Jaguars bring to Jacksonville.
“The Jaguars bring a sense of ‘city’ to Jacksonville. Whether you live at the beach or in St. Johns County, it’s something we all share.”
Dr. Sweeney said the city has to invest in its team and added there would be an economic loss if the Jaguars leave Jacksonville.
“There’s not going to be another team that comes here,” she said.
Cox Media Group
