By Tracy McCormick-Dishman
editor@floridanewsline.com
The Jacksonville City Council wrapped up its final meeting of 2025 on Dec. 9 with a relatively light agenda that included the passage of a significant appropriation bill focused on workforce development and higher education, said District 6 Council Member Michael Boylan in a recent release.
Ordinance 2025-0781 appropriates $15 million to various educational and trade organizations. The funding is drawn from savings in various department accounts, the council’s contingency account and $3 million from the Tourist Development Council.
Key allocations include $6 million to the University of North Florida for capital repairs to Hodges Stadium and the construction of additional grass practice fields. The upgrades are intended to allow UNF to market the facility for regional and national events. Additionally, $5 million was allocated to Florida State College at Jacksonville to purchase a building at Cecil Commerce Center for a skilled construction and logistics training institute.
Other beneficiaries include the Northeast Florida Builders Association ($1 million), Edward Waters University ($2 million), Workforce Industrial Training ($325,000) and the Jacksonville General Apprenticeship Association ($675,000).
“Please appreciate this bill was thoroughly vetted and modified as it went through various committees and even then… two floor amendments on the night of Council,” said Boylan in the recent release.
Boylan noted that while he supported the workforce development projects, the complexity of the legislation presented challenges.
“A lesson learned by this experience was that such omnibus appropriation bills should and will be discouraged,” Boylan said. “While many of us actively supported the workforce development projects, getting this bill done in a timely manner was difficult what with so many components to it.”
Mandarin Road and zoning updates
Locally, progress continues on the Mandarin Road pedestrian safety improvements. The city’s portion of the project is underway with an anticipated completion date of April 2026.
“For those who regularly traverse Mandarin Road just north of Loretto, your patience is appreciated,” Boylan said. “As of this morning it looks as if they are nearing the completion of the sewage lines.”
Boylan also addressed a recent construction permit issued for a Valvoline Instant Oil Change facility at the southeast corner of San Jose Boulevard and Kori Road. Residents often inquire about the proliferation of similar businesses along the corridor.
According to the Planning Department, the property is zoned CCG-2 (Commercial Community/General-2), which allows for automotive repair by right.
“You are correct this business on the property did not have to seek any type of zoning application for the use as it was allowed by right,” Boylan explained regarding the planning response.
He noted that the City Council’s role is limited in these instances.
“While I know full well we have a wealth of such services… along this corridor, the only instance when the council plays a role as to the nature of the business is when it involves the sale or consumption of alcohol on the premises,” Boylan said. “Too many of ‘this or that’ simply is not a criterion when it comes to zoning or rezoning. It is for the market to decide.”
Holiday recess
The City Council is currently on recess for the holidays. Standing committee meetings will resume the week of Jan. 5, 2026, with the next City Council meeting scheduled for Jan. 13.
Boylan also recapped recent holiday community service, noting that he and fellow council members served lunch at the Sulzbacher Center on Dec. 10, 2025.
Contact Council Member Boylan at MBoylan@coj.net or (904) 255-5206.
