Rep. Kim Kendall, a St. Augustine Republican, described the attempt to take prize land from the <\/a>Guana River Wildlife Management Area<\/a> last year and swap it out for less desirable land, which created an outcry that stopped the effort but showed holes in the Florida Statute that this bill fills.<\/p>\n \u201cWhether it\u2019s a bad land swap or a good one, we want to see two simple things, and that\u2019s what this bill covers. One, more notice. Instead of seven days, we want 30 days. And instead of no transparency or very little, we want to see things published. The parcels, what\u2019s the appraisal of each? What percentage is going to be kept in conservation? And finally, the why statement. Why is it a benefit for us in the state to do this land swap?\u201d<\/p>\n The proposal would have swapped 600 acres of conservation land in exchange for 3,000 acres of land in St. Johns, Lafayette, Osceola and Volusia counties. A measure<\/a> about the proposal was placed on the state Acquisition and Restoration Council\u2019s (ARC) Wednesday agenda<\/a> with less than a week\u2019s notice.<\/p>\n Rep. Allison Tant said it was an \u201chonor and a gift\u201d to be able to work with Kendall on this issue.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat this bill does is make sure that Floridians have adequate time to be able to know about the issues that are threatening the lands in their communities, and then actual time to work on it. That was the issue here: this came up within three days, and we didn\u2019t know, and if it had not been for Rep. Kendall, making others aware of it, it may well have slipped through the net,\u201d the Tallahassee Democrat said.<\/p>\n Three-point play<\/p>\n Two Jacksonville Republicans have successfully carried three local bills to passage in the Florida House.<\/p>\n House Speaker Pro Tempore Wyman Duggan drove home two measures impacting Duval County, while Rep. Dean Black delivered one for Nassau.<\/p>\n One Duggan bill (HB 4045<\/a>) would amend the local charter and charge the Jacksonville Aviation Authority<\/a> (JAA) with ensuring that Cecil Airport develops and expands as a spaceport. Another bill (HB 4049<\/a>) would provide the Duval County School Board<\/a> with internal counsel.<\/p>\n HB 4045\u2019s plan to \u201caccelerate job creation\u201d is to set up an Economic Development Committee to work toward bringing direct route international flights to the Jacksonville International Airport and to use JAA to drive more aerospace business to Cecil Field, with the Committee reporting annually to that end.<\/p>\n It passed without a single objection.<\/p>\n HB 4049 demonstrated the art of compromise, with Jacksonville officials ultimately agreeing that the School Board lawyer would remain subject to the General Counsel\u2019s binding opinion, after City Council members balked at granting the Board too much autonomy. The bill passed 108-5.<\/p>\n Black\u2019s legislation (HB 4017<\/a>) was also passed unanimously. It would terminate Nassau County Recreation & Water Conservation & Control Districts on the books since the 1960s, when the Legislature created them by a special act.<\/p>\n There is one such district in ordinance.<\/p>\n Although the Board hasn\u2019t done anything in 23 years, removing it from the books would purportedly reduce administrative costs.<\/p>\n Big endorsement<\/p>\n Gubernatorial candidate Paul Renner is getting support for his run from his local State Attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\n Renner, a former House Speaker and lawyer from Palm Coast, is announcing an endorsement from fellow Republican R.J. Larizza of the 7th Judicial Circuit<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cI am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of State Attorney R.J. Larizza. For years, R.J. has worked tirelessly to protect the people of Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, and Volusia counties, standing shoulder to shoulder with law enforcement and fighting for victims of crime. His trust and support mean a great deal to me,\u201d Renner said.<\/p>\n \u201cAs Governor, I will continue working to ensure Florida remains the safest state in the nation \u2014 where the rule of law is respected, law enforcement is highly revered, and families can thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n Renner has focused heavily on criminal justice ideas throughout his campaign, and Larizza said those plans appeal to him.<\/p>\n \u201cPaul has put forward serious, substantive proposals to end human trafficking, speed up the death row appeals process, and improve accountability across the criminal justice system. These are thoughtful, results-driven policies that reflect both experience and resolve,\u201d Larizza said.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida needs a Governor who respects the law, supports those who enforce it, and is willing to take decisive action to keep our state safe. Paul Renner is that leader, and he will make an excellent Governor.\u201d<\/p>\n Marriage fraud<\/p>\n A bill bringing together two state priorities \u2014 immigration enforcement and stopping domestic abuse \u2014 is moving through the House Committee process.<\/p>\n Rep. Kim Daniels\u2019 measure (HB 485<\/a>) is getting the green light from the House Justice Subcommittee.<\/p>\n The Jacksonville Democrat\u2019s bill, which advanced on a 14-0 vote, would add a new checkbox to the domestic violence injunction petition form, allowing the accuser to say they are a victim of \u201cmarriage fraud\u201d by a non-citizen abuser.<\/p>\n The petitioner would have space to explain their claim, and the Clerk of the Court would be compelled to report the allegation of non-citizenship to the Board of Immigration Enforcement within 24 hours of the form being filed. The Board would then have 30 days to contact the petitioner.<\/p>\n The proposed legislation follows up on Attorney General James Uthmeier\u2019s<\/a> urging people who are being abused at home by illegal immigrants to report them to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a move that received national publicity.<\/p>\n Monument mania<\/p>\n A bill to protect historic monuments and memorials in Florida from removal received approval from the House Judiciary Committee<\/a> on Tuesday.<\/p>\n The \u201cHistoric Florida Monuments and Memorials Protection Act\u201d (HB 455<\/a>) drew sharp debate by Committee members as many claimed the measure was designed to protect monuments that intimidate minorities in Florida.<\/p>\n The bill\u2019s sponsor, Rep. Dean Black<\/a>, a Jacksonville Republican, said his intent is the opposite.<\/p>\n \u201cIf we don\u2019t protect everyone\u2019s history, then no one\u2019s history is safe,\u201d Black said.<\/p>\n The measure would put military monuments or memorials in place for at least 25 years under the protection of the Florida Department of State, to protect<\/a> \u201caccurate and factual history.\u201d<\/p>\n The bill states, \u201cIt is the intent of the Legislature to declare void all ordinances, regulations, and executive actions regarding the removal, damage, or destruction of historic Florida monuments or memorials which have been enacted by any local government.\u201d<\/p>\n The measure is similar to previous bills that did not receive final approval from the Legislature.<\/p>\n But the measure drew criticism from some Committee members who felt it was glorifying soldiers and supporters of the Civil War on behalf of the Confederacy.<\/p>\n \u201cConfederate monuments honor people who led an insurrection against America,\u201d said Committee member Bruce Antone<\/a>, an Orlando Democrat. \u201cIt bothers me that we honor these people.\u201d<\/p>\n Black argued the dispute over Confederate monuments is settled.<\/p>\n \u201cThat storm has already blown over,\u201d he said, noting he\u2019s concerned more about monuments to historical figures such as Christopher Columbus and Andrew Jackson, among others.<\/p>\n Know your rights<\/p>\n A parental rights bill is ready for a full House vote after it advanced in a Committee Tuesday, drawing a fierce debate on both sides. One of the most controversial measures in HB 173<\/a> would prevent minors from getting treated for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) unless they received their parents\u2019 permission first.<\/p>\n The House Education & Employment Committee advanced HB 173<\/a> filed by Rep. Kendall<\/a>, a St. Augustine Republican, at the bill\u2019s final Committee stop.<\/p>\n \u201cThis bill ensures that parents have the ability to make medical decisions for their minor children,\u201d said Kendall, who has repeatedly tried to claim her bill is non-partisan.<\/p>\n Kendall previously filed the legislation in 2025; it advanced through the House but died in the Senate.<\/p>\n A similar outcome could happen again in the 2026 Legislature. An identical Senate bill (SB 166<\/a>), filed by Sen. Erin Grall<\/a>, has been referred to three Senate Committees but has not yet been called to a vote.<\/p>\n Not forgotten<\/p>\n The second and final House Committee of reference is working to ensure that Floridians with Alzheimer\u2019s and related dementia are not forgotten.<\/p>\n Rep. Sam Greco\u2019s legislation (HB 1295<\/a>) would add new layers of accountability to an industry on which some of the most vulnerable adults in the state rely.<\/p>\n The proposal, which the Health Care Budget Subcommittee advanced, includes several key changes.<\/p>\n It would create a Memory Care Services specialty license for assisted living facilities (ALFs) serving this population, enabling the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to verify that these ALFs are as advertised. If the facility cannot obtain the license, it would not be permitted to admit any new memory care patients. It would have to help legacy clients relocate to a licensed facility.<\/p>\n Facilities would be required to always have an awake staff member on duty, replacing a current requirement that applies only to those with 17 or more members.<\/p>\n If Greco\u2019s bill becomes law, AHCA would be charged with formulating rules regulating policies and procedures, admissions criteria, levels of care, services, activities, and requisite training for staff, and would have to develop the regulatory framework by October.<\/p>\n AARP, the Alzheimer\u2019s Association, and the Florida Senior Living Association support the bill.<\/p>\n Similar legislation<\/a> is moving in the Senate Committee process.<\/p>\n Manufacturing movement<\/p>\n The University of North Florida<\/a> Jacksonville Economic Monitoring Survey (JEMS) shows industries in the region modestly improved in several indicators last month.<\/p>\n Nine of 12 key manufacturing-sector components improved in January.<\/p>\n \u201cThese measures suggest that Jacksonville companies are seeing enough business to keep operations active and cautiously plan for growth over the next few months,\u201d said Albert Loh, who oversees the JEMS survey and is Associate Dean at the UNF Coggin College of Business<\/a>.<\/p>\n While most indicators expanded, one of the most principal elements, employment, contracted last month.<\/p>\n \u201cAn employment index reading of 48 in January indicates that manufacturing employment in Jacksonville edged down compared with the prior month. More local manufacturers reported reducing headcount than increasing it. Some may rely more on overtime, temporary workers, or productivity improvements instead of expanding payrolls,\u201d Loh said.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, another key indicator showed signs of strength in North Florida. Manufacturing output is on the upswing, UNF researchers found.<\/p>\n \u201cAn output index reading of 60 in January signals expansion for the Jacksonville economy. This kind of output strength tends to ripple outward. Higher production typically increases demand for packaging, warehousing, trucking, port services, and a range of business services that support manufacturing,\u201d Loh said.<\/p>\n Home sale happenings<\/p>\n First Coast housing sales slumped in January, dropping in both annual and monthly comparisons.<\/p>\n The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (NEFAR<\/a>) published its report<\/a> on the monthly data for the six-county region and there were 1,115 closed sales last month. That\u2019s down by 8.5% from January 2025, when there were 1,219 single-family units sold, and a 38.8% drop from December\u2019s 1,823 closed sales.<\/p>\n The median sales price also fell to $369,990. That\u2019s a 1.3% drop from a year ago, when the median sales price was $375,000 and down by 5.1% from December\u2019s figure of $389,990.<\/p>\n Those numbers came from mixed inventory. There were 6,598 homes on the market last month, an 8.1% drop from January 2025, but a 4.4% uptick from December\u2019s figure of 6,322.<\/p>\n \u201cNortheast Florida is moving toward a healthier balance. Increased inventory and improved affordability are giving buyers renewed confidence, while sellers continue to benefit from consistent demand. This reflects a maturing market that supports long-term stability across our region,\u201d says NEFAR President, Kim Knapp.<\/p>\n Duval County had 584 homes sold last month, an 8.9% annual drop and a 36.2% decline from December. The median sales price in Jacksonville settled at $313,950 in January, a 0.3% annual decline and a 6.3% drop from December.<\/p>\n St. Johns County saw even bigger declines in homes sold, with 268 closed sales last month, down 9.8% annually and a staggering 45.6% drop from December. The median sales price was $546,500, a 3% annual increase and a 0.6% drop from the previous month.<\/p>\n Nassau County\u2019s data last month was bleak. There were only 49 homes sold in January, down 29% from a year ago and a sharp 55.5% fall from December. The median sales price was $435,000 in January, down 7.4% from January 2025 and a 4.4% decline from the previous month.<\/p>\n Clay County saw positive trends in median sales price, which came in at $368,000 in January, a 4.8% increase from a year ago and a 3.4% jump from December. Closed sales were mixed, registering 181 homes sold, a 9% increase in the annual comparison, but a 27.9% drop from the previous month.<\/p>\n Big favor<\/p>\n Clouds are forming over the nomination of Paul Martinez to the JEA Board, given the circumstances surrounding the selection of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida CEO by Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico.<\/p>\n Carrico, as most know, works for the Boys & Girls Clubs himself.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s up, bro \u2026 hey, I owed a big favor to a friend and opted to put him on the JEA Board as your term is expiring \u2026 Not sure if you wanted to stay, but I needed to do this for my guy,\u201d Carrico texted Arthur Adams, whom Carrico wanted to replace him with.<\/p>\n Adams was disappointed. And the text messages found their way to Ben Becker<\/a> of Action News Jax.<\/p>\n Board members come and go, as we know. But this glimpse into how the process works will make Martinez\u2019s nomination more of a hot potato than it otherwise might have been.<\/p>\n Tweet, tweet<\/p>\n The more the merrier<\/p>\n The St. Johns County Commission will be more accessible online now that the Board is livestreaming meetings on its Facebook page and YouTube channel.<\/p>\n The county has long offered online access to meetings on its formal county website<\/a>. But the additions to social media outlets are designed to improve access to the St. Johns government.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/KENDALL-TANT-GREEN-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>Kim Kendall and Allison Tant back 30-day notice bill on state conservation land sales.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BLACK-DUGGAN-BLUE-640x359.jpg\")
<\/a>Wyman Duggan and Dean Black carry three local bills to House passage.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/RENNER-LARIZZA-GREEN-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>Paul Renner secures endorsement from R.J. Larizza in Governor\u2019s race.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Jacksonville_600x400_V2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/KIM-DANIELS-copy-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>Kim Daniels advances HB 485 linking domestic abuse claims and immigration enforcement.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/confederate-monument-jacksonville-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>Historic monument stands amid debate over HB 455 protections.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/immagrant-health-care-640x427.jpeg\")
<\/a>Debate intensifies as HB 173 heads to full House vote.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Baptist_Wolfson-ad.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Greco-copy-640x359.jpg\")
<\/a>Sam Greco advances HB 1295 tightening oversight of memory care facilities.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/manufacutring-florida-640x366.jpeg\")
<\/a>UNF survey shows manufacturing growth, slight dip in employment.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/home-sales-Large-640x426.jpeg\")
<\/a>Home sales in NE FL are seeing a slump.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/kirwan-ad-640x426.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PAUL-MARTINEZ-copy-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>Paul Martinez nomination to JEA Board draws scrutiny after texts surface.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FLORIDA-GROUP-TWEET-640x527.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/YouTube-640x427.jpeg\")
<\/a>St. Johns County expands meeting access with Facebook and YouTube livestreams.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/EverBank-Stadium-640x424.jpeg\")
<\/a>EverBank Stadium renovations reshape Jaguars season and Gate River Run plans.<\/p>\n