JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Over 100 Jacksonville Beach residents attended Monday’s meeting at Fletcher High School as Mayor Donna Deegan, Jaguars President Mark Lamping and the city’s negotiator, Mike Weinstein, discussed the stadium renovations.
The new stadium renovations are expected to cost $1.4 billion with the city and the Jaguars agreeing to a 50-50 split of the $1.2 billion and the city paying an additional $150 million for maintenance and upkeep.
Jacqueline Bargas, a season ticket holder, spoke about the upgraded facility including more family restroom options because her son, Matthe, has a non-apparent disability.
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“I can’t for security reasons allow my son to go into the men’s room by himself because he might decide to speak to someone or smile at someone or clean the countertops,” Bargas said. “In about 10 seconds, you can figure out that there’s something going on, but that can be 10 seconds too late.”
Bargas said she feels like the city leaders heard her concerns.
Shane Windhaus supported the renovations and was satisfied with city leaders’ responses at the meeting.
“I love the idea. I love the fact that it will bring other events to the city. My only concern was the leaving out of the entertainment district. And I think they addressed that for me tonight. So I’m very happy with it,” Windhaus said.
For Windhaus, the upgrades will bring more events to downtown.
“That’s the most important thing. It’s going to put a step forward in going downtown, but most importantly, it keeps our team here,” Windhaus said.
The city council is expected to vote on the agreement in late June.
This marked the third of five community huddles the city is hosting. The next huddle will be held at Sandalwood High School on Wednesday, May 29, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.