JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville City Council is expected to vote on the Stadium of the Future in Tuesday’s council meeting.
Following weeks of review and making adjustments, Jacksonville’s 19-member City Council stands ready to vote on the stadium renovation deal.
It’s a $1.4 billion stadium rebuild.
The city’s portion will be a little more than half at $755 million.
Mayor Donna Deegan has her fingers crossed for Tuesday’s vote.
“I never tried to predict what council is going to do before they do it, but I certainly am very, very optimistic that it will pass,” Deegan said.
Council members focused extensively on the Community Benefits Agreement - removing most of the $300 million until the council considers it as a separate vote next month.
Incoming Council President Randy White crafted an amendment, along with the mayor’s office to keep $56 million for parks development in the stadium bill.
“I want everybody to know that I’m also very committed to making sure that we get the rest of that community benefits agreement across the finish line. When council comes back from their break in mid-July, we are absolutely committed to those issues of affordable housing, and homelessness, making sure that we create a benefit for the entire community and all this and so I’m excited about tomorrow and excited about the days ahead,” Deegan said.
Most analysts believe the terms between Jacksonville’s NFL team and the Consolidated Government of Duval County are fair, and perhaps more favorable than other cities have recently negotiated.
Community members had the chance to ask questions and weigh in during “huddles” where the mayor, the lead negotiator, and the Jaguars team president appeared.
“I think it’s a really good deal for our community, for the Jaguars, for the city and I hope that it does pass with flying colors. It would be nice to see an exclamation at the end of that,” Deegan said.
If approved, the stadium deal would still need a green light from NFL owners in October.
Tuesday’s meeting will start at 3 p.m., but the stadium vote won’t happen until the end of the meeting.