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It was a full house Friday at the Extreme Wing Sports Grill next to Naval Air Station Jacksonville for the Jaguars; fourth “Huddle Up” community meeting.

For the second day in a row, the Jacksonville Jaguars organization held a public meeting to answer questions and get input on a proposal to renovate TIAA Bank Field.

The Jaguars plan to release renderings and videos Wednesday showing future renovations of TIAA Bank Field.

Though it is a season of giving, it is also a season when people need help.

This one felt better.At least, that was my feeling after hearing the Jaguars most recent development pitch, a plan that includes a Four Seasons Hotel and Residence, upgraded marina, an office building, and an improved sports performance center.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – There are new questions this week about the future of downtown Jacksonville. Two years ago when the city blew up old City Hall, it was supposed to be a catalyst of major downtown development. “You can’t have a plan just for downtown and not have a plan holistically for the city,” said Timothy Sloan. While these are just some of the ideas, the group plans to meet again in two weeks and begin the process of recommendations. The Downtown Investment Authority will look at the shipyards, the former Jacksonville Landing site and other projects that are set to happen but have been delayed.

Curry, joined by City Council members Brenda Priestly-Jackson, Ju’Coby Pittman and Vice-President Sam Newby, discussed the budget shortfall during a news conference Tuesday. Ad“In 2016, my team and I committed to completing septic tank phaseouts in three Jacksonville neighborhoods with the highest need,” Mayor Curry said. The effort to remove septic tanks is meant to make good on a broken promise made in 1968 during consolidation. But to this day, tens of thousands of Jacksonville residents still depend on septic tanks, which have harmful effects on the local tributaries. We care deeply about our city; I hope JEA in conjunction with the City will soon make a commitment to further the efforts of eradicating septic tanks,” Hazouri said.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Now that the worst season in Jaguars history is over, fans and the organization are focusing on the future. 1 or “Make Duval Great Again.”Fans are passionately buying up any gear related to the potential first pick coming to Jacksonville. Then there’s the question of who should be the head coach of the Jaguars. Frangie travels to every NFL Stadium in the county. He said that at every stadium, there’s some sort of vibrant night life outside, but not in Jacksonville.

Council members Danny Becton, Matt Carlucci, Al Ferraro and Council President Tommy Hazouri also voted against the deal, which fell 12-7. He and other council members have also drawn comparisons between Lot J and the scuttled attempted sale of JEA. “The executive branch negotiates deals and they bring deals to the City Council to debate. One field, one particular development is their deciding factor to leave the city?” Dennis said. Lamping started talking about the Shipyards when, you know, the big elephant in the room is the stadium,” Dennis said.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After months of debate, City Council voted 12-7 against a deal to bring a major entertainment complex to Downtown Jacksonville. “We pulled the plug on Lot J. It’s dead,” Lamping said. When asked if the Jaguars might consider another proposal for Lot J, Lamping said he thinks “it’s time to turn the page.”“We’ll leave that behind,” Lamping said. The legislative body spoke and unfortunately Lot J will not move forward. Under the deal, the entertainment district, which was planned for Lot J outside TIAA Bank Field, would have been one of the biggest investments in the city’s history.

Elaborate plans for the Lot J entertainment district show what it is expected to be: A live music complex, bars, restaurants and offices for the Jacksonville Jaguars and others along with new housing. News4Jax learned a special trust fund is being set up by the Jaguars and the developer‚ the Cordish Companies, to help business owners on the Eastside like Jackson. It could be used in a variety of ways, like business development, business incubation or housing. It’s not only these neighborhoods that are surrounding Lot J that are going to benefit from the fund. Right now 25% of the contractors and others involved with building the Lot J project are going to be small and emerging businesses.

City Council President Tommy Hazouri has been at odds with the Mayor Lenny Curry’s office on this deal for the past two months. After Bateh’s comments, the Lot J developer, COO Zed Smith of The Cordish Companies, responded saying the Jacksonville deal is quite different than others. “If you pull the plug on Lot J, it’s gone. If Lot J, if you pull the plug on Lot J, it’s over. On Thursday, City Council considered all of the proposed amendments to the current deal on the table.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As the Jacksonville City Council prepares for a major vote on Lot J Thursday, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said if the multi-million development project adjacent to the Jacksonville Jaguars stadium is not approved now, it never will. “If you pull the plug on Lot J, it’s gone. If Lot J, if you pull the plug on Lot J, it’s over. I think it’s time to just pull the plug on it. News4Jax asked the Jaguars about Curry’s statement Wednesday and a spokesperson said it will wait until the vote Thursday to make a comment.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville,” OurJax representatives Michael Ward and Audrey Moran talk about their objections to the Lot J development deal with the city. After that, Pastor John Allen Newman and News4Jax political analyst Rick Mullaney discuss the upcoming U.S. Senate runoff elections in Georgia and the use of attack ads during the campaigns. They also talk about memorable moments of 2020 and what they are looking forward to in 2021.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A group of African-American community and faith leaders shared their support for the Lot J development project in a news conference Wednesday morning outside City Hall. “There have been so many negative things said about Lot J, but this is a game-changer for Jacksonville,” City Councilman Reggie Gaffney said. But the group gathered Wednesday pushed back against those claims, saying the Lot J project is an investment in Jacksonville’s Eastside and is in the best interest of the city -- and all of Northeast Florida. “Long term, it’s going to enhance the city of Jacksonville and surrounding areas because as Lot J grows, other opportunities are going to follow,” Gaffney said. “I believe that Lot J can be a game-changer for ALL of Jacksonville,” Newby said.

Two vocal community groups, OurJax and the NAACP, are now demanding the city rethink and scrap the multimillion dollar project outside TIAA Bank Field. Michael Ward of OurJax says the group is opposed to the way the Lot J deal was negotiated. The NAACP went a step further and fired off a letter to the NFL asking it to intervene and stop the Lot J deal. News4Jax asked Isaiah Rumlin, the president of the local chapter, about the argument that the Lot J project creates jobs and helps the community. She’s not sure what would happen with her business and the nearby community if Lot J is built up.

One local story, the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery, made national news, with video of the shooting sparking outrage across the country. Over the summer, as COVID-19 cases started to peak, the testing site at TIAA Bank Field in downtown Jacksonville saw hourslong lines. Confederate memorial removed from downtown St. AugustineAnother statue was also taken down in the ancient city. In August, the Putnam County Board of Commissioners approved the relocation of the Confederate statue in front of the courthouse in Palatka. Lot JThere has been ongoing drama among city leaders over the plan to develop Lot J of TIAA Bank Field in downtown Jacksonville.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Members of the Jacksonville Jaguars joined the Jacksonville Urban League Thursday evening to talk about the plan to develop a $445 million entertainment complex on Lot J of TIAA Bank Field. Company representatives talked about projects they’ve undertaken in other cities and how they plan to bring their vision to life in Lot J. At a public meeting Friday, Jacksonville City Council members got answers to questions and concerns that the council auditor has regarding the deal. The majority of them have been addressed and those in attendance said they feel confident that the Lot J project will move forward. Those in favor of the Lot J project say it’ll bring jobs, boost Jacksonville’s economy and lead to a thriving downtown.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – This edition of “This Week in Jacksonville” features City Councilman Garrett Dennis on decriminalizing marijuana and the Lot J proposal, Duval County Republican Party Chairman Dean Black on the election results and 2022, and state Sen. Jennifer Bradley on her new role.

City Council president Tommy Hazouri deferred the vote on the Lot J bill last week and said he’d like to see a final vote Jan. 12. At Friday’s meeting, City Council members got answers to questions and concerns that the council auditor has regarding the deal. The majority of them have been addressed and those in attendance said they feel confident that the Lot J project will move forward. Those in favor of the Lot J project say it’ll bring jobs, boost Jacksonville’s economy, and lead to a thriving downtown. Councilman Garrett Dennis said this week he supports the Lot J project, but also said no decision should be rushed without making sure all questions have been answered.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – There is still a lot of concern about Jacksonville’s role in the Lot J project. City Council members say they are now getting precise answers to their questions about the city spending more than $233 million on the controversial entertainment complex. “I think the LOT J has a lot of issues but what it does offer is opportunities for communities to be able to flourish,” Oliver said. On Tuesday, a handful of people who disagreed with that notion were very vocal outside City Hall as they protested Lot J. “It’s disgusting.”Despite the protest and the council’s lack of action -- Curry said it’s now time to move on Lot J.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The controversial Lot J project is still taking center stage even though the Jacksonville City Council has decided to not vote on the project until next month. Protesters shouted outside City Hall to City Council members, Curry and others, upset that the city is even considering spending over $233 million on the entertainment complex. Inside, City Council was meeting and it was expected the council would take up the Lot J issue and possibly take a vote on the matter. The lack of action by City Council tonight was seen by many observers as a good step. And while City Council is going on a holiday break, they might hold another special meeting this week to take up questions.

Some City Council members have said the reason they are concerned about passing the Lot J legislation right now is because of the JEA debacle. News4Jax contacted several council members about Lot J. Councilman Reggie Gaffney has scheduled a meeting to discuss Lot J at 1 p.m. Tuesday, ahead of Tuesday’s night’s City Council meeting. News4Jax asked Dennis what he thinks will happen if the Lot J project is brought up at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting. So the drama over Lot J could play out Tuesday night if a majority of council members vote to bring it up for discussion.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – News4Jax political analyst Rick Mullaney of Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute joins this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville,” which explores the Lot J proposal from multiple angles with Downtown Investment Authority CEO Lori Boyer, Jacksonville Civic Council CEO and President Jeanne Miller, Urban Land Institute Chair Tarik Bateh, Jaguars Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer Megha Parekh and Mayor Lenny Curry’s Chief of Staff Jordan Elsbury.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In the wake of Thursday’s tense Jacksonville City Council meeting over a $445 million proposed entertainment complex on Lot J of TIAA Bank Field, City Council President Tommy Hazouri said the proposal will not be discussed at their next meeting, scheduled for Tuesday. We started interacting with City Council members then. In fact, the reason documents have changed is because there have been dozens of edits responsive to the requests of City Council members and their staff. The DIA voted Wednesday to recommend City Council approval, but with some modifications. As Council President, in honoring the legislative process, I will not be adding this bill to the addendum on December 8th.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville City Council is expected to discuss again next week -- and possibly vote on -- a $445 million development project in Lot J next to TIAA Bank Field. After Thursday’s debate over the project turned tense, the president of the Jacksonville branch of the NAACP sent a letter to Mayor Lenny Curry and council president Tommy Hazouri, explaining why the organization could not back the Lot J development deal. “Well, at the end of the day, it’s going to be a bad deal for the citizens of Jacksonville,” Rumlin said. We have other pressing issues that are affecting the northside of Jacksonville, the westside of Jacksonville, Arlington. “We plan to continue to lobby each City Council member and voice our concerns, concerning Lot J. It’s a bad deal for the city,” Rumlin said.

A strong majority of all respondents -- 80% -- said the question should be put to Jacksonville voters in the form of a referendum. Voters weigh in on Lot J planNews4Jax spoke to voters throughout the city who had mixed opinions on the Lot J plan, just like the UNF poll found. “The no-interest loan, that’s kind of unheard of in my area,” said Robert Hall, who was skeptical of the Lot J plan terms. There’s plenty of hotels here.”JoJo Grove believes the city is in a Catch-22 with demands for stadium improvements and Lot J funding. But I’m sure Mr. Khan is going to do very well with the Lot J.”

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The proposal to build a $445 million entertainment complex on Lot J of TIAA Bank Field -- the sole topic of another tense Jacksonville City Council meeting Thursday -- will not be voted on until Tuesday at the earliest. The deal calls for the city to invest $233 million in direct spending or loans by the city of Jacksonville to the developer for Jaguars owner Shad Khan, the Cordish Companies. That drew a sharp response from Council President Tommy Hazouri and questioning of the rules before the review of the plan resumed. The DIA, which was asked to review the plan last week, voted Wednesday to recommend City Council approval, but with some modifications. DOCUMENTS: DIA report on Lot J proposal | Council Auditor’s Office’s things to consider/concernsMark Lamping, the Jaguars president, has asked for a vote by the council by its last scheduled meeting of the year, which is next Tuesday.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jaguars’ losing record this season isn’t only breaking the hearts of football fans. That losing legacy is something to this day that worries local investors, who would rather put their money behind a winner or at least a strong competitor. Delaney says winning football games would create positive national exposure for the city of Jacksonville, instead of the current football fiasco. Fans say winning games would boost local pride. Jaguars fan Tucker Worsham said: “If we did have a winning team, I think that could help the revitalization of downtown possibly.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville’s Downtown Investment Authority on Wednesday voted to pass a report on to the City Council, which recommends the Lot J project with changes. It would develop Lot J outside TIAA Bank Field in a deal between the city and the Jaguars owner, using a developer named The Cordish Companies. But if the ask is, we want you to reduce the public investment by $65 million, than the project doesn’t go forward,” he said. I think for a lot of us guys like myself who take these kind of things very very seriously that they would understand that.”The DIA’s approval with changes is just a recommendation for City Council about Lot J. All 19 City Council members are scheduled to take part in Thursday’s meeting where they could decide to put the measure on their agenda Tuesday night.

The Lot J development will send a big message to the team & NFL. I’m a yes as demonstrated by me introducing Lot J bill to city council. — Lenny Curry (@lennycurry) December 1, 2020Curry started the thread implying that if Jacksonville residents want to remain an NFL city, the Lot J deal would help. The mayor made it clear he supports the Lot J deal and what it stands for. He said the Lot J Development, Jaguars stadium upgrades and the Jaguars’ lease should be negotiated as one deal.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Monday night Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry sent a Twitter storm of messages calling on city council to make a decision on the development of Lot J. The Lot J development will send a big message to the team & NFL. — Lenny Curry (@lennycurry) December 1, 2020Curry started the thread implying that if Jacksonville residents want to remain an NFL city, the Lot J deal would help. The Mayor made it clear he supports the Lot J deal and what is stands for. He said the Lot J Development, Jaguars stadium upgrades and the Jags lease should be negotiated as one deal.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The drama at Jacksonville City Hall continues over Lot J and the COVID-19 crisis. At the same time, News4Jax has learned that several city council staff members who attended those meetings are now in quarantine due to the coronavirus. City Council President Tommy Hazouri told News4Jax on Friday he is not ready to vote just yet on the deal. Hazouri said some of those could come to light at a special meeting next Thursday on Lot J. Mayor Lenny Curry told News4Jax it’s up to the city council to decide.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It’s been a volatile week for the proposed Lot J project. Currently, the City Council is set to move forward on the legislation, which could be voted on by the end of December. Some businesses near the stadium are hoping to get answers as to how the Lot J development will help them. That was discussed this week at a City Council meeting focused on Lot J. A special council meeting on LOT J is set for Dec. 3, and the council could take a vote at its Dec. 8 meeting, but much of that is still up in the air.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – While the focus recently has been on Lot J, the proposed entertainment complex outside TIAA Bank Field, the stadium itself is now in the spotlight. Mayor Lenny Curry on Tuesday issued a statement, saying: “More than 20 years ago we made a decision as a community to be an NFL city. That split was apparent Thursday when City Council President Tommy Hazouri and the mayor’s staff went at it. At Tuesday afternoon’s meeting, City Council members all asked questions about the Lot J project, what was involved and what the city’s role would be. The head of the DIA told News4Jax the group is already reviewing the deal but will follow the wishes of the City Council.

Instead, nothing happened at a special meeting Thursday night except finger-pointing, name-calling and what some members say was a big embarrassment for government. Those on hand say they were at the meeting to get answers from the City Council auditor about Lot J. No vote was taken by the City Council about that, but apparently, the DIA has already started that process. Instead, he heard the bickering and he also heard that some council members wanted to start the whole process of Lot J negotiators over again. Other council members spoke up, saying they were surprised about what happened and how nothing came out of what was to be an important meeting.

Curry sat down with News4Jax on Wednesday and talked about Jaguars owner Shad Khan’s plans with the city to develop Lot J. “I believe this is a big, bold, visionary project,” Curry said. This is another big 50-50 partnership that will really make a huge difference in our downtown quality of life.”As a 50-50 partnership, the city’s investment would be $233 million to support the entertainment complex. “I hope the City Council ultimately gets their questions -- they’ll get their questions answered. The City Council hopes to start getting more of those answers at 5 p.m. Thursday when the second hearing for the Lot J project begins.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jaguars owner Shad Khan and his family are giving a $5 million gift to the Museum of Science and History as it prepares to build a new facility in the area. MOSH announced on Oct. 15 that it was planning to move its location from the Southbank Riverwalk and build a new museum at the Shipyards. The museum started the MOSH Genesis capital campaign last year in hopes of raising $20 million in support. The museum initially planned to expand, announcing in March 2019 that its MOSH 2.0 vision would take it from 77,000 square feet to 120,000 square feet in its current location. 66 by Forbes with a net worth of $7.8 billion, but he is investing heavily in a new-look downtown area.

In a letter sent Monday to Mayor Lenny Curry and each Jacksonville City Council member, the Civic Council outlined the conditions it believes need to be satisfied before morning forward:Time: The council auditor and the public must have adequate time to vet the plan. Accountability and contract protection: Make sure the city would be protected if the Jaguars or Khan pulls out of the city. Financial terms: The return on investment must be reasonable for the taxpayers“This is a hard one,” Civic Council’s Jeanne Miller said. And while it’s been a rough year for businesses, Matos believes development at Lot J could do nothing but good. All we are suggesting is, whatever you decide to do, stop leaving us out.”City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposal at 5 p.m. Thursday

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A day after Jaguars President Mark Lamping pitched city officials on team owner Shad Khan’s plan to build a Four Seasons hotel along Jacksonville’s riverfront, public reaction began to pour in. RELATED: City officials learn cost-benefit details of Lot J development“Jacksonville moves best when it moves together,” Carlucci said. This despite an auditor saying the city stood to make 44 cents for every dollar invested in the Lot J development. RELATED: City would make 44 cents for every $1 spent on Lot J developmentJackson took issue with the mayor’s statement. As for Lot J, the Council is planning to hold a special meeting on that topic on Thursday at 5 p.m.

Khan, who bought the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto in 2016, wants to build the hotel where Metropolitan Park sits along the Northbank. During Thursday’s DIA meeting, Lamping said the Lot J development would be a catalyst for additional efforts to revitalize the area. RELATED: Curry & Khan unveil plans for Lot J developmentOriginally, Khan mentioned moving the city’s convention center to the Shipyards site. Meanwhile, the City Council is still debating the merits of the city’s involvement in the Lot J project. The DIA board is set to discuss incentives for Lot J next week.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – During a special Jacksonville City Council meeting Thursday, more details become public about Jacksonville’s proposed $218 million investment into a new entertainment complex at Lot J near TIAA Bank Field. Lot J is a proposed 50-50 partnership between the city and the Jacksonville Jaguars that has been in the works for two years and Thursday was the first time the full city council was taking up Lot J during a special meeting. In fact, the auditor said that for every dollar spent, the city would make just 44 cents. News4Jax asked Lamping to clarify how that plays into the team’s commitment to Jacksonville and the Lot J project. News4Jax asked if that means the team needs to be better for Lot J to work, Lamping said no.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – An overwhelming majority of Jacksonville voters are opposed to the city’s plan to invest over $200 million in the development of an entertainment complex at Lot J near TIAA Bank Field, according to a new poll. The public opinion poll conducted by Barcelo & Company found 70 percent of those surveyed object to the city having such a huge stake in the project, with 25 percent strongly opposed to it. That’s compared to 17 percent who support it, 6 percent of them strongly in favor of it. Meanwhile, 64 percent of respondents indicated they’re generally pleased with how the city spends taxpayer money while 30 percent said they’re not pleased. Individuals surveyed were also presented with different scenarios and asked if those factors would make them more or less likely to support the city’s Lot J investment.

Early voting numbers have doubled in Duval County compared to 2016, and voting across the country is breaking records as well. Just nine days away from election day, the US surpassed the total for all early voting in 2016. “The last 5 elections I’ve early voted, so it’s convenient and it should be allowed,” said Jones. The vote by mail number is one million more than the entire by mail for the 2016 general election. Early voters in Duval say they want to beat a likely busy election day.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jaguars are bringing the ballot box to TIAA Bank Field. The team is partnering with the Duval County Supervisor of Elections Office to place a secure vote-by-mail ballot box at in Lot J at TIAA Bank Field. The ballot box will be in service for the final window of early voting, Oct. 26 through Nov. 1. Those who choose to use that ballot box in Lot J can drive up and put their ballot in the dropbox without leaving their car. They truly have gone the extra mile to make this opportunity successful.”The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is Oct. 24.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The $445 million entertainment project at Lot J is on hold. But the plan was missing a key element when it was introduced to the Jacksonville City Council Tuesday night — the details of the parking garage agreement. The city plans to put more than $208 million into the project which the city would have to borrow. It would be used to construct an elaborate entertainment zone which would include a new hotel, restaurants, bars and a live entertainment complex on and near the current Lot J parking lot. The lawyers negotiating this deal and the City Council that is evaluating it decided it’s in the best interest of the public to introduce the legislation at a subsequent City Council meeting.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – There’s both anger and frustration from people living in the Christobel community on Jacksonville’s Northside after learning money that was supposed to fund their portion of the septic tank phaseout program could run out. What is more important: the health of the community or Lot J?" Kariem said recent news about the plans for Lot J is evidence that the city’s priorities are terribly out of place. Once it gets into our yards, it goes into the septic tanks. Vasquez said he’s burned out three pumps that he purchased recently, trying to pump the runoff waters away from his septic tank so the septic tank would not get backed up.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville City Council President Tommy Hazouri will introduce new legislation Tuesday to develop Lot J outside TIAA Bank Field. It shows a transformed Lot J with hundreds of residential units, a new hotel, two parking garages, and retail, office and entertainment space. That will require City Council approval before one dollar is spent. THE PROPOSAL: 18-page proposal to fund the mixed-used developmentInstead of sending this to various committees, the full Jacksonvile City Council will debate the project on Nov. 5. In the meantime, the Jacksonville City Council Social Justice and Community Investment Committee learned Monday that one of three neighborhoods slated to have septic tanks replaced with city sewers may face a significant delay because of funding.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville City Council Social Justice and Community Investment Committee learned Monday that one of three neighborhoods slated to have septic tanks replaced with city sewers may face a significant delay because of funding. The septic tank phaseout program was designed to address the detrimental effects that septic tanks have on the environment. The Biltmore community and the Beverly Hills neighborhood both are on schedule to have septic tanks replaced, but according to city officials, the funding hasn’t been fully secured for the third planned neighborhood -- Christobel off Moncrief Road. But to this day, more than 65,000 Jacksonville residents still depend on septic tanks, which have harmful effects on the local tributaries. News4Jax spoke with City Councilman Matt Carlucci by phone about finding other revenue sources for the septic tank phaseout project.

The sold-out conert will take place at Lot J, downtown. If you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.

Councilman want to fund capital improvement projects in all 14 council districts. If you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.

This story has been updated to reflect when Lot J legislation will be filed. Councilman Garrett Dennis introduced legislation Wednesday to borrow an additional $41.5 million on top of the money needed for Lot J to fund capital improvement projects in all 14 council districts. The total direct public investment from the city will be over $152 million which includes $77.7 million for city-owned infrastructure. Northside residents say they feel pushed to the side again following Monday’s unveiling of plans for the Lot J development. The Downtown Investment Authority and the City Council must still vote to approve the Lot J development before it moves forward.

If Lot J is transformed into an entertainment complex, one local real estate agent believes it would increase the value of downtown overall. RELATED: Mayor Curry, Shad Khan unveil long-awaited plans for Lot J | Northside residents feel neglected again after Lot J plans unveiledBill Watson III, president of the Watson Mortgage Corp., has been in the real estate business for 24 years. In addition to jobs during construction and staffing, Watson predicts property owners would reap the benefit of a new development, too. “Most NFL cities have a very vibrant downtown atmosphere,” Watson said. Kansas City, Baltimore and Detroit are other cities that have entertainment districts near their NFL teams.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With a major project coming to Lot J, people outside of the downtown area say their neighborhoods need the city’s attention over a new entertainment complex. Northside residents say they feel pushed to the side again following Monday’s unveiling of plans for the Lot J development. “Development for Lot J, I think, it’s a big waste of money. At a news conference Monday about the Lot J plans, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said this project won’t leave out neighborhoods like Moncrief and will give job opportunities to people on the Northside. Residents who News4Jax spoke with on Monday say their neighborhoods need developments just as much as other parts of the city.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Standing on the Jacksonville Jaguars indoor practice field Monday, Jaguars owner Shad Khan and Mayor Lenny Curry announced new plans for the development at Lot J, a project that has been years in the making. The total direct public investment from the city will be over $152 million which includes $77.7 million for city-owned infrastructure, Curry said. “This project will provide an immediate boost to our economy with the creation of 2,300 construction jobs,” Curry said. “We have a lot of other priorities in the city and they are going to cost some money so I don’t want to pit Lot J against those other needs. Rendering of Lot J development (Copyright 2020 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The next steps for development at Lot J are set to be released on Monday. Mayor Lenny Curry, Jaguars owner Shad Khan, and Jaguars President Mark Lamping are set to make the announcement at 12:05 p.m. at Daily’s Place. The city of Jacksonville shared details about the announcement Sunday night. “We have a lot of other priorities in the city and they are going to cost some money so I don’t want to pit Lot J against those other needs. “I believe it is because in this case it is specific to Lot J as I understand it,” he said.

The Jacksonville Mayors office and Jaguars officials plan to make a big announcement tomorrow on this long-awaited development. If you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Country star Jon Pardi will headline the first-ever drive-in concert experience in Jacksonville. Speaking to The Morning Show earlier this week, Pardi said he is looking forward to having fun and staying safe. “We have done a couple drive-in shows, It has been a lot of fun. The drive-in concert is being held at Lot J at TIAA Bank Field this weekend. The event will feature full LED screens on either side of the stage and speakers throughout so fans can enjoy a true, live concert experience.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Plans to redevelop the Shipyards appear to be sinking again. There were plans to build a luxury hotel on the Shipyards site, along with other developments, and tie it into Lot J and Metro Park. Iguana Investments provided this statement on Wednesday:“Since the original Shipyards proposal was submitted and approved, the plans for Lot J came online. As a result, some of the development originally planned for the western portion of the Shipyards were incorporated into the current Lot J plans. That western portion is no longer part of the Shipyards plan, so this news from DIA is simply part of the process.

COVID-19 testing officially moved from Lot J to Regency Square mallPublished: July 16, 2020, 7:03 pmThe walk-up testing facility is air-conditioned, and those entering the facility must wear face masks.

The COVID-19 testing site in Lot J outside TIAA Bank Field Stadium is closing today. Testing ends at the long-standing site at 5 p.m. The new site will not offer drive-thru testing. In the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic and during peaks, Lot J was infamous for its long lines, sometimes stretching for longer than 2 miles. Information from the Florida Association of Public Information Officers showed the number of people tested at Lot J had gone down dramatically since three federal surge testing sites opened in Jacksonville last week.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. One of the additional coronavirus testing sites coming to Jacksonville this week will open Thursday on Atlantic Boulevard in Neptune Beach -- the first public, free testing site at the beaches. And the citys longest-running and largest testing site -- Lot J of TIAA Bank Field -- will close at the end of Wednesday and reopen Thursday at Regency Square Mall. With the added capacity from city-operated testing, as many as 5,000 people can be tested for COVID-19 in Jacksonville every day. Because of these sites, three federally-run surge testing sites that opened last week for a short period of time and dozens of commercial testing sites now offering coronavirus testing, wait times at the existing sites such as Lot J have dropped from hours to minutes. Hours of operation starting Saturday for the Regency site will be announced once finalized.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Demand for COVID-19 testing continues to rise as Duval County surpassed 10,000 confirmed coronavirus cases on Wednesday. At Lot J, Duval Countys largest testing site, there are often lines for hours. White House officials call Jacksonville a coronavirus hot spot. Wednesday, the federal government opened three free self-swab testing sites, where appointments are required. Soleymani said his three offices and a separate mobile testing site are seeing upward of 700 people a day. We are doing a test every 5 minutes.Jacksonville-area beaches could be next to see a government-run testing site open.

All rights reserved)JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Three new coronavirus testing sites are set to open in Jacksonville on Wednesday. The sites will be federally run and will require patients have an appointment before they can get tested. 3 Federal #COVID19 Drive-Thru Testing Sites to Open in #Jacksonville, FL on Wed, July 8, 2020 for 8 days. Lot J will remain open open daily from 9AM-5PM. The announcement comes as the coronavirus testing site at TIAA Bank Fields Lot J was forcibly closed for weather Sunday.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Hundreds of people lining up in cars at Lot J to be tested for COVID-19 has become a common sight. Only those 18 and older can be tested for COVID-19 at that site, but Dr. Pauline Rolle, of the Florida Department of Health in Duval County, said that doesnt mean children are being overlooked during the coronavirus pandemic. RELATED: Heres where you can take your children to get tested for COVID-19 in JacksonvilleWolfson Childrens Hospital said its emergency room is seeing an increase in children being tested for COVID-19. In response, Wolfson released the following statement:Wolfson Childrens Hospital is not full. We have seen an uptick in children being tested at our Wolfson Childrens ERs.

Monday morning at 7 a new testing site will open for the first time. #GetTested #StopTheSpread Florida Association of Public Information Officers (@FloridaPIOs) June 29, 2020RELATED: Find a testing site in Duval County. As the number of cases sets a new record, public information officers also said the Lot J testing site has completed 34,639 active virus swab tests to date. Information officers also are reminding people who want to be tested at Lot J to be prepared or risk getting turned away. Lot J is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weather permitting

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – More than 600 cars lined up Sunday morning at the Lot J testing site outside TIAA Bank Field in downtown Jacksonville, the Florida Association of Public Information Officers said. Those trying to visit the Lot J site should be prepared to sit in their cars for hours, so also make sure to bring water, a phone charger and a full tank of gas. Over 600 cars in line at the state run @FLSERT Lot J #COVID19 Test Site at @TIAABankField this Sunday morning. But just before 4 p.m., the association said the wait time at Lot J was 30 minutes. State of Florida @FLSERT Lot J #COVID19 Test Site at @TIAABankField current wait time: 30 MINUTESIf you can make it down here quick, not much of a wait.

Over 700 cars in line at the state run @FLSERT Lot J #COVID19 Test Site at @TIAABankField this Saturday morning. Current wait time at Lot J in #Jacksonville: 🔺5 HOURS #State run @FLSERT Lot J #COVID19 Test Site at @TIAABankField has a current wait time of five hours. JaxReady said the Legends Center testing site opened at 9 a.m. with over 150 people waiting. The Legends Center Test Site opened at 9 a.m. with over 150 clients in the queue. Legends Center Test Site: Please DO NOT visit the Legends Center Test Site if you are not already in line.

News4Jax spoke with several people who have been to the drive-through testing site at Lot J outside TIAA Bank Field within the last week and waited up to four hours. Campos wasn’t showing any symptoms, but was tested because her co-worker at the orthodontist office she works at tested positive for COVID-19. Soleymani said to help with the demand, don’t get tested just to get tested -- only go if you feel you have been exposed or have symptoms. Children won’t be tested at Lot J. He said a testing site at the beaches is also in the works.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. One of the most frequented coronavirus testing sites in Duval County is closed today. State run @FLSERT Lot J #COVID19 Test Site at @TIAABankField will not open on Wednesday, June 24, 2020, in the morning. pic.twitter.com/28uzibsTJK Florida Association of Public Information Officers (@FloridaPIOs) June 24, 2020News4Jax visited the testing location early Wednesday morning and found several tents had bent frames or were lopsided. The site is closed amid a surge in cases. In the last two weeks, lines to get tested at the site have been significant and its unclear how the days closure will impact future testing.

Its the increase in testing like this that Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said is causing the countys positive number of COVID-19 cases to increase. But with the latest surge, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said most people are not going to the hospital. During a Monday press conference, Curry took issue with reports regarding hospitals and full ICU beds when in fact only a very small number of those beds have COVID-19 patients. Curry said Monday there are 14 patients in ICUs around Jacksonville. So News4Jax did just that, contacting the five major hospitals in Jacksonville.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. As Duval County saw another record increase in COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, the lines at the Lot J coronavirus testing site were longer than they have been in weeks. RELATED | Another record day of coronavirus cases reported in Duval CountyJacksonville now has 2,194 confirmed cases of coronavirus. Curry cited a figure of 2.8% for positive cases in Duval County on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the percentage of people tested who tested positive for the first time in Duval County was 6.6% -- and we have seen that number climb in recent weeks. But hospital officials said its expected because those testing positive might not be showing symptoms.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. The COVID-19 testing site in Lot J outside TIAA Bank Field in downtown Jacksonville will be closed Sunday due to rain and flooding in the area, according to the Florida Association of Public Information Officers. The association said the Lot J site originally delayed its open time before ultimately announcing about 10:40 a.m. that the drive-through site would be closed for the day. RELATED: Tropical downpours prompt Weather Authority Alert DayThe site typically operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days. In addition to free COVID-19 testing, the Lot J site on Thursday began offering free COVID-19 antibody testing to adults, according to the city.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Lot J site outside TIAA Bank Fied in downtown Jacksonville on Thursday began offering free COVID-19 antibody testing to adults, the city announced. 📢Antibody Testing Update📢The @FLSERT Lot J testing site is now offering free COVID-19 antibody testing for anyone 18+ years old. There is also still free COVID-19 testing for anyone who wants a test. Last month, the Lot J site started offering antibody testing to first responders and health care workers. The city said there will still be free COVID-19 testing at the Lot J site, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. COVID-19 testing at Lot J in TIAA Bank Field Stadium was to be closed again to the public Tuesday. It was closed for the last two days during George Floyd protests, and it was scheduled to reopen Tuesday morning, but announced it would not open, then posted on Twitter after 9 a.m. that it would open at 10 a.m.Update: Lot J will open today at 10 a.m. https://t.co/dtYZr9VK3I JaxReady (@JaxReady) June 2, 2020Mayor of Jacksonville Lenny Curry said the site was closed in the interest of public safety this weekend and Monday, but he had sent out a new message about the lot. Curry recommended anyone who participated in protests should be tested for coronavirus. Large crowds violated CDC recommendations to keep 6 feet of space of distance and not to gather in groups larger than 10.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Coronavirus testing at the Lot J site was canceled Sunday out of concerns stemming from riots that erupted in downtown Jacksonville the night before. Sunday evening the City of Jacksonville tweeted that the test site would be closed again on Monday to ensure public safety. To ensure public safety, the Lot J and Legends Center COVID-19 testing sites will be closed tomorrow, Monday June 1st. The parking lot outside TIAA Bank Field has been running for several weeks as a COVID-19 testing site. Besides Lot J testing, officials have also canceled mortgage and rent relief appointments on Sunday at the Jacksonville Library and Ed Ball building.

Published: May 16, 2020, 11:32 am Updated: May 16, 2020, 11:44 amJACKSONVILLE, Fla. Coronavirus testing at Lot J at TIAA Bank Field was suspended on Saturday due to weather. Testing is scheduled to resume Sunday at 9 a.m.As of Friday, at least 7,959 of the states COVID-19 patients have been hospitalized at some point since the outbreak began. Its unclear how many people have gotten better since testing positive. According to the health department, as of Friday, 629,895 tests have been administered in Florida. The vast majority of those (585,010) have been negative, 747 were inconclusive and 1,409 more results are pending.

The Lot J site is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, or while supplies last. Prime OsbornThe city-run site near the Prime Osborn Convention Center is open to Jacksonville residents only. To complete the screening, just visit TelescopeHealth.com or download the Telescope Health app using either the App Store or Google Play. Those who get tested at Lot J can check LabCorp’s website for results, according to Fire Chief Keith Powers. Full detailsSt. Johns County residents can be tested at Flagler Health, Avecina Medical-Julington Creek and at the St. Johns County Health Department.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Last week, the FDA authorized a rapid test from molecular diagnostics company Cepheid, which provides results in about 45 minutes. Ron DeSantis said Saturday that Florida was able to obtain over 2,000 of the rapid tests and there are plans to send them to Jacksonville and hard-hit areas in South Florida. RELATED | Virus test results in minutes? Scientists question accuracyThe test’s maker, Abbott Laboratories, said it expects to deliver 50,000 tests per day across the country beginning next week. DeSantis said he spoke to President Donald Trump about the rapid tests on Saturday.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Renderings of the first two phases of development of Lot J near TIAA Bank Stadium, the Shipyards and a previously unannounced residential expansion north of Lot J was laid out in a presentation this week to the Meninak Club of Jacksonville, according to a report from News4Jax news partner the Jacksonville Daily Record. The $450 million to $500 million Phase I of Lot J is made up of the Live! Arena entertainment venue, a 200-unit boutique hotel and 700 residential units, the Daily Record reported. Phase II is west of Lot J at what is a retention pond at North Georgia Street and Gator Bowl Boulevard. Smith told the Daily Record that crews could begin environmental remediation at Lot J by summer, but he doesn’t expect vertical construction until June 2021.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jaguars’ president and Mayor Lenny Curry’s office haven’t yet announced a development deal for Lot J in Downtown Jacksonville, but plans are already underway for a second phase. According to a report by the Jacksonville Daily Record, Jaguars President Mark Lamping outlined the Phase II concept during an interview. One tower would be residential and the other would be corporate office space, Lamping told the Daily Record. The mayor told News4Jax earlier this month that his team are nearing a deal on the first phase of the Lot J development, which sits next to TIAA Bank Field. Curry has said Phase I will be a mixed-use development with a live entertainment complex, a hotel and restaurant, plus residential space and an office building.

The city is collecting tires and snipe signs this Saturday in the sixth annual Tire and Sign Buyback. Residents can earn up to $40: $2 per tire for up to 10 tires and 50 cents a sign for up to 40 snipe signs. Tire and Sign Buyback: Printable event flyerReal Estate signs, agricultural tires (i.e. Illegal Snipe Signs -- (e.g. The 2019 Tire and Sign Buyback event will take place in TIAA Bank Field, Lot J, off Gator Bowl Boulevard.

The property, which includes Lot J and property stretching to the river currently occupied by Metropolitan Park, is owned by the city and any development agreement must be approved by the Downtown Investment Authority and the Jacksonville City Council. READ: Term sheet lists details of Lot J developmentThe deal also includes a land transfer, giving the property where the luxury high-rise residential tower(s), boutique hotel, office tower and the mid-rise residential building(s) will sit to the developer. The term sheet did not list a value for the property. Under the terms of the proposed agreement, the developer would receive: Up to $50 million, 50% of the development cost, for a Live! The agreement said that 1,300 parking spaces will be created within the Lot J development.

Mayor Lenny Curry announced Wednesday the city has reached an agreement with a developer affiliated with Jaguars owner Shad Khan to turn Lot J and surrounding property west of TIAA Bank Field into an...

VIDEO: Mayor Lenny Curry announced the city has reached an agreement with a developer affiliated with Jaguars owner Shad Khan to turn Lot J and surrounding property west of TIAA Bank Field into an... Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.