Mayor Donna Deegan was sworn in as the first woman mayor in Jacksonville on July 1, 2023. The ceremony brought up emotional moments in her life, tributes to her family and included an optimistic look ahead.

Mayor-elect Donna Deegan talks about the future of parks in Jacksonville, while Friendship Fountain could reopen in a few months.

Jacksonville took time on Thursday to honor the legacy of former mayor Tommy Hazouri, Sr.

If you live in Jacksonville long enough, you’re sure to complain about the traffic. It’s basically a River City right of passage. But those who lived and drove in the area from the 1950s to the 1980s remember a different source of traffic complaints: Tolls.

Newer residents might not know, but the River City once had a reputation for a pretty nasty smell that was so bad it could make you sick to your stomach.

You may have thought campaigning for Jacksonville‘s City council ended for a while with Tuesday’s special election where Nick Howland will now take the seat vacated by the late Tommy Hazouri.

Voting has concluded in the special election of the Jacksonville City Council to replace the seat left vacant when Tommy Hazouri, who was a former council president and mayor, died in September.

Polls will open at 7 a.m. Tuesday in a special election to replace the Jacksonville City Council seat left vacant when Tommy Hazouri died in September.

In six days, Jacksonville voters will elect a new member to the city council to replace Tommy Hazouri who died last September.

Who are the two people running for the City Council seat open since the death of Tommy Hazouri?

Early voting begins Saturday for a special Jacksonville City Council election to replace the seat left vacant when Tommy Hazouri died in September.

Early voting will begin Feb. 12 for a special city council election in Jacksonville to fill the seat of the late Tommy Hazouri. And when that happens, a new way to vote will also debut.

Every year in December, News4JAX takes a look back at some of the most memorable stories of the past 12 months.

News4JAX is taking a closer look at Tuesday’s election results for the late Tommy Hazouri’s City Council seat.

A special citywide election in Jacksonville for the City Council At-Large Group 3 seat is heading to a runoff.

Early voting ends Sunday. Election day is Tuesday and all 199 precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. All registered voters are eligible to participate.

News4Jax tried to find out where the smell was coming from and what is being done about it.

And even though you might have smelt it, it’s still not clear who dealt it.

Monday is the deadline to register to vote in the Dec. 7 special election to fill the late Tommy Hazouri’s seat on Jacksonville City Council.

Who are the four people running for the City Council seat open since the death of Tommy Hazouri?

Duval County residents who vote by mail should check their mailbox over the next couple of days for a ballot in a special election to fill Tommy Hazouri’s City Council seat.

Mail ballots are going out Thursday in Duval County over the next few days for a Dec. 7 special election for the Jacksonville City Council seat left vacant when Tommy Hazouri passed away last month.

A special election for the Jacksonville City Council seat vacated by Tommy Hazouri, who died earlier this month, is set for December and at least five people are attempting to run for the open spot.

Family and friends are saying goodbye to Jacksonville City Councilman and longtime public servant Tommy Hazouri.

The Jacksonville City Council is meeting Tuesday night for the first time since the death of former mayor and council president Tommy Hazouri.

As the community mourns the death of local political icon Tommy Hazouri the city council works to figure out how to fill his empty seat.

City Councilman, former mayor and longtime public servant Tommy Hazouri was laid to rest Thursday after being eulogized at Mandarin Presbyterian Church.

A former aide to former Mayor Jake Godbold says: "This town has been blessed to enjoy (Tommy Hazouri's) leadership and service for 50 years."

City and state leaders paid tribute to the life of Tommy Haziouri following his death on Saturday at the age of 76.

Of all the public officials this reporter has ever interviewed, Tommy Hazouri is the only one who ever began many of our conversations on various issues by asking me this question: “What do you want me to say?”

Jacksonville political giant Tommy Hazouri has died, the city announced Saturday.

Legislation introduced by City Councilman Matt Carlucci seeks to rename the Jacksonville City Hall’s council chambers after former Mayor and current Councilman Tommy Hazouri, who recently entered hospice care at his home.

Former Jacksonville mayor and current City Councilman Tommy Hazouri will enter hospice care at home after a brief hospitalization that was said to be due to complications from a lung transplant surgery he had last year.

Family and friends of Jacksonville City Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman are asking for prayers as she battles COVID-19.

On this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville,” legislation to increase the local option gas tax is finally getting attention from the Jacksonville City Council. City Council President Tommy Hazouri explains the impact on transportation and infrastructure. OurJax Chairman David Miller weighs in on various city projects and developments. And it’s been a long time since the Jumbo Shrimp hit the diamond. That changes soon. Jumbo Shrimp Owner Ken Babby talks about what to expect for the upcoming season.

For the years, the News4Jax I-TEAM pointed out the broken promise by the city to repair and replace old and broken septic tanks. Jacksonville City Council and the mayor’s office are about to introduce new legislation that targets at least $100 and could go as high as $250 million to continue to fix the problem.

A joint meeting between the Jacksonville City Council and the Duval County School board was recessed just after starting Friday morning due to a disturbance.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – More than one-third of the money raised from the proposed 6-cent hike in Jacksonville’s gas tax would be used to expand the Skyway -- the underutilized automated downtown transportation system. At the time there was an outcry from people not wanting to see local tax dollars spent on the system. AdTommy Hazouri, who the mayor at the time, wasn’t even keen on the project, then called the ASE -- the Automated Skyway Express. I think it’s an expensive means of transportation for Jacksonville, but it’s with us. Now, despite millions that would go to fund Skyway expansion, Hazouri said the city is still keeping that promise to taxpayers.

Standing in front of a current road project on Collins Road, Curry called this the “Jobs for Jax” program, Curry said it will not only pay for long-overdue projects, including getting homes off septic tanks. By fully leveraging the gas tax like other major cities in Florida do, we can make substantial progress...” Curry said. JTA CEO Nat Ford discussed it on last Sunday’s This Week in Jacksonville program and the City Council began discussing the plan on Tuesday. “There’s no good time for a gas tax,” Council President Tommy Hazouri said. Curry is expected to present the legislation to City Council next month, which could pass it as soon as May.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Duval County went blue in the most recent elections for president and governor but local Democrats are seeing red as infighting in the party had led to calls for the resignation of the chairman of the Duval County Democratic Party. Dennis, along with five other Democratic members of city council, called for Henry to resign during a Friday news conference. AdCouncilman Garrett Dennis calls for the resignation of Duval Democratic Party Chairman Daniel Henry. As chair of the Duval County Democratic Party, I am united with all Democrats in demanding non-gerrymandered seats on the City Council, and together we will make this happen. Duval County Democratic Chairman Daniel HenryDiamond also did not want to talk on camera but issued a statement.

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. – The Jacksonville Branch of the NAACP sent a letter to Mayor Lenny Curry and City Council President Tommy Hazouri calling for more COVID-19 vaccination sites in neighborhoods that have been overlooked in the past. Rumlin writes that plan should consider the fact that the statistics show COVID-19 has disproportionately affected communities of color. “The Curry Administration and City Council Members who represent these communities should reach out to aggressively and with urgency to vaccinate these communities,” reads the letter, dated Feb. 9. AdREAD: Letter to mayor and City Council president from Jacksonville NAACPThe letter was also signed by the presidents of the Jacksonville Urban League, Northeast Florida Medical Society Foundation and First Coast Black Nurses Association. The State of Florida determines who receives the vaccine supply and they have their own distribution chains that we do not control.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville City Council President Tommy Hazouri has filed legislation calling for $100 million to remove septic tanks in underserved neighborhoods. The plan is in addition to the effort to phase out septic tanks in the Biltmore, Beverly Hills and Christobel neighborhoods. But to this day, tens of thousands of Jacksonville residents still depend on septic tanks, which have harmful effects on the local tributaries. AdHazouri’s proposal seeks $100 million to make a sustainable long-term commitment to remove the septic tanks and hook up to city services. 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.

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.

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.

Recently, the salary for most City Council members was $49,974. All but two of the 19 council members took the raise. “It’s been a tough year -- 2020 has been a really tough year and to take a pay raise at this moment in time, I just couldn’t do it. It’s the first time since Curry was elected mayor that he took the raise. Either you’ve had a pay cut, you’ve had a furlough or you’ve been laid off.

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. – 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. – 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.

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 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. – 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.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Upcoming Jacksonville City Council Standing Committee meetings in the month of November have been canceled due to health and safety concerns over COVID-19, according to a memo from Council President Tommy Hazouri. The meetings, which were scheduled for Nov. 16 and 17, included the following standing committees:Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health and SafetyTransportation, Energy and UtilitiesFinanceRulesLand Use and ZoningThe decision comes after some City Council members were quarantined due to exposure to a colleague with COVID-19. Councilman Scott Wilson told News4Jax on Monday that he had tested positive for COVID-19, and at the time he said that he had some nasal congestion but no other symptoms. Additionally, the memo says plexiglass will be arriving on Monday and installed in council chambers. The committee of the whole will still meet regarding Lot J as scheduled on Nov. 19.

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. – 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. – 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. – A special committee that was formed to investigate JEA will be extended until the end of the year, according to a memo Friday from the City Council president. The memo, sent by Council President Tommy Hazouri, states that he has accepted the resignation of Councilman Rory Diamond from the committee. It states the committee will be going forward with Councilwoman Brenda Priestly Jackson and Councilwoman Randy DeFoor. Most recently in the ongoing saga, testimony released Wednesday reveals what Mayor Lenny Curry and his staff may have known prior to the plan to try and sell JEA. The special committee has made several notable discoveries, including how crucial information may have been intentionally destroyed on the personal device of the former JEA Chief Operating Officer.

Councilman Garrett Dennis moved to withdraw the amendment during a meeting of City Council. “And the only commitment that I ask, council president, is that we have a committee in the near future to address these issues.”City Council President Tommy Hazouri then withdrew the amendment. The amendment Dennis offered would have changed how the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office received its $484 million in funding allocated by the city. It would have allocated $234 million to the Sheriff’s Office off the bat and then release the rest in increments as the agency reports back periodically. “We’re disappointed that the City Council chose to go with the status quo," Sampson said.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Elementary school teacher Tommy Hazouri Jr., son of Jacksonville City Council President Tommy Hazouri, said Thursday he is not guilty of distributing child pornography. Hazouri Jr. was arraigned in federal court Thursday afternoon. Hazouri Jr. was inside the courthouse in a red jumpsuit Thursday, which means he is under special watch because he could harm himself. In that case, charges were dropped because Hazouri Jr. entered a drug treatment program. News4Jax also reached out to Tommy Hazouri Sr. for comment but he did not immediately respond.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville City Council President Tommy Hazouri is back at work after receiving a lung transplant in July. In an interview with News4Jax, Hazouri said he returned to work Tuesday, but even though he’s back, his interactions with the City Council will be limited for the time being. “I won’t be having any meetings personally with any other council members,” Hazouri said, adding that any discussions he needs to be involved in will take place via Zoom. Hazouri is set to preside over next Tuesday’s City Council meeting. He said there are many issues to address, but the top priority will be the budget for the upcoming year.

Tommy Hazouri Jr., a second-grade teacher on the Mayport Coastal Sciences Elementary School website, was arrested at his parents’ home just after 9 p.m. Wednesday. According to the arrest affidavit, the criminal investigation of Hazouri Jr. began with a tip to National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in early July. Investigators said there was evidence that Hazouri Jr. was sharing child pornography with others online. Hazouri Jr.’s DCPS laptop was also seized, but there was no mention of any inappropriate material being found on that computer. If Hazouri Jr. is released, he will have to wear a GPS monitor and have no access to electronic devices or the internet if released.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The 40-year-old son of City Council president and former Jacksonville Mayor Tommy Hazouri was arrested Wednesday and charged with 25 counts of child pornography. According to the arrest affidavit, the investigation of Hazouri Jr. began with a tip to National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in early July. Investigators said there was evidence that Hazouri Jr. was sharing child pornography with others online. The documents show that some, non-exploitive pictures of children recovered that appear to have been taken in an education setting, believed to be Mayport Elementary School. If Hazouri Jr. is released, he will have to wear a GPS monitor and have no access to electronic devices or the internet if released.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Jacksonville City Council President Tommy Hazouri was released from Mayo Clinic on Tuesday, 10 days after he underwent a successful lung transplant. During Hazouris rehabilitation, City Council Vice President Sam Newby will serve as acting president of the council. The announcement of Hazouris lung transplant came just one day after Hazouri led a City Council meeting regarding the Republican National Convention, which was canceled in Jacksonville. Newby said that shouldnt surprise anyone who knows Hazouri. He put his city over his self so citizens of Jacksonville are lucky to have a leader like president Hazouri.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Jacksonville City Council President Tommy Hazouri underwent surgery early Saturday morning for a lung transplant at the Mayo Clinic. Hazouris office said in a statement that the attending doctor called the surgery a success and Hazouri, 75, is on the road to recovery. During Hazouris rehabilitation, City Council Vice President Sam Newby will assume the role of acting president of the council. The Hazouri family thanks the Jacksonville community for its well wishes, the statement read, (and) in typical Tommy-fashion, Tommy looks forward to getting back to work.Hazouri, who was mayor of Jacksonville from 1987 to 1991, has had a lengthy political career, which includes serving in the Florida House of Representatives from 1974-1986.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. The disappointing news was still setting in Friday for supporters of President Trump and anyone who was excited about the Republican National Convention happening in Jacksonville. The president canceled the Jacksonville portion of the event on Thursday, and after his decision, Mayor Lenny Curry addressed the national media, making stops on Fox News, MSNBC and CNN. We were communicating our caseloads and hospitalizations to the president, White House, RNC. President Trump made the right decision yesterday, as we knew he would, in the best interest in the health of the people of Jacksonville, Curry said on Fox. We were hearing the delegates were excited, they wanted to be here, Curry said.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Many people are worried about the communitys safety with thousands of people expected to descend on the River City for the upcoming Republican National Convention at the end of August. Jacksonvilles City Council plans to hold a workshop tomorrow to try and get answers to those questions. Sheriff Mike Williams said he doesnt have the money, manpower or resources to ensure the citys safety. That prompted City Council President Tommy Hazouri to organize the workshop. I know a number of cities have had that problem.Hazouri said theres too much at stake to not get the plan right.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Legislation proposed to Jacksonville City Council gives the first glimpse into how the city plans to handle protests during the Republican National Convention and where demonstrators will be allowed to congregate. The overlay zone, to include the arena and stadium, would allow special event vendors to conduct business and alcohol to be consumed. The security zone, where staged protests and marches would be allowed, is off A. Philip Randolph Boulevard north of the sports complex. RELATED: Lawsuit against RNC adds sheriff’s concerns | RNC special sectionCookie, who owns the Avenue Grill on A. Philip Randolph right next to the security zone, said she is not worried about what could happen. The convention to nominate President Donald Trump for a second term is scheduled to held Aug. 24-27.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Sheriff Mike Williams said there’s not enough time, money or officers to keep everyone safe during the Republican National Convention planned for Jacksonville in just five weeks. The convention was moved from Charlotte to Jacksonville last month after North Carolina’s governor told the RNC it would have to comply with social distancing rules. UNCUT: Sheriff Williams shares RNC concerns | READ: Update on RNC securityWilliams said Mayor Lenny Curry was aware of his concern. Only 500 were able to go, Bob Gualtieri, president of the association and Pinellas County Sheriff told Politico over the weekend. Baker and Nassau County sheriffs said they will provide assistance if asked.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The convention to nominate President Donald Trump as the Republican candidate for president is going to happen in Jacksonville next month, but be much smaller than originally planned and take place at both inside and outside venues. “However, adjustments must be made to comply with state and local health guidelines.”Convention planners also acknowledged that some convention events will take place outdoors. It’s not surprising.”In recent days, six Republican U.S. senators have announced they either will not or might not attend the convention. Jacksonville City Council President Tommy Hazouri, who has had many questions about the cost and safety of the convention, did get some answers Wednesday. “Whatever they do, it’s going to directly impact the citizens of Jacksonville and those that will be coming here.

City Council President Tommy Hazouri has several questions for Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry concerning the Republican National Convention. Among some of the questions, Hazouri asked Curry for a breakdown of the total estimated costs of hosting the RNC, and he asked who will be covering the costs. Hazouri asks if the city will have for front any of the costs, and he wants to know if the city has expended any funds to date to the RNC. Additionally, should the citys mask mandate still be in place, Hazouri wants to know if people attending the RNC will be required to wear masks. Here is a look at the memo from Hazouri:

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Less than 48 hours into Jacksonville’s mask mandate, City Council President Tommy Hazouri convened an emergency City Council meeting to ask questions of Mayor Lenny Curry and other Jacksonville leaders. The mayor, who was noticeably absent during a Monday news briefing announcing Executive Proclamation 2020-005, addressed City Council from where he is spending scheduled vacation time with his family. Newby said the ordinance is “a good first step.”As the ordinance stands now, masks are required indoors when a person cannot social distance. In restaurants, customers are required to wear a mask into the restaurant unless seated at a table to eat. Residents weren’t given any more direction on compliance with the mandate other than city leaders asking residents to “do the right thing.”

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – City Councilman Garrett Dennis will lead elected officials in a march through Downtown Jacksonville on Sunday to show solidarity with those who have been speaking out against social injustice and police brutality. He invited Mayor Lenny Curry and Sheriff Mike Williams to join the group -- as leaders in other cities have done -- but both declined, saying they will participate “in the near future” but Sunday isn’t the time. Dennis said several City Council members will join him, including outgoing president Scott Wilson and incoming president Tommy Hazouri. Williams, who was invited to join in, said he will “engage in a walk,” but it won’t be Sunday. He said he would like to participate in a march, along with Sheriff Williams, just not right now.

On This Week in Jacksonville, Kent Justice reports on Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry testifying before congress and speaks to City Council President-Designate Tommy Hazouri about the issues in front of the council. Also on Sundays program: Jacksonville Civic Council CEO Jeanne Miller talks about wanting to pass an update to the Human Rights Ordinance and Coastal Georgias U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter speaks about the investigation into the controversial killing of Ahmaud Arbery.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Former Jacksonville Mayor Tommy Hazouri on Tuesday was chosen as the next Jacksonville City Council president. According to Wilson, Republicans pressured him to break a promise to Hazouri, a Democrat, and was told if he doesn’t, he could face an uphill battle in an upcoming primary. On the Tuesday Zoom meeting that has become the way of city business during the pandemic Councilmember Brenda Priestly Jackson made the formal nomination of Vice President Hazouri. For the most part, the City Council presidency is handed down to the person who serves as Vice President the year before. Sam Newby was chosen unanimously as the next City Council Vice President.

Local Republicans are turning against one of their own in the midst of an in-party battle for leadership of the Jacksonville City Council. It involves pressure by Republicans to pull support from the current City Council President Scott Wilson. Wilson, the current City Council President who is leaving to run for another office, told News4Jax on Monday he will have nothing to do with it. For the most part, the City Council presidency is handed down to the person who serves as Vice President the year before. “That’s Scott Wilson,” Hazouri said.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The leadership of the Jacksonville City Council was installed during a ceremony Thursday night at the Times Union Center for the Performing Arts. Republican Scott Wilson was sworn in as president of the Jacksonville City Council, replacing Aaron Bowman. Democrat Tommy Hazouri, a former mayor of Jacksonville, was sworn in as vice president. He became a council member in July 2015 and would later become vice president, which he served as before being sworn in as president on Thursday. The new City Council year begins July 1, and the leadership elections are held each May.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – City Councilman Tommy Hazouri wants the landlord for the troubled Eureka Gardens and Washington Heights housing complexes to pack up and leave Jacksonville. The latest HUD report confirmed Washington Heights was in even worse condition. And it's never too late, but as far as I'm concerned, it's too late for Mr. Hamlet, for Reverend Hamlet. Why he calls himself a reverend, I don't know.”HUD officials have told Hamlet to find a new owner. The Mayor's Office has also not yet responded to a request for comment about Curry's canceled trip to Washington Heights last week.