The pressure is on. Jacksonville lawmakers and residents have a lot to say ahead of the City Council’s vote on whether or not to approve or deny Shad Khan’s request for taxpayer funding for his proposed Lot J development.
Some in the community and on City Council are calling on Khan to extend his lease with the Jaguars beyond 2030. Jaguars President Mark Lamping countered to WJCT News partner The Florida Times-Union that any lease extension would require approval from 75% of NFL owners and that the Lot J development would make extending the lease more appealing to NFL owners.
Those in favor of Lot J are anticipating the mixed-use complex’s job creation and economic contributions to the city. Opponents question whether Lot J can succeed or if it will follow in the Jacksonville Landing’s footsteps.
David Bauerlein, a reporter for the Times-Union, predicts that Lot J must draw people from across the city to succeed - not just those living in and around Lot J’s apartments and Downtown. He joined us with his perspective from covering the story.
Jacksonville Weaver’s Guild
Fiber arts are experiencing a revival amidst the pandemic, locally and across the world, as people try to balance the chaos. The ancient art of weaving has a long history of being both practical and therapeutic. During World War One, soldiers learned to weave to manage symptoms of PTSD.
Gail Karson, Vice President of the Jacksonville Weaver’s Guild, joined us with more information about the First Coast’s vibrant weaver’s community. You can check out the group's work at a new (socially distanced) exhibit at Reddi-Arts.
Related: Local, State, And National Coronavirus Coverage
Jet & Ivy
Local businesswoman Teri-Ann Wigfield launched a new kids' fashion line of clothing. Jet & Ivy stocks the latest fashions for stylish toddlers to tweens, along with coordinating pet outfits. Along with their signature brand, established upscale brands such as Tractr Jeans, Bella Dahl, Johnnie-O, Nectar Bath Treats, and more are available. Every purchase from Jet & Ivy ensures a donation to St. Johns Cares.
Wigfield told us more about the venture.
Bright Friday
Jacksonville’s Cathedral District is lighting up the urban core and its historic churches this holiday. The second annual Christmas in the Cathedral District: Let There Be Light, visible from I-95 and the Acosta, Main Street, Hart and Mathews Bridges, aims to brighten up the Cathedral District’s beloved community after a challenging year, in a socially distant way. They’re kicking it off the day after Thanksgiving, with what they’re calling “Bright Friday.”
Ginny Myricks, CEO and President of Cathedral District Jax, and Linda Crofton, Director of Community Development, gave us a preview.
Katherine Hobbs can be reached at newsteam@wjct.org or on Twitter at @KatherineGHobbs.
