The Jacksonville Jaguars and Mayor Lenny Curry’s administration are brokering a deal to finance Shad Khan’s proposed development of Lot J near TIAA Bank Field.
More than $200 million in taxpayer dollars would fund the mixed-use project next to the stadium. The proposal includes two residential buildings, a hotel, retail space, Class A office space, and an entertainment center with bars, restaurants, and outdoor facilities. If City Council approves the project, the estimated completion date is 2024. WJCT News partner the Jacksonville Daily Recordreports the total estimated cost for the project is $450 million.
Proponents of the development say that the temporary construction jobs will boost the Jacksonville economy. Those not in favor say taxpayer money should be used to revitalize the urban core, specifically to provide affordable housing downtown.
Mike Mendenhall of the Jax Daily Record spoke with us about the development.
Related: Local, State, And National Coronavirus Coverage
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the COVID-19 pandemic is a reminder to prioritize healthcare. That includes early and annual screenings that can save lives.
Dr. Beverly Roseberry, family medicine and breast specialist at the Mayo Clinic, joined us on the program to remind all women to complete monthly breast exams and receive their breast cancer screenings as scheduled.
GA Spaceport
In Georgia, some Cumberland Island residents continue to speak out against plans to build a spaceport in Camden County. Concerns about the project’s impact on coastal resources are mounting.
Residents and scientists alike have voiced concerns that rockets launched from the spaceport will pollute the Cumberland Island National Seashore as they fly over Cumberland Island and Little Cumberland Island. They argue that no other spaceport in the U.S. poses these risks.
Attorney Kevin Lang spoke with us about the Federal Aviation Administration’s push to issue a “site” license for the spaceport.
Mama Blue
Local singer, Mama Blue, is finding new ways to perform during the pandemic. While she cannot perform in front of large crowds, Mama Blue is staying busy singing at porch parties. She joined us to talk about adapting her career to COVID-19 and how you can book a porch party with her.
Katherine Hobbs can be reached at newsteam@wjct.org or on Twitter at @KatherineGHobbs.
