Friday, Dec. 12: School Debt + Housing Market + Affordable Living
Friday, Dec. 12
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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Duval schools’ $100 million ‘debt’ projection fuels closure backlash.
Duval County Public Schools officials now say a widely cited “$100 million debt” never materialized — it was a projection, not an actual deficit. CFO Ron Fagan took responsibility for the estimate, which Superintendent Christopher Bernier used to justify recent school closures. State Rep. Kimberly Daniels has demanded documentation, questioning whether a true crisis existed. Since 2020, the district has closed 13 schools, saving about $8 million after accounting for enrollment loss. Despite the cuts, the district spent $15 million this year to reduce class sizes and boost salaries.
Former Jacksonville church leader gets 20 years for child abuse
A former Jacksonville church leader has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexually abusing children decades ago. Jerome Teschendorf, now 71, pleaded guilty to attempted sexual battery as part of a deal that reduced his potential life sentence. The abuse is tied to the now-defunct Jacksonville Assembly of the Body of Christ, with allegations dating back to the 1970s. Victims testified during Monday’s sentencing, describing years of trauma. Teschendorf is the third and final defendant sentenced in the case. He will serve probation if released.
Northeast Florida home sales and median prices fall in November.
Home sales across Northeast Florida declined sharply in November, according to the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors. The six-county region saw a 20% drop in sales from October and nearly 7% year-over-year. Prices also slipped, with the median home selling for $375,000, down 4.1% from last year. Inventory declined modestly. Duval County saw sales fall nearly 23% from October, though prices ticked up slightly. St. Johns and Clay counties experienced double-digit sales declines and lower median prices. Nassau County bucked the trend with rising prices despite fewer sales.
New Westside complex adds 90 affordable apartments with on-site services
A new affordable housing complex, the Village at Cedar Hills, has opened on Jacksonville’s Westside, offering 90 apartments for low-income families. Developed by nonprofit Ability Housing, the $31 million project includes units reserved for households earning up to 60% of the area median income, with rents starting at $500. Eighteen units are designated for residents needing behavioral health support, who will receive on-site case management. Funded by Florida Housing, EverBank, and local rental assistance programs, the complex is still accepting applications. Residents will begin moving in this month.
Nassau County motorsports park pairs luxury condos with private racetrack
In a slightly different kind of housing development, imagine auto-racing mixed with luxury living. That’s the promise behind North Florida Motorsports Park, a 600-acre automotive lifestyle development in Nassau County led by IndyCar legend Bobby Rahal. The project will feature a professional-grade racetrack, trackside condominiums, secure collector garages, and a premier public karting complex. County officials call it a transformative opportunity for economic growth and recreation. With ties to Atlanta Motorsports Park and a design centered on high-performance driving, the park aims to blend automotive passion with upscale living. So far, inexplicably, membership interest is low.
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