Monday, Dec. 1: School Consolidation + Senior Housing + Traffic Trends
Monday, Dec. 1
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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School Consolidation: Duval board considers merging four Eastside and beach elementary schools.
The Duval County School Board will vote tonight on a proposal to merge four elementary schools into two, citing enrollment declines and cost savings. Anchor Academy would merge with Mayport Elementary, and Long Branch with R.L. Brown. Some families worry about disruptions, and board member April Carney is seeking federal funds to rebuild Anchor Academy, which serves many military children.
Library Access: Duval schools restrict students’ use of public library ebooks.
Duval Schools have ended student access to the Jacksonville Public Library’s digital apps—including Libby, Hoopla, and Kanopy—due to concerns about content filtering. Students can still borrow physical books and use databases. The School Board will also vote tonight on shifting its book-review committee appointments from the superintendent to the board.
Traffic Trends: Jacksonville commute times rise as more workers return to in-person offices.
Jacksonville’s average commute increased to 25.9 minutes in 2024 as more workers returned to the office. Commutes remain shorter than in Miami, Orlando, or Tampa, though the share of 30–44 minute trips continues rising. Ultra-short commutes under five minutes dropped.
Senior Housing: Egret Landing project advances with affordable apartments in North Jacksonville.
North Jacksonville will gain 88 new senior affordable housing units as the Egret Landing project moves forward at 5804 North Main Street. The development—offering one- to three-bedroom apartments for residents 55+—is now on track for completion in late 2026 after key city approvals. Amenities will include green space and mobility-friendly features.
Riverfront Revival: New Riverfront Plaza opens on former Landing site as a downtown park.
Riverfront Plaza is now open following an 18-month, $33 million transformation of the former Jacksonville Landing site. The debut coincided with River Fest and the annual tree lighting. A full ribbon-cutting is planned Friday, when a rooftop playground and splash pad will open. Phase II next year adds a biergarten, rain garden, and improved bridge access.
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