Monday, Dec. 15: High School Glory + University Move + Global Housing
Monday, Dec. 15
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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Raines Vikings win 3A title, celebrated on Raines Avenue.
Raines High School’s football team returned to Jacksonville to a hero’s welcome after capturing the Florida Class 3A state championship. The Vikings defeated top-seeded Miami Northwestern 23-22 in a dramatic finish at Pitbull Stadium, capping an undefeated 14-0 season. Senior running back Tadarius Washington caught the game-winning pass from senior quarterback Timothy Cole with 10 seconds remaining. Community members packed Raines Avenue to celebrate the team’s fourth state title in school history.
UNF President Limayem picked to lead USF; interim pending.
The University of North Florida’s President Moez Limayem has confirmed he’s leaving to lead the University of South Florida. Limayem, who joined UNF in 2022, called the new role in Tampa “the biggest professional honor” of his life. In a message to the campus community, he said he will remain until an interim leader is named. During his tenure, UNF pursued ambitious growth goals and record fundraising, aiming to boost enrollment and national rankings. Limayem previously spent a decade at USF as business school dean.
Jacksonville joins EU Cities Gateway housing program, 2025–2028.
Jacksonville has been chosen as one of 32 global cities to join the 2025–2028 EU Cities Gateway North America Program. The program focuses on affordable and attainable housing. The initiative links cities across Europe, the U.S., and Canada to co-develop solutions for urban challenges. Jacksonville will work alongside cities like Barcelona, Toronto, and Atlanta to exchange best practices and design a pilot project addressing local housing needs. City officials say the program supports Jacksonville’s growth and housing strategy, with the Downtown Investment Authority coordinating participation.
You can read more at the City of Jacksonville’s official website. *
Deegan names Mike Weinstein chief administrative officer; salary unchanged.
Longtime City Hall leader Mike Weinstein has officially been named Chief Administrative Officer for Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, making him the first person in city history to hold that post along with Chief Financial Officer and Chief of Staff. Although the CAO role has been vacant since October, Weinstein has been handling those duties informally. He was also the city’s lead negotiator in the $1.4 billion stadium renovation talks with the Jaguars. Mayor Deegan praised his leadership, calling the title change “just a formality.” Weinstein’s salary will remain at $271,855.
Groundwork’s Kay Ehas wins Rail-Trail Champion for Emerald Trail.
Kay Ehas, CEO of Groundwork Jacksonville, has been named the 2025 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion by the Rails to Trails Conservancy. The award recognizes her leadership in creating the Emerald Trail, a 30-mile bike and pedestrian network designed to connect 14 Jacksonville neighborhoods. Ehas was praised for fostering public-private partnerships and engaging residents in the development process. The project, which repurposes former rail lines like the S-Line, also includes restoration of McCoys and Hogans creeks. Previous honorees include former governors and national trail advocates.
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