Thursday, Nov. 13: Telehealth Probe + Emergency Food Aid Vote + LDS Temple Breaks Ground
Thursday, Nov. 13
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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Duval DOGE to probe Jacksonville telehealth contracts
The Duval DOGE Committee will hold an emergency meeting today to examine potential misuse of taxpayer dollars in Jacksonville’s telehealth contracts, including the HealthLink Jax program for uninsured residents run by Telescope Health. Councilmember Rory Diamond cites fraud and conflict-of-interest concerns, while Telescope’s CEO strongly denies any wrongdoing.
Council weighs emergency funding as SNAP lapse strains food aid
Jacksonville City Council is considering two emergency bills to support Feeding Northeast Florida as SNAP benefits have been frozen for six weeks, affecting at least 160,000 Duval residents. One measure proposes $2 million from city reserves; a second, smaller bill would add $200,000, with both requiring a supermajority vote.
Jacksonville’s first LDS temple to break ground in Mandarin
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will break ground January 24 on a 29,000-square-foot temple along Loretto Road in Mandarin. The $27 million temple, built on a 6.6-acre site once home to the historic Fleming Bowden house, will serve marriage ceremonies, baptisms and instruction, joining four other LDS temples in Florida.
Surf park developer plans Jacksonville Wavegarden lagoon and academy
Global surf park developer Aventuur Inc. is planning its first U.S. project in Jacksonville, featuring a 5.5-acre Wavegarden Cove lagoon, surf academy, wellness center, retail and dining. A proposed $4.6 million city incentive package would support the project, with construction expected to start in 2026 and opening in 2028.
Clay County couple wins Marineland auction, pledges to preserve park
Jon and Barbara Rubel of Clay County, through their company #1 Apex Association, have won the $6.5 million cash bid to purchase Marineland Dolphin Adventure in a court-ordered auction. Their plan keeps the historic attraction open, preserves staff positions, and maintains care for the marine animals after months of financial uncertainty.
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