Tuesday, Dec. 16: Immigrant Detention + School Safety + Civic Leadership
Tuesday, Dec. 16
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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Deportation Depot detainees pepper-sprayed after barricade, advocates raise concerns.
About 40 miles west of Jacksonville, detainees at Florida’s state-run immigration facility known as “Deportation Depot” were pepper-sprayed in late October after reportedly barricading themselves inside their housing unit. Located at the former Baker Correctional Institution in Sanderson, the center holds up to 2,000 immigrants and is operated by the Florida Department of Emergency Management. Advocates allege elderly detainees were injured during the incident, which involved around 160 people. No serious injuries were reported, and staff regained control quickly. A related state database bill is pending for 2026.
Four Duval schools lockout amid nearby police activity.
Four Duval County public schools were placed on lockout Monday afternoon because of nearby police activity. The schools affected were Chets Creek Elementary, Allen Axson Elementary, Kernan Middle, and Kernan Trail Elementary. According to a message from Duval County Public Schools, the lockouts were implemented as a precaution, and all students and staff remained safe. While no one was permitted to enter or exit during the lockout, normal dismissal procedures were planned with police on-site. Authorities haven’t released further details about the nature of the police activity.
Beth Sweeny named St. Augustine Beach mayor through 2026.
St. Augustine Beach has a new mayor. Vice Mayor Beth Sweeny was elevated to the city’s top post this month, succeeding Dylan Rumrell. A longtime local who also serves as a communications director at Flagler College, Sweeny says her top priorities include improving infrastructure and monitoring state-level efforts to change property tax collection. She also plans to enhance pedestrian safety and regulate e-bikes after a recent crash. Sweeny praised Rumrell’s legacy of intergovernmental collaboration, calling his impact “enormous.” Her term runs through 2026.
City plans Friendship Fountain riverfront restaurant, build starts 2026.
Jacksonville is advancing plans to build a new riverfront restaurant at St. Johns River Park, next to Friendship Fountain. The design by CD+Urban Studio, presented to the Downtown Development Review Board on December 11, reflects inspiration from the city’s maritime heritage and mid-century architecture. The two-story structure will offer indoor and outdoor dining, including a rooftop lounge. Slated to begin construction in early to mid-2026, the city-owned building will be leased to a private operator. It’s part of an $8.4 million investment in the park’s redevelopment.
Swisher $135M Phoenix expansion: 240 jobs, new pouch facility.
Swisher, a longtime Jacksonville-based tobacco company, has announced a $135 million expansion in the Phoenix neighborhood, aiming to meet rising demand for smokeless nicotine and caffeine pouch products. The project, previously known as “Project Newark,” includes a new 120,000-square-foot facility that will utilize Jaxport and create 240 jobs by 2028. Backed by $3.5 million in city tax incentives, the expansion will benefit economically distressed areas like Springfield and the Eastside. However, federal tariffs may raise equipment costs. Construction is already underway and expected to continue through 2026.
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