Tuesday, Dec. 23: Northeast Market + Solar Setback + Startup Surge
Tuesday, Dec. 23
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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Home sales, prices, construction fall across Northeast Florida.
Northeast Florida’s housing market cooled further in November. According to the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors, the median single-family home price fell to $375,000, down 2% from October and 4% lower than a year ago. Active inventory also declined more than 4%, with just over 7,200 homes on the market. Closed sales dropped 20%, while pending sales plunged nearly 30%. Meanwhile, new construction is also slowing—building permits fell nearly 20% last month and are down over 30% from a year ago.
JEA solar deal collapses, drawing criticism from advocates.
JEA’s clean energy ambitions have hit a roadblock after the collapse of a solar contract that was expected to power tens of thousands of homes. The Florida Municipal Power Agency terminated the agreement due to rising costs and delays, with JEA’s support. The utility is still moving ahead with a separate plan to build three solar farms by 2026, which will bump its clean energy share from 15% to 18%. Environmental advocates say that still falls short of JEA’s 2030 target of 35% clean power.
Jacksonville ranked top-five U.S. city for startups.
Jacksonville has quietly emerged as a top city for startups, ranking fifth in a new national list from CommercialCafe. The report cited the city’s affordability, surging population of college-educated professionals, and the country’s highest share of freelancers. Median asking prices for office space are among the lowest in large U.S. cities, supporting a booming coworking scene. Plans are also underway for the Jacksonville Innovation Hub, slated to open in early 2026. Meanwhile, coworking companies like IWG are expanding across North Florida.
Debate intensifies over Duval jail site relocation.
Jacksonville leaders agree the Duval County jail is overdue for replacement, but where to put a new facility is stirring debate. In a sharply critical opinion piece, Jax Today columnist AG Gancarski highlights the tension between practical needs—like proximity to the courthouse and sheriff’s office—and longstanding equity concerns about placing jails in historically redlined neighborhoods. While some suggest rural or redeveloped commercial sites, such as the former Regency Square Mall, each option presents trade-offs in optics, accessibility, and community impact. Gancarski argues the political challenge ahead is one Jacksonville can’t avoid. Yet, where does Garcarski come down on this decision? Well, he avoids telling readers.
This Day in History: Christmas snowstorm remains Jacksonville’s biggest.
And, 36 years ago today, a rare Christmas snowstorm dropped nearly two inches across Jacksonville—still the largest snowfall in local history. The 1989 storm paralyzed traffic, closed stores and churches, and grounded flights at Jacksonville International Airport. With no snowplows or road salt, bridges iced over, and even Christmas card deliveries were delayed. Despite the disruptions, residents took to the streets to sled and skate. The snowfall made national headlines, with CBS featuring icy scenes from the Acosta Bridge.
Read more and take a look back at photos from the freak storm in the Times-Union. *
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