Wednesday, Dec. 3: Parking Cuts + School Delays + Growth Costs
Wednesday, Dec. 3
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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Parking Cuts: MOSH reduces spaces as costs rise, council delays funding vote.
Jacksonville’s Museum of Science and History may cut parking at its planned riverfront facility from 75 to 30 spaces to save costs, as construction expenses push the total to $141 million. Council members worry that fewer spots could deter visitors; a vote on the plan is set for January.
School Delays: Duval pauses two closures over equity and safety concerns.
The Duval County School Board voted to close Anchor Academy in 2028 and Long Branch in 2027 despite community opposition. Anchor students will merge with Mayport Elementary, Long Branch with R.L. Brown. Concerns remain about equity, safety, and disinvestment in historically Black neighborhoods.
Growth Costs: St. Johns raises impact fees, shifting expenses to developers.
Starting March 2026, St. Johns County will increase development impact fees, with a 2,000-square-foot home paying nearly $25,000 over five years. Commercial projects, like restaurants, face even steeper hikes, and new conservation fees shift more costs to developers.
Hate-Crime Push: Advocates call for charges after Murray Hill LGBTQ+ shooting.
LGBTQ+ groups are urging prosecutors to treat the Nov. 22 shooting of 24-year-old Kyle McFarlane in Murray Hill as a hate crime. McFarlane was shot by neighbor Tyler Getchell, leaving him partially paralyzed. Getchell faces attempted murder charges.
Dining Shift: Beloved Mossfire closes as new restaurants reshape Jacksonville.
November brought changes to Jacksonville’s dining scene: Mossfire Grill closed after 27 years, and Amelia Island Brewing Co. shut down. New spots include Saleya Riviera Cafe in San Marco, EggBred in Fruit Cove, Huey Magoo’s in Baymeadows, and Epik Burger in St. Johns County.
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