More than 2,000 new COVID-19 cases in Northeast Florida – and near 20,000 statewide – were reported Thursday as the virus’s spread reached record levels despite ongoing vaccination efforts.
The 19,816 new cases reported statewide was the highest single-day count on record for the 10-month-old coronavirus pandemic.
Another 164 Floridians were reported dead from the virus, including 11 in the six-county region that includes Jacksonville, a daily update from Florida’s Department of Health showed.
The virus’s reach grew as Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said two senior centers that have been used as COVID testing sites were closing to be refitted to handle only vaccinations.
Controversial Lot J project is nearly a done deal
Final vote expected Tuesday
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Lot J entertainment district would be one of the biggest investments in Jacksonville’s history, and on Thursday the City Council took steps to make sure the deal is one taxpayers can live with.
During a marathon meeting, there was a vote of 15 to 4 in favor of the plan. The City Council plans to take a final vote on Tuesday.
City Council President Tommy Hazouri has been at odds with the Mayor Lenny Curry’s office on this deal for the past two months. He said there are still concerns despite the fact the council has given thumbs up.
Curry: If Lot J doesn’t happen now, it will never happen
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As the Jacksonville City Council prepares for a major vote on Lot J Thursday, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said if the multi-million development project adjacent to the Jacksonville Jaguars stadium is not approved now, it never will.
“If you pull the plug on Lot J, it’s gone. If Lot J, if you pull the plug on Lot J, it’s over. It’s not happening,” Curry said. “Let’s be clear. We can debate, they are debating it. The organization is working with them. I’m not going to spend the next two- and a half years every time we present a deal to City Council and people say we need to pull the plug. Some of this is political.”
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry signed an executive order extending Duval County’s COVID-19 face mask mandate another 30 days.
The order dated Dec. 26 requires every person 6 years old and older to wear a face covering while in a public place or business and unable to social distance.
The previous order was set to expire at 5 p.m. the day Curry signed the extension and the renewal is in effect until Jan. 25.
Like previous orders, business owners, operators and their employees are responsible for enforcing the rule.
The executive proclamation includes clear plastic face shields in its definition of face coverings.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order Sept. 25 lifting statewide capacity restrictions for bars and restaurants, moving the state into Phase 3 of reopening.