Duval Times

Former Jacksonville Mayors John Delaney and John Peyton have publicly urged the Jacksonville City Council to support the Deegan Administration's negotiated stadium proposal. They highlighted that the comprehensive package, which includes a stadium renovation plan, a long-term lease structure, and a Community Benefits Agreement, aims to create a world-class stadium and advance downtown development.

Nat Glover, former Duval County Sheriff and EWU President, echoed this sentiment. "I urge our city leaders to approve this stadium deal, including the Community Benefits Agreement," Glover stated. He emphasized the benefits of previous initiatives like the Better Jacksonville Plan (BJP) in 2000 and how such investments have positively impacted residents and visitors.

David Miller, Co-Founder of Brightway Insurance, noted that the $300 million Community Benefits Agreement is equally funded by the Jacksonville Jaguars and the City of Jacksonville. According to Miller, this agreement addresses workforce development, affordable housing, homelessness reduction, and enhancement of parks and recreational facilities.

Mayor Elaine Brown of Neptune Beach expressed gratitude towards Mayor Deegan's team for their negotiations with the Jaguars. She described it as a fair deal that would benefit taxpayers while contributing to vibrant downtown development and reducing homelessness.

Wayne Weaver, former owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, praised the community benefits package as essential for long-term prosperity. He underscored its importance in funding critical initiatives such as workforce development and affordable housing.

The Jacksonville Civic Council also commended Mayor Deegan and the Jaguars for reaching an agreement on what they termed a landmark deal. They strongly encouraged City Council approval of both the Stadium deal and Community Benefit Agreement as a unified package.

Daniel Davis, JAX Chamber President & CEO, stressed the necessity of investing in both the Jaguars and the stadium as part of maintaining NFL city status. He pointed out significant expected benefits from these investments and committed to advocating for City Council approval of the agreement.

The full documents detailing these endorsements can be found at https://www.jacksonville.gov/sotf.