Jacksonville Bold for 5.6.26: Ooh, that smell – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Flickr)
Jacksonville – Local news captured a diverse array of developments on May 6, underscoring the city’s evolving challenges and achievements. A peculiar study thrust the city into an unflattering spotlight over persistent odors, even as paper mills faded decades ago. Political tensions simmered in statehouses and council chambers, while infrastructure upgrades and economic shifts pointed to future momentum.
Study Brands Jacksonville as Nation’s Worst-Smelling City
An analysis by online casino firm McLuck ranked Jacksonville dead last among U.S. cities for smell, assigning it a score of 3.9 out of 10. Researchers weighed air quality data alongside counts of candle shops, bakeries, florists, and perfume outlets. The city fared better on cleanliness metrics than some peers but lacked the aromatic businesses that boosted other locales.
Boston claimed the top spot with 9.64 points, followed by Washington, D.C., and San Francisco. The report highlighted Boston’s abundance of bakeries, including specialties like cream pies and cannolis. Jacksonville’s ocean proximity and mill closures offered little counter to its lingering reputation, prompting questions about underlying sources.
Judicial Re-Elections and Races Take Shape in Duval County
Three Duval County judges advanced unopposed for re-election after qualifying deadlines passed. Rhonda Peoples-Waters, Gary Flower, and James Nealis secured their positions without challengers, freeing them to focus on judicial duties through the summer. This outcome streamlines their paths ahead of the ballot.
Contests emerged elsewhere. In County Court Group 1, criminal defense attorney Latoya Williams Shelton, with over $273,000 raised, faces Matthew Lufrano. Group 13 features a trio: Melina Buncome, recipient of a 2022 pro bono award; Marquita H. Green, with magistrate experience; and Octavia Holliday from the State Attorney’s Office. Buncome leads fundraising at more than $10,000. Voters face clear choices in these races, potentially reshaping local benches.
Political Sparks Fly Over Redistricting and Protests
Governor Ron DeSantis condemned a House Democrat’s use of a bullhorn to halt a congressional redistricting vote. Jacksonville Representative Angie Nixon, wielding a pink megaphone, declared the map unconstitutional, briefly swaying two colleagues to vote yes before they switched. DeSantis called the tactic emblematic of disruptive opposition on Fox & Friends, noting Republican dominance in Florida.
Nixon, now eyeing a Senate bid against Republican incumbent Ashley Moody and Democrat Alex Vindman, prioritized democracy over decorum. The outburst drew national eyes and reports of ear strain for one lawmaker. Separately, Council member Rory Diamond urged redrawing Jacksonville’s City Council map post a Supreme Court ruling in Louisiana v. Callais. He argued the existing lines relied too heavily on race, with ample time before the 2027 deadline. Republicans see opportunity to neutralize minority-favoring districts, while Democrats defend them amid historical gerrymandering critiques.
What Matters Now
Redistricting could alter power dynamics: Districts 7-10, with high Black and Democratic concentrations, face scrutiny. Republicans hold a council supermajority despite county voter leans, complicating at-large seats.
Appointments, Economy, and Infrastructure Milestones
Governor DeSantis tapped steel executive Steven Hughes for the Florida State College at Jacksonville Board of Trustees. Hughes, with CMC Steel operations in Florida, brings mechanical engineering and business degrees. Senate confirmation remains pending for the panel overseeing four campuses and centers.
James F. Moseley Jr., a GrayRobinson maritime lawyer, began a two-year term as president of the Maritime Law Association, following his father in the role. The Monique Burr Foundation raised a record $283,000 at its vineyard gala, expanding child safety programs to 22 million students. Ed Burr praised community support for abuse and bullying prevention.
Downtown office vacancies hit 27%, topping Florida metros amid remote work trends. Duval issued over 600 school bus passing citations, clustered on Edgewood Avenue West and Blanding Boulevard. Florida’s unemployment rose to 4.7% in March, surpassing the national 4.3%; Jacksonville shed 6,200 jobs yearly. Cecil Airfield gained Navy approval for P-8A Poseidon upgrades, enhancing surveillance via Boeing modifications.
Stadium Renovations Advance Amid 2026 Preparations
EverBank Stadium’s overhaul progressed with seats stripped, cranes erected, and scaffolding for a heat-reducing canopy. Jaguars social media revealed bare upper decks, removed cabanas, and dirt piles. Capacity drops to 42,507 for a reduced 2026 schedule, expanding later to 63,000 or more.
Work pauses for home games, but parking strains persist as in 2025. London trips and the Georgia-Florida game in Atlanta aid timelines, with full completion targeting 2027. Fans should plan extra travel time as the NFL schedule nears release.
Jacksonville navigates quirks like odor perceptions alongside substantive gains in education, defense, and urban renewal. These threads reflect a city balancing reputation with resilience, poised for measured advancement.