Jacksonville Daily: Zoo’s $72M expansion opens, school tax renewal advances, Northside rezoning moves ahead
1) Jacksonville Zoo opens major new habitat and animal-care space
A big new chapter opened at the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens with the debut of the VyStar Skyscape and Manatee River. The opening is part of a $72 million buildout that mixes visitor experiences with space designed to treat and rehabilitate injured wildlife.
Along with new viewing areas for three manatees, the project adds behind-the-scenes capacity to care for up to 20 sick or injured manatees at a time before they are cleared for release.
2) School funding referendum moves toward a 2026 ballot
The Duval County School Board voted to pursue renewal of a 1-mill property tax that supports local public school funding. The next key step is City Council approval to place the referendum on a ballot later this year.
The measure has a recent track record locally: a similar referendum previously won voter approval in 2022, and supporters say renewal is intended to keep that funding stream in place rather than replace it with cuts elsewhere.
3) Northside industrial rezoning advances near Zoo Parkway
Jacksonville’s Planning Commission backed a rezoning and land use change for former Eagle LNG property on Zoo Parkway in North Jacksonville. The recommendation would shift the land toward light industrial use, clearing a path for future industrial park development.
The proposal heads next to City Council’s land-use process, with a committee vote scheduled before any final action by the full council.
4) Police seize 100+ illegal gambling machines in citywide crackdown
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said a multi-day enforcement effort in February targeted illegal gambling machines at businesses around the city, with assistance from the state gaming regulator. Investigators reported more than 100 machines seized from 16 locations and multiple felony arrests tied to the operations.
Officials also urged business owners to verify legality before allowing any machines on-site.
5) Weekend weather: early heat, near-record territory
Forecasters say a warm pattern is settling in, with highs expected in the upper 80s across the weekend and humidity pushing it to feel hotter at times. If you are spending time outside, plan on hydration and shade breaks.
Weekend note: 7 Creeks Fest
A free, family-friendly outdoor festival is set for Saturday at the 7 Creeks Recreation Area, with guided hikes and a shuttle connecting trailheads and activity hubs.
Sources
- https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2026/03/06/jacksonville-zoo-opens-72m-vystar-skyscape-and-manatee-river-project/
- https://jaxtoday.org/2026/03/04/duval-school-board-property-tax-renewal/
- https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2026/mar/05/planning-commission-backs-rezoning-of-former-eagle-lng-land-in-north-jacksonville/
- https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2026/03/06/jso-cracks-down-on-illegal-gambling-machines-100-seized-from-16-locations-arrests-made/
- https://www.jacksonville.gov/welcome/news/the-fifth-annual-7-creeks-fest-to-take-place-on-ma
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