The public comment session dominated discussions with numerous residents expressing concerns about the Discovery School’s expansion. Donnie Brzusa highlighted the lapse in conditional use approval, which expired in 2022, yet the school continued operations without oversight. He detailed specific incidents, including one where his son was nearly struck by a vehicle during school pickup. This sentiment was shared by several residents, including his spouse Sandra Brzusa, who emphasized the need for improved traffic management and safety measures to protect the community.

Robert Phelps, another resident, described the severe traffic congestion around the school, likening it to a “parking lot” and warning of potential delays for emergency responders. He highlighted the critical nature of the situation, noting the limited access points to nearby residential complexes that could hinder emergency services. Phelps, along with others, called for the council to intervene and ensure compliance with safety regulations and possibly halt further expansions until these issues are resolved.

Victoria Ye, who lives near the Discovery School, echoed these concerns, noting the negative impact of the school’s expansion on her quality of life. She described a loss of privacy and peace due to the school’s proximity, coupled with disruptions from late-night activities. Ye joined other residents in urging the council to pause the expansion and consider the broader implications on the neighborhood.

Cheryl Bruska, related to a child nearly involved in a traffic incident, attributed the problem to the school’s enrollment exceeding its capacity of 300 students, leading to increased traffic and associated hazards. Bruska suggested relocating the school to a more suitable area away from residential zones, a solution she believed would alleviate the current strain on the neighborhood.

The council heard from additional residents who supported a halt to the school’s expansion. The council acknowledged these concerns, with discussions emphasizing the need for a careful balance between community safety and the school’s operational needs.

Beyond the Discovery School issues, the council also tackled a variety of legislative and administrative topics. A significant item was a franchise agreement with Neptune Beach, which included updates on underground utility coordination and changes to contract duration. The new agreement extended the contract from 20 to 30 years and included provisions for public meetings related to potential sales of Beaches Energy. The council unanimously approved a motion on this resolution.

Another legislative measure was an ordinance proposal to increase the bid threshold from $25,000 to $50,000, aimed at streamlining the purchasing process. The city attorney explained that this update aligns Jacksonville Beach with similar municipalities that have already adopted higher thresholds. The ordinance passed without public comment or dissent from the council.

The meeting also addressed state mandates concerning group homes for individuals with developmental disabilities. Council members expressed concern over the limited avenues for community input due to state legislation, specifically referencing SP 954. One member raised the issue of local governance, emphasizing the need for the city to manage its own land development code rather than adhering to broader county mandates. The implications of a 2007 federal court case involving the city of Boca Raton were considered, which found ordinances restricting sober living facilities violated the Fair Housing Act.

Council members debated the legal complexities and potential liabilities of complying with state and federal laws, emphasizing the importance of ensuring community input while adhering to legal requirements. The council decided to move forward with the ordinance, scheduling a second reading for January 20, 2026, as they navigated these intricate considerations.

The council also reviewed amendments to city codes regarding parks and recreation, with proposed updates aimed at aligning city ordinances with current operations. These changes included updates on severe weather policies, wildlife management, and a renaming of the city’s tennis center to the Jacksonville Beach Tennis Club. The ordinance passed its first reading, with plans for a second reading set for January.