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🌱 Patch AM: Why only two Duval schools remain targeted as ‘Schools of Hope’

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Hey there, Jacksonville! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why only two Duval schools remain targeted as ‘Schools of Hope’
  • Flying from JAX this weekend? Here’s how bad delays have gotten.
  • How will stadium construction change Gator Bowl business downtown?

Also on today's calendar: Live Music from Eric and Howard (Katmanduo) at Top Dawg Tavern! and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Jacksonvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: How many sheep does it take to make a sweater? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Jacksonvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Nice and warm with some sun, with a high of 76 and low of 61 degrees.
  • Sunday: Pleasant with clouds and sun, temps: high: 76, low: 60.
  • Monday: Breezy in the afternoon, with a high of 76 and low of 39 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Number of Duval County schools targeted as Schools of Hope down to 2: Jax Today (news4jax.com) — Duval County Public Schools now face just two potential “Schools of Hope” charter takeovers, after Mater Academy withdrew plans for 23 other campuses, according to Jacksonville Today. Merrill Road Elementary and Fort Caroline School of the Arts remain under review, while district leaders say they’ll keep advocating for students and communicating updates as the state-driven process continues.
   

2. Flights canceled, delayed at Jacksonville airport as ice storm impacts travel to New York (actionnewsjax.com) — If you’re flying out of Jacksonville International Airport, expect serious disruptions as an ice storm up north has already delayed 38 flights and canceled 24, many to New York and Boston. Stranded travelers describe long waits, scarce rental cars, and limited rebooking options, while airport officials warn more delays and cancellations are possible overnight and urge passengers to check with their airlines.
   

3. Local restaurant prepares for Gator Bowl, eyes changes ahead with stadium construction (actionnewsjax.com) — Downtown Jacksonville’s Flavorikan restaurant is gearing up for Saturday’s TaxSlayer Gator Bowl crowds, which owner Stephanie Acevedo says are some of her busiest days of the year. She’s already looking ahead to how stadium construction and the game’s temporary move out of Jacksonville in 2027–28 could hurt game-day traffic, while hoping nearby construction workers bring new business until the Gator Bowl returns in 2028–29.
   

4. This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition - Downtown's growth, development & future plans for 2026 (news4jax.com) — Downtown Jacksonville is in the middle of a $6.5 billion development wave, with new housing, grocery stores, parks, and a future stadium district reshaping the urban core. Local leaders and Downtown Vision see 2026 as pivotal, aiming to double downtown’s population, expand transit like JTA’s Navi shuttles, and anchor growth with UF’s new graduate campus and the Florida Semiconductor Institute.
   

5. Doctors at Baptist Health help deliver the best Christmas present to several parents (news4jax.com) — Several Jacksonville-area families welcomed Christmas Day babies at Baptist Health hospitals across Northeast Florida, including a little girl descended from former Jacksonville mayor Hans Tanzler and Atlantic Marine founder George Gibbs. The story highlights the surprise timing, local family roots, and the joy these holiday births brought to parents.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Our baby girl Potato got adopted!!
    Forgive my delay in posting this but she got adopted just a few days after I had to take her back to the shelter. The sweet girl is happy and has… (Nextdoor Downtown Jacksonville)
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    We hope many children and families have a wonderful Christmas morning due to the love of their community. Thank y'all! ~Tracee, K9 Spicer & K9 Valek … (Nextdoor Sans Souci)
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Ok Jacksonville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I have no idea. I didn’t even know sheep could knit.
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