Steve Patterson

1 week ago | jacksonville.com | Steve Patterson

The Duval County School Board discontinued its minority- and women-owned business hiring program, replacing it with a small/micro business enterprise program. The change is in response to President Trump's executive order banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in federally funded organizations. The new program aims to promote equal opportunity for all businesses and avoid potential loss of federal funding due to non-compliance with the DEI ban.

1 week ago | jacksonville.com | Steve Patterson

The Duval County School Board will vote on a $300,000 settlement in a lawsuit involving the sexual assault of a 6-year-old boy during a summer camp. The lawsuit alleges negligence by both the school district and Bright Minds Youth Development, Inc., the organizer of the camp. The school board denies liability but is settling as a "business decision," while Bright Minds is scheduled for trial in 2026.

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Steve Patterson

The Duval County School Board is scheduled to vote Tuesday on a $300,000 payment to settle a lawsuit over a 6-year-old being sexual assaulted during an elementary school summer camp. The boy’s family last year sued the board and Bright Minds Youth Development, Inc., a nonprofit that the suit says organized a 2023 camp at Bartram Springs Elementary School.

1 week ago | jacksonville.com | Steve Patterson

Jacksonville City Council member Nick Howland alleges the city is keeping a registry of individuals who openly carry firearms in city buildings, potentially violating a state law. The registry reportedly lists names, contact information, and gun types, and supposedly has been maintained since July 2023 when permitless carry went into effect. Mayor Donna Deegan's office stated the policy predates her administration and they are reviewing all policies from the previous administration.

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Steve Patterson

Has Jacksonville’s handling of information about people carrying guns in city buildings violated state law? The answer could be a problem for Mayor Donna Deegan’s administration, some mayor before her or maybe no one at all. The question has brewed a set of claims and rebuttals since City Council member Nick Howland warned Thursday that “Jacksonville families could be on the hook for millions in legal fees, damages, and settlements” over actions of Deegan’s staff.