“Each is vital to public safety and our infrastructure needs in Jacksonville,” said Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan. “We are extremely grateful for this state funding and to our Duval Delegation for supporting these budget requests and ensuring each one made it across the finish line.”
The three projects are:

1. Fire Academy of the South Burn Building (SF 1987) (HF1524): $2,000,000
The funding will be used for the design, engineering, and construction of a state-of-the-art burn building at the Fire Academy of the South, which is operated by Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) and serves Northeast Florida.

The new burn building is an essential training tool for current and aspiring firefighters, providing immersive, practical experience in handling live fire situations while maintaining a safe training environment. Training with the burn building ensures students are physically and mentally prepared for the high-pressure conditions they will face on the job. It is a critical tool allowing the Fire Academy to operate at full capacity and offer in-service training for over 1,500 existing first responders.   

Since 1992, Florida State College at Jacksonville and the City of Jacksonville have jointly supported the education and training programs at the Fire Academy of the South, sharing initial construction costs, with city personnel providing training and job prep. With more than 300 graduates a year, these students can fill critical public safety workforce needs in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas.

“I am incredibly grateful for this investment in our department and our region,” said JFRD Chief Percy Golden II. “This new burn building is more than just a structure. It is a critical asset that allows real-world practice for Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department personnel and the next generation of first responders. This resource will strengthen public safety across Northeast Florida by ensuring a well-trained, well-prepared fire service.”
 
2. Acree Road Off-Grade Rail Crossing (SF 1421) in City Council District 8: $2,000,000

The funding will be used for alignment of the road, which in turn will set the foundation for seeking federal funding sources for an off-grade railroad crossing. The crossing will provide safe passage over an active rail line extending from Acree Road and crossing at Old Kings Road. It will also alleviate traffic concerns, improve emergency response times in the area, and enhance safety for pedestrians.

The Acree Road Extension has been added to the City of Jacksonville's Mobility Plan to allow for another local funding source. This is a public-private partnership between the city and a local developer.

"This is an example of turning vision into action", said District City 8 Councilman Reggie Gaffney, Jr. “I am grateful to see this project get passed in our State Budget. This would not have been possible without the mayor’s administration and our state officials in Tallahassee. This is a win for the community. Now the real work begins.”
 
3. Monument Road Improvements (SF 1420) in City Council District 1: $350,000

This project will benefit 19,200 drivers that use Monument Road each day. It will resurface roadways; install raised medians; add bike lanes from Atlantic Blvd. to Trednick Parkway; install dual eastbound left-turn lanes and northbound receiving lanes at St. Johns Bluff Road; construct 1.1 miles of new sidewalk on Monument Road from Regency Square Blvd North to Lee Road and 900 feet of sidewalk from Atlantic Blvd to Monument Road; and reconfigure the lane assignments at Trednick Parkway. This work was recommended by a 2020 North Florida TPO Corridor Study.

“During my campaign I stated repeatedly that public safety is one of my top priorities,” said District 1 City Councilman Ken Amarro. “This project aligns with my goals in making the Arlington community a safer place for pedestrians and motorists. I am grateful for this allocation and believe that this is the kind of investment our community needs to improve our quality of life.