North Florida News
Jacksonville: Downtown Investment Authority Announces Several Updates To Dockless Mobility Program, Partners With Vendors To Expand Operations Of E-Scooters In Downtown
Published
3 years agoon
Jacksonville, Fla. (FNN) – Program updates come on the heels of successful pilot program for electric scooters.
The City of Jacksonville’s Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) today announced updates to its Dockless Mobility Program, better known as the “e-scooter” program. These updates, which were based on the results of a successful pilot program, will be adopted on a permanent basis and include:
- Selection of two e-scooter vendors: Following a Request For Proposal (RFP) from the City that drew submissions from six scooter companies, vendors Bird and Lime have been awarded contracts to operate the e-scooters throughout Downtown. The contracts will remain in effect for two years with authorization for one two-year renewal.
- Broader geofencing boundaries: With an expanded geography, pedestrians are now able to rent and ride e-scooters in Brooklyn on the Northbank, across the St. Johns River and into the Southbank.
- Rules of operation: The program’s hours and operational limits have been adjusted in partnership with fellow City departments to reflect lessons learned during the pilot program, and to promote safe enjoyment of the program for all participants:
- Hours of operations: 5 a.m. – midnight
- Top motor-powered speed of 10 miles per hour when operating on a sidewalk
- Top motor-powered speed of 15 miles per hour when operating in the right-of-way
- All riders are encouraged to wear a helmet when operating an electric scooter
- Riders under 16 must wear a helmet when operating an electric scooter
Data from the pilot program indicate that the launch of the program contributed positively to the overall vibrancy of Downtown Jacksonville. Since the pilot program launched in March 2021 until August 2022, the DIA saw nearly 150,000 rides across all vendors, benefiting residents, customers and business owners alike.
“The launch of the e-scooter program has undoubtedly become another step toward expanding mobility options for Downtown residents, workers and visitors — especially as a ‘last mile’ solution to quickly navigate the neighborhood,” said Lori Boyer, CEO of the DIA. “E-scooters have emerged across the country as a healthy, viable and environmentally sustainable transportation alternative. We are excited to continue the program in Downtown Jacksonville through our partnership with electric bike and scooter companies Bird and Lime.”
All equipment can be rented and dropped off at designated, geofenced corrals between 5 a.m. – midnight. To ride with Bird and Lime, users pay $1 to unlock plus a per-minute fee of $0.49.
To learn more about the City of Jacksonville’s e-scooter program, visit
http://dia.coj.net/escooters.
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North Florida News
Jaguars Add Mathieu Araujo, Brian Picucci to Coaching Staff for 2026 Season
Published
1 month agoon
January 28, 2026By
FNN SPORTSJACKSONVILLE (FNN) — The Jacksonville Jaguars announced two additions to their coaching staff for the 2026 season, naming Mathieu Araujo as defensive pass game coordinator and Brian Picucci as run game coordinator.
Araujo Joins Jaguars After Success with Dolphins
Araujo (uh-ROO-joh) comes to Jacksonville following four seasons with the Miami Dolphins (2022–25), serving as cornerbacks coach from 2024–25 and assistant defensive backs coach from 2022–23.
In 2024, Araujo helped guide Miami to its first top-five finish in total defense since 2006, as the Dolphins allowed just 314.4 yards per game, ranking fourth in the NFL. The Dolphins also posted a top-10 defensive finish in 2023 for the first time since 2010, allowing 318.3 yards per game.
Before entering the NFL, Araujo spent seven seasons in the collegiate ranks, including three years at Yale (2019–21) as defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator. A native of East Freetown, Massachusetts, Araujo was a four-year letterman at Bridgewater State, playing defensive back.
Picucci Brings Run Game Experience from Tampa Bay
Picucci (pi-COO-chee) joins the Jaguars after two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, serving as offensive line coach in 2025 and assistant offensive line coach in 2024.
During his time with Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers ranked among the NFL’s top 10 in several rushing categories, including yards per rush (4.7, fifth), rushing first downs (252, tied for sixth), and rushing yards per game (131.9, seventh).
In 2024, Picucci worked with a Buccaneers offense led by current Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen that ranked in the top five leaguewide in points per game (29.5), total yards (399.6), passing yards (250.4), rushing yards (149.2), first downs (23.2), and third-down conversion rate (50.9 percent).
Extensive Coaching Background
Prior to his tenure in Tampa Bay, Picucci served as an offensive quality control coach at the University of Kentucky in 2023, where he again worked with Coen. The two previously coached together at UMass from 2005–08.
Picucci’s 31-year coaching career also includes stops at Florida International University, the Detroit Lions, the University of Maine, Becker College, Widener University, Central Connecticut State, Northeastern University, Southern Connecticut State, and multiple stints at UMass.
North Florida News
Pro-Democracy Groups Launch “No Partisan Maps” Day of Action at Florida Capitol
Published
3 months agoon
November 29, 2025TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — A coalition of pro-democracy advocates and community members from across Florida will gather at the State Capitol on Tuesday, December 2, to launch the “We Draw the Lines: No Partisan Maps” Day of Action. The event begins with a press conference, followed by visits to legislative offices and coordinated outreach urging lawmakers to reject partisan-driven redistricting efforts.
The Day of Action takes place two days before the Florida House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting holds its first meeting on December 4. Advocates say the proposed mid-decade remapping is unconstitutional and undermines the will of voters.
“Any attempt by politicians to engage in drawing new voting maps designed to tip the scales of power for partisan gain is unconstitutional and illegal in Florida,” said Genesis Robinson, executive director of Equal Ground. “Redistricting decides who represents us in government, so it is critical that the process serves the people, not politicians.”
Florida’s push for mid-decade redistricting aligns with President Donald Trump’s call for Republican-led states to gerrymander district lines to help retain control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the upcoming midterm elections. Such efforts would violate Florida’s Fair Districts Amendments, which prohibit partisan gerrymandering in the state.
Event Details:
What: “We Draw the Lines: No Partisan Maps” Day of Action
When: Tuesday, December 2, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Florida State Capitol, House-side Rotunda, Fourth Floor
Who: Voting rights organizations, civic groups, and impacted Florida residents
Why: To demand that lawmakers uphold constitutional protections and ensure fair representation for all Floridians
North Florida News
State Rep. Felicia Simone Robinson Files Bill to Establish Florida Voting Rights Restoration Database
Published
4 months agoon
November 4, 2025By
Willie DavidTALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Florida State Representative Felicia Simone Robinson (D–Miami Gardens) has introduced House Bill 73 for the 2026 Legislative Session, aimed at improving transparency and access to information for returning citizens seeking to restore their voting rights. The proposal would establish a statewide, publicly accessible database to help individuals with felony convictions determine their eligibility to vote. A companion measure, Senate Bill 132, has been filed by Senator Tina Polsky (D–Boca Raton).
Centralized Database to Streamline Restoration Process
Under the proposed legislation, the Florida Commission on Offender Review would be responsible for developing and maintaining a centralized database that tracks key information, including supervision terms, restitution, fines, and other legal financial obligations related to felony sentences.
The bill mandates cooperation between state and local agencies—such as clerks of court, county comptrollers, the Department of Corrections, and the Office of Executive Clemency—to ensure the data is accurate and updated regularly. The database would be publicly accessible online and updated monthly, providing a clear path for eligible individuals to confirm their status.
Protecting Returning Citizens and Ensuring Transparency
The legislation also includes protections for individuals who rely in good faith on the database’s information, shielding them from prosecution for unintentional voting violations. Additionally, the Florida Commission on Offender Review would be required to submit a detailed implementation plan—outlining costs, staffing, and technology needs—to both the Governor and the Legislature. If approved, the law would take effect July 1, 2026.
Rep. Robinson Calls for Fairness and Dignity in the Process
Representative Robinson emphasized the moral and civic importance of restoring clarity to Florida’s electoral system.
“Floridians who have completed their sentences deserve clear, timely access to information about their rights,” said Rep. Robinson. “Too many are uncertain whether they still owe obligations or whether they can safely register to vote. This legislation will eliminate confusion and restore dignity.”
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