Jacksonville Leaders Attend Controversial Holiday Event on Luxurious Yacht Amid NFL Struggles and Stadium Renovation Funding

Jacksonville Leaders Gather for Exclusive Holiday Event on Yacht

Jacksonville, Fla. — City officials, including Mayor Donna Deegan and several members of the Jacksonville City Council, attended an exclusive holiday gathering aboard Jaguars owner Shad Khan’s luxurious yacht, the Kismet, on Monday evening.

The event took place amidst a challenging NFL season for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who currently hold a disappointing record of 2-10. Nonetheless, Khan is set to benefit significantly from a recent public funding approval, with plans to receive $775 million as part of a comprehensive $1.4 billion renovation of the stadium. This funding was backed by both the mayor and the city council earlier this year.

Background of the Stadium Deal

In June 2023, the city council enthusiastically approved the renovation deal, which includes portions for deferred maintenance totaling $1.25 billion. The approval was finalized after the NFL owners signed off on it in October. Critics, however, question the financial prudence of the deal, with a recent government watchdog report giving Jacksonville a D grade for its fiscal management, suggesting that the city may struggle to afford such a substantial investment.

Concerns About Ethics and Transparency

The holiday event has sparked debate about ethics and transparency within city governance. Khan has previously engaged with council members regarding financial matters related to the stadium and other developments, such as the unresolved “Lot J” proposal, which aimed to revitalize part of downtown Jacksonville but fell short by one vote.

According to Florida’s open records laws, known as “Sunshine laws,” council members are not allowed to discuss city business privately without public notification. However, they are permitted to engage in discussions with lobbyists and the mayor’s office. The invitations to the yacht event were communicated via text messages sent by longtime Jaguars lobbyist Paul Harden, rather than through official city channels.

Attendance and Reactions

City Councilman Matt Carlucci confirmed that he received a text invitation saying, “5:30-7:30, bring socks, no shoes on the boat.” Action News Jax contacted the mayor and all 19 city council members to inquire about the event’s attendees and its purpose. Responses varied, with some members expressing interest while others declined.

Carlucci stated that he plans to attend with his wife, emphasizing the uniqueness of the opportunity. Council member Rahman Johnson affirmed his attendance, insisting that no business discussions would take place during the gathering. In contrast, Mike Gay and others, like Jimmy Peluso, chose not to attend, citing personal reasons or discomfort with the setting.

Awaiting Further Clarity

As the city navigates this controversy, questions remain about whether the text messages regarding the invitation qualify as public records. A request for clarification on this matter was sent to the City Council Chief of Public Information. As of now, the outcome of these inquiries may further illuminate the ethical implications surrounding city officials’ engagement with significant business interests within Jacksonville.

As the community watches closely, this gathering aboard the Kismet serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between public service and private interests, and the continuing need for transparency in local government actions.