JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville City Council voted 14-1, with two councilmembers abstaining, to approve the Jaguars Stadium of the Future deal during a meeting Tuesday.
"By your vote, we have scored a touchdown," announced City Council President Ron Salem, who has been a major driving force behind the deal.
The one "nay" came from Councilman Mike Gay. Councilman Terrance Freeman and Councilman Kevin Carrico abstained from the vote due to conflicts of interest.
The NFL owners still have to vote to approve the deal before it is set in stone.
Councilman Ken Amaro told the council before the vote they had a chance to become a "legacy city council," by making an impactful decision. He said city auditors supporting the deal convinced him, and he would be supporting the deal.
Councilman Jimmy Peluso said there was "no way" he would vote no on the deal.
The project cost is estimated at $1.4 billion which will be split between the City of Jacksonville and the Jaguars.
Since the renovations were announced in June 2023, Mayor Donna Deegan's team has negotiated with the Jaguars, eventually announcing a deal in May.
"This day has been a long time coming. I am truly grateful for the partnership with the Jaguars throughout the negotiation process, and to the City Council for passing this historic deal. Together, we are turning renderings into reality for the betterment of Jacksonville," Deegan said in a statement after the council vote.
Salem expressed his excitement about the deal's approval in a statement, calling it a "historic moment for our city."
"My colleagues on the City Council and I worked hard to protect the taxpayers and guarantee this renovated stadium will ensure we are home to an NFL franchise that will serve as a world‐class experience for fans and visitors and will be a catalyst for economic growth in our downtown. I believe we’ve achieved that with this comprehensive, transparent and forward‐thinking approach. I am extremely pleased with the outcome," Salem said.
The Jacksonville Jaguars released the following statement following the stadium deal's approval:
"We’re excited that the City Council has approved this historic agreement that will keep the Jaguars in Jacksonville for decades to come, enhance the fan experience for NFL and non-NFL events, and provide a springboard for downtown growth starting with the completion of world-class riverfront parks.
The other portions of the community benefits agreement represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve the quality of life for citizens across Jacksonville. We remain committed to working with the City Council to pass those pieces of the package when they return in July."
Ahead of Tuesday's meeting, city council members voted Thursday to remove $94 million of taxpayer dollars in funding from the Community Benefits Agreement which would have gone toward renovating parks, workforce development and improving Eastside neighborhoods.
The city agreed to still fund $56 million of park improvements through a portion of the agreement that was passed. The Jaguars are still contributing $100 million toward the Community Benefits Agreement, but Jaguars President Mark Lamping said the team will give the money to the city and have no direct involvement in where the money goes after that.
Incoming council president Randy White said he still wants the money debated during the July city budget review process after he assumes the position on July 1.
"This was not anything against the Eastside," White said. "I think we need to do upgrades there and I will support that."
Lamping said he's happy to have reached an agreement with the city to keep the Jags in Jacksonville for at least the next 30 years.
"This is really exciting, and I think it's not only exciting if you're a Jaguar fan, but if you're a fan of Jacksonville, this is a great day," he said.
Jaguars Owner Shad Khan shared the following statement after the council vote.
"The belief and determination of Delores and Wayne Weaver to make the Jacksonville Jaguars a reality more than 30 years ago was reaffirmed today by the leadership of Mayor Donna Deegan, her team and the Jacksonville City Council. The message then, and now, should be clear. Never doubt Jacksonville!"