Dream Finders closes its Beazer deal, Patriot Rail lands federal grants, and the Council subpoenas JTA’s former CEO

Dream Finders closes its Beazer Homes dealJacksonville based Dream Finders Homes said Oct. 20 it completed its acquisition of Atlanta based Beazer Homes USA, a deal valued at $2.2 billion that makes it the nation’s sixth largest homebuilder. The deal adds California, Delaware, Indiana and Nevada, and CEO Patrick Zalupski said the company will shift Beazer communities to Dream Finders floor plans that better match what buyers can afford. Source: Jax Daily Record, Oct. 20, 2026

Patriot Rail picked for up to $47.7 million in federal grantsThe Jacksonville based short line operator will use the Federal Railroad Administration money for three projects: up to $16.8 million for new rail, ties and ballast, $15.7 million for eight bridges, and $15.2 million to replace 22 locomotives and add four more. Patriot Rail runs 31 short lines and four excursion railways across 23 states. Source: Jax Daily Record, Oct. 20, 2026

Council committee subpoenas former JTA CEO Nat FordThe Finance Committee voted 7 to 1 on Oct. 20, with Rahman Johnson dissenting, to compel Ford to testify on JTA’s finances at 11:15 a.m. Oct. 23. Ford is in his last week at JTA before leading Dallas Area Rapid Transit, and the Florida Attorney General’s office is separately investigating the authority. Source: Jax Daily Record, Oct. 20, 2026

The area’s fifth Texas Roadhouse moves into permittingThe city is reviewing a construction permit for an 8,403 square foot restaurant at 9716 San Jose Blvd., where a Fifth Third Bank was torn down, with 308 seats inside and 32 on the patio. The listed job cost is $1.5 million, and Texas Roadhouse has not shared a construction timeline. Source: Jax Daily Record, Oct. 20, 2026

Maronda Homes builds out Southside spaceMaronda Homes has a $156,015 tenant build out for 5,700 square feet at 9456 Philips Highway. Other new permits include a $1.19 million locker room renovation at Epping Forest Yacht Club and a $90,000 Charleys Cheesesteaks at 10300 Southside Blvd. Source: Jax Daily Record, Oct. 21, 2026

North Palm Valley landowners take their case to courtThe PARC Group filed a petition Oct. 19 asking the 7th Judicial Circuit Court to review St. Johns County’s 3 to 2 denial of agricultural enclave status for the Davis family’s 4,462 acre North Palm Valley property. The application seeks one home per acre, no development plans have been filed, and no timetable is set for the court’s review. Source: Jax Daily Record, Oct. 20, 2026

Sourdough & Co. plans its first Jacksonville shopFranchisees Jim Simak, a Jacksonville University assistant professor, and his son Andrew hope to open in early 2027 at 7540 Gate Parkway near I 295 and Butler Boulevard. The California based chain has more than 120 locations. Source: Jax Daily Record, Oct. 20, 2026

AB Kitchen in Atlantic Beach will close Nov. 16Southern Table Hospitality chose not to renew the restaurant’s lease at 299 Atlantic Blvd. after five years, and its employees will move to the group’s other restaurants, which include the Palm Valley, North Beach and Julington Creek fish camps. Source: Jax Daily Record, Oct. 20, 2026

A monthly market is coming to Union Terminal WarehouseThird Thursday at the Terminal launches 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 19 at 700 E. Union St. near EverBank Stadium, with food vendors, food trucks, arts, crafts and music. It is free and will run the third Thursday of each month. Source: Jax Daily Record, Oct. 20, 2026