The new fairgrounds open Nov. 5, Baptist Clay plans to grow, and data centers ask JEA for huge power

The Jacksonville Fair opens Nov. 5 at its new Westside homeThe fair moves this week from its Downtown site to a 77,500 square foot building at the new fairgrounds off Normandy Boulevard, on city owned land that was once part of Naval Air Station Cecil Field. The venue includes Duval Hall, a 40,000 square foot indoor event space for about 3,000 people, and an amphitheater with room for about 10,000. President and CEO Bill Olson said the space is built for everything from volleyball tournaments and weddings to concerts and festivals, and should help draw touring acts traveling between Atlanta and South Florida. City Council approved a $1.5 million completion grant and a $1.5 million loan in 2024 after estimated costs rose from $15 million to $20 million. Source: Jax Daily Record, Nov. 2, 2026

Baptist Medical Center Clay plans a big campus additionThe Fleming Island hospital submitted a development plan application Oct. 26 for an approximately 80,000 square foot medical office building, plus a separate application for more parking. England Thims and Miller is the civil engineer, and the Clay County Development Review Committee is scheduled to discuss both Nov. 5. Baptist did not share what the building is for but said it will announce more soon. The $234 million, 102 room hospital at 1771 Baptist Clay Drive opened in December 2022. Source: Jax Daily Record, Oct. 30, 2026

Data centers are asking JEA for more power than it can supplyA year of public records obtained by the News4Jax I TEAM shows data center companies pitching Jacksonville with enormous power requests. The largest, from Cecil LMNO in September 2024, asked for 1,248 megawatts, enough for about 700,000 homes. JEA now serves six small local data centers that each use under 10 megawatts, and its biggest customer in 2025, a steel company, peaked near 64 megawatts. Interim Chief Administrative Officer Jordan Pope said the largest loads are too high to serve today and would each need their own substation. Source: Jax Daily Record, Oct. 30, 2026

A 50 foot sign is in review for The Village at Seven PinesThe city is reviewing an $80,000 permit for an illuminated pylon sign at 11879 Stillwood Pines Blvd. listing Publix, West Elm, Pottery Barn Kids, Williams Sonoma and developer Regency Centers, which plans to move its headquarters there from Downtown. The 250,000 square foot center near Butler Boulevard and Interstate 295 is 74% leased and committed, with first stores expected to open in 2027. Source: Jax Daily Record, Nov. 2, 2026

PopUp Bagels gets its permit at The VandeveerThe city issued a $450,000 permit Oct. 30 to build out 1,443 square feet for PopUp Bagels at 515 N. Pearl St. in Downtown. It is one of six retailers Gateway Jax announced for the 205 unit building, alongside JetSet Modern Pilates, Pearl Street Nails, Bar Citra, Go Greek Yogurt and Buchner’s Biergarten. Source: Jax Daily Record, Oct. 30, 2026

European Street Cafe is cleared to build at Riverfront PlazaAbout six weeks after the Downtown Investment Authority approved a $71,310 forgivable loan, the city issued a $200,000 permit for a European Street Cafe in the park pavilion at 2 Independent Drive W. It will be owner Andrew Zarka’s fourth Duval County location, after Jacksonville Beach, Riverside and San Marco, with indoor seating and outdoor tables overlooking the park. Source: Jax Daily Record, Oct. 30, 2026

234 apartments proposed on the old Bethune Elementary siteThe Jacksonville Planning Commission is set to consider rezoning and land use changes Nov. 5 for the 14.36 acre property at 4330 Pearce St., where the school closed in 2001. Jabez Apartments and Homes LLC wants six buildings with a clubhouse, pool, playground and dog park. The school was built on a former incinerator ash landfill that was remediated after 2006, and city staff said remaining ash must be properly handled before construction. Source: Jax Daily Record, Oct. 30, 2026

Pediatric Associates joins College Park in ArlingtonA $1.35 million permit is in review for a 7,715 square foot, 21 exam room pediatric practice at 965 University Blvd. N., next to Fish N Flips Swim School. JWB Real Estate Capital is turning the former Town and Country Shopping Center into a family focused center, with Bricks and Minifigs, Tower of Games and First Gear Coffee also in permitting. Source: Jax Daily Record, Oct. 30, 2026