Nick Howland’s bill appears to be moving forward with the blessing of Duval’s state legislators, however.
The Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA[1]) is seeking to ground a proposed local bill[2] that might be carried by state legislators in 2026.
But all indications are that it’s ready for takeoff.
JAA specifically objects to language that would change its name to the Jacksonville Aviation and Aerospace Authority, “assign authority and responsibility that already exists with JAA for the economic development of Cecil Airport,” and require “at least one of the Mayoral appointees and one of the Governor appointees of the JAA board ‘be from the aerospace or related industry.’”
City Council Vice President Nick Howland[3], who is carrying the bill, has no plans to withdraw it.
The at-large Republican said “City Council and the Duval Delegation both recognize Cecil Field’s enormous potential as a job growth engine for NE Florida. JAA owns Cecil and our J-Bill simply updates the City Charter to enumerate JAA’s responsibility for Aerospace industry economic development there.”
Howland believes that Otto Aviation’s launch at Cecil, coupled with the independent agency’s strong cash position, means JAA should be more aggressive in pursuing projects at the former Naval base.
“Our motivation here is simple: create jobs for Jacksonville families. We have yet to figure out what JAA’s motivation is,” he added.
Per the City Council bill summary, the proposed changes “reflect JAA’s unique position and responsibility to look beyond just the aviation needs of the region,” given its “pursuit of a Federal Aviation Administration reentry license for Cecil Spaceport at Cecil Airport along with potential development of a ‘space vehicle facility.’”
Name changes may be an emerging microtrend[4] among Northeast Florida aviation entities.
Earlier this year, legislation (HB 4009[5]) changing the former Northeast Florida Regional Airport[6] branding to St. Augustine Airport became law with the blessing of the St. Johns County Airport Authority[7], which pushed for the change during a meeting of the county’s legislative delegation[8] in January.
Assuming this bill proceeds, it’s clear JAA won’t be so enthusiastic.
References
- ^ JAA (www.flyjacksonville.com)
- ^ proposed local bill (jaxcityc.legistar.com)
- ^ Nick Howland (www.jacksonville.gov)
- ^ emerging microtrend (floridapolitics.com)
- ^ HB 4009 (www.flsenate.gov)
- ^ Northeast Florida Regional Airport (www.flynf.com)
- ^ St. Johns County Airport Authority (www.flynf.com)
- ^ legislative delegation (floridapolitics.com)