Commissioners press schools, crosswalks and traffic‑calming near Atlantic Beach Elementary after Duval County workshop

Commissioner Ring told the commission the recent joint workshop with Duval County Public Schools brought area leaders together but did not yet resolve rezoning questions. She said officials did not have the detailed student‑assignment numbers needed to fully assess a proposed rezoning that would shift students west of Mayport Road into Atlantic Beach Elementary and noted community concern about how rezoning could change school populations.

Mayor Ford said legislative changes at the state level mean underutilized public‑school space can be requested for charter use "at no charge," and warned the change could lead to conversations about consolidation or closure. "Unutilized facility space in any public school can be requested to be used by a charter school at no charge," he told the commission, noting the change will be an item for a future public meeting with residents in early 2026.

Separately, commissioners raised pedestrian‑safety concerns on Sherry Road, which borders Atlantic Beach Elementary. Commissioner Ring asked the city manager to bring back a prompt plan to install a raised crosswalk or flashing lights at the entrance to Howell Park and the school, saying the measures would double as traffic calming and safer places for students to cross. The mayor asked for traffic data to be gathered and returned to the commission so a decision can be made quickly rather than waiting months.

The commission directed the city manager to collect traffic data and bring options for traffic calming and crosswalks to an upcoming meeting for quicker consideration.