‘She’s lying’: Former JTA board member blasts Mayor; calls for criminal investigation into agency

Live updates

1. 14d ago

   Jacksonville Council Committee Subpoenaed Former JTA CEO Over Budget Crisis

   Jacksonville City Council members are moving to question former Jacksonville Transportation Authority CEO Nat Ford regarding a severe financial crisis. The agency faces a massive budget shortfall reported at approximately $40 million, sparking intense scrutiny from municipal leaders. A city councilman stated that the outgoing executive should remain in town to account for the fiscal disaster. Meanwhile, the Finance Committee voted to compel Ford to appear for questioning, seeking direct answers about how the transit authority accumulated such severe monetary trouble.

   Why it matters

   This development escalates municipal oversight following service reductions and workforce layoffs at the transportation agency. State investigators previously launched a separate probe involving subpoenas for leadership documents, contracts, and travel spending. City officials are now exerting local pressure alongside state inquiries to uncover accountability for the deficit.

   What is confirmed

   • Jacksonville's Finance Committee voted Tuesday to subpoena former JTA CEO Nat Ford to appear Friday.
   • Council members are seeking answers regarding a budget shortfall described as approximately $40 million.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A Jacksonville city councilman stated that the outgoing CEO should not leave town without answering questions about the financial crisis.

   What to watch next

   • Whether former JTA CEO Nat Ford complies with the Friday subpoena to appear before the City Council Finance Committee.
   • Additional document disclosures or findings from the ongoing state and local investigations into the agency's finances.
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. www.yahoo.com — Jacksonville councilman wants JTA’s outgoing CEO to answer ...
   2. www.actionnewsjax.com — Jacksonville City Council committee votes to subpoena former ...
   3. www.news4jax.com — ‘JTA is a nightmare’: City councilman calls for former JTA ...
   confidence 100%
2. 17d ago

   New Subpoena Targets JTA and Mayor Deegan Communications

   State investigators have expanded their probe into the Jacksonville Transportation Authority by issuing a second subpoena targeting leadership communications and spending. The Florida Attorney General's Office and the Office of Statewide Prosecution are examining the agency following a nearly $39 million budget shortfall that triggered service cuts and layoffs. The new demand for documents requests records concerning contracts, travel, sponsorships, and communications involving interim leadership, outgoing CEO Nat Ford, and Mayor Donna Deegan.

   Why it matters

   The state inquiry follows warnings from a former board member regarding the financial collapse of the transportation agency. Investigators previously subpoenaed records relating to ridership data, wellness services, tuition assistance, and specific vendors. Meanwhile, outgoing CEO Nat Ford prepares to transition to Dallas Area Rapid Transit.

   What is confirmed

   • The Florida Attorney General's Office issued a new subpoena to the Jacksonville Transportation Authority for records on contracts, travel, sponsorships, and communications.
   • The subpoena targets communications involving JTA leaders, former CEO Nat Ford, and Mayor Donna Deegan.

   What to watch next

   • Response from Mayor Donna Deegan or JTA officials regarding the latest subpoena
   • Further actions or findings from the Florida Attorney General's Office and the Office of Statewide Prosecution
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 10/17 Links: The problem with Israel’s hasbara is what it refuses to say; Shai Davidai exposes universities’ deep-rooted antis....
   2. www.yahoo.com — A timeline of the Cornell rape case, from the alleged 2024 incident to the ban of frat parties on campus
   3. www.news4jax.com — New subpoena seeks JTA communications involving interim CEO ...
   4. jaxtoday.org — Attorney general issues second subpoena to JTA
   confidence 100%
3. 20d ago

   Jacksonville Mayor Subpoenaed by Florida AG in JTA Probe

   Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan has been subpoenaed by the Florida Attorney General's office and the Office of Statewide Prosecution regarding a 2025 meeting with a former Jacksonville Transportation Authority board member who warned of the agency's pending financial collapse. State investigators are probing a budget shortfall of nearly $39 million that has forced service cuts and nearly 200 layoffs. The wide-ranging inquiry involves subpoenas for records on ridership data, tuition assistance, wellness services, and specific vendors, while outgoing JTA CEO Nat Ford prepares to transition to Dallas Area Rapid Transit.

   Why it matters

   The Jacksonville Transportation Authority faces intense scrutiny following a financial collapse that resulted in 194 eliminated positions and reduced transportation services. State investigators and a local city council special committee are examining agency spending, vendor contracts, and leadership decisions under outgoing CEO Nat Ford. Mayor Deegan stated that her office is happy to cooperate with the state attorney general's document requests.

   What is confirmed

   • Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan has been subpoenaed by the state in connection with the Jacksonville Transportation Authority investigation.
   • Florida's Office of Statewide Prosecution subpoenaed Mayor Deegan for records from a 2025 meeting with a former JTA board member.
   • The agency is facing a financial shortfall of approximately $39 million, resulting in service cuts and nearly 200 layoffs.
   • Council President Nick Howland stated that the Financial Audit and Oversight Select Committee is expected to report to the City Council on December 4th.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A former JTA board member alleges she warned Mayor Donna Deegan about invoices that may now be linked to a Florida Attorney General investigation.
   • Outgoing JTA CEO Nat Ford is preparing to take the reins at Dallas Area Rapid Transit while subpoenas seek records involving Ford, his wife, consultants, and questionable spending.
   • The Florida Attorney General has served the Jacksonville Transportation Authority with a third subpoena seeking emails between the mayor and CEOs.

   What to watch next

   • The Financial Audit and Oversight Select Committee report to the City Council on December 4th.
   • Additional subpoenas or document disclosures from the Florida Attorney General's office and the Office of Statewide Prosecution.
   Sources used for this update (18)

   1. www.actionnewsjax.com — Jacksonville mayor subpoenaed by Florida AG’s office for meeting notes with former JTA board member
   2. us.shein.com — Women's Clothing, Women Fashion Sale | SHEIN USA
   3. en.wikipedia.org — She (pronoun) - Wikipedia
   4. dictionary.cambridge.org — SHE | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
   5. www.dictionary.com — SHE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
   6. simple.wikipedia.org — She - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
   7. www.yahoo.com — Mayor’s office notes raise new questions about JTA warning ...
   8. www.news4jax.com — Florida AG subpoenas Mayor Deegan over meeting with former ...
   9. www.yahoo.com — Mayor Deegan talks in-depth about JTA’s financial woes and ...
   10. jaxtoday.org — Mayor Donna Deegan subpoenaed in state attorney general’s JTA ...
   11. www.news4jax.com — Deegan says she’s ‘happy’ to cooperate with Florida AG on JTA ...
   12. elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 10/08 Links Pt1: Andrew Roberts: I documented the crimes of October 7. Too many still believe the lies of....
   confidence 95%
4. 31d ago

   Former JTA Board Member Claims Mayor Ignored Warnings on Agency Invoices

   A former Jacksonville Transportation Authority board member alleges she warned Mayor Donna Deegan about invoices that may now be linked to a Florida Attorney General investigation. The agency is currently facing a financial shortfall of approximately $39 million, resulting in service cuts and nearly 200 layoffs. State investigators have subpoenaed records concerning ridership data, tuition assistance, wellness services, and contracts with specific vendors including Mason Nye Murals, Jones-Worley Designs, Jacobs Project Management Company, and Dream Builders Communication Inc.

   Why it matters

   The JTA is under simultaneous scrutiny from the state and a Jacksonville City Council committee. This double inquiry seeks to determine how the agency reached its current financial crisis and whether spending was handled improperly.

   What is confirmed

   • The Florida Attorney General issued a subpoena for JTA contracts, spending records, communications, and ridership information.
   • The JTA is facing a financial shortfall of approximately $39 million.
   • The state subpoena specifically requests records for Dream Builders Communication Inc., Jacobs Project Management Company, Jones-Worley Designs, and Mason Nye Murals.
   • The agency is dealing with nearly 200 layoffs and reductions in service.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A former JTA board member claims she warned Mayor Donna Deegan about invoices tied to the state investigation.
   • Questions have been raised regarding the accuracy of transit ridership figures and the classification of vendor invoices.

   What to watch next

   • The release of subpoenaed emails and text messages from the Attorney General's investigation.
   • Findings from the Jacksonville City Council committee regarding the agency's financial stabilization.
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 09/30 Links Pt2: 85 years later: Babyn Yar and the fight against deliberate erasure; Jeremy Boreing: They....
   2. ny1.com — Judge orders city to turn over communications with Rent Guidelines Board
   3. www.yahoo.com — ‘She didn’t care’: Ex-JTA board member says she warned mayor ...
   4. www.actionnewsjax.com — Former JTA board member blasts Mayor; calls for criminal ...
   5. www.actionnewsjax.com — Mayor backs JTA Board, as council says it’s not eyeing ...
   6. www.ocregister.com — Inglewood mayor fires back against accusers spreading rumor of improper behavior
   7. www.outdoorliving101.com — JTA Investigation: Questions About $860,000 in Invoices and ...
   confidence 90%
5. 35d ago

   Florida Attorney General Subpoenas JTA Amid Budget Crisis

   The Florida Attorney General’s Office has launched a criminal investigation into the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, issuing a subpoena for records related to agency spending, former CEO Nat Ford, tuition, and contracts. Interim CEO Cleveland Ferguson confirmed the Tuesday, Sept. 29 subpoena, stating the agency is cooperating. Investigators are requesting documents from October 2023 through October 2025. This state scrutiny arrives as the transit authority confronts nearly 200 layoffs, service reductions, and a projected $40 million budget shortfall.

   Why it matters

   City Council members are demanding answers as the agency struggles with a $178 million current expense total against $139 million in projected fiscal year 2027 revenue. The financial strain has forced JTA to eliminate positions, reduce bus routes, and prepare suspensions for Skyway and NAVI operations. A former board member previously stated she warned Mayor Donna Deegan about invoices possibly tied to the current probe.

   What is confirmed

   • The Florida Attorney General’s Office opened an investigation into the Jacksonville Transportation Authority and issued a criminal subpoena.
   • JTA confirmed the subpoena on Tuesday, Sept. 29, and stated it is cooperating with investigators.
   • The subpoena demands a wide range of records involving former CEO Nat Ford, agency spending, tuition and scholarships, contracts, and ridership data.
   • Interim CEO Cleveland Ferguson stated in an internal memo that investigators requested records primarily from October 2023 through October 2025.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A former JTA board member warned Mayor Donna Deegan about invoices that may be tied to the Attorney General's probe.

   What to watch next

   • Release of the specific documents requested by the Florida Attorney General's Office subpoena.
   • Responses from Jacksonville City Council members regarding the unfolding financial and criminal inquiry.
   • Further actions by JTA leadership concerning service suspensions and budget reconciliation.
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 09/29 Links Pt2: How jihad learned to speak the West’s language; Mamdani announces campaign against ant....
   2. floridapolitics.com — Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 9.30.26
   3. www.actionnewsjax.com — Former JTA board member said she warned mayor of invoice ...
   4. www.actionnewsjax.com — Action News Jax
   5. jacksonvillefreepress.com — State Launches Criminal Probe Into JTA — Ridership, Spending ...
   6. www.yahoo.com — ‘Serious questions to answer’: City leaders react to news of ...
   7. floridapolitics.com — James Uthmeier subpoenas Jacksonville Transportation ...
   confidence 100%
6. 37d ago

   Jacksonville Transit Agency Faces Financial Inquiry Amid Shortfalls

   Jacksonville's Financial Oversight and Audit Select committee plans to launch an inquiry into the Jacksonville Transportation Authority as the transit agency confronts a projected shortfall of nearly $40 million. The transit authority is eliminating positions, reducing bus service, and preparing to suspend Skyway and NAVI operations to reconcile roughly $178 million in current expenses with approximately $139 million in projected fiscal year 2027 revenue. Previous reporting indicates a former board member accused the Mayor of lying, called for a criminal investigation, and claimed she warned leadership about financial instability.

   Why it matters

   The unfolding crisis has triggered discussions about governance and whether board members properly supervised agency leadership. Observers note that other Florida cities have previously investigated transit executives or uncovered multimillion dollar financial control failures, raising questions about whether Jacksonville should pursue an independent investigation equipped with subpoena power.

   What is confirmed

   • The Jacksonville Transportation Authority faces a projected shortfall of nearly $40 million.
   • Jacksonville's Financial Oversight and Audit Select committee is expected to launch an inquiry focusing on the transit agency.
   • The agency is eliminating positions, reducing bus service, and preparing to suspend Skyway and NAVI operations.
   • Current expenses are roughly $178 million against approximately $139 million in projected fiscal year 2027 revenue.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A former JTA board member accused the Mayor of lying, demanded a criminal investigation into the agency, and claimed prior warnings were issued regarding the finances.

   What to watch next

   • The official launch and schedule of hearings by the Financial Oversight and Audit Select committee.
   • Decisions regarding whether Jacksonville will grant subpoena power to investigate JTA executives.
   • Further announcements from the JTA board regarding service suspensions and layoffs.
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 09/24 Links Pt2: Melanie Phillips: Why ‘Fauda’ has shocked the West; Why Did It Take a Massacre of Je....
   2. elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 09/25 Links Pt2: What Frederick Forsyth grasped about antisemitism and Israel; The insane case of the bla....
   3. www.news4jax.com — Jacksonville’s oversight committee expected to open inquiry ...
   4. jaxtoday.org — OPINION | The JTA board owes Jacksonville an explanation for ...
   5. www.outdoorliving101.com — JTA Financial Crisis: Should Jacksonville Launch an ...
   confidence 90%
7. 45d ago

   Former Board Member Calls for Criminal Probe Into JTA Finances

   The Jacksonville Transportation Authority is suspending the Skyway and NAVI services and laying off employees to address budget concerns. A former JTA board member has accused the Mayor of lying and is calling for a criminal investigation into the agency. This former official claims she previously warned agency leadership about the financial situation. The agency is shifting funding and altering major projects to manage its current fiscal instability.

   Why it matters

   The JTA manages public transit infrastructure and services for the Jacksonville area. These budget cuts indicate a significant financial shortfall that threatens the availability of key transit options. The dispute between the former board member and the Mayor suggests internal conflict over how these financial risks were managed.

   What is confirmed

   • The JTA is suspending the Skyway and NAVI services.
   • The JTA is laying off employees to cut costs.
   • The JTA is reducing services to address budget concerns.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A former JTA board member claims the Mayor is lying.

   What to watch next

   • Official response from the Mayor regarding the criminal investigation call
   • Details on the number of employees affected by layoffs
   • Specifics on which major projects are being changed or canceled
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. firstcoastnews.com — Jacksonville Transportation Authority to suspend Skyway, NAVI, and lay off employees to cut costs
   2. Jacksonville Daily Record — JTA reducing more services, laying off employees to address further budget concerns
   3. Action News Jax — ‘She’s lying’: Former JTA board member blasts Mayor; calls for criminal investigation into agency
   4. News4JAX — Former JTA board member says she warned officials about agency’s financial situation
   5. Action News Jax — Sources: JTA planning sweeping layoffs, major project changes, funding shift due to financial issues
   confidence 80%