JACKSONVILLE, AL – The Jacksonville City Council addressed several significant agenda items during their July 28, 2025 meeting, including the approval of a new restaurant lease, multiple economic development initiatives, and a heated public debate over the city’s pool breastfeeding policy.
New Restaurant Coming to Downtown
The council unanimously approved a commercial lease agreement with Woodruff Family Trust, LLC, doing business as Jacksonville Homestyle Eatery, for the location at 111 Ladiga Street, SE. The new restaurant will occupy the space previously home to Heirloom Taco, contingent on the current tenant vacating by August 18, 2025.
According to city officials, the new tenant has negotiated equipment purchases with the outgoing business and plans to open as soon as possible after taking possession. The lease agreement includes a five-year term with escalating rent payments starting at $750 per month, increasing by $50 annually.
Mayor mentioned that several other parties had expressed interest in the building, but the new lessee was ready to proceed immediately with plans to open by August 18th.
Major Economic Development Agreement
The council approved a significant economic development agreement with Oak Hill Capital, LLC (Devan Sonderman) for redevelopment of properties on the public square. The agreement includes substantial incentives:
- Sales tax rebates of up to $2 million over 10 years (50% of collected sales taxes)
- Construction materials tax exemptions up to $1 million
- Property tax abatements on increased value for 10 years
- Utility connections at cost
The project involves redevelopment, renovation, restoration, demolition, construction and life safety upgrades of public and retail establishments on the public square.
Land Acquisition for Housing Development
Council approved a non-binding letter of intent with WMW Land, LLC for the purchase of approximately 19 acres in the Eastwood Community area. The land will be used for affordable housing development, including potential Habitat for Humanity homes, and will complement future plans to convert the former Eastwood school into a community center.
Pool Breastfeeding Policy Controversy Emerges
A significant public policy debate emerged during citizen comments when resident Grant Williams of 804 13th Avenue Northeast raised detailed concerns about the Parks and Recreation Department’s handling of breastfeeding at the city pool.
According to Williams, his wife had previously breastfed their children at the pool without incident until an issue arose last year. After that incident, his wife showed the pool superintendent Alabama state code regarding breastfeeding rights, and they believed the matter was resolved.
However, the controversy reignited last week when lifeguards cleared the pool and administered shock treatment after someone was breastfeeding in the water. When Williams inquired about the pool closure, staff explained their policy requires shocking the pool after any “bodily fluid” enters the water.
The Parks and Recreation Department later posted on Facebook, stating: “Any instance of bodily fluids entering the water, such as feces, vomit, blood, and yes breast milk, requires the pool to be cleared and treated for the safety of all patrons.”
Williams expressed concern about breast milk being categorized alongside “feces, blood, and vomit,” noting that breast milk “nourishes and heals and feeds.” He conducted research and found:
- CDC Position: No known risk to swimmers from breast milk in pools
- Alabama Department of Health: Referred inquiries back to CDC guidance, with no specific state pool regulations
- State Law: Alabama Code Section 22.1.13 allows mothers to breastfeed “in any location, public or private, where the mother is otherwise authorized to be present”
- Legal Precedent: A pool in Decatur, Alabama faced a similar situation and issued a public apology after initially asking a breastfeeding mother to leave
Williams warned that continuing to enforce the current policy could result in legal action against the city, citing similar cases in other jurisdictions. He requested the city post clear policies regarding breastfeeding at the pool entrance.
Additionally, Williams raised First Amendment concerns about the Parks and Recreation Department disabling comments on their Facebook post after receiving criticism about the breastfeeding policy, stating this approach risks constitutional violations.
The council took no immediate action on the matter, with no council members responding to Williams’ concerns during the meeting.
School Updates and Phone Policy
Jacksonville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Barber addressed the council about the upcoming school year, which begins August 7th for students with last names A-K and August 8th for L-Z. He also explained the district’s compliance with Alabama’s FOCUS Act, which requires all schools statewide to restrict student cell phone access during instructional hours.
The high school will use magnetic pouches called “Yonder packs” to secure phones during the school day while allowing students to keep devices with them. Dr. Barber emphasized this is a state mandate affecting all Alabama school districts, not a local decision.
Public Safety and Personnel Changes
The council approved several personnel changes, including:
- Employment of two part-time firefighter positions
- Promotion of Brandon Ray Masters to Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic
- Various budget amendments for police equipment and training
Other Business
The council also approved:
- Residential rental agreement renewal for 318 Dennis Street
- Budget work session schedules for August
- Election official appointments for the August 26 municipal election
- Various routine maintenance contracts and surplus property disposals
Assistant Fire Chief Carl Harrell was recognized by the mayor for helping out-of-state visitors find their Airbnb rental, exemplifying the department’s community service commitment.
The next regular council meeting is scheduled for August 11th, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., with multiple budget work sessions planned throughout August.
