News & Events around the yard
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News & Events around the yard *
From new projects coming down the line to community gatherings that keep our district on track, the Rail Yard District is always in motion. Explore the latest news, events, and milestones that showcase how our neighborhood continues to build, connect, and move forward together.
McCoys Creek Branches
Ground Breaking - February 4, 2026
Rail Yard District Business Council Board Members:
Don Gibson, Karen Jones, Shirley Thomas, Chrissie Blume, Trip Stanly, and Thomas Duke
Kay Ehas, Chief Executive Officer
Groundwork Jacksonville
Mayor Donna Deegan
On February 4, 2026, community leaders, partners, and neighbors gathered in the Rail Yard District to celebrate a milestone years in the making — the official groundbreaking of the McCoys Creek Branches Project. This project marks the next major phase of the Emerald Trail and McCoys Creek restoration effort, bringing long‑awaited environmental improvements, flood mitigation, and recreational connectivity to the heart of our district.
The Branches Project focuses on restoring the tributaries that feed into McCoys Creek, improving water flow, reducing chronic flooding, and rebuilding the natural systems that once defined this historic watershed. These improvements will support cleaner water, healthier ecosystems, and a more resilient foundation for the surrounding neighborhoods and businesses.
For the Rail Yard District, this groundbreaking represents more than infrastructure. It reflects a shared commitment to revitalization, environmental stewardship, and equitable investment in Jacksonville’s urban core. As the Emerald Trail continues to take shape, the McCoys Creek corridor will become a vibrant greenway linking residents, workers, and visitors to parks, trails, and the cultural and industrial heritage that makes our district unique.
The Rail Yard District Business Council is proud to support this transformative work and to stand alongside the partners who have championed it — including Groundwork Jacksonville, the City of Jacksonville, and the many community members who have advocated for a cleaner, safer, and more connected McCoys Creek.
This groundbreaking is a reminder of what collaboration can achieve. As construction moves forward, we look ahead to the day when restored waterways, new trail segments, and thoughtfully designed public spaces become part of daily life in the Rail Yard District.
New Year Update
January 2026
The engines are warming up, the switches are set, and the tracks ahead are gleaming with opportunity. The Rail Yard District Business Council is excited to roll into 2026 with new officers at the controls and a fresh calendar-year membership cycle to keep everything running on schedule. Together, we’re ready to change tracks, build momentum, and keep our district moving full steam ahead.
Effective January 1, 2026 the RYDBC has installed new officers.
President: Karen Jones, Cain & Bultman
Vice President:Frank Wallmeyer, Standard Feed & Seed
Secretary: Sherry McCall, Condaxis Coffee
Treasurer: Kimberly Gonzalez, CSX
We extend our appreciation to our outgoing officers for their dedication and service.
Beginning in 2026, RYDBC will shift to a calendar-year membership cycle.
Membership will run January 1 to December 31
This update will streamline renewals and improves planning for everyone
Renewal reminders will be sent out during Q1.
If you renewed your membership during the Summer or Fall 2025, your dues are extended through December 31, 2026.
local motion luncheon
june 11, 2025
The Glass Factory
601 N. Myrtle Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204
The Rail Yard District Business Council held it’s 2nd Annual Local Motion Luncheon on June 11, 2025. The business council presented the All-Aboard Award to Jacksonville civic leader J.F. Bryan IV on June 11, recognizing his decades of service and lasting impact on the community.
Bryan was honored for his longtime leadership with LISC Jacksonville, the local arm of the national nonprofit dedicated to expanding affordable housing and supporting commercial development in under-sourced neighborhoods. He was a driving force behind the creation of LISC Jacksonville, and served as chair of its board for 20 years.
STOCKTON STREET CLOSURE - DISTRICT MEETING
MArch 12, 2025
The Glass Factory
5:30 pm
District meeting discussing the Stockton Street Bridge Closure as the City replaces the Stockton Street Bridge over McCoy’s Creek. The closure is expected to begin in May 2025. City of Jacksonville representatives discussed the closure detail including detours and took questions from the attendees
local motion luncheon
june 12, 2024
The Glass Factory
The Rail Yard District Business Council held the inaugural Local Motion Luncheon on June 12, 2024, welcoming over 200 attendees to the stunning Glass Factory Venue.
The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Mayor Donna Deegan, whose keynote speech highlighted the importance of the Rail Yard District’s businesses and attractions such as the McCoys Creek project and the Emerald Trail. Both the District’s City Council Representatives, Jimmy Peluso and Tyrona Clark-Murray, also attended.
Dr. Irvin PeDro Cohen
The All Aboard Award was presented to Dr. Irvin PeDro Cohen, Executive Director of LISC Jacksonville.
In 1999, The Community Foundation, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation and Mayor Delaney invited LIS to bring its community development model to Jacksonville. Since then, LISC Jacksonville has invested over $500 million in urban core communities.
In 2017 with the support of LISC Jacksonville, the Rail Yard District Business Council was formed with local business owners.
Dr. Cohen is the third executive director of LISC Jacksonville.
Mayor Donna Deegan
LISC Jacksonville: Dr. Irvin PeDro Cohen, Dr. Melissa Noland Chester along with The Community Foundation of NE Florida: Socrates Rivers and James Coggins
