City Council Member Terrance Freeman (Republican, At-Large Group 1), a member of the Finance Committee and former City Council President, is calling for a comprehensive audit of Mayor Donna Deegan’s recent overseas “trade mission” to Europe. This request comes after it was revealed that the mayor took a “pre-planned” personal vacation to Italy during the taxpayer-funded trip.
Freeman expressed concerns regarding the mayor’s decision to skip official business while representing Jacksonville, stating, “What was intended to be an official, taxpayer-funded city business trip appears to have included a personal vacation to Italy for the mayor herself.” He highlighted that during this “trade mission,” Mayor Deegan missed a crucial opportunity to represent Jacksonville at the Jaguars’ home game in London on October 20, which he described as a prime occasion to promote the city on an international stage.
Additionally, Freeman criticized the mayor for making inflammatory political statements during her limited time on official business, suggesting that these remarks cast Jacksonville in a negative light.
Freeman’s statement included a series of questions that he deemed critical for the audit, such as the total cost of the trip to taxpayers—including airfare, lodging, and meals—how many members of the mayor’s staff and accompanying guests participated, and whether any City of Jacksonville donation, reimbursement, or travel policies were violated during the trip from October 12 to October 21.
He concluded by emphasizing the need for accountability, stating, “Our community deserves better, and it’s essential that those entrusted with public funds remember they are here to serve, not to indulge.” The call for an audit is aimed at restoring public trust in how City Hall operates, especially concerning taxpayer-funded travel.
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