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Jacksonville City Council members vote to withdraw a half-cent sales tax on the upcoming ballot

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville City Council members vote to withdraw a half-cent sales tax on the upcoming November ballot. They voted 14-5 for withdrawal late Tuesday night. But, the debate got emotional at times. Outbursts lead to council chambers being cleared out.

The crowd started to boo Councilman Rory Diamond as he said, “I believe if we went forward today, and we pass this thing through, it’s going to fail at the ballot box, and that puts us at a very, very tough spot.”

The council president then told everybody to stop.

As Councilwoman LeAnna Cumber started to speak, the outbursts continued. She said, “I’m extremely disappointed with the school board and the superintendent.”

The council president then said, “OK. I’m very serious. I’m going to clear the chambers in a few minutes.”

Someone yelled, “I’ll clear the chambers." Then, the chambers were cleared.

Dozens of passionate people stood outside the chamber.

A woman in the crowd said, “the elected officials need to move on this and do this and do it right. The way they are doing this, this is wrong, and this is our building, did we not help pay for this building, do we not have a right to stand and say how we feel about our children.”

For a few minutes they stood outside the chamber. Action News Jax talked to superintendent Dr. Diana Greene and school board president Lorie Hershey.

RELATED: General counsel: Duval schools needs Jacksonville City Council approval to put sales tax on ballot

“I’m not sure what that disappointment would be related to, we’ve done everything we think is possible for our district to move forward and have this referendum on the ballot,” said Greene.

RELATED: Duval County School Board approves plan for addressing aging schools

RELATED: Duval County Public School Board to vote on half-cent sales tax to fund repairs, new schools 

“It seems to me that it is a basic American right to voice our opinion,” said Hershey.

A few minutes later the meeting continued. The crowd wasn’t allowed in, but the media was. Council members continued to talk, split on the issue. Some even changed their votes.

“I stand here before you changing my position,” said Councilwoman Randy Defour.

They went back and forth.

“I do believe now is the time to withdraw,” said Councilman Aaron Bowman.

“Allow citizens to vote,” said Councilman Garrett Dennis.

Meanwhile, the school board will be meeting Wednesday morning for a special meeting to find out what its next steps will be.

“We’ve been fighting not only for students, but for public education in this city, and we will continue the good fight,” said Hershey.

RELATED STORIES: Jacksonville elementary student urges city leaders to consider school sales tax in letter | State, school leaders rally for aging schools sales tax for Duval County | More than 6 dozen people show up to advocate for half-cent sales tax in City Council public hearing

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