Audit Sought for Jacksonville Mayor's Europe Trip

Jacksonville City Councilman Terrance Freeman is calling for an audit of Mayor Donna Deegan's recent European trip, questioning whether taxpayer funds were misused. Freeman alleges that the mayor took a personal vacation to Italy under the guise of an official city trade mission to London. The mayor's office clarified that the only taxpayer expense was for Deegan's hotel stay in London, costing $2,978, and stated that she personally paid for her trip to Italy. Deegan's participation in the UK trade mission included meetings aimed at fostering economic ties, before transitioning to her pre-planned vacation. Freeman insists on an audit to ensure transparency and accountability, despite Deegan's office asserting that all city policies were followed. This scrutiny arises amidst political tensions and public demands for clarity on the use of public funds.