Culinary Institute Eyes Jacksonville

Jacksonville is poised to land a major culinary education hub as The Culinary Institute of America eyes a new campus, using its successful San Antonio model as inspiration. That Texas campus, opened nearly 18 years ago, has trained thousands of military personnel and veterans while also improving military meals and aiding civilian career transitions — a perfect fit for Jacksonville’s large veteran population. City Council has already approved $35 million toward a $180 million development, signaling serious commitment despite pending negotiations. The institute’s San Antonio success also includes partnerships with local schools to make meals more affordable — a community impact Jacksonville hopes to replicate. With the board’s final decision looming June 15-16, city officials, including the Downtown Investment Authority, are racing to finalize a compelling incentive package, potentially bolstered by additional funding from the Tourist Development Council. This could be Jacksonville’s biggest educational and economic win yet — right on the riverfront. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/5c3faefc1334460d