The City of Jacksonville approved an appropriation of $112,962 from the Environmental Protection Fund to Jacksonville University for the production of the Eighteenth State of the River Report for the Lower St. Johns River Basin. This project involves academic research to assess the health and condition of the river, compiling updated datasets on water quality, fisheries, aquatic life, and contaminants. The funds will also support the creation of a public brochure and a web-based platform for the report, including K-12 educational outreach programs. Waivers were granted for specific sections of the Ordinance Code (111.755 and 360.602) to allow for the continued funding of annual reports and for a direct contract with Jacksonville University without competitive bidding (118.107 and 126.108(g)), as Jacksonville University is the principal investigator for this ongoing annual report.