Councilman Michael Boylan continues to state that “residents want this project” and that the first meaningful opposition only emerged around the May 14, 2025 meeting.

That is simply not accurate.

As far back as 2015, the Mandarin Community Club documented community concerns following public meetings—records that directly contradict the current narrative being presented by JTA and others. Opposition to inappropriate development along Mandarin Road is not new, and it did not begin in 2025.

Meanwhile, this petition continues to grow, and everyone is welcome to sign. Despite repeated attempts to dismiss it, Change.org’s own data shows that approximately 64% of signatures come from local-area ZIP codes , a clear indication that this is not “outside noise,” but local residents speaking up.

There has also been an ongoing effort to minimize that reality by focusing almost exclusively on ZIP code 32223, while disregarding the broader Mandarin community and Duval community plus all those concerned with environmental preservation of an historic road that goes back to the days of Harriet Beecher Stowe 

I am proud to help bring visibility to this issue—but this is not about one person. It’s about a community.

Councilman Boylan frequently references emails he receives in support of the sidewalk. That may be the case. But if you are opposed to the 2.3-mile Mandarin Road sidewalk extension, your voice deserves to be part of the public record as well. He also says the petition has no credence . 

📧 

Take one simple step: send an email

mboylan@coj.net
CC: duvaldoge@coj.net
CC: MayorDonnaDeegan@coj.net

Copy and paste this email:

Subject: Opposition to Mandarin Road 2.3 Mile Sidewalk Extension

Hello,

I am writing to formally express my opposition to the proposed 2.3-mile sidewalk extension on Mandarin Road.

Please include my objection in the official public record.

Thank you.

_________________________

The data is clear—local residents are speaking. The question is: who’s listening