State prosecutors subpoena JTA records involving Corner Lot development deal

A development deal between the Jacksonville Transportation Authority and Corner Lot Development is among the records Florida prosecutors are seeking as part of its ongoing criminal investigation involving JTA.

A subpoena from the Florida Office of Statewide Prosecution specifically orders JTA to turn over “any ‘Ground Lease’ with Corner Lot Properties” covering a period from October 2023 through April 2026.

JTA Subpoena.pdf by ActionNewsJax

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JTA partnered with Corner Lot on Artea, a $93 million, 340-unit luxury apartment development on JTA-owned land on the Southbank that had its ribbon cutting in March 2025.

As part of that project, JTA leased the land to Corner Lot for 99 years. Artea was promoted by JTA as a transit-oriented development designed to put residents close to public transportation, including the Kings Avenue Transit Hub and Skyway Station.

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Corner Lot is a major Jacksonville-based real estate developer with projects spanning apartments, single-family communities, hotels, and commercial development across Northeast Florida. Its portfolio also includes projects in Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, and St. Augustine.

Prosecutors are also seeking cost estimates for each phase of JTA’s Ultimate Urban Circulator, ridership reports, cash-flow statements, and records showing money disbursed to WSP and DreamBuilders.

Former CEO Nat Ford’s wife Janet-Walker Ford is a senior vice president with WSP – a firm with $1.6 million worth of contracts with JTA.

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The subpoena also demands emails, texts, and other communications involving several JTA employees, including records dealing with U2C costs and efforts to increase ridership.

The subpoena does not accuse Corner Lot, JTA, or anyone named in the document of committing a crime. This is the fourth subpoena issued by the Attorney General’s office as investigators look for answers as to what led to a $39 million financial crisis at the agency that has led to layoffs and service disruptions.

Action News Jax reached out to Corner Lot CEO Andy Allen about the subpoena. Allen declined to comment.

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