Jax

Phil AmmannDecember 9, 2016

In an unusual political year, 2016 has been one that turned the confident predictions of last December into so much fodder to be walked back during the end-of-year story packages. With that in mind, why not address one more surprise from Duval County before we wrap up this year altogether? Both the Duval Democrats and […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 9, 2016

Jacksonville City Councilman Reggie Brown is still looking into a measure to review the nature of city consolidation, but action won’t happen anytime soon. Brown told us Thursday that he spoke with the city’s Office of General Counsel this week. “What we’re finding out is that we’ve got a lot of work to do. We’re […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 8, 2016

Former Jacksonville State Rep. Reggie Fullwood has already pleaded guilty to two of the felony counts he faced for campaign finance fraud. But despite the plea deal, there still is one last bit of drama left in the case. Judge Marcia Morales Howard recused herself due to a “matter brought to the court’s attention.” The case was […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 8, 2016

On Thursday, Florida Governor Rick Scott and Education Commissioner Pam Stewart held a “teacher roundtable” at an elementary school in Northwest Jacksonville. Reynolds Lane Elementary, located near the industrial areas of Commonwealth Avenue, is in a neighborhood that shows up on the crime blotter and the lead stories of the news all too frequently. Thursday saw Gov. Scott […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 8, 2016

Jacksonville City Councilman Reggie Brown has a community meeting scheduled for Thursday evening at the Legends Center on Soutel Drive. The meeting kicks off at 6:00 p.m. at the Northwest Jacksonville landmark. Councilman Brown has made news on a number of occasions in the last few weeks. Brown called into question the nature of consolidation in […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 7, 2016

[Updated: 6:40 p.m. with commentary from Mike Weinstein, at the bottom of the piece.] In the Jacksonville City Council Finance Committee Wednesday, Mike Weinstein, the city’s CFO, and Tim Johnson, the director of the Police and Fire Pension Fund, discussed a “waiver” in pension cost allocations that had been controversial in recent news cycles. Their joint appearance was […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 7, 2016

The Republican Party of Duval County continues to fracture after Monday’s surprising leadership elections, which saw longtime chair aspirant Karyn Morton topple Cindy Graves. The establishment, the donor class, and incumbent politicians all have a comfort level with Graves. However, it was Morton who scored a coup over Graves on Monday night. And it’s Graves […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 7, 2016

Two bills related to sports and entertainment cleared the Jacksonville City Council Finance Committee on Wednesday. The first bill would increase city-imposed ticket surcharges for the Veterans Memorial Arena, the Baseball Grounds of Jax, and the Times Union Center for the Performing Arts, while adding surcharges for events at the under construction amphitheater and flex field at […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 7, 2016

A bill designed to give Jacksonville City Council members access to a pot of $70,000 for neighborhood events cleared its final committee Wednesday. The measure cleared Neighborhoods, Community Investments, and Services on Monday with no opposition. And on Tuesday, the Rules Committee approved it 5 to 1. A number of amendments, intended to sharpen distinctions […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 7, 2016

Key Jacksonville officials leave for New York Wednesday, on a pivotal trip for meetings with various bond ratings agencies. 2015’s meetings saw a series of upgrades for the city’s position. Thursday sees meetings with Fitch and Moody’s. Friday offers some time with S&P. Mayor Lenny Curry, Chief Administrative Officer Sam Mousa, CFO Mike Weinstein, and Treasurer Joey Greive will […]

Jax
Bowen Kou. Image by Jacob Ogles.

Jacksonville Bold for 12.09.16 — “Party all the time”

Movement to repeal Jacksonville consolidation will slow, says Reggie Brown

New judge in Reggie Fullwood case as trial enters sentencing phase

Northwest Jacksonville Title I teachers sound off to Rick Scott, Pam Stewart

Reggie Brown slates community meeting for Thursday evening

Jacksonville CFO: money in $44M pension “waiver” is “hiccup” compared to total liability

Civil war embroils the Duval GOP after race for chair

Ticket surcharge, temporary seat bills clear Jacksonville City Council Finance Committee

Neighborhood events bill clears final Jacksonville council panel

‘Reform of the system’ part of the narrative on Jacksonville bond rating trip