Peter Schorsch
The major news coming out of Jacksonville City Council Tuesday won’t be who becomes next Council president. That will be the current vice president, Lori Boyer.
Instead, it’s a matter of who will be vice president, in a race between two veterans: at-large Democrat John Crescimbeni and Westside Republican Doyle Carter.
The pledge count: pretty close. After Danny Becton had signed on with Crescimbeni Friday, Crescimbeni led 8 to 7 with just a handful of pledges uncommitted.
Those uncommitted pledges: District 8 Democrat Katrina Brown, District 9 Democrat Garrett Dennis, District 10 Democrat Reggie Brown, and at-large Republican, Anna Brosche.
To get to the necessary 10-vote threshold, Carter would need three of the four uncommitted pledges to move in his direction.
On Monday, despite two open-call meetings in which Carter invited Council members to show up and discuss pledging for him, he had no takers.
Council President Greg Anderson, a Republican who threw in behind Crescimbeni months back, did show up to talk to Carter, noting that in his five years on council, he’s “never seen a race this tight.”
Carter noted that “it’s been interesting. The only [vote] I remember getting to the floor [was between] Stephen Joost and Jack Webb.”
Carter noted that Joost had 11 pledges in his pocket, but left with just nine votes … and Webb won.
So who will be the next VP of Jacksonville’s City Council?
Your guess is as good as anyone’s.
Katrina Brown has been, at least up until now, reluctant to support Crescimbeni, believing that he went to the media and complained about people texting with fire union head Randy Wyse on budget night in September, ahead of a decision to move $332K from the stormwater fund to salaries for safety officers.
Brown had scheduled a meeting with Crescimbeni at 9 a.m., but she canceled it a few minutes beforehand … nettling Crescimbeni … and a lone reporter who showed up to cover the scheduled meeting.
Reggie Brown told Crescimbeni that he wasn’t interested in signing a pledge letter a few weeks back. Councilman Brown was one of those budget night texters. He believes the system for choosing council leadership is “broken.”
Garrett Dennis, meanwhile, doesn’t believe the system is “broken,” but hasn’t rushed to sign on with either VP candidate.
And Brosche, on a Council where most people show their entire playbook to the media, has wisely kept her own counsel.
There will be action ahead of the 3 p.m. meeting. Carter has his final open call meeting with Councilmembers.
Both Crescimbeni and Carter are hardworking legislators. Insofar as there has been an edge in this race, it has been from Crescimbeni, who has reminded at least one pledge that he has “chaired more committees” and pushed more significant legislation than has Carter.
However, Carter is seen by many council members as the nicer guy of the two. And, say insiders, less willing to draw the line when it comes to questionable appropriations.
Will “nice” carry the day? Or will Crescimbeni, who seems to want leadership in a way most on council won’t admit, ascend to leadership?
By Tuesday evening, those questions will be answered.
“Lenny Curry accuses pension fund ‘cronies’ of protecting ‘outrageous’ John Keane pay” via Nate Monroe of the Florida Times-Union – Lenny Curry accused the Police and Fire Pension Fund board members of working like “cronies” to protect the “outrageous” retirement benefits of former executive director, John Keane, who was set to take home almost $234,000 a year under a controversial retirement package Curry has clawed back … The pension fund board voted to ask Attorney General Pam Bondi to help determine how much power the city has over the fund’s decision-making abilities … That vote came after a recent opinion by City General Counsel Jason Gabriel that argued the pension fund created a controversial retirement plan for its staff in 2000 without the proper authority. Gabriel’s legal opinion prompted Curry to issue a directive reducing the payouts for Keane — who has long been a divisive figure in city politics — and two other retired pension fund employees. The general counsel has the power to issue such binding opinions on the city’s consolidated government, though whether that authority extends to the pension fund has been a contentious question in the past. Gabriel, however, says he does “not see any ambiguity whatsoever” and that his office retains authority over the pension fund to render binding opinions. “I’ve already answered that question for them,” Gabriel said. “I will certainly have my say and my opinion on this issue if it even makes it to the attorney general.”
“Pension fund board will seek opinion from attorney general” via David Bauerlein and Eileen Kelley of the Florida Times-Union –The Police and Fire Pension Fund board will ask state Attorney General Pam Bondi for guidance on how much power the city General Counsel’s office has over the board’s decision-making. The board’s vote … comes on the heels of General Counsel Jason Gabriel determining the pension fund had no legal authority to create a controversial pension plan for staff members including former executive director John Keane. Based on Gabriel’s stinging opinion, the city cut the amount of pension that Keane and two others — a retiree and the widow of another — will receive for service at the pension fund. The first payments in the reduced amounts went out Friday. Police and Fire Pension Fund board member Bill Scheu said requesting an opinion from Bondi is not a challenge to Gabriel’s opinion on the fund’s senior staff voluntary retirement plan. “It’s really forward-thinking, not rehashing the past,” Scheu said.
“Ax for Jax Journey programs?” via Tessa Duvall of the Florida Times-Union – The future of the $800,000 that goes to the Alternative to Out of School Suspension, or ATOSS and the $55,000 for neighborhood accountability boards will be decided at a Thursday meeting of the Jax Journey oversight committee. The Jax Journey, a citywide crime-reduction initiative, first paid for ATOSS centers in 2009, at a cost of $1.5 million. Community partners operate three centers and two others are at school district locations … ATOSS’s support from the city has been cut before, as city council members have seen it as a district program, and not a city effort. But [Superintendent Nikolai Vitti] said the district alone can’t foot the bill. The schools currently contribute about $200,000 directly, plus indirect costs associated with the program. The district provides transportation for the students that attend ATOSS centers.
Race to the bottom? With recent news of Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties passing pro-consumer ridesharing legislation and Broward County’s Risk Manager certifying Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies, Jacksonville and Hillsborough County seem to be locked in a battle over who can hold out the longest. Taxicab companies are traditionally good givers to Democrats and Jacksonville is no exception. Councilman John Crescimbeni, Uber and Lyft’s longtime adversary, received financial contributions from the cab industry along with enjoying his campaign stickers being plastered on cabs across the City. Former Mayor Alvin Brown recorded a $25,000 contribution to his political committee from a taxi company as well. Uber and Lyft do not give to the campaigns of politicians. Last week, Crescimbeni went on First Coast Connect with Melissa Ross to bash the ridesharing industry, including mentioning the heinous acts of a rogue Uber driver in Michigan, while conveniently neglecting to mention Paul Durousseau, the cab driving serial killer who operated in his own backyard. When will the other 18 councilmembers see through the motives of their colleague and decide enough is enough?
“Demand grows for independent civilian review of police shootings” via Melissa Ross of Florida Politics – Every few years in Jacksonville, calls grow louder for the creation of an independent civilian review board to provide oversight on the police-involved shootings of civilians. New Duval County Sheriff Mike Williams has departed somewhat from his predecessor, John Rutherford (now a frontrunner for the region’s Congressional seat) in his position on increasing transparency about departmental proceedings.
However, Williams thus far has resisted calls for an independent review process, which he may be asked to comment on again this week after civil rights groups expressed concern about potential “excessive force” about the shooting of 22-year-old Vernell Charles Bing. Bing is alive but brain-dead after he was shot by police after a chase and crash. The local chapters of the NAACP and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, long vocal on this issue, are once again pushing for a citizen advisory panel to look at shootings involving unarmed civilians, pointing out they are virtually always ruled to be justifiable.
For his part, Williams campaigned for sheriff on greater transparency with the public around controversial incidents, calling for the reversal of a court ruling that shaded details of boards reviewing police-involved shootings. A police union lawsuit in 2010 closed those proceedings from the public.
“Gateway to expand transitional housing services” via Beth Reese Cravey of the Florida Times-Union – Gateway Community Services of Jacksonville has launched a $7 million capital campaign to expand on-campus transitional housing available for patients — and their children — as they recover from alcohol or drug addiction. The planned 40-room transitional housing unit would be for patients who have completed treatment but still need Gateway’s support and structure to strengthen their sobriety, said Candace Hodgkins, the nonprofit’s president and CEO. They will receive employment assistance, child care, parenting classes, counseling and other resources for up to a year … The capital project will begin with a two-floor, 12,000-square-foot expansion at Gateway’s main Stockton Street campus, which is a former Holiday Inn just off Interstate 10.
“Jacksonville struggles with high murder rate, reintroducing ex-offenders” via Melissa Ross of Florida Politics – Meanwhile, in a city known as the murder capital of Florida, Jacksonville has long been troubled by its high homicide rate and struggled with how to incorporate ex-offenders back into the community when they leave prison. On Thursday, speaker and author Kit Cummings, renowned for his work in healing “wounded communities,” will appear in the city talking about his Power of Peace Project. Cummings has worked with inmates and gang members along with speaking at corporate events.
“New State Road 9B scheduled to open in June” via the Florida Department of Transportation – The new State Road 9B, connecting U.S. 1/Philips Highway to I-95, is scheduled to open to traffic in stages starting the first week of June, weather permitting. Southbound lanes and ramps of the new roadway will open first and northbound lanes and ramps are scheduled to open the following week. In addition, southbound lanes of the I-295 eastern beltway between Baymeadows Road and U.S. 1/Philips Highway are scheduled to close from midnight to 5 a.m., during the week of the openings, to install overhead signs for the final stages of the project. Southbound I-295 traffic will be detoured to Baymeadows Road, Southside Boulevard and U.S. 1/Philips Highway.
“Project Post has Macquarie’s New York staff on tenterhooks” via Australian Financial Review – Staff in Macquarie’s New York offices are bracing themselves for another round of cuts in the next few weeks as “Project Post” gets underway. Project Post is the name the bureaucrats in Florida gave to plans for Macquarie to set up an office in the city of Jacksonville. In exchange for sending 123 jobs to the Sunshine State, Macquarie received a bunch of incentives from local officials. Macquarie is just one of an ever-growing group of financial services firms including Deutsche Bank and Wells Fargo taking up office space in Jacksonville, where running costs are estimated to be 25 percent cheaper than New York.
“Pros, cons offered on Duval schools bathroom limits on transgender students” via Denise Smith Amos of the Florida Times-Union – Duval’s School Board heard from a half dozen people about bathroom limits on transgender students, including the city’s General Counsel’s office. Jon Phillips, an attorney with that office, urged the School Board not to comment on issues linked to the recent lawsuit filed against the district over the issue, at least not until he talks to board members about legal ramifications, including potential Justice Department actions. A proposed change to bathroom policy from board member Jason Fischer was not discussed or added to the official School Board meeting agenda for June 12. Fischer’s proposal would make bathrooms available according to a person’s biological makeup. Several members and a minister from Coral Ridge Baptist Church spoke against any district policy that appears to allow boys into a girls’ bathroom or locker room, which is their interpretation of President Barack Obama’s recent directive to public entities. Susan Thompson said following Obama’s order “would give predators a free pass.” Tiffany Parocha, parent of a Sandalwood High student, criticized the general counsel’s “gag order” and called Superintendent Nikolai Vitti a coward for maintaining the district’s current protections of LGBT youth and allowing schools flexibility in how they resolve bathroom access issues.
Get smart fast — “Vocal opponents of school bathroom guidelines have something else in common” via Tia Mitchell of the Florida Times-Union – Clay County Superintendent Charles Van Zant said his district would not comply … Rep. Janet Adkins, a candidate for Nassau County superintendent, called the directive government overreach and asked Bondi to get involved. (Bondi declined.) Wes White, a lawyer running for state attorney, sued Duval County schools Superintendent Nikolai Vitti and the School Board on behalf of a woman who said her children’s safety and security would be at risk … Van Zant, Adkins and White have something in common: They are all Republicans running in primaries this fall. That could help explain why all three are taking very public positions on an issue that has riled up conservatives across the nation. Generally speaking, GOP primaries are won by the candidate who appeals most to conservative voters. You hear about candidates “running to the right” in Republican primaries, then taking more moderate positions if they have a general election opponent. I’m not saying Van Zant, Adkins and White don’t have an honest disagreement with the Obama administration’s directive. But there is definitely incentive politically for them to take a hard-line, conservative stance on this issue.
“Hans Tanzler banks $300K in two weeks in CD 4 bid” via Florida Politics – After what the campaign is calling a ‘well-attended fundraiser’ Thursday, Tanzler has $300,000 banked. ‘We are off to a strong start, and I am so grateful to all the friends and supporters who are rallying around our conservative campaign,’ said Tanzler about the early days of his campaign.
“Corrine Brown’s challengers address Tiger Bay” via Florida Politics – Brown couldn’t make it to Jacksonville’s monthly Tiger Bay gathering. Her opponents in Congressional District 5, Al Lawson and L.J. Holloway, were there however. Notable for two candidates with no area name recognition: neither went on the attack against the absent incumbent … The event got mildly chippy toward the end … However, neither candidate shook the impression that one is in a campaign that is over her head, and the other is an outsider.
“Aussie hackers plague Corrine Brown’s website” via Florida Politics — Brown might want to have a conversation with her webmaster, after her 2016 campaign website was hacked this week by Australian SEO engineers … adding promotional copy and links, thus drawing on its authority and traffic to bring link juice to clients who seem to have no interest in electoral politics in Northeast Florida.
“Feds: State Rep. Reggie Fullwood defrauded donors, state elections office” via Steve Patterson of the Florida Times-Union – Fullwood meant to cheat campaign supporters as well as Florida’s elections agency, a federal prosecutor argued … answering a magistrate’s question about fraud charges against Fullwood. The response settled a point attorneys began contesting last week, when one of the Jacksonville Democrat’s attorneys, Robert Willis, said an April 15 indictment that included 10 counts of wire fraud never said who was defrauded. U.S. Magistrate Joel Toomey told prosecutors to answer … Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Devereaux later asked for clarification on exactly what the magistrate wanted explained. After … no reply from Toomey, Devereaux filed papers saying the Florida Division of Elections and Fullwood’s campaign contributors were both victims, in different ways, of fraud that the indictment claimed funneled tens of thousands of dollars from a campaign bank account into an account for a closed Fullwood business. A fraud victim “does not have to be the same party that loses the money,” Devereaux’s filing said, noting the indictment had claimed earlier that Fullwood’s campaign filed false expense reports to cover up the money missing from the bank account. Getting a clear answer on who the victims are could be important to how Fullwood responds to the charges.
“JAXBIZ backs Donnie Horner, Jason Fischer in state House races” — JAXBIZ announced two new Jacksonville area endorsements in state House races: Horner in House District 11 and Fischer in House District 16 … Previously in April, in the open House seats, the JAXBIZ Board co-endorsed Richard Clark and Terrance Freeman in District 12. In District 14, the board went with Leslie Scott Jean-Bart. And in HD 19, the board endorsed Katherine Van Zant.
“NRA: Charles McBurney ‘unfit’ for judgeship for ‘trampling’ over Second Amendment” via Allison Nielsen of the Sunshine State News – The Jacksonville Republican and attorney, who served as the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, is one of the six finalists to become a circuit judge in the state’s 4th Judicial Circuit, which covers Duval, Clay and Nassau counties. In an email sent to members over the weekend, the NRA says McBurney didn’t adhere to the best practices of a public official because he refused to hold a hearing on the state’s controversial “Burden of Proof” proposal during the 2016 regular legislative session. The bill, if passed, would have shifted the burden of proof in Stand Your Ground cases to the prosecutor, who would have had to prove, “beyond a reasonable doubt,” whether a defendant could be granted immunity at a pretrial hearing in order to disprove a claim of self-defense immunity. Personal gain, not the will of the people, the NRA says, is what motivated McBurney to scrub the legislation. “As Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Charles McBurney arrogantly put his blind ambition to become judge ahead of your constitutional right of self-defense and your basic fundamental right to the presumption of innocence,” wrote past president and current NRA lobbyist Marion Hammer.
Top talker — “Why I’m now a Republican” via Mark Woods of the Florida Times-Union – OK, the real reason I became a Republican is because I’d like to vote in the local races for State Attorney and Public Defender. I was weighing the options, honestly uncertain of whom I wanted to vote for, when I opened my paper and learned I no longer would be able to vote in these races. With only Republicans running, the addition of write-in candidates means that only Republicans will decide who holds these offices. In the case of the state attorney’s race, the qualifying paperwork for the write-in candidate was filed by … the campaign manager for State Attorney Angela Corey. Suggestion for a campaign song: Skynyrd’s ‘That Smell.’
“It’s time to take partisanship out of our legal system” via Ron Littlepage of the Florida Times-Union – Why are those two offices — state attorney and public defender — partisan to begin with? The legal system is neither Republican nor Democratic … judges … run in nonpartisan races, giving all voters regardless of party a voice … party primaries can deny a lot of voters a chance to participate in elections. Through the early 1990s, Democrats were in control locally and in the 4th Judicial Circuit, and it was Republicans who were cut out. Now with Republicans firmly entrenched in power, it’s the Democrats who are left outside. That’s especially true when the cheap trick of having a write-in candidate qualify to close a primary to Republican voters only is used, which is the case in both the state attorney and public defender races.
“Corey campaign manager faces lawsuit for filing write-in candidate in state attorney election” via Andrew Pantazi of the Florida Times-Union – Though only Republicans have filed in the state attorney election, a Corey supporter filed as a non-partisan, write-in candidate, which closed the primary to non-Republicans, who make up 58 percent of voters in the judicial circuit. Last week, Corey’s campaign manager, Alexander Pantinakis, said he helped write-in candidate Kenny Leigh file his paperwork. “It’s pretty offensive to live in a democratic society where the majority of voters is robbed of the right to vote which is guaranteed by their constitutions,” said Bill Sheppard, the attorney filing the lawsuit. “It should offend any right-thinking person.” Sheppard’s lawsuit names the supervisors of election for Duval, Clay and Nassau counties, the three counties in the state attorney’s judicial circuit. The lawsuit asks the court to rule that “Leigh’s sham candidacy is not ‘opposition.’”
“Angela Corey gives employees $354K in extra pay” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — In what some will see as a complete coincidence, and others will see as something else, 283 of 333 employees of the State Attorney Corey will be given ‘retention raises and/or salary adjustments’ totaling $354,500 for promotions or job duty changes … 80 contributions made to Corey’s campaign account totaling $27,600 were made by assistant state attorneys or people listed with the office since the beginning of Corey’s re-election campaign. Many of these have been maximum contributions … Corey’s political opponents have panned these moves. ‘After making campaign contributions to Ms. Corey, her employees are getting a cash infusion from state coffers — the latest version of the Dixie two-step,’ claimed Corey’s opponent, Wes White … Melissa Nelson, Corey’s other opponent, offered the following statement. ‘At a time when families in the 4th Circuit are still facing a slow economic comeback, and when the city of Jacksonville is in financial crisis, this move is so disrespectful of the hard work of taxpayers.’
“Florida, First Coast unemployment figures fall in April” via Drew Dixon of the Florida Times-Union –After taking into account seasonal impacts for April, the state jobless figure fell from 4.9 percent to 4.8 percent. The First Coast is in line with the state trend. The five counties of Duval, St. Johns, Clay, Nassau and Baker showed a combined unemployment rate decrease from 4.4 percent in March to 4.3 percent in April before seasonal adjustments … after seasonal adjustments, the First Coast jobless figure dipped from 4.5 percent in March to 4.47 percent in April. A “big positive” for the First Coast was a substantial decrease in first-time unemployment claims. Mason said that number dropped from 2,703 in March to 2,269 in April. Along with that the number of unemployed fell from 32,336 in March to 30,994 in April.
“Made in Jax: The sky’s the limit in pallet manufacturing” via Drew Dixon of the Florida Times-Union – Pal-King Inc. on Jacksonville’s Northside … is producing about 5,000 wooden pallets each day, as they’re in high demand. They’re used to provide easy access to forklifts for many companies in North Florida and South Georgia that need to ship their goods around the country and overseas. About 15 to 20 percent of its pallets are manufactured for custom orders, but most being assembled with that “pop” sound generated by nail guns are “remanufactured” from pallets previously used for shipping and merchandise storage. “Manufacturing and distribution companies in the surrounding area, some of those will have a surplus of pallets,” said Dan Quasnick, who along with his wife, Bonnie, co-owns Pal-King on Old Kings Road just east of Interstate 295. “We bring them [pallets] to our facility, offload them, process them through our builders and sorters, repair and regrade them … and then resell them to other manufacturing and distribution companies” … Quasnick said the company generates about $7.5 million in revenue each year. Pal-King isn’t Jacksonville’s only pallet manufacturing business in the area. There are about a half-dozen similar businesses in the area, and Dan Quasnick said his is a “medium-to-large” pallet manufacturer.
“Miami Herald runs a hit piece on Jacksonville” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — She starts off her column with a description of syndicated conservative talk radio … To read Fabiola Santiago, you would think that as soon as you cross over the Duval County line, we all get Hannitized. It’s a cheap, facile reference to sum up a place about which she clearly knows nothing. And five paragraphs later, after describing the Hannity show in exhaustive detail, she … proceeded to get a detail wrong about our congressional representation. Ron DeSantis is based in Ponte Vedra, and his district runs far to the south. Our two representatives are Ander Crenshaw and Corrine Brown … None of it ties together. Because none of it has to. For Santiago and the Herald, Jacksonville is a punching bag. And the whole thing is justified because the piece reaches a preordained conclusion. ‘It’s time for Northeast Florida to wake up … and demand more of their government than stale conservative rhetoric.’
JAXPORT Washington DC fly-in”– JAXPORT, Rumrell McLeod & Brock, Southern Strategy Group, Unison Industries, and VyStar Credit Union are sponsoring this year’s annual trip to Washington, D.C. held May 24 and 25 to lobby members of Congress, administrative agency officials and military personnel in support of issues on its Federal Business Advocacy Agenda. Attendees include a mix of elected officials, city leaders, members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, members of the JaxBiz executive committee and special guests. More information with Ashley Lyon at 904-366-6638 or [email protected].
“Clay County School Superintendent defends religious content in Robo calls” via Jessica Palombo of WJCT – Charlie Van Zant is defending mentions of his religious beliefs in his phone messages to parents. One parent says she’s uncomfortable with what she sees as his “editorializing” in official correspondence. She recalls, “The superintendent said, ‘And most of all, I’d like to thank God,’ and I was like, ‘Hmm, OK.’” But she felt she had to speak up after a second call from Van Zant this week, saying he refuses to comply with White House guidance on transgender rights. Van Zant says historical precedent supports his right to talk about his religion, even as an elected official. He points to the Declaration of Independence’s mention of “the Creator” as an example. “But that doesn’t mean that’s at the exclusion of her student, herself or anybody else that doesn’t choose to believe the way I do,” he says. He notes district, state and federal policies require him and the rest of the school administration to treat all students the same, regardless of religious beliefs. “And anybody’s free to run for the office of superintendent of schools that might have a different set of values,” he says.
“The Jacksonville zoo is home to a new flock of flamingos” via the Florida Times-Union – Thirty-six African Greater flamingos arrived from Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo and can be seen along the zoo’s African boardwalk.
“Jacksonville Jazz Fest this weekend” via Melissa Ross of Florida Politics – Be advised of road closures downtown later this week and through the weekend for the 2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival. A production of City Hall’s Office of Special Events, the event has changed locations several times over its three decades. This year, the fest is back in the urban core with three outdoor stages across a downtown footprint covering 15 city blocks. The free music festival, featuring everyone from Jon Baptiste and Stay Human to local favorites Spice and the Po Boys, also no longer has the tagline “Mayor Alvin Brown Presents.” Visit www.jacksonvillejazzfest.com for details.
“Jalen Ramsey signs 4-year, $23.3 million deal with Jaguars” via Safid Deen of the Tallahassee Democrat – The deal, which comes with a $15.1 million signing bonus, is worth $23.3 million, according to ESPN. This signing comes during an eventful week for Ramsey, who suffered a small meniscus tear in his right knee during a workout last week … the former Seminoles All-American will meet with Dr. James Andrews this week to seek a second opinion on his recovery. Ramsey, who did not miss a game during his three seasons at FSU, naturally has concerns about the injury after having microfracture surgery on the same knee as a sophomore in high school.
“Jaguars’ Dante Fowler returns, ready for bigger role after injury” via Mark Long of The Associated Press – Fowler took a step right, quickly cut back inside offensive tackle Luke Joeckel and found himself on a collision course with the quarterback. It surely would have been a sack. More importantly for Fowler and the Jacksonville Jaguars, it was a clear sign that the speedy defensive end is back. Fowler practiced for the first time since tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during rookie minicamp last year. He showed glimpses of being the dominant pass-rusher the Jaguars thought they were getting when they drafted him with the third overall selection in the 2015 NFL draft. None was more telling than the move he put on a fellow top-five pick. “He’s quick,” said Joeckel, the second overall pick in the 2013 draft. “I didn’t go against him a lot, but he’s quick. He got a good inside move.” It’s something the Jaguars hope to see a lot of in 2016.
“Jacksonville Armada roundup” via Kartik Krishnaiyer for Florida Politics – The Jacksonville Armada lost a fourth straight NASL game Sunday in Ottawa as Marcel de Jong slotted home an improbable winner for the Fury FC from a tight angle with two minutes left in the match. The 88th-minute winner was de Jong’s second goal of the campaign and served to continue to spiral for the Armada, which began a month ago in Fort Lauderdale when despite playing up a man, Jacksonville conceded a late equalizer. The Armada have lost every match since that Maicon Santos goal for the Strikers and have since sold Club Captain Richie Ryan to Miami FC. The loss to Ottawa was disappointing because Jacksonville had seemingly ironed out their defensive issues and playing a 4-3-3/4-5-1 formation had apparently worked to solidify the midfield in Ryan’s absence. But the final result was disappointing, and Armada must recover quickly for this upcoming Saturday’s game against Indy Eleven, who sit just two points from the top of the NASL table.
The Armada got some outstanding news this week as two members of the playing squad, Mechack Jérôme and Pascal Millien have been called into the Haiti squad for the Copa America. Haiti will face off with Brazil in Orlando in one of its three group games on June 8. Jean Alexandre, who serves as captain of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, an Armada NASL rival was also called into the Haiti squad. The Copa America tournament is the biggest in international football beyond the World Cup and European Championships. This is the first time the tournament is being held outside South America and will be Haiti’s first participation in the event. It will be the first “major” tournament for Haiti since World Cup 1974 in West Germany.
