Phil Ammann
Now that Corrine Brown faces 23 federal counts and 347 years in federal prison — if convicted of all charges — comes a question.
What’s next?
That’s what most politically interested people in Northeast Florida are considering.
And, as of yet, there are no easy answers.
Right now, a few things are certain.
There will be a primary Aug. 30, as the incumbent attempts to secure the Democratic nomination in Florida’s 5th Congressional District.
Even without the trial — for misrepresentation, wire fraud, fraudulent financial disclosures, and tax returns related to the period in which One Door for Education, a slush fund masquerading as a charity, was operating — she still has been running in a dead heat with Al Lawson, who has a couple of advantages in the race.
One is that he’s not Corrine Brown.
Whereas Brown’s pyrotechnic approach to politics turns off the Blue Dog Democrats west of Jacksonville, in a district that now sprawls almost 200 miles out, Lawson speaks of working across the aisle and being a leader that voters can trust.
The second advantage? Brown’s aura of inevitability over the years has come hand in hand with the political machine operating on her behalf.
Evidence of that machine was apparent at the federal courthouse Friday, where both a current Councilmember and a past one were there in support, as well as a state Senator and a political operative of Brown’s who is running for School Board.
However, that machine doesn’t have as much pull in Baker County. And it certainly won’t be any help farther west. Nor will Quick Picks or the other now-familiar operations of Brown’s approach to business.
Those old days are over.
So what’s left? Brown was introducing herself to a new pool of voters just as her indictment makes national news.
Such bad timing.
And the details of the indictment? Appalling.
Prosecutors say over $800,000 was secured for a charity that gave $1,200 to actual educational purposes, all while spending the rest on everything from sky boxes at a Beyoncé show and Redskins/Jaguars game to car repairs and walking around money for Brown and her chief of staff.
How does a candidate debate at an open forum with these issues hanging over her head? How do you take that message out west?
Supposing she gets through this and somehow wins the Aug. 30 primary, then she faces a trial, now set for Sept. 6.
What happens then? Will Republican nominee Glo Smith exploit Brown’s issues?
Absolutely. And make no mistake, the national GOP will have an interest in helping her do that.
In the year of Trump, Republicans can see a situation in which they turn a historically Democratic seat Republican.
Maybe.
Of course, Brown could somehow win both elections. And the trial could be pushed back for any number of reasons. What if she wins the election but still loses the trial?
Well, there would — eventually — be a special election. And you could expect Jacksonville political veterans, such as Rep. Mia Jones, Sen. Audrey Gibson, and former Sen. Tony Hill, to all make plays for that.
Is it a distraction something voters in Congressional District 5 will want?
Is Corrine Brown worth it?
“Despite charges, Brown may control her own political destiny” via Tia Mitchell of the Florida Times-Union – The indictment of Brown and her longtime chief of staff reinforced what many people already think about the congresswoman, for better or for worse. For some, it is proof that she is a career politician driven by greed and criminal behavior. But others — especially in Jacksonville’s African-American community that Brown has represented since 1992 — say the charges are indicative of a criminal system that treats minorities unfairly and a political apparatus that has tried for years to take Brown out. This narrative has been stoked by the congresswoman herself, who says everything from the criminal charges to her redrawn district is at least partially motivated by racism and animosity toward her. The difference now is that Brown is running for re-election in a reconfigured district that now stretches from Jacksonville toward Tallahassee and includes counties and towns that she has never represented before. With less than six weeks to go until early voting begins for the primary, Brown will need to shore up her support in Jacksonville and expand it in other areas to win. Her main competition, former state Sen. Al Lawson, has been campaigning as drama-free alternative to Brown. Lawson has been campaigning across the district, including frequent trips to Jacksonville where he hopes to claim some of Brown’s support. A recent poll by the University of North Florida showed Brown has a slim edge over Lawson with 30 percent of the vote compared to his 27. But 40 percent of voters in the district are undecided.
“Feds visited Jax elementary school as part of Corrine Brown money probe” via Clark Fouraker of WTLV –A large portion of the federal indictment against Brown focuses on the relationships and networks that prosecutors argue she exploited to enrich individuals. However, count 18 against her deals exclusively with Brown’s longtime chief of staff, Ronnie Simmons, who was indicted alongside Brown. Count 18, entitled Theft of Government Funds, says Simmons used taxpayer dollars to hire a relative and then pay her $735,000 in gross compensation since 2001 for little to no work. The First Coast News Investigators learned that “Person C” referenced in the indictment is Monica Simmons Isom, a fourth-grade teacher at Joseph Finegan Elementary in Mayport and a relative of Simmons. “The principal of Joseph Finegan Elementary received a visit from federal investigators this spring inquiring whether the district was aware that Ms. Isom was employed in a secondary capacity with the Congresswoman,” said Duval County Public Schools representative Mark Sherwood in an email … financial reports show that Isom is a part-time employee on Brown’s staff, earning $35,000 annually. Sherwood says that Isom has not notified school officials of her involvement in the Brown money probe. She would not be required to, according to school policy, unless she was charged with a crime, he says. The indictment does not accuse “Person C” of a crime.
“Brown steps down from committee” via the Associated Press – Brown … says she’s temporarily stepping down as ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs as she defends herself against federal fraud charges. Brown released a statement saying that she was stepping down in accordance with House rules.
“After decades in Brown’s shadow, indictment shines light on staff chief Ronnie Simmons” via Steve Patterson of the Florida Times-Union – Simmons, who pleaded not guilty alongside her in federal court … built a quarter-century career near the Jacksonville Democrat’s complex web of politics and alliances. Yet Simmons, who is Brown’s chief of staff, is almost unknown in Jacksonville, where he grew up and graduated from Ribault High School. The indictment peeled away much of the anonymity that has surrounded the 50-year-old Simmons. Separate from detailing his connections to One Door for Education, the bogus charity for whom Brown raised money, the indictment said Simmons was responsible for a phantom employee in Brown’s Jacksonville office. The employee, a relative of Simmons who wasn’t named, was paid $735,000 over 15 years as a congressional employee for doing little or no work, the indictment said. It said the phantom was a full-time teacher living in Jacksonville and variously listed on congressional records as a staff assistant, part-time employee or outreach specialist. It said Simmons used at least $80,000 of the shadow employee’s pay for his personal use on things like a boat loan and lowering his credit card balance, says the indictment. The indictment didn’t charge the relative with any wrongdoing. As chief of staff, he was paid about $161,000 last year, according to Congressional records.
“The Challenger: Al Lawson opens up about the environment, criminal justice reform and the need for change in local politics” via Claire Goforth of Folio Weekly – Veteran politician, moderate Democrat and self-described “country boy” l Lawson cuts a striking figure … on one of his recent campaign stops in Northeast Florida where, in an effort to introduce himself to voters, he’s been pounding pavement and pressing flesh in a whirlwind of meet-and-greets, events and interviews. Lanky, eloquent and knowledgeable about state and national political machinations and issues, the former Florida state senator and house representative with nearly 30 years’ experience in politics was careful not to say anything particularly critical of his beleaguered opponent, 12-term Congresswoman Corrine Brown. Well-known to voters further west, but a relative newcomer to Northeast Florida, Lawson’s will be an uphill battle to win over local voters who are already familiar with his opponent in time for the Aug. 30 Democratic primary in Florida’s newly drawn 5th Congressional District. But to hear him tell it, in this case familiarity might breed just the right amount of contempt: “I love North Florida and I have not been totally satisfied with the leadership that we’ve had in congress. I know some people asked, ‘Why do you wanna run for Congress?’ Because I know that one person can make a difference because I’ve seen that happen. The legislature over the last 16, 18 years was controlled by the Republicans and I had no problem in working across the aisle to make things really work … The leadership has been, from what I understand, in the past that you either take it or leave it. My thing is to bring the leadership to the community where everybody feels that they are important and that I understand their issues and am willing to work with them.”
“Bill McClure releases first ad of CD 4 campaign” – The McClure for Congress campaign ad is titled “Problem Solver” which highlights McClure’s principles as a constitutional conservative, through real-world experience as a small-business man and record of implementing conservative, free-market solutions to government. The ad tells the story of McClure’s rise as an entrepreneur and businessman, who started his first business at the age of 18 – creating Florida’s first drive-thru convenience store. “Northwest Florida has a real choice on Aug. 30. We can continue down the path of failed career politicians who go along with leadership, or we can stand up for conservative, free market values and return this country to its rightful owners – the people.” said McClure. The ad also highlights McClure’s tenure as a St. John’s County Commissioner, where under his leadership, unemployment was cut by more than half, 11,000 new jobs were created and over 300 regulations were eliminated.
Endorsement watch: Hans Tanzler has been endorsed by former Central Intelligence Agency Director of Counterterrorism Jose Rodriguez.
“Hans Tanzler to open Duval headquarters” – the Tanzler for Congress campaign will hold a Grand Opening Door-to-Door Extravaganza Saturday, July 16. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. at 10027 San Jose Boulevard in Jacksonville in the same shopping center as Five Guys Burgers. Voters will have the opportunity to meet Tanzler, pick up campaign signs, and participate in door-to-door voter contact. Refreshments will be served, and the event is free and open to the public.
“Donnie Horner talks HD 11 issues, personal story” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics – Horner … spoke about issues he hadn’t addressed before … One of them: the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis he got two years into what he had hoped would be a full career in the Navy. “I had no idea what I’d do next,” he said. He’d never mentioned it before — he didn’t want it to be misconstrued, either as a bid for sympathy, or a play for votes. Horner, who walked with a cane in his mid-20s, walks normally today, and projects positivity almost always … the hallmark of someone who survived a life-changing diagnosis and is, thus far, thriving. And to his critics, a message: “I can do the job.” Horner noted he gets different reactions while campaigning, some mentioning the health condition pejoratively, and others saying “God bless you … It’s part of life. God gave me this cross to bear.”
“Atlantic Beach Mayor Mitch Reeves endorses Sheri Treadwell” – Reeves has had a long and successful career both in public service and the private sector, was elected to the post last year. Treadwell is running to represent District 11, which includes Atlantic Beach, in the Florida House of Representatives. “Sheri Treadwell is the clear choice to represent our beach community in Tallahassee,” said Reeves. “I have no doubt in my mind that her strong convictions and compassionate approach will make her a very effective legislator. She understands the unique needs of a coastal community like ours, and we can trust her to represent us very well.” A Jacksonville area resident for 20 years, Reeves began his career in law enforcement in the Gulfport, Mississippi Police Department and later served as the Chief of Law Enforcement for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife and as the Director of Mississippi Boat and Water Safety. He is the owner and president of MR & Associates, which provides sales and technical training for police, fire and industrial products.
“Indicted legislator lists $318K net worth” via News 4 Jax – State Rep. Reggie Fullwood … who is fighting federal charges that he illegally diverted campaign money to personal use, listed a net worth of $318,910 in a newly filed financial-disclosure form … Fullwood also filed a copy as part of qualifying last month to seek re-election in Duval County’s House District 13 … The financial disclosure lists Fullwood’s assets and liabilities as of the end of 2015. Among other things, it listed a $350,000 home in Jacksonville and income last year of $89,537. The form also indicated that Fullwood owed $184,400 on a mortgage.
“Mia Jones backs Leslie Jean-Bart in HD 14 Democratic primary” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics –“I am confident that Leslie Jean-Bart is the only candidate that will continue the work I have done and build upon it with her own vision for the district,” Jones wrote, describing Jean-Bart as “someone that will continue to move our district forward.” Jones, in deciding to back Jean-Bart over former Jacksonville City Councilwoman Kim Daniels and former state legislators Terry Fields and Donald Gaffney, framed the decision in a combination of Jean-Bart’s legacy and, more importantly, her extensive activities in the Jacksonville community in the present. “Leslie comes from a family rooted in community service. She is the granddaughter of the late Mary L. Singleton, the first African-American and woman elected to the Jacksonville City Council and a former state representative that represented this district,” Jones noted.
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“Poll shows pension tax on track for passage, confidence in local leadership” via University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Laboratory – The poll of likely voters in Duval County shows support for Mayor Lenny Curry’s pension tax is a mixed bag, with 41 percent of respondents who strongly or somewhat approve, 33 percent who strongly or somewhat oppose and 26 percent who still do not know. Support and opposition for the pension tax is relatively uniform across party affiliations. “Mayor Curry still has some work to do garnering votes for the pension tax, but there is reason for optimism since support outweighs opposition by 8 percentage points,” said PORL Faculty Director Michael Binder … Regarding job approval of local leadership, Curry fared well with 69 percent of likely voters who strongly or somewhat approve of his performance as mayor … the vast majority of respondents approve of Curry regardless of party affiliation … Mike Williams also has widespread approval with 72 percent of respondents who strongly or somewhat approve of his job as Jacksonville’s Sheriff. The Jacksonville City Council and the Superintendent of Duval County Schools, Nikolai Vitti, garnered the approval (strongly or somewhat) of about half of the sample, whereas roughly 30 percent disapprove of the job they are doing and 20 percent do not know. Clerk of Court incumbent Ronnie Fussell will be on the ballot in November after gaining notoriety last year for canceling all Duval County courthouse wedding ceremonies when same-sex marriage was legalized nationwide. Currently, 39 percent of Duval County likely voters strongly or somewhat approve of Fussell’s performance on the job, 10 percent somewhat or strongly disapprove, while more than half of respondents (51 percent) are unsure. When asked about the most important problem facing Jacksonville, 38 percent said it is crime, 16 percent think it is the economy/jobs, and 15 percent selected education … differences between races, with more than half (54 percent) of black likely voters who think crime is the most important problem compared with 34 percent of white likely voters; and only 2 percent of black likely voters perceive the public pension problem as the most important in contrast to 18 percent of white likely voters.
“Friends of Hemming Park have long struggled financially; vague city contract makes it difficult to track how public money was spent” via Marilyn Young of the Jacksonville Financial News & Daily Record – Treasurer Bill Prescott said in May 2015 cash was “precariously low,” with only $14,000 on hand … Friends received $150,000 from the city the next month that could address the immediate crisis. In July, though, the executive director had to loan the group $7,000 to make payroll. Prescott’s May report included another bit of tough financial news: Revenue would run out in February 2016, a month after receiving the final payment in the $1 million contract with the city. At that point, Prescott said, Friends would “no longer be sustainable.” The message was even stronger this May, when Friends said it would have to close if City Council did not transfer $250,000 that had been set-aside for the remainder of the fiscal year. That revelation drew the ire of council members, who agreed to give the nonprofit $100,000 of that money as a stopgap. Many were frustrated by what they saw as a lack of communication. Not just about the money needed to make it through the fiscal year, but the group’s push for $500,000 a year to continue running the park. There’s also a trust issue with some city officials over how Friends has spent taxpayer dollars and a belief the nonprofit hasn’t been up-front about when it could become self-sustaining. From October 2014, when it received its first injection of public dollars, through May 2016, Friends spent more money than it brought in every month except the six months it received a taxpayer subsidy, ranging from $100,000 to $300,000. Without city funding, Friends raised enough money only one month during that period to support itself. Council auditors are studying the group’s finances, with the report expected this month. It will be used by council to evaluate further funding for Friends, which received $100,000 of the $250,000 it had been seeking.
“Police shootings serve as catalyst for Jacksonville protests” via Ryan Benk of WJCT – Hundreds of people took to Jacksonville’s streets Sunday to protest the police shooting of an unarmed black man in Springfield. Tensions are running high after three other high-profile police-involved shootings of black men in Minnesota and Louisiana, and the killing of five police officers in Texas. Demonstrators began the protest outside the Duval County Courthouse to draw attention to the shooting of Vernell Bing Jr., two months ago. The shooting remains under FBI review. More than 300 peaceful protesters showed up and eventually moved to the Main Street Bridge, where three were arrested after refusing police orders to stay off the roadway.
“Jacksonville Sheriff talks shootings, body cameras” via Lindsey Kilbride of WJCT – Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said a larger police presence has decreased street shootings. After a shooting spike early in the year, the city gave JSO $1.5 million to pay for officer overtime — and Williams said more officers equals less crime … the city has seen about a 40 percent reduction in street shootings since February. In January there were 90 non-domestic shootings. Since then, the monthly number has bobbled between 48 and 64. But Williams said overtime is only a short-term fix. JSO has spent a million dollars in overtime so far this year … JSO plans to start a police body camera program, which is currently being researched. “It is incredibly important for us to get this right,” Williams said. “So there are a lot of pieces and parts to this that we’ve got to make sure that we do correctly before we roll the program out.” Williams said the force should also better reflect the demographic of the city and JSO is working to recruit more officers of color and women. With a large number of officers retiring soon, Williams expects to be hiring 200 officers in the next next years.
“JSO officer holds ‘I am here for you’ sign in patrol area” via Brittney Donovan of Action News Jax – When Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office asked Officer John Whitcomb why he was holding the sign, he said he wanted people in his patrol area to know he is there for them.
“Mayor, Sheriff highlight crime reductions” – Mayor Lenny Curry joined Sheriff Williams to release five months of data that shows the 24,000 hours of police overtime since late January has resulted in a decline of non-domestic shootings by nearly 40 percent. This year, non-domestic shootings have fallen from a high of 90 in January 2016 to 50 in May. The overtime was approved by the mayor and City Council, and is being used to strategically deploy officers working overtime in neighborhoods throughout the city challenged by shootings and other violent and property crimes.
“Alan Grayson: Complex has been victimized by ‘absentee slumlord’” via Ethan Calloway of News 4 JAX – Grayson stopped by the troubled Eureka Gardens Apartments while he was campaigning ahead of the August primary. Grayson called the living conditions there, “tragic.” Grayson’s visit comes after an I-Team investigation into the deplorable living conditions at the apartment complex. It made headlines for months and has drawn the attention of local and national leaders. Today, it was Grayson – a U.S. Senate candidate – seeing Eureka Gardens up close. “You can see mold, you can see rust; the air conditioning doesn’t work,” Grayson said.
“Troubled Jacksonville housing complexes could soon be sold” via Lynnsey Gardner of News 4 Jax – Global Ministries Foundation had listed Eureka Gardens, along with 10 of its other properties, for sale in May. The portfolio of federally subsidized Section 8 properties was offered without an asking price. In an email to Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry’s chief of staff and chief administrative officer, W. Bart Lloyd, of Preservation of Affordable Housing, Inc. said that GMF did not select the nonprofit’s offer, and is proceeding with another purchaser. According to the email, the broker representing GMF told the Boston-based nonprofit that the winning offer was for the entire portfolio. Lloyd’s nonprofit had only made an offer for the Florida properties, which include Eureka Gardens and Washington Heights. Lloyd told the city that “the broker says that the proposed purchasers are a very reputable group — but also notes that any buyer has a daunting task in front of them.” Global Ministries Foundation hired a real estate broker in May to evaluate the properties and estimate their market value. In addition to Eureka Gardens and Washington Heights, the GMF portfolio in Jacksonville includes Springfield Residential One, Southside Apartments, Market Street Apartments and Moncrief Village.
“Duval County GOP chair criticizes universities’ handling of alleged sexual assaults” via Jessica Bakeman of POLITICO – Cindy Graves, a conservative radio host who was elected in May to lead the county party, argued during a hearing on the national party’s platform that law enforcement agencies, not university administrators, should investigate reports of sexual violence on college campuses. A past president of the Florida Federation of Republican Women who is “happily” bound to support Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention next week in Cleveland, Graves joined other female delegates in urging the party to make a statement in support of victims of rape and sexual assault. Specifically, she weighed in during a debate about an amendment that would have added the following language to the section of the platform addressing college sexual assault: “Educational institutions do not have the ability or means to properly investigate sexual assault.” (The amendment was unsuccessful.) Graves said recent incidents at Florida’s universities have demonstrated that the schools are unable to properly investigate the allegations, instead “covering up for certain superstar athletes.”
Happening Wednesday – The 2016 Helping Florida Work Town Hall Tour will take place in Tampa, Miami and Jacksonville with employers, community leaders and elected officials showing commitment to keeping Florida’s laws working for our businesses and families. Jacksonville town hall is from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the DoubleTree Jacksonville Riverfront, 1201 Riverplace Boulevard in Jacksonville. The event is free.
“ABOTA honors Circuit Judge Tyrie Boyer and Mary and Hank Coxe” via David Chapman of the Jacksonville Financial News & Daily Record – Boyer was a founding member of the Jacksonville chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Since then he was a county judge, then a circuit judge and has continued to preserve and improve the jury trial system. Hank Coxe is one of Jacksonville’s most well-known attorneys. His wife, Mary, is a retired lawyer. They’re both at the forefront when it comes to children’s issues, one shining example being their efforts for Cristian Fernandez, who at age 12 was the youngest person charged with first-degree murder in Jacksonville. Coxe was part of a collection of high-powered attorneys who defended Fernandez. After Fernandez pleaded guilty as a juvenile, Mary Coxe became a staple in his life. She’s visited Fernandez every Saturday since he was incarcerated near Tampa. Fernandez will be released in 2018, when he turns 19. Trial advocacy issues have been a huge part of Boyer and the Coxes’ lives. Over the weekend, their efforts were recognized at the state level. The Florida chapter of the trial advocates honored Boyer with its Jurist of the Year award while the Coxes received the Fran Coker Award for community service. The state comprises 11 chapters and Jacksonville took home half the awards. “I couldn’t be more flattered,” said Boyer on his recognition.
Happening Thursday – Fernandina Beach Republican state Sen. Aaron Bean will provide a 2016 Legislative Session recap to members of the Society for Human Resource Management. Meeting begins Noon at Maggiano’s Little Italy, 10367 Midtown Parkway in Jacksonville.
Good read — “What 1910 knew about rebuilding downtown that we don’t” via News 4 Jax – For 50 years now, various bodies have attempted to redevelop downtown. Billions of dollars have been spent. Anyone can see the result. And yet our City has completely rebuilt its downtown before—starting from complete destruction and creating a bustling metropolis in only 10 years. (a fifth of the time it’s taken our various Downtown Redevelopment Agencies.) May 3, 1901, was the day that 146 blocks of Jacksonville burned to the ground in what would become known as the country’s third largest urban disaster by fire. Destroying over 2,000 buildings, this event now known as the Great Fire of 1901, would forever change the face of Jacksonville by ushering in an unprecedented period of rapid population growth and rebuilding. Within a decade of the Great Fire, over 13,000 new buildings and thought provoking architectural styles would grace the city’s streets as the population nearly doubled. Rebuilding a downtown environment doesn’t have to be rocket science. More important than focusing on major newspaper headline grabbing gimmick projects is creating a dynamic mixed use infrastructure within a compact, pedestrian-scale setting. And we don’t have to travel the world to find out how to do this, we can learn from ourselves by turning back the clock to May 3, 1901.
“Belk closing presents development possibilities for Roosevelt Square” via Karen Brune Mathis of the Jacksonville Financial News & Daily Record – Belk Inc.’s closure at Roosevelt Square makes way for redevelopment at the Westside shopping center. “Belk’s exit opens the door for the owner to upgrade and redesign this portion of the shopping center,” said Carrie Smith, regional managing partner of the Franklin Street real estate company. Belk will close its store at 4535 Roosevelt Blvd. in January, affecting more than 50 jobs. The 63,000-square-foot stand-alone building was part of the original Roosevelt Mall. Smith said the closing presents an opportunity for property owner Dewberry Capital Corp. She expects a lot of retail interest in the site because there is no available big-box space in that part of the Westside and a number of stores make sense there. Roosevelt Square is near the established Riverside, Avondale and Ortega neighborhoods. “Sporting goods, home improvement or even a theater would be great,” Smith said.
“IDO plans to move headquarters to One Enterprise Center in downtown” via Karen Brune Mathis of the Jacksonville Financial News & Daily Record – International Décor Outlet is negotiating a lease to move its headquarters to One Enterprise Center in Downtown. Chief Operating Officer Bill Connerly said IDO signed a contract and is in final negotiations to relocate its offices from Baymeadows. He said IDO will lease the 21st floor of the 22-story tower at 225 Water St. Landlord representative Oliver Barakat, senior vice president of the CBRE Inc. real estate firm, said the deal is “very, very close.” He said IDO will lease 10,700 square feet. Connerly said IDO, which is represented by NAI Hallmark Partners, wants to take occupancy in August. “Jacksonville has been good for our investors,” Connerly said, and they want to be a part of the city’s revitalization. “Our culture is taking areas and making them fresh again,” he said.
“Development in St. Johns County arriving without new golf courses” via Stuart Korfhage of the St. Augustine Record – For the time being, the county that plays host to one of the biggest professional golf tournaments and houses the PGA Tour headquarters and the World Golf Hall of Fame is not adding any golf courses. There will be thousands of new houses — with the county issuing permits for more than 1,700 so far this year — but no new golf courses. Why are there people flooding into the county but no new golf courses are being built? They simply aren’t needed. Instead of golf courses, developments are opting for water parks, kayak launches and bike trails. Andy Smith, regional development manager for Freehold Communities, said his company looked at its choices in putting together amenities for Shearwater. That development near County Road 210 will include up to 2,600 homes spread over 1,500 acres. Smith said previous developments in the area already provide ample opportunities for golf, so there was no reason for Freehold to build another course. “We asked homebuyers what they wanted,” Smith said … “They wanted a lifestyle of total wellness integrated into their living environment and community. They value nature trails, fitness facilities, green spaces, inviting gathering spaces for social interaction and amenities for the whole family to enjoy together more than golf courses.”
“Outback Steakhouse co-founder: ‘Metro Diner is just a much better game for us’” via Ashley Gurbal Kritzer of the Tampa Bay Business Journal – The first time Outback Steakhouse co-founder Chris Sullivan met the founder of Metro Diner, there was a bit of deja vu. Mark Davoli, who launched the modern incarnation of Metro Diner in Jacksonville in 2000, reminded Sullivan of the founder of Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Metro Diner has been a bit of a foodie destination since it was featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” in 2010. “Listening to Mark talk, I was just reminded of Johnny [Carrabba],” Sullivan said. “They’re both very, very passionate about food, about quality and their businesses.” Metro Diner’s first Tampa Bay store, in St. Petersburg, opened in late June. It’s part of an expansion that will bring the restaurant throughout Florida and up the East Coast to New Jersey and as far west as Indianapolis.
“Babies abound at St. Augustine Alligator Farm” via Allie George of WJCT – It was a landmark month for breeding endangered animals at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. The park recently welcomed six baby Galapagos tortoises and an Indian gharial, similar to a crocodile, representing the first time that either species has been successfully bred at the park.
Happening Saturday: “Jacksonville Zoo Jaguar Birthday and Jamboree” – Celebrate Khan’s third birthday with the Jacksonville Jaguars! Khan, the zoo’s youngest Jaguar, shares a birthday with Jacksonville Jaguar owner, Shad Khan so they are partnering with the team to throw a Birthday Jamboree from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with games, bounce houses, an interactive gaming truck, DJ, sweet treats for the kiddos and enrichment for the jaguars. Junior Jags get in FREE with their membership card. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is at 370 Zoo Parkway in Jacksonville.
“Armada FC return to winning ways in fall season home opener” via Kartik Krishnaiyer – The Jacksonville Armada FC moved into second place in the NASL Fall Season with a hard-fought 2-1 home win over Puerto Rico FC Saturday night. The match which was delayed for two hours due to stormy weather was only second win of the entire NASL campaign for the Armada but in the league’s peculiar fall/spring split season, Armada FC have a real opportunity to win the fall campaign and still qualify for the postseason. Jemal Johnson and Alex Dixon scored in the first half but the Armada had to withstand second half pressure from Puerto Rico who scored late on to make the ending very nervy. However, Armada withstood the pressure to hang on for a win. It was Jacksonville’s opening home game of the fall campaign. The club had opened the new season with a 1-1 draw in St. Petersburg against the Tampa Bay Rowdies July 2.
The match marked an impressive outing for Karl Ouimette who recently joined the team on loan from New York Red Bulls of MLS and a change in role for Alex Dixon. For the first time as a member of Armada, Dixon started at center forward – a position of need for Jacksonville following the sale of Matt Fondy to Carolina. Dixon who normally plays in a wide role excelled playing down the middle.
Armada Head Coach Tony Meola praised Dixon’s work rate and flexibility after being deployed in an unfamiliar position.
“We told (Dixon), the next time the ball goes in the corner and you pull a center back out, you’ve got to go to goal,” Meola said. “Even if you lose the ball — put them under pressure. We ended up getting a goal out of it. He’s got wheels, and I don’t think we’ve seen him run like that.”
Jacksonville begins a difficult two game road trip Wednesday in Hempstead, NY against the New York Cosmos. The Cosmos currently sit atop of the combined league table with 24 points and have won both Fall Season games. Following the trip to Long Island, Jacksonville will travel to face big spending Miami FC Saturday. The south Florida expansion club has just one win in 13 competitive matches this year but has spent extravagantly in the last few months to build a strong side, including the purchase of former Armada captain Richie Ryan.
