Diverse donor mix for political committee selling Jacksonville pension tax

In the most recent reporting period from July 9 to July 22, the “Yes for Jacksonville” political committee raised and spent over $250,000, as the marketing campaign ahead of the Aug. 30 County Referendum 1 kicks into high gear.

The money raised includes a blend of big-dollar donations, some from outside of Duval County, and more modest contributions from members of Jacksonville’s political class.

Among the larger donations: $50,000 from Fidelity Information Services; $50,000 from the PGA of America, with an address in Palm Beach Gardens; $25,000 from Gai Consultants of Orlando; $25,000 from J.B. Coxwell, the politically active contractor that previously employed Jacksonville’s Chief Administrative Officer Sam Mousa; $25,000 from Swisher International; $10,000 from Mac Papers; and $5,000 from Tote Maritime Puerto Rico.

However, the smaller contributions have some noteworthy names also.

Christopher Warren, who handles government relations for the University of North Florida, gave $50. As did Nicole Spradley, assistant to Jacksonville City Council President Lori Boyer, and Josh Cockrell, director of economic development for lobbying group Infinity Global Solutions.

Most of the spend in the most recent reporting period was on media: a $225,000 ad buy that will mean 30-second spots distilling the pitch, including Mayor Lenny Curry and leading Democrats like Councilman Tommy Hazouri, will be ubiquitous on local airwaves.

“Yes for Jacksonville,” all told, has just over $798,000 on hand. It has raised just over $1.336 million, and has spent just over $538,000.