Phil Ammann
Three weeks to go until Election Day, and for FloridaPolitics.com, the weekend was devoted to covering Rep. Corrine Brown ramping up her campaign.
Brown needs to introduce herself to voters in the western side of her district.
Instead she fielded questions from the Jacksonville media about her federal trial: 22 counts of fraud, failure to disclose, and tax evasion related to One Door for Education, a charity that records show hasn’t dispersed the money taken from contributors, many of whom donated on Brown’s assurances.
Ironically enough, if Saturday’s small sample size was any indication, rural areas may be more favorably disposed to Brown than previously thought.
Brown visited Baker County Saturday, where she talked to a small crowd of white Republicans and Blue Dog Democrats.
The conversation in Glen St. Mary was bereft of drama.
Brown’s entourage was back in Jacksonville later, with just two staffers accompanying her as she greeted voters at a Baker County Democratic Party booth.
In her five-minute address to the crowd, Brown avoided pyrotechnics — such as comparing herself to Martin Luther King, Jr. Instead, she discussed local issues, and how over the years she worked for causes like the MacClenny hospital in the 80s and, more recently, the VA hospital in Gainesville.
The audience treated Brown not like a scandal-plagued defendant, as she has been viewed in the Jacksonville media, but as a visiting statesmanlike figure.
Brown then came back to Duval Sunday to open her campaign headquarters; the usual questions returned, coming ahead of Brown’s status conference Tuesday for her federal trial.
There, Brown didn’t seem familiar with reporters from various outlets. Sunday afternoon duty doesn’t necessarily draw the likes of Jim Piggott and Kent Justice.
She tried to, as she is wont to say these days, “let my work speak for me.”
They were lines familiar to those paying attention. And, unlike in Baker County, Brown used Marissa Alexander as a point of reference.
“As horrible as this is for me, I’ve learned a lot,” Brown said, saying that prosecutors were spending “millions of taxpayer dollars and you make it up as you go.”
“I learned,” Brown added, “more than I ever wanted to know.”
And she’s still learning, apparently.
Her status conference today should answer questions on which law firm will be representing her; Bill Sheppard and Betsy White are apparently passing the baton.
She’s also going to learn who she can — and cannot — trust.
Chief of Staff Ronnie Simmons, a co-defendant, was silent and scowling Sunday as he helped with event setup at Brown’s headquarters.
Will Simmons roll on her in the end? Brown’s latest defense is that she wasn’t the president — nor on the board — of the One Door Foundation.
Which raises the question: Who else could roll on Brown?
Former right-hand woman Von Alexander? One Door head Carla Wiley?
One of Rep. Brown’s local supporters, House District 14 Democrat Kim Daniels, calls the political season “snake season.”
In Brown’s case, the term may be appropriate; August grass gets pretty high. And the vipers have their sharp fangs ready, with an appetite for self-preservation.
***Southern Strategy Group is Florida’s powerhouse lobbying firm with a dedicated Jacksonville office, as well as locations in Miami, Orlando, Tampa and Tallahassee. Our nearly 25 lobbyists work daily to get our clients and their issues in front of key local and state elected officials. Whether in City Hall, the State Capitol or somewhere in between, we’ll work with you to create and execute a strategy that moves your agenda from the starting point through the finish line. Every industry. Every interest. Powerful advocacy begins here. Call us today at 904-425-8765 or visit www.sostrategy.com to learn more.***
“Brown’s supporters speak out about racism and collusion in local politics” via Mark Judson of Folio Weekly – Denise Hunt, an avid local activist and social commentator, believes the charges are a political and racial attack on Brown. “I think the allegations are questionable,” said Hunt. “Really, what I think is that there’s a witch hunt. I think that the focus of [the FBI] and the Justice Department for [the indictment] is far-reaching and … politically motivated.” When asked who would be politically motivated to make such a ploy to get rid of Brown, Hunt points out that Brown is a powerful, African-American member of Congress. “I think it’s being fabricated by a lot of white people who don’t want to see her re-elected because of the power that she’s going to have once she is elected,” said Hunt. Cece Grays, who goes to church with Brown and is a member of the New Jim Crow Movement, also believes the charges leveled against the congresswoman are rooted in politics. She, however, blames State Attorney Angela Corey. “Black women are targeted by the government and they are targeted by Corey,” said Grays. She believes Corey’s history of seeking harsh sentences against African-Americans exposes her racism and bias toward a black woman in Congress. Grays discussed a movement within the local African-American community to have Corey voted out of office. This, according to Grays, was the motivation for a political attack to bring down Brown, an advocate for the community intent on ousting Corey. In addition to Corey’s alleged role, Grays believes Simmons had knowledge of the charity’s fraudulent purpose and withheld the information from Brown. Simmons has also been indicted in the case.
“Glo Smith says God’s ‘audible voice’ told her to run for Congress” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics – What if you called a candidate forum and only one candidate came? That was the dilemma the Baker County Press forum encountered … when its forum of candidates in Congressional District 5 was no-showed by all three Democrats, leaving Republican nominee Glo Smith with the crowd of roughly 200 to herself. Rep. Brown was slated to attend, but with her plane landing at 10:30 a.m. in Jacksonville, a half-hour after the forum began, she couldn’t make the morning session. Smith began with a hardscrabble personal narrative, and ended telling those in the crowd about God told her to run for Congress. Smith realized in 2013 that she could “not have someone like Corrine Brown represent [her] anymore” … God “called” her to run against Brown. She lost in 2014, but she’s back again, running in a more conservative and rural district, yet still divinely ordained. God’s voice “was an audible voice,” Smith said, “with a sweet sound” … “God showed me he had a plan for me,” Smith said.
“CD 4 Republicans to face off at Jacksonville Zoo” via Florida Politics –The forum will be held in the Samburu Room, under the auspices of the Northside Business Leaders, starting at 11:45 a.m. Lunch is $15, which breaks down to roughly $2.14 for the right to hear each of the seven candidates vying to replace Ander Crenshaw. Hans Tanzler, Bill McClure, Ed Malin, Lake Ray, Steve Kaufman, John Rutherford, and Deborah Katz Pueschel are all slated to attend.
“’Pandemonium’ at Duval GOP straw poll; Lake Ray claims fix was in” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics – What a difference a day makes. Last Wednesday night saw the Duval County Republicans united as one under the banner of Donald Trump, in an arena full of people chanting “lock her up” every time things got slow. That façade of unity was shattered just a day later, however. The Duval County GOP straw poll … will be remembered for conflict and threats, acrimony and confrontation, and expletives not fit for a general audience, according to those on hand. And a ballot omitting the name of its most recent former chair. The event probably will be remembered much more for that than the result: John Rutherford won the Duval County GOP straw poll of the 4th Congressional District race over Lake Ray, Ed Malin and Hans Tanzler, with John Rutherford at 116 votes, Ray with 63, Malin at 48 and Tanzler at 19. Ray’s name was … left off the ballot. From there, the situation deteriorated … “Tonight,” Ray said, “the Duval County GOP made a mockery of a time-honored tradition in North Florida politics. Leaving my name off the ballot was completely blatant. Every candidate in CD 4, except for Rutherford walked out in protest. I appreciate my fellow candidates who saw what was happening and saw what the downtown establishment were doing.”
“Politics in St. Johns connects 500 voters with nearly 40 candidates” – Nearly 40 candidates for local and state, and national public offices met with hundreds of residents during the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce’s final Politics in St. Johns event at the Solomon Calhoun Center in St. Augustine … the event featured candidates for state Senate, state Representative, Sheriff, County Commission, Mayor and Commission of St. Augustine and St. Augustine Beach and representatives for candidates seeking the U.S. Senate seat. Registered attendees were able to support their favorite candidates by voting in a straw poll … According to Bob Porter, Chamber government relations manager, the straw poll results aren’t necessarily reflective of what will happen when the official primary polls open at end of August, but it does provide a level of anticipation to the event and immediate feedback to participating candidates. “The straw poll is less about who wins and more about encouraging and providing people incentives to become informed.” Porter said.
“Janet Adkins, Kathy Knight-Burns face off” via Amanda Ream of the Nassau County Record – One candidate focused on cronyism while the other focused on what happens inside the classroom during a debate … State Rep. Adkins and current Nassau County School Board Vice Chair Knight-Burns are the Republican candidates for superintendent of schools. They faced off at Florida State College at Jacksonville’s Nassau Campus and will vie for the Republican nod in the Aug. 30 primary election. Libertarian candidate Cheryl James chose not to participate. She faces either Burns or Adkins in the Nov. 8 general election. Debate moderator Marcia Ladendorff asked the candidates about speculation that James is a “planted candidate” to close the primary and asked how each would regain the trust of disenfranchised voters who are unlikely to have a real vote on who will be the next superintendent. Speculators believe James will drop out of the election after the primary. “It does make you wonder, doesn’t it,” Burns asked. She added that she grew up in a democratic family and appreciates unions. She added that nearly 2,000 voters have changed their voter registration in recent months. Voters can change their party affiliation through Aug. 1 and can again change their registration by Oct. 11 for the general election. As to James, Burns said, “I hope perhaps we’ll see her after Aug. 30.” Adkins responded to Ladendorff’s question by saying she has been accused of a lot recently, including plans to privatize custodial and cafeteria services and eliminate music and the arts. She added that she has no plans to do any of that. As for James, Adkins said, “I do not know Mrs. James. I have nothing to do with her campaign. I have nothing to do with her candidacy.”
“Squabble in Sherwood Forest between HD 14 Democratic campaigns” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics – The House District 14 race between Kim Daniels and Leslie Jean-Bart has gotten increasingly personal with each passing week, but Saturday saw a new milestone. The allegation from Jean-Bart’s camp: Daniels’ team was trailing Jean-Bart’s canvassers, with candidate Daniels herself becoming confrontational with Jean-Bart’s team, even intimidating some canvassers who were as young as 16. FloridaPolitics.com spoke with Angie Nixon of the Jean-Bart campaign … just after police left her house. She told a tale of tactics from the Daniels campaign that crossed the line, with the candidate herself “yelling at children about signs and knocking on doors.” A video records Daniels asserting “I don’t need nobody’s signs in that neighborhood but mine,” as “7413” is “where [she] had Mike Mike,” one of her sons. In an example of microtargeting, the signs call for voters to send Mike Mike’s mother to Tallahassee “I don’t care that the enemy is watching, because guess what, if they come in there, run them out of there,” Daniels said on the video.
“Frontrunners in northeast Florida state House races maintain positions as July ends” via Florida Politics – House District 11: Sheri Treadwell, Cord Byrd, and Donnie Horner are all pretty close in cash-on-hand at this point. House District 12: Clay Yarborough still leads the field with $70,000 on hand, after raising $921 in the last full week of July and spending $11,932. Terrance Freeman raised $2,850 in the same period, with contributions from Nancy Chartrand, Martin Stein and Gate Petroleum. Despite that establishment support, he has just over $15,000 on hand. House District 14: Leslie Jean-Bart and Kim Daniels … Jean-Bart now has over $50,000 on hand, after raising $4,365 in the last week of July … Daniels recorded no new contributions or personal loans in the last week of July, and has roughly $48,500 on hand after a $1,998 spend. House District 13: Reggie Fullwood has just over $13,000 on hand, as the cavalry is taking its time to show up to rescue him. Democratic challenger Tracie Davis has just over $16,400 on hand … Lee Brown raised $100 in the period, giving him over $3,000 on hand, most from a loan; J.R. Gaillot raised $20. Gaillot likewise is mostly self-financed, and has less than $1,000 on hand. Both are “forum and Facebook” candidacies at this point. On the GOP side, Pastor Mark Griffin raised just $276, but he has over $25,000 on hand. Jacksonville City Councilman Aaron Bowman gave Griffin $150.
“Wes White political consultant was once a cop fired for police brutality” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics – Former Nassau County deputy corrections officer Andrew Sasser, fired after pushing and striking an inmate in July 2015, has resurfaced as a political consultant for 4th Circuit State Attorney candidate Wes White. Copblock offered a narrative of the account … “The former deputy claims that the victim made an untoward comment about a female inmate when a verbal confrontation between the two began. He also says that the inmate took an ‘aggressive posture’, although it appears in the video that the aggression was more heavily anchored in the camp of the deputy. During the course of this exchange Sasser becomes increasingly enraged and continues to escalate the situation in every possible way. It finally results with him wrestling the man on the ground while continuing to strike him with multiple limbs.” Adjudication was withheld in his case, and Sasser’s mother, Elizabeth Sasser, said the video doesn’t tell the whole story about the alleged incident of police brutality documented in the video. Saying that there was “no audio,” Mrs. Sasser claimed that her son was acting “how he was trained,” and felt “threatened” by the inmate. Sheriff Bill Leeper disagreed and in August 2015 called Sasser’s conduct “unbecoming of a law enforcement officer.”
“Matt Shirk calls on Florida Times-Union not to endorse in public defender’s race” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics – The problem, said Shirk, stemmed from his late July editorial board interview, which “shocked” and “disappointed” Shirk. Hank Coxe, a supporter of Shirk’s opponent, is a citizen member of the editorial board. Coxe was on hand for the editorial board interview, which multiple sources say caused consternation to Shirk’s supporter who accompanied him to the sit-down. Coxe, whom Shirk describes as an “aggressive fundraiser” for his opponent Charles Cofer, has a “well-documented personal and professional dislike” for Shirk. With this in mind, Shirk believes that the only course of action for the T-U, if it wants to “maintain [its] status” as “objective journalists,” is to withhold its endorsement in that race.
“Political opponent says there is open state investigation of Judge Mark Hulsey” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics – Gov. Rick Scott has appointed 8th Circuit State Attorney Bill Cervone to investigate Jacksonville Judge Hulsey, claims the candidate running against Hulsey for the seat, toward a potential grand jury investigation … Judicial candidate Gerald Wilkerson confirmed he was interviewed by Cervone. Hulsey has been under scrutiny by the Judicial Qualifications Commission for, among other things, an alleged remark in 2011 to a staff attorney that African-Americans “should go get back on a ship and go back to Africa,” exploitation of his staff attorneys by overworking them, and using the ‘C-word’ to describe a female attorney. Hulsey says these charges are without merit.
“Write-in candidate lawsuit heads to Florida Supreme Court” via Elyssa Cherney of the Orlando Sentinel – In Central Florida, the write-in candidacy of a veteran prosecutor in the Orange-Osceola State Attorney race is stopping more than 500,000 voters from casting a ballot this primary. And two write-ins in northeast Orange County’s District 11 Senate race who are not campaigning have blocked Republicans from participating. It’s all possible because of an exception to the state’s closed primaries that critics say is being abused. Now a new filing with the Florida Supreme Court seeks help ferreting out sham candidates. And it could affect races across the state if justices choose to hear it out. It stems from a controversial State Attorney race in Jacksonville after the campaign manager of Republican incumbent Angela Corey … “personally delivered” an opponent’s qualifying papers in Tallahassee, according to the lawsuit. The Jacksonville case hinges on the 1998 Universal Primary Amendment, which allows people of all political affiliations to vote in a primary where all the candidates are from the same party. That’s because the primary winner also clinches the general election if there’s no opposition from across the aisle. Usually, in a closed primary, only registered party members select their representative to advance to the general election. In their lawsuit, Jacobson and Sheppard argued that write-in candidate Daniel Kenneth Leigh, a family law attorney who serves only male clients, is running a sham race and manipulating the provision meant to broaden voter participation. The complaint, first filed in state court in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, states that Leigh donated to Corey … he is “absolutely an Angela Corey supporter.” It asked a civil judge to throw out Leigh’s bid and open the primary to all voters. In response, Leigh cited a recent Florida Supreme Court opinion, handed down in February, which held that write-in candidates count as legitimate opposition, even if they have no real chance of winning. The ruling strengthened the plight of write-ins, and justices said it wasn’t their role to determine the viability of a campaign.
“Blistering feedback for Lenny Curry on Donald Trump event” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics – And though he didn’t have much to say after Trump discussed Jacksonville’s “devastated” economy and businesses looking to leave the First Coast to do business overseas, Curry still got to hear from citizens, who sent messages to his mayoral email account using some of the most pointed language he’s encountered since the Human Rights Ordinance debate. A citizen lamented about Trump’s “despicable comments to the family of a fallen soldier. It is completely disrespectful to our city and our veterans serving, served and fallen to host this man in a place our city has designated as a memorial … I am very curious as to your thoughts and how you plan to NOT ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN!” Others urged Curry not to endorse Trump. “With all due respect … are you crazy? Jax is a military town. After Trump’s statements about Mr. Khan, I hope you reconsider attending Trump’s rally. Even the VFW slammed him,” one correspondent observed.
“Jax leaders demur in addressing Trump’s description of local economic devastation” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics – “Our economic development leaders have been strategically building a diverse economy and targeting industries in which we can build on our strengths — including advanced manufacturing. Several global companies have chosen to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in manufacturing facilities here — from Anheuser-Busch to GE Oil and Gas to Vistakon. We’ve leveraged our international relationships and have seen companies from overseas choosing to invest here in Jacksonville,” wrote Matt Galnor of the JAX Chamber. Curry spokeswoman Marsha Oliver had this to say: “Pension reform is certainly one of the priorities the mayor has identified to help improve Jacksonville’s economic landscape. He has made it clear how growing pension debt is crippling our city. While I am unable to speak about the types of industrial job losses referenced in our area, I can share that over the past year, we have seen economic development and job growth with the establishment and expansion of companies in the finance/insurance, information technology, manufacturing and logistics industries. Our mayor is committed to efforts that build a climate that encourages existing businesses to expand and new businesses to locate in Jacksonville,” Oliver said.
Get smart fast – “Paying for Pensions: How Jacksonville arrived at the Aug. 30 sales tax referendum” via Christopher Hong and David Bauerlein of the Florida Times-Union – After years of hearing about Jacksonville’s alarming pension struggles, voters will be asked later this month to approve a plan that Curry says will pay off the spiraling $2.85 billion pension debt that cripples City Hall’s spending on quality-of-life initiatives, like hiring police officers, expanding library hours and maintaining parks and roads. How did Jacksonville get here? City leaders have called for pension reform since as early as 2008, when Florida TaxWatch, a nonprofit government watchdog group, raised concerns that Jacksonville owed $798 million at the time for police and firefighter pensions. The debt to that pension fund, the biggest source of the city’s pension woes, now stands at $1.8 billion. Since that time, the city has been forced to spend vast sums toward its pension debt and neglect quality-of-life services and other pressing needs as a result. Next year, the city is expected to pay a fifth of its operating budget on its pension costs … pension funds’ assets were hit hard during the stock market’s dismal stretches in the early 2000s and even worse by the crash in 2008. Although the funds eventually recovered their losses, it wasn’t nearly enough to keep pace with the snowballing debt. As the city’s pension debt payments began to explode several years ago, they came on top of other financial difficulties, like the sluggish economy and falling property values that were already menacing the city’s finances. As a result, city officials were forced to place quality-of-life spending on the back burner and neglect investing in its aging infrastructure. The city hiked the property tax rate by 14 percent in 2013 in order to prevent sweeping layoffs and across-the-board cuts.
“Experts say pension-tax solution will work, but critics question the cost” via David Bauerlein of the Florida Times-Union – Curry says a half-cent sales tax on the Aug. 30 ballot will clear the path for solving Jacksonville’s pension crisis “once and for all” so the city can finally move forward after years of being held back by exploding pension costs. “If we get a ‘yes’ vote Aug. 30, it is a brand-new day for the city of Jacksonville,” he said at a recent news conference. Will his plan work? It’s a crucial question for voters to decide in a city where past decisions by city leaders, combined with the 2008 stock market crash, turned Jacksonville into a poster child for financially troubled pension plans. outside pension experts reviewed a financial analysis of Curry’s plan. They say it appears the numbers add up, but they also point to something Curry doesn’t talk about in television ads urging support for the sales tax: His plan will cost substantially more in the long run. By taking years longer to pay off the pension debt, Curry’s plan would add about $1.5 billion more in pension payments through 2049 — taxpayer dollars that would flow to pension expenses rather than other city needs. “It’s not some kind of free lunch,” said Jean-Pierre Aubry, associate director for research at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. “It’s coming from taxpayers down the road.” It’s the same kind of trade-off that happens when someone extends the payment period for a home mortgage or takes more time to pay off credit card debt, said David Draine, a Pew Charitable Trusts researcher who studies pension plans nationwide. “If I pay less now, interest on the debt will mean I will pay more later,” Draine said. “If I’ve got a reason to think I can afford those higher costs later, that may be a fiscally prudent thing to do.”
“Yes for Jacksonville finishes July with $255K fundraising week, nears $1M cash on hand” via Florida Politics – All told, the committee has raised nearly $1.6 million, and has just under $1 million cash-on-hand. All of the new money was reported as received July 29, with the usual big donors contributing big money. Wayne Weaver went $50,000 deep, as did Black Knight Financial Services. EverBank Financial Services donated $25,000.
The loyal opposition – “Just say no to the pension tax: An alternative opinion of Curry’s pension sales tax extension” via Fred Matthews of Folio Weekly – Why it should be a “no” vote. First, the mayor’s proposal does nothing to fix the pension deficit owed by the city today. Extending the current sales tax beyond its expiration 2030 date merely assures city financiers that there will be revenue in future years. Second, it does not state that the city will pay its share of the pension fund in the current fiscal year or the next. And what exactly is the city’s share of the pension fund? Curry’s not saying and only a select few city councilpersons can tell you. Third, by attacking the amount of salary taken by the now-former pension fund executive director John Keane and the purported mismanagement of the fund by the pension board, a tailor-made scapegoat for why the city of Jacksonville should not pay its share (whatever that is) was put to the public. A public that knows next to nothing about it. An underlying part of the pension reform plan would be to get rid of the guaranteed retirement plan for all future city employees, including police and fire personnel. If this plan is ultimately approved by the City Council, first responders would have little incentive to stay on the job unless that pension cut is coupled with a higher salary (unlikely). A recent look at the mayor’s pension fund proposal by a Task Force created by Sheriff Mike Williams makes it clear that Jacksonville is in no danger of becoming another Detroit. By ignoring the right thing to do in favor of the conservative political principle of no new taxes, Mayor Curry rides the wave of his party. An ad valorem tax is in order. But it won’t happen on Curry’s watch.
“Jacksonville business leader helps establish chamber of commerce in Puerto Rico” via Drew Dixon of the Florida Times-Union – Nancy Quinones, CEO and president of the Puerto Rican-Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Duval and Clay counties, has been in northeastern Puerto Rico since July 20 establishing a new chamber of commerce in her homeland. Quinones opened the first Chamber of Commerce of Northeast Puerto Rico July 29. “We are going to start visiting all the cities that are under our name,” Quinones said, noting she visited the island in March to research the possible need of a business networking organization. While the new chamber of commerce is based in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, it serves 17 towns in the surrounding area. Within the first week, 10 small businesses became members, Quinones said, and she expects more to sign up before she returns to Jacksonville by the end of this month. She plans to hold the first official meeting of the new chamber members within days.
“June sets new record for Jacksonville’s tourism industry” via Visit Jacksonville – June is now the 32nd month of consecutive Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) growth for our county … Both Transient and Group Occupancy and ADR (Average Daily Rate) saw gains over June 2015: Group Occupancy was up nearly 10,000 Room Nights sold. 6.3 percent higher than 2015. Transient Room Nights were up 12.9 percent with 17,100 Room Nights sold. June Occupancy was at 73.6 percent, that is 6.5 percent higher than 2015. June Hotel Room Revenue was $34,680,578. That is a 12.1 percent gain over the same month in 2015 and the highest collection ever for a June in Jacksonville. Duval County’s performance exceeded the U.S. averages for growth over June 2015. The U.S. Average only saw an Occupancy growth of 0.3 percent while Duval saw a 6.5 percent growth in June 2016. Duval had a 12.1 percent RevPAR growth while the U.S. Average was only 3.8 percent in June 2016. So far in 2016, Duval County is averaging above the growth of the rest of the nation. The U.S. average is just a 0.1 percent growth in Occupancy and a 3.1 growth in Revenue Per Available Room. Duval stands at 4.4 percent Occupancy growth and 11.1 percent in RevPAR growth so far in 2016.
“Fairway Oaks residents say they won’t let up until there’s solution” via Lindsey Kilbride of WJCT – Residents of the Northside’s Fairway Oaks neighborhood protested outside of HabiJax … They want the nonprofit that builds low-income housing to fix their HabiJax homes or relocate them before it receives any city money to build more. Fairway Oaks residents say their homes were built on unstable land, and now their houses have cracked foundations … People were holding signs. One read: “God says let my people go. Do right by the people!” Residents are upset because the city is considering awarding the Jacksonville Habitat for Humanity branch more than $840,000 to build new homes. HabiJax CEO Mary Kay O’Rourke said those dollars are needed to build in the New town Success area. “We have families waiting, there’s need for housing as part of the neighborhood revitalization,” O’Rourke said.
“Jacksonville Housing Authority receives self-sufficiency program grant” – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded the Jacksonville Housing Authority (JHA) a grant to continue providing self-sufficiency programs to Jacksonville families. JHA will use the $271,283 grant to provide service coordination to approximately 300 to 400 residents next year as part of the Family Self-Service Program, which enables HUD-assisted families to grow their earned income and reduce their dependency on welfare assistance. “This is great news for the Jacksonville Housing Authority and the families we serve,” said JHA CEO Fred McKinnies. “The Family Self-Sufficiency Program is a proven game-changer for many families here in Jacksonville.”
“I-295 express lanes in Jacksonville to be completed early next year” via Pressly Pratt of WJCT – The Interstate-295 West Beltway Express Lanes from the Buckman Bridge to Interstate-95 are expected to be completed in early 2017. The Express Lanes, which will have a toll, will be another option for commuters. The regular lanes will remain open and free. “(The Express Lanes) will help alleviate the traffic on the general use lanes, as well, because if I’m in a rush and my neighbor’s not, I’m going to get out of the general use lanes, and therefore alleviate the traffic there,” said Florida Department of Transportation spokesman Hampton Ray. The toll will fluctuate depending on levels of traffic, so that when traffic is lower, the price will be lower, and when traffic is higher, the price will be higher. The minimum toll will be 50 cents. The First Coast Flyer, Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s new rapid transit service, is currently constructing a route from Kings Avenue Skyway Station/Manning Street to Avenues Walk/Southside Boulevard along Philips Highway. It will be completed Dec. 5.
“JAXPORT names new senior director, corporate administration” – JAXPORT has promoted Linda Williams to the position of Senior Director, Corporate Administration … Williams will assume the additional responsibility of directing JAXPORT’s Human Resources programs, including employee compensation, benefits and labor relations. She will continue to oversee corporate performance, audit and compliance, and ethics. Williams has been with the port for 25 years and holds certifications in Transportation and Logistics (CTL), Corporate Compliance and Ethics (CCEP) and Green Belt Six Sigma. She is also a certified Florida Public Sector Labor Relations Professional and is a member of the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics as well as the Society for Human Resource Management. In 2014, Williams was inducted into Delta Mu Delta, the International Honor Society for Business.
“Panel topics announced for JAXPORT’s 2017 logistics & intermodal conference” – Organizers released the list of panel topics to be discussed during JAXPORT’s biennial Logistics & Intermodal Conference, which will be held March 20-22, 2017 at the World Golf Village Renaissance Resort in St. Augustine … The 2017 conference will feature these five panel discussions sharing insights, solutions and successes: The ShakeOut from Shifting Ocean Carrier Alliances … The New Political Landscape and its Impact on the Maritime Industry … Big Data and Emerging Technologies in Transportation & Logistics … Disruptions in the Finished Vehicle Supply Chain … Outlook on Caribbean Trade … Panelists will include senior executives from major ocean carriers, railroads, shippers and service providers and a full listing will be released soon.
“Jacksonville’s EverBank agrees to acquisiton terms with TIAA” via Drew Dixon of the Florida Times-Union – TIAA, headquarted in New York City, announced the agreement to acquire EverBank, a nationwide consumer and commercial bank with $27.4 billion in total assets. Under the terms of the agreement, EverBank stockholders will receive $19.50 per share in cash, or an approximate total of $2.5 billion when the deal closes. TIAA President and CEO Roger Ferguson said there’s a lot to like about the acquisition which likely won’t be finalized and closed until mid 2017. “From the standpoint of TIAA, this acquisition significantly expands our banking capabilities. It brings savings and lending products to our participants that complement our full suite of retirement, investment and advisory services. So, we’re very excited about it,” Ferguson said. Kathie Andrade, CEO TIAA retail services, said the acquisition will expand TIAA’s footprint in financial services.
Meanwhile … “Jaguars: No discussions on EverBank Field name” via Mark Basch of the Jacksonville Financial News & Daily Record – EverBank Financial Corp. agreed to a buyout after several weeks of negotiations, but the company has not talked to the Jacksonville Jaguars about how that will impact naming rights to the team’s stadium, EverBank Field. “We have not had any discussions on this subject and will need to learn more regarding their future branding plans before we will be in a position to comment,” the Jaguars said in a statement … The agreement calls for EverBank to merge with TIAA’s bank subsidiary, maintaining the headquarters of the bank in Jacksonville. However, the companies have not yet decided if they will keep the EverBank brand name for the bank.
“Made in Jax: G2 I.D. Source grows to multimillion labeling company in eight years” via Drew Dixon of the Florida Times-Union – What started from nothing generated $3.2 million in revenues in 2015 and is projected to bring in about $4 million in revenue by the end of this year, with plans in the works to expand the facilities and hire more workers. G2 I.D. Source co-founders Terry Cochran and Dave Frederick said the operations of the business today, with over 600 clients nationwide, are a long way from the beginning of the shop that was opened in 2008 just before the Great Recession took hold. It was just the two of them running the show. “We sometimes don’t stop and look at what we’ve done,” Cochran said. “We keep grinding away” … “It’s surreal,” Frederick said, noting he used his own savings to get the business up and running while bypassing business loans. Both men had deep backgrounds in the label and printing industry before opening G2 I.D. Source. But they got tired of working for other people. In a sense, G2 I.D. was a startup business long before the term turned into a catchphrase for millennials. And it was started at just about the worst time, as the recession was about to engulf the U.S. economy. Intuition, knowledge of the industry and knowing how to set up presses in the production area were likely the biggest contributors to moving the business beyond the incubation phase, Cochran said.
“Yodle deal transforms Web.com” via Mark Basch of the Jacksonville Financial News & Daily Record – Web.com Group Inc. reported higher-than-expected earnings for the second quarter, its first full quarter since acquiring digital marketing company Yodle in March … The Jacksonville-based company’s adjusted second-quarter earnings of 62 cents a share was higher than its own forecast of 57 cents to 61 cents, and also higher than second-quarter 2015 earnings of 60 cents … CEO David Brown said the results confirm the “strong strategic fit” of Yodle and explained how the deal has transformed Web.com, which has provided website development services for small and medium-sized businesses. “Value-added digital marketing solutions continue to contribute to our top-line growth and now makes up a majority of our business. It is also the fastest-growing component of our revenue,” he said. Web.com in June announced a realignment of its top management, which included putting three former Yodle executives in high-level positions. Brown said … the realignment was “focused on providing clear leadership in the areas of the business where we expect to drive faster growth over time as well as the parts of the business which we previously discussed are more mature and are under competitive pressure.”
Happening Thursday – Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam will give a speech at the Nassau County Republican Party’s Lincoln Day Dinner. Event begins 7 p.m. at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Conference Center, 39 Beach Lagoon Road in Amelia Island.
“City boards, commissions under the microscope” via David Chapman of the Jacksonville Financial News & Daily Record – The Courthouse Architectural Review Committee. Jacksonville Fire Museum Fire Advisory. St. Johns River Ferry Commission. They’re among more than 40 entities City Council has created over the years to deal with various city issues that need a little extra, dedicated attention. Over the next year, they’ll each be under the council’s microscope. Some might end up being sunset. Others might need tweaks when it comes to the group’s purpose or if the board needs help filling positions due to consistent vacancies. Getting to this decision was a matter of timing, said council President Lori Boyer. The review was one of the many recommendations a task force on consolidation made when it concluded its work in late 2014. That effort was led by Boyer, but a recent push by council member Tommy Hazouri led to a concerted effort to look at the groups. “It’s not enough to just have them,” said Hazouri.
“Clay School Board to discuss allegations against superintendent” via Teresa Stepzinski of the Florida Times-Union – The Clay County School Board will meet in special session Wednesdaynight to discuss accusations of fraud and unethical behavior by a former high school principal against Superintendent Charlie Van Zant Jr. Board Chairwoman Johnna McKinnon, in an email … announced she called the special meeting for 7 p.m. at the Fleming Island High School Teacher Training Center, 2233 Village Square Parkway, Fleming Island. “I believe it is in the best interest of the district that we hold a special meeting for the purpose of reviewing the facts surrounding allegations brought to the board last week,” wrote McKinnon, who has been a staunch ally of Van Zant. “As board chair, I have a responsibility to remain objective and neutral. When an individual within the district raises concerns of this nature, it is normal to undertake a fact-finding process.” The only item on the agenda states: “review issues raised in a letter sent by an individual within the District to the School Board August 4, 2016, and determine whether further action is necessary.” Susan Sailor, former principal of Keystone Heights High School, accuses Van Zant of defrauding the state and/or federal Department of Education by falsely labeling students as Exceptional Student Education, or ESE. She also accused Van Zant of having senior staff including her do his homework and write his research papers as he worked on his master’s degree. The allegations were in a letter Sailor sent all five board members Thursday. Van Zant refuted Sailor’s accusations in a video posted on his Facebook page. Referring to Davis, he said “my liberal opponent who has made up everything he can think of to attack and discredit me.” Van Zant defended his master’s degree in organizational leadership from Regent University by saying he got feedback from staff members for a variety of projects. He attacked Sailor’s accusations as politically motivated.
“Mobeen Rathore to serve on special board for pediatric infectious diseases” – In January, Rathore will begin a six-year term on the sub-board on pediatric infectious diseases for the American Board of Pediatrics, which certifies physicians in more than 20 specialties. Rathore … will attend his first sub-board meeting in November to further prepare for when he officially joins the group in the new year. Rathore has worked in the specialty of pediatric infectious diseases for nearly 30 years as a clinician, educator and researcher. He was among the first physicians to be certified by the sub-board. He now looks forward to this new opportunity and believes he will bring much experience and perspective to the group. “I have been active in the leadership of our professional society and have advocated for the best and brightest to come into our specialty,” he said. Rathore is chief of the division of pediatric infectious diseases and immunology and director of the UF Center for HIV/AIDS Research, Education and Service (UF CARES) at UF COMJ. He started the first pediatric infectious diseases training program in Florida and continues to educate fellows locally and across the country.
“CEO: Layoffs expected in Wounded Warrior Project overhaul” via The Associated Press – Michael Linnington said he was in the middle of an assessment that includes meeting with veterans, donors and other groups that help wounded troops. Details about the restructuring will be announced in September, but Linnington said he anticipates laying off some of the charity’s 600 employees, cutting its funding for smaller veterans’ groups and cutting some executives’ salaries. Linnington took over as the Jacksonville-based charity’s CEO in July. The retired Army lieutenant general previously led the military agency that searches for and identifies the remains of missing servicemen. The Wounded Warrior Project hired Linnington to replace former CEO Steven Nardizzi and chief operating officer Al Giordano, who were fired in March amid questions raised by New York Times and CBS News investigations into the nonprofit organization’s spending. Employees and charity watchdogs alleged the charity was profiteering off veterans and spent lavishly on extravagant parties and last-minute, business-class air travel.
“Bolles school grad Ryan Murphy wins gold in 100 back” via Clayton Freeman of the Florida Times-Union – Murphy is now the fastest in the Olympics – ever. With a splendid closing sprint in his first Olympic final, the Bolles School graduate capped a golden 24 hours for Jacksonville swimming. Murphy won the gold medal in Olympic record time for the United States in the men’s 100-meter backstroke Monday in Rio de Janeiro. Murphy stood fourth after the first 50 meters, but finished with tremendous speed to win in 51.97 ahead of Xu Jiayu of China and American teammate David Plummer. The 21-year-old senior at the University of California has more medal opportunities later this week. On Wednesday, Murphy will begin preliminaries in the 200 back, where his best time in 2016 ranks only 0.05 seconds behind world champion Mitch Larkin of Australia. Murphy is also scheduled to swim on the American 4×100 medley relay squad. The heats for that event are Friday, with the final Saturday.
“After two years in Canada, Jaguars CB Johnson trying to make the most of his NFL second chance” via Mike Kaye of WTLV – For Johnson, the road back to the NFL has, for right now, worked. The 25-year-old from Dade City … needed to spend two years north of the United States border to finally find a new NFL home. After going undrafted out of Purdue, the 5-foot-9, 200-pound cornerback signed with the San Diego Chargers in 2013. The offseason was filled with opportunity and let down, as Johnson competed as a depth defensive back and punt returner. Johnson was waived after the preseason and was unable to get an offer elsewhere. Lacking in size compared to the NFL’s new prototype of 6-foot, 205-pound cornerbacks, Johnson was forced to take his talents elsewhere to play the game he loved. He spent two seasons with the British Columbia Lions, posting 100 tackles, five sacks and three interceptions during his tenure. His work was noticed by the Jaguars, who hosted him and several other NFL hopefuls for a workout toward the end of last season. Johnson wasn’t signed initially. He was still on the street when the Jaguars called him right before Valentine’s Day. Cupid’s arrow had arrived early to matchup Johnson with a team that played football just a few hours away from his family and friends. “To be honest with you I thank God every day and just thanking the Jags for giving me the opportunity to be here,” Johnson said. “From being in Canada and having to work my way back Is just, like I said, I’m blessed.”
“Jaguars defense; nowhere to go but up” via Gary Shelton of Florida Politics – Perhaps the cure came through the draft, where the Jacksonville Jaguars landed cornerback Jalen Ramsey and linebacker Myles Jack.
Perhaps it came through free agency, where the team signed defensive tackle Malik Jackson, safety Tashaun Gipson and cornerback Prince Amukamara.
Perhaps it even came from last year’s draft, where defensive end Dante Fowler looks ready to make his impact.
Fowler, in fact, has been one of the most impressive Jags in camp.
“I’ve still got to get my explosiveness back,” said Fowler, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee 15 months ago. “I feel faster, so I can only imagine how it’s going to be when everything comes back. I still have work to put in. … I’m not saying I’m 80 percent. I’m there, but I just know where I can be.”
The third overall pick in the 2015 draft has made his presence known so far. It’s hard to tell he ever left the field.
“We love the energy and the effort that he plays with,” new defensive coordinator Todd Wash said.
“We’re not limiting him at all right now. He goes out and he’s physical on stuff. We just have to get him to slow down and play within himself. He tries to do too much at times. He is a little bit of a bull in a china closet at times.”
Linebacker Telvin Smith expects better things from the defense.
“I would just say, we have a lot more confidence and the expectations of the team and how we should produce is really big right now for us,” Smith said. “We’re trying to ride this wave until it’s done.”
Holdovers Yannick Ngokoue and Sheldon Day also seem prepared to help.
“I think we’re seeing some flashes along the way,” Wash said. “We have to have more consistency. We play really well in some spurts and then all of a sudden we have a couple bad things go on.
“Consistency is the big thing. I see the players understanding how detailed it is. Exactly what we want from them and they’re executing that. It’s just a consistency part we have to keep improving on.”
The Jaguars ranked at the bottom of the league in nearly every defensive category in 2015.
“We have to go out there and lay down the law and let offenses know that this is how it’s going to go today,” Jackson said.
Fowler, though, is setting the example.
“Everybody’s going to have a tone-setter,” he said. “I’m not a very vocal leader, but I like to lead by example by showing my play on the field and how to play. Hopefully, they can follow it and like it, and we’ll eventually come along.”
That’s the thing about the defense of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Players are coming from all over to help out this team.
Mind you, the Jags needed it. They gave up 448 points last year, which was too much of a strain even for an offense with Blake Bortles and Allen Robinson and Allen Hurd. Jacksonville could score, but it couldn’t stop anyone else.
This year figures to be different. When half the defense is new, it’s bound to be.
But for the first time in a long time, there are players on the defense of the Jags. And a way to see the team getting better.
“Armada part ways with Tony Meola and Jim Rooney” via Kartik Krishnaiyer of Florida Politics – In a move that was expected by some but still came as a shock to many fans, the Jacksonville Armada FC parted company with Head Coach/Technical Director Tony Meola and Assistant Coach Jim Rooney Sunday, less than 24 hours after a 2-2 draw with the Carolina RailHawks. The draw was the Armada’s six successive game without a win. The club has earned just 12 points in 18 overall matches this NASL season, a record that would threaten a team with relegation to a lower division in another league.
“I will never waver in my commitment to our fans of giving them a team that competes for championships,” said Armada owner and CEO Mark Frisch. “Unfortunately, our results this season have not reflected that promise. After much thought and careful consideration, I strongly believe this is the best decision to make for our club, players and loyal supporters.”
Assistant Coach Mark Lowery has been named the interim coach for the remainder of the NASL campaign. Lowery becomes the fifth Head Coach Jacksonville has had in less than 50 league games, a remarkable number no matter how you cut it.
While the Armada has struggled the sale of newly acquired players Richie Ryan and Matt Fondy didn’t help the cause. Ryan was sold just weeks into the campaign despite being named captain of the club and Fondy was sold to Carolina, Saturday’s opposition after just 10 games. Fondy’s sale in particular can be questioned because he has been effective for the RailHawks in a way that he might have been for Jacksonville had they remained patient.
The Armada face Ottawa Saturday in Ontario badly needing a win to jump-start the ailing campaign.
