A.G. Gancarski
The Jacksonville Daily Record reports Jacksonville’s University Club, a local institution of power and prestige for nearly a half-century, is slated to close Dec. 20.
For political junkies, the closing of the space on the 27th floor of the Southbank’s Riverplace Tower has an especial effect: it will force the monthly First Coast Tiger Bay Club to relocate.
Tiger Bay was rebranded in 2000 from its original name, the Bull Snort forum, where presidents Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, and G.H.W. Bush all spoke.
While other political events, such as a recent meet-and-greet with Congressional District 5’s Democratic nominee Al Lawson, happen there, Tiger Bay’s monthly meetings have offered uniquely elevated debates that get coverage routinely by local media.
Perhaps the most lively debate First Coast Tiger Bay held this campaign season was a barnburner of a GOP primary debate between public defender candidates Charles Cofer and Matt Shirk … which turned out to be the only debate of the season between Cofer, the ultimate nominee, and the incumbent he trounced by 50 points Aug. 30.
However, with just three meetings left this year for First Coast Tiger Bay, uncertainty looms over where the organization relocates to after its November meeting, said Secretary Henry Cordes Thursday.
Cordes said there was “urgency” to find a new location in an expedited timeframe, with the decision of the University Club’s parent corporation to close the Jacksonville location one that “sets us back a little bit.”
“We’re regrouping, to find out where we can go,” Cordes said.
A potential option: the Omni Hotel downtown, which already hosts organizations such as the local Rotary Club.
The River Club is being considered also, Cordes said, though parking is a concern.
Cordes said Tiger Bay has been at the Southbank location for over a decade. Previously, the group met at the San Jose Country Club.
The preference on the executive level seems to be to keep meetings downtown, though ultimately that is up in the air until contracts are signed.
A board meeting tomorrow, said Cordes, will offer further resolution on the path forward.
