Phil Ammann
On this day ten years ago, FloridaPolitics.com’s A.G. Gancarski reviewed a book called “Absentee and Early Voting: Trends, Promises and Perils.”
In it was a forecast that expansion of absentee and early voting was inevitable; that prediction has come to pass a decade later, as the 2016 election shows a heavy early voting concentration.
And Duval County is no exception.
On FloridaPolitics.com Thursday, Steve Schale — who helped President Obama win Florida twice — gave his take on “Dirty Duval.”
“I continue to feel very good about Duval, even though the GOP had a good day in VBM returns, Democrats once again won the in-person early vote,” Schale wrote. “This is a county where Clinton could significantly reduce the huge [George W.] Bush margins of 2000 and 2004 (61K votes in 2004!).”
Obama, of course, narrowed the gap significantly in Duval, losing by fewer than 8,000 votes in 2008 and fewer than 15,000 votes in 2012.
Duval County has been a Republican Party firewall for decades. But it’s becoming more “blue,” a consequence of a population influx from more liberal regions and a general increase in a cosmopolitan mindset.
At this writing — 3:10 p.m. Thursday — Republicans are outperforming Democrats in turnout, despite there being roughly 240,000 Democrats and 20,000 fewer Republicans registered. Of Republicans, 42,199 had voted, compared to 40,649 Democrats.
The Republican Party advantage as of Thursday afternoon: 4,450 votes by mail.
Note: those numbers will change.
Democrats, meanwhile, are winning the early voting battle.
That won’t change.
And by no later than Souls to the Polls Sunday, they will likely be ahead en masse.
Nate Monroe of the Florida Times-Union made some interesting points on his Twitter feed that bear watching.
One notable point: in a 74 vote micro-sample from NE Florida, weighted + 13 GOP, Hillary Clinton was actually up by a point.
Another significant point he alluded to: in early voting locations — the Bradham & Brooks Library, Legends Community Center, Gateway Town Center and Highlands Library — early voting totals have lagged, at least before the inevitable weekend surge.
As of Thursday afternoon, Bradham and Brooks, Gateway and Legends were, in fact, the worst performing locations.
Will that trend last?
One factor that could perpetuate it: the turnout machine of Corrine Brown has been shut down, as Tallahassee Al Lawson takes over control of Florida’s 5th Congressional District.
Worth watching: whether the Hillary Clinton campaign, mindful that an essential component of the Democratic turnout machine is no longer a factor, sends a meaningful surrogate to Gateway Mall either this Sunday or the next.
***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.***
“See who on the first Coast contributed to Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump” via Craig Douglas of the Jacksonville Business Journal – Federal election data show that Clinton’s campaign for the presidency generated roughly $184.7 million in individual donations from residents of U.S. cities as of Sept. 1, the latest reporting period available. That’s about seven times what the Trump camp had raised as it headed into the final stretch of the election cycle. In Jacksonville, the Trump’s campaign has received about 180 donations this calendar year, while the Clinton campaign has received 1,045. (Each donation has been individually counted, even if the donor contributed previously.) The figures … do not include so-called “soft money” contributions to political action committees that are affiliated with causes and public policies supported by the candidates. As of Sept. 1, some 73 percent of Clinton’s financial support from individual donors was concentrated in 10 states, with California ($42.2 million) and New York ($29.3 million) accounting for more than a third of her total haul. She had raised at least $1 million from individual donors in 27 different states.
“Visit, tweet from Donald Trump put Sheriff’s Office in confusing spot” via Stewart Korfage of the St. Augustine Record – St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office … accommodated a request from the Trump campaign to allow the nominee to meet with first responders and other personnel while visiting the area for a rally … Images from the meeting were posted on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, which led many to believe it was an endorsement of Trump’s candidacy. Chief among those were leaders of the Trump campaign. They tweeted: “Honored to receive an endorsement from @SJSOPIO – thank you! Together, we are going to MAKE AMERICA SAFE &GREAT AGAIN!” The tweet was even retweeted by the Sheriff’s Office and later taken down, adding to the confusion. Since then, the Sheriff’s Office has tried to clarify the situation, posting on Facebook that “Comments have been made that the SJSO has endorsed a candidate for president. The Sheriff’s Office nor Sheriff Shoar have made any endorsement of a presidential candidate, on behalf of the men and women of the SJSO.”
“The MONSTER Next Door: hate groups crawl out of the shadows in Northeast Florida” via Claire Goforth of Folio Weekly – In many ways, Ken Parker is everything you’d expect of a Grand Dragon of the Loyal White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan: a white man with a dead-end job in his mid-30s who lives in a mid-to-lower income apartment in a mid-to-lower-income apartment complex in a city in the American South, a rabid anti-Semitic who opposes homosexuality, peppers his speech with racial slurs too abhorrent for print and longs for the good ol’ days when the KKK ruled the South. He’s also a Navy veteran, Hillary Clinton supporter (he says) and rather friendly for someone who wishes that all nonwhite, non-Christian, non-straight people would leave the country. In … “Klan Attempts to Prove It Still Exists,” we wrote, “This was the latest local effort to recruit perpetual-adolescent bigots with low IQs and big dreams of reliving the pre-Civil War ‘glory days’ when their ancestors were poor yeoman farmers one drought from starvation,” and referred to his “(probably) dumpy Southside, Jacksonville home.” Upon reading the foregoing satire about “a couple of ignorant Southside boys” who “were still sleeping off a mighty hangover courtesy of cheap domestic and had not yet mustered the gumption to roll off the bare mattresses on which they rest their greasy mullets night after night,” Parker called, messaged and emailed the FW offices to set the record straight. He wasn’t peeved about the name-calling, the assumption that he has a mullet (he doesn’t) or the insult to his ancestors; no, Parker took issue with the assertion that he lives in a dump. Days later, FW sat down in a modest two-bedroom walk-up that, other than the collection of KKK and Nazi memorabilia, could be any apartment in Jacksonville. The sounds of a television drifted through a closed bedroom door as Parker sat at his dining room table with the windows closed and shades mostly drawn to the bright afternoon sun, chain-smoking generic cigarettes and chatting animatedly for over an hour about his worldview, which includes historical inaccuracies, propaganda and opinions most would deem racist. This is America. Ken Parker is an American man.
“No winners in Wednesday’s 4th Congressional District debate” via AG Gancarski of Florida Politics – For one thing, Republican John Rutherford passed on the event. It was a wise move. He would have gained little from the experience, and would have exposed himself to downside risk. Democrat Dave Bruderly debated write-in/independent candidates Danny Murphy and Gary Koniz … The event, held on the North Campus of Florida State College – Jacksonville, drew a student-heavy crowd and offered little in the way of fireworks or dramatic moments. To draw bipartisan parity, Bruderly repeatedly tried to draw contrasts between himself and his absent opponent, which seemed mostly lost on the dozens in attendance, during rather superficial policy discussions throughout the hourlong event. The first question dealt with government regulations, and whether they encourage wasteful spending. The answers from all parties were vanilla. In the primary, Rutherford faced a group of impressive candidates, including a legislator with decades of experience, and a legacy candidate who could self-finance and fundraise his way to a million-dollar campaign. In the general election, there is no equivalent operation, and no state or national Democratic Party support for a candidate like Bruderly. That’s not John Rutherford’s problem to solve. That’s the Democratic Party’s.
“John Rutherford banks $25K in recent contributions” via AG Gancarski of Florida Politics – … and the money came from a combination of political committees and stalwarts of the Northeast Florida donor class. Perhaps the most interesting donations: $2,700 each from David Hutson and Nancy Hutson of The Hutson Companies. Sen. Travis Hutson was a staunch supporter of Hans Tanzler in the primary. CSX President Clarence Gooden and his wife each gave $2,500. Also backing Rutherford: the Florida East Coast Industries political committee, the Automotive Free International Trade PAC, and the National Pro-Life Alliance PAC.
“Corrine Brown/Ronnie Simmons fraud trial pushed back to April 2017” via AG Gancarski of Florida Politics – There seemed to be daylight between strategy and preparation between the lawyers for Brown and Simmons, suggesting a practical reason for trying the defendants separately. They agreed on one thing: citing voluminous discovery, both wanted a trial in June 2017. The prosecution objected, however, saying February gave them enough time to review discovery. Despite the compelling interest in a “speedy trial,” Judge Timothy Corrigan noted these defense lawyers came in in the middle of the case. “This is a case that does require voluminous discovery,” Corrigan said, requiring review and contextualization of the material. Corrigan offered a Solomonic compromise: a continuance to April 24, when jury selection begins, and the trial would be tried to conclusion beginning April 26.
“New money pours in for Al Lawson, Glo Smith in CD 5 race” via AG Gancarski of Florida Politics – Lawson raised $21,000 between Oct. 20 and Oct. 24, highlighted by $5,000 contributions from the Service Employees International Union and the National Beer Wholesalers Association. Smith wasn’t too far behind. Her $16,000 raised in the last week came from individual contributors, mostly associated with two medical clinics outside of the district. While there has been parity in terms of recent contributions, Smith has a lot of ground to make up. As of the October quarterly filing, Smith had $11,908 on hand, well behind Lawson, who had $79,309 on hand.
“Nominally opposed NE Florida state House candidates keep fundraising” via Florida Politics – In HD 11, Cord Byrd raised $2,500, as part of the almost $8,000 he’s raised since his primary victory. Byrd, who wasn’t the establishment choice before Aug. 30, scored checks from TECO Energy, Rayonier, Dosal Tobacco and Southern Garden Groves. Of those companies, only Rayonier is in Byrd’s district. In HD 12, Clay Yarborough raised $2,100 between Oct. 8 and Oct. 14. Of that money, $1,000 came from Southern Garden Groves. In HD 15, Jay Fant raised no money for his campaign. However, the former banker spent over $70,000 on a TV ad buy for his white-hot race against write-in Timothy Glidden. Congrats to Front Line Strategies for the invoice on that one. In HD 16, meanwhile, Jason Fischer had a haul worthy of a competitive campaign, with $9,200 coming in, primarily in accounting-friendly $1,000 and $500 amounts. Southern Garden Groves and TECO Energy donated to Fischer, as did the Jacksonville Kennel Club and assorted Realtors, telecommunications and health care interests.
“Christian Whitfield appears a hard worker, even tempered” via the Florida Times-Union – Given the challenges in House District 14, it’s obvious what kind of representative it needs. It needs someone who will work hard, be effective and display an even temperament that’s high on professionalism and collegiality, and low on ego and self-promotion. Whitfield is clearly the person who best fits those prerequisites on the Nov. 8 ballot. Whitfield should be elected. A Republican making his first run at political office, Whitfield has an impressive background. He served for two decades in the Navy, which included deployments in Afghanistan and the Middle East, before retiring last year. And Whitfield has thoughtful views, as well. To boost economic development in Northwest Jacksonville — some of which lies within District 14 — Whitfield would focus on bringing more genuinely effective job-training programs to the area. “In many cases there are jobs available, but we just don’t have an educated workforce to take them,” Whitfield [said]. “We need to help people be able to take these jobs. We need to keep pushing people to meet a higher standard.” Whitfield deserves the chance to make a difference in Tallahassee.
“Suspended driver’s license compounds Reggie Fullwood’s woes” via Florida Politics – On Aug. 25, days before the primary election, Fullwood received a ticket for running a red light. Fullwood failed to pay the $262 ticket, and 60 days after the infraction, his license was suspended. An unpaid traffic ticket and a suspended driver’s license, sadly, comprise the least of Fullwood’s troubles. On Friday, federal prosecutors filed a motion to collect “$60,552.80 … the amount of proceeds he obtained as a result of the offense to which he plead guilty.” In the plea deal struck in late September in his fraud case involving the Jacksonville Democrat using campaign funds for personal expenses, Fullwood agreed to the forfeiture money judgement.
“Paul Renner is a veteran, a lawyer and offers well-rounded expertise to Florida House” via the Florida Times-Union – Few candidates for public office have the impressive background of Renner. He served in the military in Operation Desert Storm aboard the USS McInerney and then 20 years later received honors for his service in Afghanistan. As a lawyer he began as a prosecutor, then moved into private practice. He served as president of the Jacksonville Lawyers Chapter of the Federalist Society and is a past chair for the Republican National Lawyers Association. Renner said more jobs can be produced by expanding dual enrollment courses in high school, high-quality choice options for K-12 education and reducing government regulations for businesses interested in setting up in low-income neighborhoods. Renner has supported smart justice reforms, such as giving counties the right to set up mental health courts. His Democratic Party opponent, Adam Morley, offers stark differences to Renner. One is simply generational; Morley is much younger. He also is living the values of an environmentally friendly family. He lives in a tiny house that is energy independent. Though Renner and Morley have stark ideological issues — typical Republican and Democratic ones — the main difference between the two is Renner’s wider and deeper life experiences that now include time in the Legislature.
“Jacksonville City Council approves Springfield microbrewery” via Florida Politics – Tuesday’s meeting of the Jacksonville City Council involved the body’s second attempt to finally resolve the zoning for a proposed microbrewery in the Urban Core’s Springfield neighborhood. The holdup? The microbrewery, to be called “6th and Main,” is within a 1,500-foot minimum distance of several churches and a school. Such proximity violates city ordinance and required a waiver of the distance requirement. The proprietors agreed to prohibit outdoor service on Wednesdays and Sundays, so as not to impact the church crowd. However, the real hurdle looked to be the 19-person city council. Turned out that wasn’t much of a hurdle, however. By a margin of 15 to 3, the bill was approved: Councilmen Doyle Carter, Bill Gulliford, and John Crescimbeni were the sole dissidents.
“Jacksonville City Council OKs $7.5 M for dune restoration” via Florida Politics — Passed at Jacksonville City Council meeting: an emergency appropriations bill to get dune restoration moving forward from Beach Boulevard up to 16th Street … and potentially south of Beach Boulevard as well. $7.5 million will be moved from the debt management fund for the work, with oversight from the mayor’s office’s chief financial officer and chief administrative officer, and the public works department. Of that sum, $6.5 million will be for dunes; $1 million for sea oat planting. More money would have to be allocated by council at a later date.
“Tax travails continue for Jacksonville Councilwoman’s family businesses” via Florida Politics – Katrina Brown, a member of the Finance Committee, continues to be plagued by financial issues related to a family businesses … the Brown family company, “Cowealth,” was looking to sell a building bought to house a barbecue sauce plant in Northwest Jacksonville, in the wake of non-performance on a $640,000 city disbursement of loan and grant money that was tied to job creation that never manifested. The loan, initially negotiated by the Browns on behalf of KJB Specialties, went to Cowealth … despite the $1.5 million asking price for the industrial space in an area of town with a lot of unemployment and a lot of vacant space, a sale even at that price would not satisfy Cowealth’s obligations, which include a primary mortgage of $2.65 million. Among Cowealth’s obligations: $22,515 in unpaid property taxes from 2015. Brown owns what she says is a “very small percentage” of Cowealth, and says she’s “getting ready to pay some property taxes” and “it will be paid real soon.”
“Developer pays $20 million for gate Parkway property, plans mixed-use” via Roger Bull of the Florida Times-Union – The company that developed Palencia and owns the Markets at Town Center has paid $20 million for about 70 acres on Gate Parkway for a new mixed-use development. The property is just a few hundred yards north of where Ikea is building its new store at the Gate exit on Interstate 295. A company spokesman said the purchase was for the project’s first phase. Hines, headquartered in Houston, first confirmed its plans early this year for a 105-acre project, saying it would include single-family homes, townhomes, multifamily, office and specialty retail. But it offered few details then, and a spokesman this week said he could add nothing more other than that infrastructure work could begin within the next month. But at a neighborhood meeting in March, the company said it planned to seek rezoning from Commercial Office to a Planned Unit Development, with a maximum of 350,000 square feet of office space, 103,500 square feet of commercial space, up to 950 single homes and apartments, 180 units of condos and townhomes, and up to 16 acres of neighborhood trails and park space. Hines will also request a Community General Commercial Comprehensive Plan category amendment to allow for an up to 140-room hotel on 9.9 acres of the property. The property had been owned by a member of the Skinner family.
“Google Fiber puts brakes on plan to lay super-fast Jacksonville internet network” via Drew Dixon of the Florida Times-Union – Plans to bring Google Fiber to Jacksonville are on hold, opening a window for their competitors such as Comcast and AT&T to get even more aggressive on expanding their high-speed internet service on the First Coast. Google’s parent company is halting operations and laying off staff in a number of cities where it once hoped to bring high-speed internet access by installing new fiber-optic networks. The company also announced that Craig Barratt, a veteran tech executive who led the ambitious — and expensive — Google Fiber program, is stepping down as CEO of Access, the division of Google corporate parent, Alphabet Inc., that operates the 5-year-old program. In a statement, Barratt said Google Fiber will continue to provide service in a handful of cities where it’s already operating, including Atlanta; Austin, Texas; and Charlotte, North Carolina. The company will put further plans on hold in at least eight more metropolitan areas where it’s been in exploratory talks with local officials. Those include Jacksonville; Dallas; Tampa; Los Angeles; Oklahoma City; Phoenix; Portland, Oregon; and San Jose, California.
“Jaxport sets record for cargo, revenue” via Roger Bull of the Florida Times-Union – During the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, the equivalent of 968,279 20-foot containers passed through the port. The previous Jaxport record was 936,972 in 2014 … The fastest growing segment was Asian trade, increasing 19 percent from the previous year to 336,791 containers. When combined with its private terminals, the port of Jacksonville moved more than 1.2 million containers, the most of any port complex in Florida. Automobile imports increased 19 percent as 467,898 came through the port. Jaxport took in $59.7 million, up 6 percent over 2015 and its 16th straight year of revenue growth
“JAA grew revenue, total passengers for 2015-2016 fiscal year” via Jensen Werley of the Jacksonville Business Journal – Jacksonville Aviation Authority posted revenues of $79.6 million for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 6 percent increase over revenues for the previous fiscal year, when it was $75 million. Operating income jumped 11 percent, from $27 million to $30 million. Total passengers also grew slightly, up to 5.6 million, a 3 percent increase from the previous year.
“Ander Crenshaw makes announcement that 3 new ships are coming to Mayport” via Joe Daraskevich of the Florida Times-Union – … three new ships will be based at Mayport Naval Station starting next year. The first two to arrive will be part of the Navy’s fleet of littoral combat ships, vessels designed to operate close to shore with steerable jet propulsion and featuring two separate designs — the Freedom class and the Independence class. The Navy previously announced all Freedom-variant ships will be based at Mayport, and all Independence-variant ships will be based in San Diego. The USS Sioux City is the 11th ship in the littoral fleet and is expected to arrive Feb. 28 in Mayport. The other littoral ship coming to Mayport next year is the USS Wichita. It’s the 13th in the fleet and will arrive July 31. The future USS Thomas Hudner is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, and it is set to arrive at Mayport in December 2017.
“Mayport’s dwindling shrimp fleet scrambling for dock space after Hurricane Matthew” via Chambers Williams of the Florida Times-Union – Dock space for the shrimp fleet based in Mayport has been declining for years. And Hurricane Matthew may have dealt the final blow, knocking out most of the remaining places the boats can tie up to offload their catches and restock their vessels. Although the number of shrimp boats that operate from the quaint seaport village at the mouth of the St. Johns River numbered more than 40 as recently as two decades ago, it has now dwindled to fewer than 20, and those operators are scrambling to find new dock space or face getting out of the business. “We lost about 1,000 feet of docks when JaxPort bought the land where they were going to bring in the cruise ships. But that never happened, and now there’s no place for the boats to tie up,” said longtime Mayport shrimper and building contractor Sam Floyd, who owns the colorful yellow shrimp boat Doodle Bug. Where those docks once stood, between Singleton’s Seafood Shack and the Safe Harbor Seafood Market and Restaurant, there was space left for only two boats until Hurricane Matthew wiped them out Oct. 7. The storm also destroyed most of the docks at Singleton’s, where shrimpers were allowed to tie up temporarily to unload their catches. Last weekend, two boats were able to fit on the dock space that remained, but they had to park side by side.
“Jacksonville continues ‘aggressive’ approach to post-Matthew cleanup” via AG Gancarski of Florida Politics – At a media event at a park on Jacksonville’s Southside, Mayor Lenny Curry told a story about a contractor working on storm recovery efforts. During the first week after the hurricane, Curry bumped into him at Starbucks, and noted that he wasn’t his usual cheerful, energetic self. “Mayor,” the contractor said, “I’ve been up at 4 a.m. every morning this week.” These yeoman’s efforts, three weeks after the storm, are paying appreciable dividends, Curry said. “We continue to aggressively work on debris pickup,” Curry said, describing the “most aggressive push in recent memory.” … “We continue to push each other hard,” Curry said.
“St. Johns County hurricane debris estimates higher than predicted” via Emelia Hitchner of the Florida Times-Union — The county has already collected 158,000 cubic square yards of debris, a number comfortably higher than the original projection of 75,000 cubic square yards and far below a new estimate of 300,000 cubic square yards. “There’s debris as far as natural stuff that was impacted by wind, but now everyone has gone into their homes and we’re looking at demolition debris,” said Michael Ryan, a county spokesman. “People have cut-out walls, ripped up floors and drywall.” Ryan said emergency response debris removal contractors as well as the county’s regular trash and recycling companies, Advanced Disposal and Republic Services, will complete the first sweep of the area’s 18 zones by mid-November. Assessment teams are also driving through neighborhoods and entering real-time data into an app the county will use to direct second and third passes for severely affected areas.
“St. Augustine city manager says storm cost millions, but lauds work of staff to protect city and residents” via Sheldon Gardner of the St. Augustine Record – “It’s been the worst natural disaster to hit our area in decades,” City Manager John Regan told commissioners Monday night at City Hall. Monday was the first commission meeting since the storm hit. Some people who attended the meeting have been affected by the damages. The building itself was damaged by the storm. … Challenges ahead for homeowners, in addition for some to just finding housing again, include deciding how to handle building code challenges for storm-damaged properties, officials said. Also, commissioners approved a resolution allowing use of public funds for emergency debris removal on private streets. Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Administration were also on hand to answer questions and describe the help they can offer. Overall, Regan said the city has a “long road of recovery ahead.” He outlined more than $6 million and growing in damages for the storm. He said costs include $1.75 million in damages to lift stations and more than $2.3 million costs for debris removal as well as damages to other infrastructure and City Hall, among other categories.
“How TPC Sawgrass is recovering after Hurricane Matthew” via Alexa Epitropoulos of the Jacksonville Business Journal – The Players Stadium Course suffered some significant damage from Hurricane Matthew, and the PGA Tour is still in the midst of the recovery process. The course had about 372 total fallen trees, including 203 fallen trees on the Stadium Course. There were 14 inches of total rainfall, and sustained winds of 66 miles per hour. In order to address the damage, there’s been 2,128 hours of work in the recovery period. The most noticeable damage came to the left of the No. 2 tee with the fallen live oak tree, which the course cannot replace. PGA Tour is still in the middle of evaluating a reopening date for The Players Stadium Course, and expects it to be announced sometime in the near future.
“Jacksonville-based Fanatics Inc. signs 16-year-deal with NHL for apparel” via Drew Dixon of the Florida Times-Union – ESPN reported that Fanatics inked a 16-year-deal with the National Hockey League to manufacture and sell jerseys and other gear for the league. Fanatics will also handle specialty manufacturing of jerseys such as championship gear for teams following the NHL Stanley Cup finals and other events. Last week, Fanatics settled on a substantial deal with Major League Baseball and Under Armour sports apparel manufacturing to sell the baseball gear on its internet services. That accord begins in 2020.
“Georgia-Florida contract extension not finalized” via Chris Parenteau of News 4 Jax – The University of Florida and University of Georgia have agreed to extend their contract to play the rivalry game at EverBank Field for another five years. The current seven-year contract was set to expire after the 2016 game. The mayor and other Jacksonville city officials announced the extension in March at City Hall. The new agreement was approved by City Council but has not been finalized because it is still being reviewed by the attorneys for each school, a city of Jacksonville representative said. No timetable was given for the contract to be finalized. Mayor Lenny Curry said in March that last year’s game had a $35 million economic impact for Jacksonville.
“Jaguars in a winter of discontent” via Gary Shelton — The growing frustration of Jacksonville Jaguar fans is certain to grow after the team’s latest loss to an unimpressive opponent.
The Jags lost 36-22 to the Tennessee Titans, lowering coach Gus Bradley‘s record to 14-41. After the game, owner Shad Kahn told the Florida Times-Union there would be no coaching change.
“I’m not making excuses – it was bad.”
This time, Jacksonville lost to another young quarterback who seems to be developing faster than quarterback Blake Bortles.
“I don’t know,” Bortles said. “We have to do something different. It’s tough for me to sit up here and answer for you guys. You guys know everything I’m going to say. I don’t want to tell you the same stuff every week. It’s difficult. It’s frustrating to play a team Thursday night on live television and they’re bringing in the backup quarterback at the end of the third quarter. It’s embarrassing.”
This time, Jacksonville lost to another former coach in Mike Mullarky.
This time, the defense gave up almost 500 yards to the Titans.
All of which adds to the discontent of the Jaguars fan in what was supposed to be a turnaround year. Instead, Jacksonville fell to 2-5 on the season.
The Jags, who have had a problem with penalties, had seven for another 75 yards.
Jacksonville fell behind 27-0 in the first half and coasted. Jacksonville’s Blake Bortles ended up throwing for 337 yards and three touchdowns. But Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota hit 18 of his 22 passes, and running back DeMarco Murray had 123 yards rushing.
The Jags travel to Kansas City next week. The Titans visit San Diego.
“Manatee critical care center” via the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens – The state marine mammal of Florida is endangered and the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is in the process of constructing the first ever manatee critical care center in northeast Florida. Though found in the waterways around the First Coast, any manatee that becomes cold-stressed or injured needs to be transported to other care centers in Orlando, Tampa or Miami. Building a critical care center in northeast Florida will provide more immediate care for the already-stressed animals and cut down on transport distance and time for state employees. The $2.1 million center was funded by private individuals who recognized the need for a care center in the region, and a $500,000 grant from the State of Florida, with plans to open the center in winter of 2016/2017. Built to hold 5-6 animals at a time (pending each animal’s individual situation), the center will provide temporary housing and care for manatees until they are healthy enough to be returned to the location they were found. Located at the juncture of the Education campus, Wild Florida and the back of the gorilla exhibit, the center will provide limited and periodic views of manatees for Zoo guests and offer behind-the-scenes tours. However, due to the center only providing temporary housing, there may be times no manatees are present in the pools.
Save the date: “The Teddy Bear Affair” via the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens – On Saturday, Nov. 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. there will be free admission to for kids ages 3-12 and checkups for their stuffed animals. Sponsored by Nemours Children’s Specialty Care. No coupon required.
“A farewell column to all of my loyal readers” via Tonyaa Weathersbee of the Florida Times-Union – Writing could take me places … Writing nurtured my sense of adventure. It was a sense of adventure that led me to pursue a journalism degree at the University of Florida, then to work at the Pensacola News Journal where I wrote about everything from worm races to a beleaguered health care system. I learned from neighbors, such as Tommie Saturday, who was always finding “money on the ground” through collecting aluminum cans and bottles for recycling. He and others were the inspiration for my first column — City Sojourn — in 1996 … And when I began my opinion column in 1998, the lives and realities of people like Saturday — who is now deceased — as well as the realities of people living in Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti and other countries that I visited — helped me to build more insights for explaining the conditions of marginalized people. Now, my writing is about to take me on another adventure … After earning a master’s degree in mass communication at the University of Florida, as well as a master’s certificate in Latin American Studies this spring, The Commercial Appeal in Memphis offered me the rare opportunity to bring my voice and talents there as a metro columnist. I will begin that job next month. I’ll have a lot to work with in Memphis. But Jacksonville will always be my home, and I’ll have a lot to miss about it and everyone who has read and supported me over the years.
