$142K December haul for Lenny Curry political committee

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry takes questions from media.

It was a December to remember for Build Something That Lasts, the political committee of Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry.

The Curry committee cleaned up to end the year, raking in $142,000, pushing the committee up to $603,000 on hand.

The strong month comes at a pivotal time for the Mayor’s policy and political operations. The Mayor’s Office aligns with a proposal to privatize JEA, a pitch which has floated periodically over the years but returned at the end of last year, via a proposal from key political supporter and outgoing board member Tom Petway.

Additionally, Curry likely will face at least a nominal opponent for re-election. Whether he does or not, however, his committee likely will play in Jacksonville City Council races — supporting candidates who align with his vision, and working against less cooperative Council incumbents.

One of the biggest December contributions — $35,000 — came from U.S. Assure, an insurance company that sees Tom Petway’s son Ty as CEO. Another contribution from a JEA heavy hitter: $5,000 from Mike Hightower, the utility’s top lobbyist.

Another major December contribution — $25,000 — came from the Gary Chartrand Trust.

Committees ponied up also.

Keeping Florida Affordable, the political committee of serial donor John Rood, threw in $8,000.

And Making a Better Tomorrow, a political committee of Eric Robinson — the Sarasota School Board member who serves as treasurer for this committee and other Curry-friendly candidates and committees — ponied up $50,000, continuing a cycle of contributions and expenditures between these two committees.