Jacksonville Bold for 4.9.25: Brooke Curry deepfake causes real pain

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High school is supposed to be the best time for someone like Brooke Curry, the daughter of former Jacksonville Mayor Lenny and Molly Curry.

For the Bishop Kenny senior, that largely has been the case. A cheerleader and a strong student headed to Florida State in the fall, her high school career has been full of triumphs and almost absent of tragedy.

While a good kid with good parents in a loving home is spared many bad experiences, there was one that she couldn’t be protected from.

Two summers ago, Brooke was playing pickleball with friends and went away from her phone for a few hours.

She returned as a victim of virtual violence: to a flood of notifications, a tsunami of tags, and an image of her scraped from her social media and turned into a nude by someone she didn’t know.

“He used AI to generate a fake nude of me and posted it to his main Snapchat story,” she related. “I didn’t know why he chose to pick me out of all people. Never met him. Never spoke with him. We don’t have mutual friends.”

She attempted to remove the picture from the internet. Her father got involved, calling Jacksonville Sheriff TK Waters and State Attorney Melissa Nelson.

Nothing helped.

Then, just as it had receded from the front of her mind ….

A couple of weeks later, someone contacted Brooke Curry to let her know that yet another person was going to recirculate the image to “embarrass” her.

“Multiple people had the photo. And I was basically getting a warning that they want to use it against me,” she said. “That’s when I really realized that a bunch of people have the photo. To this day, I don’t know who has it, what they could do with it, where it’s put out.”

To this end, Speaker Pro Tempore Wyman Duggan and Sen. Alexia Calatayud introduced “Brooke’s Law” (HB 1161/SB 1400), which requires internet platforms to remove altered sexual depictions and copies of such depictions upon the victim’s request.

“It surfaced on multiple platforms, and I didn’t have the option of going to the platform to have it taken down, so it had been up for hours on end, which is why I think it’s very important for people who are going through this to be able to take charge and have the platform take it down,” Curry said.

Just days after her senior prom, she took that message to Tallahassee, testifying in front of the Commerce Committee.

Members of both parties extolled Curry for her bravery and willingness to lead on the issue.

“You are brave,” said Democratic Rep. Michele Rayner. “You are a badass.”

Rep. Christine Hunschofsky lauded Curry for providing “support” to others who may encounter the same situation she did.

“It’s so nice when we see advocacy work and make a difference,” the Parkland Democrat said.

Republican Rep. Chase Tramont said the incident “could have destroyed your life,” but “you let it empower you.”

Republican Rep. Yvette Benarroch said Curry “turned something painful into purpose” and gave those who aren’t as strong as her a “voice.”

The bill is ready for floor consideration in the Senate and the House, having cleared House Commerce and Senate Rules this week.

Corrine delivers

A former Congresswoman has wiped out her IRS debt.

Corrine Brown has paid off the $62,000 owed in restitution, as she closes the book on her “One Door for Education” charity that led to a stint in federal prison before her verdict was overturned based on procedural irregularities (a juror was thrown out, leading to her conviction).

Brown, who served the Jacksonville area from 1992 until 2016, took creative measures to satisfy her obligation.

According to The Washington Post, these included an estate sale at which many of the customers had no clue who she was.

She had previously attempted a political comeback in 2022, losing a Democratic Primary for the Orlando seat represented by Rep. Maxwell Frost.

Hazardous

The St. Johns County School Superintendent is no fan of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposal to end property taxes.

“I think, for us, if that’s done without any regard for how do you replace the revenue or the ability of a system to operate, it could be very hazardous,” Tim Forson said on “The Florida Roundup.”

He added that schools would be in a “very, very tough” position.

DeSantis has said that foreign tourists could compensate for eliminating property taxes via efforts to “off-load the tax burden to non-Floridians.” He has said that property tax increases punish people who bought their homes years ago and that people who must move from one city to another are penalized unduly.

Sen. Jennifer Bradley got a priority bill through the Senate Wednesday.

SB 168, the “Tristan Murphy Act,” will ensure diversion for inmates who are dealing with psychological problems, in addition to probation conditions.

“If someone commits a serious, violent crime, they need to be incarcerated for public safety. This bill provides a different path for less serious crimes where the defendant, their family, and the community would be better served by allowing the defendant to receive the necessary mental health treatment,” said Sen. Bradley.

Senate President Ben Albritton also hailed the legislation.

“There is a big difference between a hardened criminal and someone who needs intervention to address a serious mental health challenge. This bill strikes a balance that gives law enforcement more options to keep our communities safe.”

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Brannan backers

Republican Chase Brannan has some heavy hitters backing his campaign in House District 10. Those include U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis, two sitting Sheriffs, and a host of elected officials from Columbia and Baker counties.

“In the short time since launching our campaign, we have raised just under $55,000 and received numerous endorsements from community leaders who share our conservative values and vision for Florida,” Brannan said. “It is an honor to have such strong support from this community for our campaign and vision.”

The Macclenny Republican is running to succeed his father, Rep. Chuck Brannan, in the House. The older Brannan cannot run again because of term limits.

Patronis, a former Chief Financial Officer and longtime Panhandle leader, led the younger Brannan’s list of endorsements.

Baker County Sheriff Scotty Rhoden and Union County Sheriff Brad Whitehead endorse Brannan’s campaign. The district covers both Bradford and Columbia counties and part of Alachua County.

In Columbia County, former Sheriffs Bill Gootee and Frank Owens endorsed Brannan, as have sitting County Commissioners Rocky Ford, Tim Murphy, Kevin Parnell, and Everett Phillips. Columbia County Clerk of Court Jay Swisher and Columbia County School Board members Dana Brady-Giddens and Hunter Peeler also announced their support.

In Baker County, Property Appraiser Tim Sweat and Tax Collector Amy Dugger back Brannan, as does County Commissioner Tyler Mobley and School Board members Jack Baker, Clayton Lyons and Amanda Rhoden Hodges.

Former Florida House Speaker Pro Tempore Chuck Clemons, an Alachua Republican, endorsed Brannan. Former state Rep. Bobby Payne, a Palatka Republican, supported the younger Brannan.

Former Baker County Schools Superintendent Sherrie Raulerson, former Baker County Commissioners Cathy Rhoden and Alex Robinson, and former Baker County Judge Joey Williams also backed Brannan.

Local leaders, including Macclenny Council member Danny Norton and Lake City Mayor Noah Walker, endorsed Brannan’s campaign. Florida’s 3rd Judicial Circuit Public Defender Cliff Wilson and Jacksonville City Council President Randy White also support the candidate.

DOGE push

While one local leader squawks about DeSantis’ budget priorities, another is more bullish.

Jacksonville City Council members already started a local DOGE effort, but a Republican wants to follow Gov. Ron DeSantis’ urging of “voluntary” compliance and get the state involved.

“Taxpayers deserve confidence that their money is being spent wisely,” said Council member Terrance Freeman. “By voluntarily inviting the Governor’s DOGE team to examine Jacksonville’s books, we’re embracing accountability and actively seeking ways to trim government waste, improve efficiency, and pass savings along to the taxpayers.”

Freeman, a former Council President who may be eyeing a run for the State House next year, supports the Governor’s Executive Order 25-44, which requires executive branch teams to review the city’s books.

He believes this bill will only supplement local efforts. Bringing in “the Governor’s team to take an outside look at our finances, combined with the Duval DOGE, will equip our city with every tool possible to ensure we are operating at peak efficiency.”

The local DOGE effort is expected to be wrapped up by June 23. Thus far, potential savings are eyed via sub-fund sweeps from stalled capital projects.

If Jacksonville complies with this, Duval County will join other counties on the DeSantis DOGE train.

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Cash cliff

Economic incentives cost money.

That realization is dawning on Jacksonville policymakers as a new budget process begins.

“Never have we had such a one-time need on cash incentives,” said City Council member Will Lahnen to the Daily Record. “That’s the risk you take with these completion grants because they weren’t even all approved in the same year. They were approved in this and that year, but the timing of construction is what dictates the payout. And so now we’ve got this $75 million commitment.”

Shad Khan will get $25 million for his Shipyards project. Another $39 million will go to the Related Group’s construction of a residential tower on the Southbank.

With local budgets expected to be tighter in the coming years, policymakers are deciding to invest in stadium renovations and give first responders pay raises and Florida Retirement System pension plans.

Tech Talk

The future of technology will be on the line at a panel discussion organized by the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville on April 15.

The panel will include three top tech leaders in the city. Annie DeStefano, vice president of Strategic Partnerships Group for FIS, Jeff Moore, PMO Assistant Chief of Data Governance Manager for the City of Jacksonville, and Carlton Robinson, Chief Innovation Officer of JAXChamber, will all be on the panel to lead the discussion on the issues.

The event begins at 6 p.m. with a reception followed at 6:25 p.m. April 15 at 40 E. Adams St., room 208 in downtown.

“This conversation will connect emerging technologies, including AI, quantum computing, financial technology, and robotics, to critical sectors such as health, finance, energy, and education. Our panelists will explore how businesses can harness these advancements, how the public can navigate evolving technological landscapes, and how innovation is driving Jacksonville’s growth into a thriving hub of technology and talent,” a World Affairs Council press release said.

Century celebration

To mark 100 years of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, luminaries from around Jacksonville and beyond will be part of an event in early May to celebrate the century mark.

The “ExZOOberation Riverfront Rendezvous” is set for May 3 at the cultural and tourism attraction on Jacksonville’s Northside. The zoo and gardens have been located off Heckscher Drive along the Trout River since 1925.

New Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach Liam Cohen and his wife, Ashley Cohen, will be the co-Chairs of the event, which will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the zoo grounds. Paris Winningham, a final contestant on NBC’s The Voice, will also perform at the event.

“ExZOOberation is the perfect date night or evening on the town with friends,” said Nikki Smith, Jacksonville Zoo’s Chief Philanthropy and Marketing Officer. “Not only will there be stellar live music, delicious food and beverage tastings, and stunning riverfront views, but it is also a way to give back and support the Zoo’s animal care and conservation efforts with the purchase of your ticket.”

Those wanting to attend can get tickets now through April 27. Tickets start at $130. Funds raised from ticket sales will go to the care of some 2,000 animals and about 1,000 different varieties of plants at the facility. The Zoo’s website has more information on the event and ordering tickets.

PTSD push

U.S. military veterans and first responders in the Jacksonville area now have a new location for free access to a new program that provides Electroencephalogram Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (eTMS), which helps people recover from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions.

eTMS Florida opened a new clinic at 4651 Salisbury Road in Jacksonville on Tuesday, joining a growing statewide network of locations.

The business opened its second location in Tampa in February to provide front-line public servants and U.S. military veterans with access to equipment designed to ease brain trauma and associated conditions. It also has locations in Miami and Orlando.

The Jacksonville location has already had some first responders and veterans use the facility before its official opening.

“Before eTMS therapy, I felt physically present but mentally stuck in a fog. Now, it’s like a veil has been lifted,” said Kayleigh Marano, former EMT and firefighter at the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. “The treatment has had a calming effect on both my mind and nervous system. I feel more grounded, clearheaded and fully in control.”

Sporting life

Jacksonville is boosting its esports presence with a $3 million investment in a new arena at the University of North Florida.

This public funding, part of a community benefits agreement with the Jacksonville Jaguars approved by the City Council, will allow UNF to create a state-of-the-art competitive gaming facility.

The arena would benefit high school teams by providing opportunities for esports competition and showcasing potential STEM career paths within the industry.

The Fiorentino Group’s effective advocacy was key in securing this funding.

True Haiku

The St. Johns Cultural Council of St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach Held its fifth annual Haiku Contest and had more than 200 people enter and submit hundreds of poems.

About a dozen authors were honored for their work in the contest, which recently concluded. There were multiple categories of Haiku, ranging from 8-to-12-year-olds, 13-to-17-year-olds and adults.

Lillian Maurice won the youngest category for “Loggerhead Sea Turtles.” It was about sea turtles laying eggs in the sand that eventually produce hatchlings that swim back to the sea. Riley Didway and Autumn Callahan were honorable mentions.

Lily Samples was the winner of the 13-to-17-year-old category. She penned a Haiku called “Ocean,” about creatures under the waves and recounted the nautical history of the St. Augustine area. Vamshika Reddy Bhoomireddygari and London Coe were honorable mentions.

Trista Brophy Cerquera received top honors in the adult category of Haiku writing. She drafted a piece called “Whispers in the Wind,” which tapped into natural imagery and linked to Native American culture. Honorable mentions included Shannon Yu, Kieth Wylie, Richard Villadoniga and Kimberly Scribner.

Fore scholars

The International Longshoreman’s Association (ILA) Local 1408 is teeing up for its annual golf tournament that generates scholarships for First Coast students.

The 30th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held on April 28th. The ILA event will be held at Hidden Hills Country Club, 3901 Monument Road, in the Fort Caroline area of Jacksonville.

Anyone who wants to play in the golf tournament must register by April 14. The registration fee is $130 per individual golfer, including green fees, cart fees, breakfast, lunch, and beverages.

The tournament schedule begins at 8 a.m. on April 28 at the course, with formal registration for the competition getting underway. The competition gets underway at 9 a.m. with a shotgun start. Registration forms can be found at the ILA website.

Doug’s done

If you’ve ever wanted to live the lifestyle enjoyed by a former Jaguars head coach, you have an opportunity to buy his old house.

Mansion Global reveals that Doug Pederson’s property is for sale, appropriately given that he was canned months ago.

“Pederson, who became head coach of the Jaguars in 2022, bought the four-bedroom home on Bentpine Cove Road in Jacksonville for $1.9 million in an off-market deal, records show. He’d make a 20% profit if the home sold at its asking price … of $2.29 million.”

Compass Realtor Shelby Florenz is handling the sale.

Can Gators repeat?

After winning the school’s third college basketball national championship, the Florida Gators have earned a celebration.

But as the celebrations continue this week, the annual college basketball tradition of looking ahead to next season has begun. And with it, the question: Can the Gators repeat?

Florida has, of course, repeated as national champions before. In 2007, Billy Donovan’s team defended their championship.

It has happened more recently, with Connecticut going back-to-back in 2023 and 2024. But in college sports, the times, they are a’ changing. Every year, the transfer portal and NIL money rewrite the rules (or lack thereof), making it almost impossible to predict what the top teams will look like when next season tips off.

Take the Gators, for example.

Before this season, Florida head coach Todd Golden added center Ruben Chinyelu from Washington State, where he had started a dozen games as a first-year student. Guard Alijah Martin brought Final Four experience from his time at FAU and forward Sam Alexis transferred from Chattanooga.

Martin was the team’s second-leading scorer, and Chinyelu started at center and was second in rebounds. Alexis was barely a factor, averaging less than 12 minutes per game in 24 appearances, partly due to a foot injury.

That is, there is no way to know which new players joining the Gators’ roster next season will be difference-makers.

Chinyelu and backups Thomas Haugh and Denzel Aberdeen are expected to return; 7-foot-1 center Micah Handlogten, who has been out for months with a broken leg, should be a more significant contributor.

Two first-year students could contribute. Forward CJ Ingram from Montverde Academy and Fort Lauderdale-Westminster Academy guard Alex Lloyd are both considered among the country’s top 40 players.

But, honestly, who knows?

In this day of transfers and NIL, every coach has to re-recruit their roster every year while simultaneously recruiting high school stars and luring transfers away from other schools.

In the past few seasons, the changing landscape of college sports has chased away coaching luminaries like Roy Williams, Jim Larranaga, and Jay Wright.

Chances are the Gators will not repeat as national champions, but let’s wait to pass final judgment at least until the rosters are set for next season.