Jacksonville Bold for 5.7.25: How much is that DOGE in the window?

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Jacksonville Bold for 5.7.25: How much is that DOGE in the window?

A DOGE here, a DOGE there, and soon you’ve got a kennel.

That’s one takeaway from the legislative action in the Jacksonville City Council this week.

Terrance Freeman’s resolution to encourage Gov. Ron DeSantis to bring his statewide Department of Governmental Efficiency task force into City Hall for what he calls a “voluntary financial audit” cleared its two committees Monday and Tuesday.

“The purpose of this legislation is to voluntarily request a financial audit of the City of Jacksonville/Duval County’s budget and expenditures by the Florida Department of Government Efficiency,” reads the bill summary.

In the Rules Committee, which passed it 5-2, some complained that the bill was another affront to “home rule” and the Council’s authority to set budgets.

But that wasn’t a compelling argument there or in Finance and the resolution is well-positioned to pass next week, which is good news for budget hawks.

Meanwhile, Duval DOGE continues to bark.

On Tuesday, the Ron Salem-chaired committee announced that $1.45 million more was swept from completed capital projects, bringing the recovered funds to $17 million.

Fund sweeps are a story as old as time. Back in 2015, Lenny Curry’s team moved $60 million back into the general fund that had been allocated and not spent. That money was needed during a time of austerity.

This time around, austerity isn’t an immediate concern … but with big spending this decade, it will be soon.

“Our goal is to ensure that every dollar allocated serves its intended purpose. Identifying and reallocating unused funds from completed projects allows us to address current community needs without unnecessary spending,” said Salem.

“Transparency is the foundation of public trust. By shining a light on how funds are being used – or not used – we’re working to rebuild confidence in government operations and show our residents that we are being responsible stewards of their tax dollars.”

The state-level DOGE will take a closer look at ideological spending than the local equivalent, meaning that nonprofits and projects that smack of DEI and the like will get a closer look than they do in City Hall, from a Governor’s Office that doesn’t really like having a Democratic Mayor around but did little to help Republican Daniel Davis when they could have stopped her two years prior.

Smoking gun?

The 4th Circuit State Attorney is subpoenaing members, past and present, of the Donna Deegan administration in an ongoing controversy about what critics say is an illegal gun registry maintained in Jacksonville City buildings since July 2023.

As first reported by Jake Stofan of Action News Jax, the parties include Chief Administrative Officer Karen Bowling, former acting General Counsel Bob Rhodes, former city lawyer Jason Teal, Pat McCollough, Kelli O’Leary, and former public safety chief Lakeisha Burton, who co-chaired the transition.

The Mayor herself is not among the list of names at this point.

Communications are sought including the words “firearm,” “gun,” “weapon,” “screening,” “security,” “constitutional carry,” “log,” “logbook,” “list,” and “First Coast Security,” the firm contracted with handling security and the list of those carrying guns into City Hall and the Yates Building after a permitless carry law went into effect the day Deegan was sworn in.

The reporting comes after State Attorney Melissa Nelson asked Jacksonville City Council Republicans to hold their fire regarding a probe into an “illegal gun registry” at City Hall via a “formal request” to “delay or pause any attempt” of an internal City Council investigation.

Florida Statutes 790.335 bans registries and contemplates criminal and civil penalties.

Attorney General James Uthmeier and former Mayor Lenny Curry have spoken out against the alleged list-making.

Deegan’s Office has said the “policy in question was created and written before Mayor Deegan took office.”

Garrison challenged

The unlikely prospect of a primary challenge has emerged for the man who will be House Speaker in 2027.

Antonette Harmon of Orange Park will challenge Clay County Rep. Sam Garrison.

Harmon filed on April 15 this year.

She is a professional commercial office cleaner.

She also faces an uphill battle.

Garrison’s associated political committee, Honest Leadership, has roughly $1.5 million banked at last count.

He also has more than $21,000 in his campaign account.

Garrison has never been primaried, never receiving less than 67% of the vote in a General Election.

Baker baker

The Governor has tapped two new Baker County Development Commission members: funeral director Hawke Forbes and nurse Weston Mann.

Forbes is the Macclenny Lions Club’s and the Baker County Chamber of Commerce’s acting president.

Mann, a critical care nurse practitioner at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, was previously a family practice nurse practitioner at UF Primary Care CrossRoads.

Hutchison’s new role

A Jacksonville political operative who has gone on to bigger things has a new job.

Haleigh Hutchison, whose last job was as Operations Director in the Miami-Dade Mayor’s Office before she recently moved back to the Springfield neighborhood, will be the political director for Ruth’s List Florida.

“It was a good fit at the right time,” Hutchison, who is staying in Jacksonville but traveling when needed, tells Bold.

Her local roles included a stint with Downtown Vision, working as executive council assistant for the late Tommy Hazouri Sr., and running a House campaign for Tracye Polson.

“As a mom and a proud Floridian, I know how much is at stake for our families and our freedoms. That’s why I’m honored to step up & help recruit, train and elect pro-choice women up and down the ballot across our state,” she told LinkedIn followers.

Hicks up

A long shot candidate from times gone by is running again in 2027.

Brian Hicks has opened a campaign account.

He is running as a Republican.

He ran for City Council four years ago and got 82 votes.

Two other long shots, Ronald Armstrong Jr. and Harry Daniel Long III, are the only official opposition.

Anderson on ice

On Monday, the Rules Committee paused the former Duval County School Board member’s nomination for the Jacksonville Public Library Board of Trustees.

Elizabeth Anderson was deferred, but not before the public criticized her pick by Mayor Deegan.

Those members of the public included School Board member Melody Bolduc.

Anderson, the CEO of OneJax, will face a tough road through the supermajority GOP City Council if her nomination isn’t pulled.

The Duval County Republican Party has officially come out against her pick.

Land sakes

The North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) has snatched up another tract of land that the nonprofit group will turn into conservation property.

The NFLT acquired an 83-acre conservation easement in Clay County just west of Jacksonville. The land is southeast of Camp Blanding, a military installation and training area for the U.S. Army. The conservation land is in the Army’s “compatible use buffer zone.” The land acquired is also in the Ocala to Osceola Wildlife Corridor (O2O).

According to an NFLT press release on Tuesday, the land was purchased from the Hughes family for $540,000 with funding from the Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration program.

“The purchase of this conservation easement ensures that this property will never be developed or changed from its existing use. It is Now or Never,” said Allison DeFoor, President and CEO of NFLT. “The family will be able to continue living on and enjoying the property, while protecting its natural state.

“This conservation easement protects land vital to wildlife habitats and national defense. It prevents encroachment on Camp Blanding, which has been an important partner in conservation within the O2O for many years.”

Ferry flub

Due to a mishap at the St. Johns River Ferry Service, trekking through State Road A1A in North Florida will take a bit longer than usual.

A slipup at one of the ferry slips to the Mayport vessel, which takes motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians across the St. Johns River, has led the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) to announce an indefinite shutdown.

“The closure follows an incident currently under investigation by the JTA and in coordination with the appropriate authorities. No injuries were reported,” a JTA press release said.

Reportedly, a ferry vessel struck a boarding ramp on the south side of the St. Johns River, part of the slip attached to the historic Mayport fishing village area. Inspections are already underway, and repairs have been ordered.

JTA officials said the ferry service will not be operational and will remain closed until the repairs are complete.

The ferry service is a key component of A1A in North Florida. The vessels transport vehicles and passengers back and forth between the Mayport Village area on the south of the river and the northern slip, which empties onto Fort George Island’s Heckscher Drive in Jacksonville, continuing along the coastline into Nassau County. The service knocks off about a half-hour of road travel for motorists.

The ferry slips are barely a mile from the Atlantic Ocean and the St. Johns River jetties at the mouth of the waterway. The next closest river crossing is at Dames Point Bridge, a central cable span about 5 miles west. It is part of Interstate 295, which completes a beltway around Jacksonville.

Hot makeovers in St. Johns

Two older fire stations in St. Johns County are in line for major makeovers after being the hubs for fire protection service for more than 35 years.

A press release from St. Johns County said the two stations provide more operational space, including increased living quarters for firefighters and room for firefighting apparatus.

Fire Station 10 has served at 155 Library Drive in Ponte Vedra Beach for 40 years. The unit already houses fire suppression and a transport ambulance. The designs for that station are set to begin after Oct. 1, and construction for the new elements will begin in 2027.

Station 17, located at 10001 Cartwheel Bay Avenue off CR 210 West, will undergo design revisions and construction after Oct. 1. The facility already has a heavy rescue squad and transport ambulance.

Meanwhile, St. Johns County, one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States, will also add four new fire stations in the coming years. They’ll be added at Flagler Estates, where Station 21 will be located, Silverleaf, where Station 22 will be located, the Beachwalk-Twin Creeks area, where Station 23 will be located and the Long-Leaf-Pine-Roberts Road area, where Station 24 will be located.

Those new stations will be added in a time frame ranging from the end of this year through 2030.

Anchors away

A new liquefied natural gas-powered (LNG) vessel recently launched its first voyage from Jacksonville’s port facilities.

Quetzal, owned by Crowley Maritime, sailed into the Central North American Zone. The cargo container is part of the new “Avance Class” of ships that call JAXPORT their home port and is powered by LNG. The vessel is serviced with fuel from the Eagle LNG fueling station at JAXPORT at Crowley’s terminal.

“Quetzal advances Crowley’s commitment to leveraging LNG as a reliable and ample marine fuel solution as the maritime industry increases its environmental efficiency,” said Tom Crowley, Chair and CEO of Crowley Maritime. “With the addition of Quetzal and its sister ships, we are expanding our capabilities for our customers while forging ahead in our transition to reach lower emissions. We appreciate the collaboration by JAXPORT to help us reach this milestone.”

JAXPORT’s decision to add more LNG-powered vessels and supporting fueling stations is a step toward the maritime hub’s long-term goals.

“We are proud of our longtime partnership with Crowley as they continue making investments that strengthen Jacksonville’s position as a leader in global trade and the use of LNG as a clean marine fuel,” said Eric Green, JAXPORT CEO. “This vessel and its sister ship provide added capacity to grow our connections to Central America and further build on our diversification of business in key markets.”

MOCA honored

The Museum of Contemporary Art celebrates accreditation through the American Alliance of Museums, which calls it “a vibrant center of art, artists, ideas and creative community engagement.”

Caitlín Doherty, Executive Director of MOCA Jacksonville, says that as “the first museum in Jacksonville to earn accreditation in the early 1970s while housed on Art Museum Drive, it was of great significance to seek this prestigious national recognition during our milestone year to become accredited for the first time in our current location.”

It joins the Museum of Science & History and the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens on the list and is one of 35 to get the honor this year.

“UNF’s museum, MOCA Jacksonville, is an important asset to the University and our region. MOCA provides amazing cultural experiences for the community as well as unprecedented opportunities for our art faculty and students. From internships to research fellowships, our students gain valuable hands-on experience at MOCA,” says Dr. Moez Limayem, President of the University of North Florida.

‘Salute to Service’

U.S. military veterans discharged from active service will get an additional benefit from the St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Office.

The new initiative provides a free service for veterans when they file and record their “DD-214” discharge document to be entered into the office’s records. The DD-214 is a form issued to all military personnel proving they served in the armed forces, acknowledging that service and ensuring access to post-service military benefits.

The clerk’s office will issue a free official identification card to veterans verifying their service. The Salute to Service Program connects veterans in St. Johns County with special offers and discounts at participating businesses.

Those benefits apply to select restaurants, retailers, service providers and attractions in the First Coast county.

“Veterans have given so much for our country, and this is one small way we can give something back,” said Brandon J. Patty, St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller. “The Salute to Service Program not only honors their sacrifice but also strengthens the bond between our veterans and the St. Johns County community.”

The first step to getting the St. Johns County identification card is for veterans to file their discharge form by visiting the county’s Richard O. Watson Judicial Center, 4010 Lewis Speedway in St. Augustine, during regular business hours Monday through Friday.

Veterans can learn more about the Solute to Veterans Program by visiting the clerk’s website.

Jaguars enter summer with lingering questions

After the first phase of free agency and the NFL draft, the Jaguars’ roster looks much different from what it did a few months ago. But there are still areas of the team with lingering questions.

The new general manager, James Gladstone, and head coach, Liam Coen, added 10 new veteran free agents, nine draft picks, and signed 20 undrafted rookie free agents. That’s 39 new faces. Of course, not all will make the final 53-man roster, but the 2025 Jaguars will undoubtedly have a substantially different look than their predecessor.

Where do the Jaguars still have questions?

Let’s start on the offensive line, an area addressed aggressively in free agency and the draft. Last year’s starting line included left tackle Walker Little, Ezra Cleveland, Mitch Morse, Brandon Scherff and Antoine Harrison.

Morse retired. Scherff was let go in free agency.

The Jaguars added guard Patrick Mekari, center Robert Hainsey and tackle Chuma Edoga. They also re-signed center Luke Fortner and tackle Cole Van Lanen, who were set to become free agents.

The Jaguars also used a third-round pick on West Virginia offensive lineman Wyatt Milum, who could figure into the mix. The Jaguars also spent a seventh-round pick on USC center Jonah Monheim.

Who will start in front of Trevor Lawrence this season? Competition appears substantial, but no player seems like a lock as a starter. Hainsey is certainly the front-runner at center, but it would not be a shock if the Jaguars had three or four different starters on opening day compared with last season.

There are also questions about how the secondary will align. Safety Andre Cisco departed for the Jets in free agency. Ronald Darby is now a Houston Texan. The Jaguars added corner Jourdan Lewis and safety Eric Murray. They will both compete for substantial playing time.

In the draft, first-round pick Travis Hunter could be used at cornerback, although the Jaguars’ brass said the plan is for him to primarily play wide receiver as a rookie. Tyson Campbell will start at one cornerback position. Jarrian Jones may move from nickelback to corner this season, with free agent signee Lewis expected to play nickel and third-round pick Caleb Ransaw in the mix. Sixth-round pick Rayuan Lane III could also factor.

Beyond the offensive line and secondary, questions exist about the Jaguars’ pass rush. Aside from Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, no player on the Jaguars recorded more than three sacks. Jacksonville added former Miami Dolphin Emmanuel Ogbah, who has 47.5 sacks in nine seasons in the NFL, including 10.5 over the past two seasons in Miami. At the age of 32, perhaps he can provide supplemental pass rush help, but the Jaguars need to develop more players who can impact the opposing passer. Second-year defensive tackle Maason Smith had two sacks and three tackles for loss in the season’s final three games. He will be challenged to build on his late success as he enters his second year in the league.

Whichever combination of players earn starting roles, expectations for the upcoming seasons are tempered, but hope remains for improvement from the 4-13 mark from 2024.