A.G. Gancarski, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiJune 1, 2018

Jacksonville’s political class is reeling from Thursday’s federal indictment of City Councilors Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown, which saw the two Democrats slammed with a 38-count conspiracy to defraud. Councilwoman Brown was named in 37 counts; Councilman Brown in 32. Per prosecutors, the two misappropriated federal and city money provided to fund an ultimately failed BBQ sauce […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 1, 2018

At Large Jacksonville City Councilman Tommy Hazouri, a political veteran who has been everything from Mayor to State Rep and School Board member, filed for re-election Friday. Hazouri, who scored more votes than any other citywide candidate in his decisive May 2015 victory over Republican Geoff Youngblood, is running unopposed for the office. If re-elected, […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 1, 2018

Republican state Sen. Rob Bradley is doing his part to stem the impending “blue wave” in Florida politics, via a fundraiser on the open waters. Specifically, a July 20-23 Disney Cruise, booked in May via the Fleming Island Republican’s Working for Florida Families political committee. Those dates indicate the cruise will be aboard the Disney Dream, christened by […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 1, 2018

Tensions are escalating between Jacksonville’s City Hall and what was intended to be a showcase waterfront mall, one that long since has fallen into decrepitude and disrepair, a sorrowful shadow of aspirations long since lapsed. A 4th circuit courtroom will see, eventually, some attempt to resolve these issues. And City Hall would like to see […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 1, 2018

The big news from Jacksonville Thursday: the indictment of Councilmembers Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown on charges related to a conspiracy to defraud. Prosecutors assert that the Browns secreted government money, lent and granted to Katrina Brown for a barbeque sauce plant that was supposed to create 56 jobs — but created none. For those expecting hot takes […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 31, 2018

Jacksonville hasn’t dealt with a politician’s fraud trial in roughly a year. Perhaps the city was overdue. A 61-page indictment dropped in federal court Thursday for two Jacksonville City Council members, Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown. Their first appearance on Thursday afternoon saw the two Democrats face the court, in the face of charges that […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 31, 2018

Jacksonville mayoral candidate Connell Crooms, running without party affiliation, got some coverage this week for calling incumbent Mayor Lenny Curry a “racist bully.” “It seems for the sake of professional decorum, the people of color on city council are too afraid to say what black people in Jacksonville have long been saying: Lenny Curry is […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 31, 2018

Though the Jacksonville City Council is on its “fifth week,” a sanctioned break from committee meetings, the intrigue continues in the St. James Building. Tuesday saw Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry meet with a candidate for the legislative body: Marcellus Holmes. Holmes, a former professional football player, didn’t hone into specific policy proposals during an April interview. If elected, […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 30, 2018

Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams and State Attorney Melissa Nelson on Wednesday rolled out the ‘KEYS 2 Drive’ (Knowledge Empowers Your Success) diversion program. The program will help those facing primary charges of driving without valid licenses, or suspended or revoked licenses, to get valid drivers’ licenses. Of the 12,000 people faced with that fate last year, estimates are […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 30, 2018

Jacksonville City Councilmen Jim Love and Matt Schellenberg, both second term Republicans, had expressed different visions for the future of Jacksonville’s public utility. Schellenberg’s 2018-242 would encourage the Mayor and the JEA Board to explore a review of a potential sale; Love’s 2018-248 would represent Council opposition to a sale. Both bills will not see the Council floor, after a […]

A.G. Gancarski
Jogger runs by Tampa Bay on Oct. 9 ahead of Milton. Image via AP.

Jacksonville in wait and see mode regarding Rick Scott suspending indicted councilors

Tommy Hazouri files for re-election to Jacksonville City Council

Sail away! Rob Bradley and Co. to embark on Disney Cruise fundraiser in July

Jacksonville files eviction counterclaim against Landing management

Jacksonville pols guarded when talking Councilmembers’ indictments

Jacksonville Councilors Katrina Brown, Reggie Brown have first hearing on 38-count fraud indictment

Connell Crooms doubles down on ‘racist bully’ claim against Lenny Curry

Mind games continue between Lenny Curry, Garrett Dennis

Duval County rolls out drivers license restoration program

Jacksonville City Councilors will pull competing JEA privatization resolutions