Kevin Meerschaert, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Kevin MeerschaertApril 21, 2015

Jacksonville City Council member Kim Daniels is responding to critics who say she could have attended Monday night’s At-Large Region 1 debate at the Main Library downtown if she really wanted to. Daniels said she had a previous commitment and was unable to appear. She instead participated in an event at The Jacksonville Landing in […]

Kevin MeerschaertApril 21, 2015

The crowd at the Main Library downtown for the Jacksonville City Council debate may not have been as large as others around town. What it lacked in size, it made up with substance. About 40 people, many connected to a campaign in one way or another, attended to hear candidates discuss the issues facing Jacksonville. […]

Kevin MeerschaertApril 21, 2015

The Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Board of Trustees voted Monday morning to hold off on any appeal of a judge’s ruling that tossed out part of a 30-year agreement it had with the city. Last month, Judge Thomas Beverly stuck down the agreement saying the agreement from 2000 was negotiated in secret, a violation […]

Kevin MeerschaertApril 16, 2015

A Jacksonville City Council subcommittee is looking for ways to reduce blight, but some residents are asking whether there aren’t more important issues the council should focus on. The full council approved legislation this week to crack down on so-called “bucket and hose” car wash operations. Many have sprouted on Jacksonville street corners in the […]

Kevin MeerschaertApril 14, 2015

Northeast Florida officials are looking to boost exports and therefore increase the number of jobs in the region. The Metro Jacksonville/Northeast Florida Export Plan intends to promote economic development and encourage more businesses to consider exporting their goods. It’s part of the Global Cities Initiative that helps cities around the world develop their economies by […]

Kevin MeerschaertApril 3, 2015

Jacksonville officials are encouraging motorists to protect themselves and others by avoiding distracted driving incidents. A crushed vehicle, representing the results of distracted driving, stood in front of Jacksonville City Hall on Friday, as residents signed a pledge declaring they will not read or send text messages while behind the wheel. Wayne Hogan, a local […]

Kevin MeerschaertMarch 26, 2015

The Jacksonville City Council once again rejected a police and fire-pension reform plan championed by Mayor Alvin Brown. The proposal was defeated on a 9-9 vote, falling short of the majority needed to pass. There was a long debate on several amendments that if approved likely would have gotten the legislation approved. One would have […]

Kevin MeerschaertMarch 24, 2015

Jacksonville mayoral candidate Bill Bishop thanked his supporters for their unwavering support after he fell short of making the runoff for the May General Election. Supporters were chanting “We love Bill!” as Bishop received only about 17 percent of the vote, well behind Democratic Mayor Alvin Brown and former Republican State Party Chair Lenny Curry. Bishop said, […]

Kevin MeerschaertMarch 20, 2015

Long awaited infrastructure improvements are heading to parts of northwest Jacksonville. Mayor Alvin Brown, joined by other city leaders on Friday, signed an ordinance authorizing more than $7 million for water main improvements on U.S. 1 and redevelopment projects on Phelps Street and the Soutel Drive corridor. The city council unanimously passed the ordinance this […]

Kevin MeerschaertMarch 18, 2015

The Jacksonville City Council may have come up with a compromise that could inch the city closer to a deal on pension reform. However, finding a funding source for any plan still seems far down the road. Three council committees amended and voted on the latest proposal. The Finance and the Recreation, Community Development Public […]

Kevin Meerschaert
Image via Carlton Ward Jr.

Jax City Council member Kim Daniels responds to debate critics

Jax City Council debate small in size, big on substance

Jax Pension Board will not appeal ruling tossing out 30-year agreement

Jacksonville cracks down on “bucket and hose” car washes

Jacksonville initiative seeks boost to exports, local jobs

Jacksonville takes swipe at distracted driving

Jax City Council rejects (again) pension reform plan

Bill Bishop concedes but could still be a factor

Alvin Brown signs improvements bill for northwest Jax

Jax City Council seeks possible compromise on pension reform