Melissa Ross, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Melissa RossMarch 26, 2015

Surprising some, Jacksonville is on a new New York Times list showing the metro areas with the largest population of LGBT residents. San Francisco is No. 1 (no surprise), followed by Portland, Ore.; Austin, Texas; and New Orleans. Jacksonville is the only Florida city to make the list, with 4.3 percent of the population falling […]

Melissa RossMarch 26, 2015

Surprising some, Jacksonville is on a new New York Times list showing the metro areas with the largest population of LGBT residents. San Francisco is No. 1 (no surprise), followed by Portland, Ore.; Austin, Texas; and New Orleans. Jacksonville is the only Florida city to make the list, with 4.3 percent of the population falling […]

Melissa RossMarch 24, 2015

Calling his first-place showing “a great victory,” Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown holds a 5-point lead over challenger Lenny Curry as the two well-funded candidates now advance to a May runoff. Speaking to supporters Tuesday nighty, Brown made a point of emphasizing the bipartisanship of his administration and supporters. “This isn’t about Republicans or Democrats or […]

Melissa RossMarch 24, 2015

Add Jacksonville’s North Florida Land Trust to the chorus of outrage over the Legislature’s proposal for the Amendment 1 budget. Amendment 1 passed overwhelmingly in November. The measure is designed to dedicate 33 percent of revenue from excise taxes to protect the state’s land and water resources. Now environmental groups like the NFLT are furious that […]

Melissa RossMarch 23, 2015

Facing strong challenges in Tuesday’s election, incumbent Mayor Alvin Brown said he’s confident — and that he’s fulfilled the campaign promises from four years ago that made him a come-from-behind winner in Jacksonville’s 2011 mayoral race. “I made a promise that I would streamline government, that we would live within our means, put Jacksonville back […]

Melissa RossMarch 23, 2015

Facing strong challenges in Tuesday’s election, incumbent Mayor Alvin Brown said he’s confident — and that he’s fulfilled the campaign promises from four years ago that made him a come-from-behind winner in Jacksonville’s 2011 mayoral race. “I made a promise that I would streamline government, that we would live within our means, put Jacksonville back […]

Melissa RossMarch 13, 2015

It’s just 11 days to go until Jacksonville’s March 24 unitary election, and the mayoral candidates are not only each claiming victory Thursday night’s televised debate, but seeking to grab as much momentum as possible. Mayor Alvin Brown’s campaign is rejoicing over its best month of fundraising to date, reporting more than $363,000 in donations […]

Melissa RossMarch 13, 2015

It’s just 11 days to go until Jacksonville’s March 24 unitary election, and the mayoral candidates are not only each claiming victory Thursday night’s televised debate, but seeking to grab as much momentum as possible. Mayor Alvin Brown’s campaign is rejoicing over its best month of fundraising to date, reporting more than $363,000 in donations […]

Melissa RossMarch 13, 2015

Even as U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry condemns the Rick Scott administration for its alleged refusal to use the term “climate change,” a globally recognized advocate on emerging green technologies says it’s important here in Florida to look at the bright side. “We try to look at this as the glass half-full,” says Hazel […]

Melissa RossMarch 11, 2015

Angela-Corey-prosecutor-of-George-Zimmerman-and-Marissa-Alexander-1024x1024.jpg

While most of the ink and attention right now is on Jacksonville’s upcoming mayoral race, another contest is brewing that looks to be a barnburner. Republican lawyer Wes White has officially filed to challenge 4th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Angela Corey in the 2016 Republican primary. White once ran the state attorney district office in Nassau […]

Melissa Ross
Image via AP.

Jacksonville found to be "gayest" city in Florida

Jacksonville found to be “gayest” city in Florida

Alvin Brown v. Lenny Curry: Takeaways

North Florida Land Trust howls over Amendment 1 funding

Alvin Brown’s final argument: “The key is keeping your promise”

Alvin Brown's final argument: "The key is keeping your promise"

Jax mayor's race candidates aim to build last-minute momentum

Jax mayor’s race candidates aim to build last-minute momentum

Private sector leads on climate issues, says Florida green tech expert

Challenger to take on Angela Corey in State Attorney race