Jax

A.G. GancarskiDecember 11, 2018

On Monday evening, the Republican Party of Duval County moved Dean Black from vice chair to chair, ending the two-year term of Karyn Morton. The margin was slender (58-55), but the message was clear: after two years of Morton’s tumultuous tenure, party activists sought a change in direction ahead of the 2019 city elections. Morton […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 10, 2018

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and City Council President Aaron Bowman presented a united front at Monday’s meeting of the Jacksonville Rotary Club. This was their second co-appearance in front of a Rotary group, and while the two first-term Republicans aren’t completing each other’s sentences, what was clear Monday was that they are determined to continue working together […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 10, 2018

The Duval County Republican Party elects a chair Monday night, with incumbent Karyn Morton facing a challenge from vice-chair Dean Black. Morton has been outspoken about the failures of statewide candidates Ron DeSantis and Rick Scott, as well as about media and members of her own executive committee. Ahead of a joint appearance at the Jacksonville Rotary Club, Jacksonville’s leading […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 10, 2018

More members than not of the Duval County Legislative Delegation went into Monday’s meeting wondering what Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry wants. While the Mayor’s Office has had some conversations, we talked to five delegation members who had yet to hear from staff ahead of the conclave. No matter: Curry’s team was confident going into the event. They […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 10, 2018

Monday will see the Duval County Legislative Delegation convene and receive the asks of Jacksonville, its independent agencies, and other major stakeholders. While there are no local bills on the agenda this year, 50 speakers will attempt to make their cases for funding. From colleges and universities to non-profits, the pitches will be both urgent […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 7, 2018

Intrigue preceded Thursday’s Jacksonville City Council special committee on short-term vacation rentals. Chairman Danny Becton took his leave of the panel, with a letter expressing “disappointment … in recent events for which I have found dismissive actions towards my legislative work.” Becton said his “effectiveness” was impaired, and he could not be “successful in this role.” […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 6, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott rewards loyalty, and yet another example of that surfaced Thursday, when he appointed former Republican Party of Florida Chair Leslie Dougher to the St. Johns River College Board of Directors. Dougher, 55, of Green Cove Springs, is a realtor with Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty. The board appointment culminates an interesting few years for her. Dougher, a […]

Staff ReportsDecember 6, 2018

Wrap it up The year, in terms of Jacksonville city government, is nearing an end. Next Tuesday sees the final City Council meeting of 2018. For those interested in getting autographs, a Holiday themed meet-and-greet will also be held Wednesday afternoon. Hors-d’oeuvres will be served at the latter event. Reminder: keep gifts under $100 in […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 6, 2018

The qualifying deadline for Jacksonville city elections in 2019 is Jan. 11. And as of now, Mayor Lenny Curry is the prohibitive favorite for re-election. Curry has drawn seven opponents as of Thursday morning. But the first-term Republican Mayor has somewhere over $3 million on hand. And his nearest opponent, independent candidate Connell Crooms, has just over […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 5, 2018

The Jacksonville City Council Rules Committee has approved a strategic plan for the next five years, setting it up for consideration by the full body next week. A subcommittee hashed out the initial proposal last week, pushing forward a revamped version of the bill (2018-594) filed this summer, on matters including public safety, financial health, governmental […]

Jax
Milton damage. Image via City of Tampa.

Duval GOP elects Dean Black to chairman slot

Lenny Curry, Aaron Bowman present united message at Rotary lunch

‘A tough year’: Aaron Bowman, Lenny Curry talk Duval GOP chair race

Making a list: Duval legislators hear Jacksonville’s funding needs

‘Stay tuned’: Duval Delegation awaits Lenny Curry, Jacksonville 2019 asks

Jacksonville short-term rental panel loses chairman, pushes forward

Back to school: Leslie Dougher scores St. Johns River College board slot

Jacksonville Bold for 12.6.18 — Wrap it up

Lenny Curry challengers: all talk and no action?

Aspirational goals: Jacksonville City Council moves toward long-term strategic plan