Jax

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 5, 2016

Though Raymond Johnson‘s political endeavors of late about been targeted against Jacksonville HRO expansion, he also is dipping his toes into the presidential race. Johnson’s Biblical Concepts Ministries is offering a lecture series: “Why Christians should not vote for Donald Trump in the Republican Primary.” “BCM wants to be sure evangelicals are biblically informed and ready to fulfill […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 5, 2016

The big news in Jacksonville: The prime suspect in the death of Lonzie Barton, Ruben Ebron, preparing to enter a plea in the death of Lonzie Barton. State Attorney candidate Wes White is outraged. “Ruben Ebron is scheduled to appear before a judge at 8:30 a.m. When he does, the judge may decide whether to accept or reject […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 4, 2016

The first of three meetings of the Jacksonville City Council Committee of the Whole on two Human Rights Ordinance expansion bills had all the drama you could want. Those paying attention would have noted that the real drama, the procedural drama, was set up hours ahead of this meeting. Even before the three hour meeting […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 4, 2016

One of the more surprisingly compelling political stories in Jacksonville in the second half of 2015: the chaos at the local utility, JEA. You saw the mayor, Lenny Curry, sending emails to top staff members asking “what the hell is going on” with the board of directors. You saw board members blasting media for covering its […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 4, 2016

In Jacksonville Thursday morning, Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Mayor Lenny Curry took questions from the media after a job-creation event at Kaman Industries. Questions were asked regarding the Governor’s commitment to STEM Programs, Curry’s position on HRO expansion, and whether Curry or Scott were ready to endorse for president. Most observers assume that Scott may back Donald […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 4, 2016

After Friday’s announcement by Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry that further legislation expanding the Human Rights Ordinance wouldn’t be “prudent,” a surprising thing to media observers was the seeming cover provided Curry by activists on the other side. Part of that cover was Curry actually taking a material step forward in offering employment protections to city employees […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 3, 2016

In the 2015 May election, Tommy Hazouri was the leading citywide vote getter. The former mayor was buoyed by an interesting coalition: voters who remembered his tenure as mayor with fondness, along with young people energized by his proactive stance on Human Rights Ordinance expansion. His appeal crossed party lines; his messaging hit the same […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 3, 2016

Ahead of the Committee of the Whole meeting on Thursday, anti-HRO activists from Florida Family Policy Council planned a press conference ahead of the event. One problem, however: facilities problems. With rain forecast for Jacksonville for Thursday afternoon, a press conference in Hemming Park was out of the question. The question, from there was a presser […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 3, 2016

In a meeting Wednesday, Councilman John Crescimbeni criticized the Committee of the Whole process on HRO expansion, which runs through March 3. “Whether [I was] for it or against it, I likely wouldn’t drag it out until [March] 3rd,” Crescimbeni said when asked about the HRO by Tommy Hazouri. His opposition to the protracted process pertaining to […]

Melissa RossFebruary 3, 2016

The city of Jacksonville is no longer taking part in the Rockefeller Foundation’s “100 Resilient Cities” Initiative. The program awards cities around the world $1 million grants to address issues such as sea level rise and extreme weather. Former Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown applied for the grant and received it, but under the Lenny Curry […]

Jax
Images via Florida Politics.

Raymond Johnson: Christians shouldn’t vote for Donald Trump

Wes White slams Ruben Ebron plea deal in Lonzie Barton murder

Lori Boyer’s withdrawal motion highlights Jax HRO Committee of the Whole

After bad press and board flux, JEA on path to stability again

Rick Scott, Lenny Curry stay on message during Jacksonville event

Cold war developing between anti-HRO Jax clergymen and Lenny Curry

Tommy Hazouri contemplates leadership, legacy, and the HRO

Anti-HRO presser hits scheduling snag

John Crescimbeni throws cold water on HRO process: “damage to reputation of city”

Jacksonville drops out of “100 Resilient Cities” initiative