Jax

A.G. GancarskiNovember 30, 2015

A news release from Cindy Watson, executive director of the Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network (JASMYN), celebrates what she calls “the first steps toward an AIDS-Free Generation in Jacksonville!” “Two champions have stepped up to help us: The Delores Barr Weaver Fund at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida will match every dollar donated to JASMYN […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 30, 2015

A packed Jacksonville City Council Finance Committee meeting Monday included what Chairman Bill Gulliford described as a “dog and pony show” related to Jaguars stadium upgrades and an update on the Police and Fire Pension Fund imbroglio, among other issues. If this were pro wrestling, it would be a supercard. Paul Harden, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ superlobbyist, was on […]

Melissa RossNovember 30, 2015

Back in 2012, he was one of a chorus of evangelical pastors in North Florida speaking out against updating Jacksonville’s human rights ordinance to cover LGBT citizens from discrimination in jobs, housing and public accommodations. But now, the Reverend R.L. Gundy has changed his mind. “There’s no conflict between your Biblical stance and the issue. […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 30, 2015

In the wake of last week’s piece about Republican 4th Circuit State Attorney candidate Wes White hiring two folks on opposite sides of the debate on Jacksonville Human Rights Ordinance Expansion to collect petitions, White wants to set the record straight. Regarding one petition collector, Raymond Johnson, who enthusiastically advocates against codifying protections for LGBT people into […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 27, 2015

A movement is afoot, as we reported on Tuesday, among certain pastors to push toward a referendum on the Human Rights Ordinance, as opposed to a Council vote. The referendum in Houston managed to undo the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance. Uncoincidentally, Houston pastors were recently in town talking to Jacksonville counterparts. Is this a serious […]

Melissa RossNovember 26, 2015

After facing intense backlash from a spirited and feisty local food truck community, this week Jacksonville City Councilman Reggie Brown withdrew his proposed ordinance that would have placed new restrictions on the popular restaurants on wheels. Brown backed down after the “truckies” showed up to City Council and squawked, loudly, about the move toward stricter […]

Melissa RossNovember 25, 2015

Federal prosecutors say a massive pharmacy fraud settlement in Florida is just the beginning. “Early next year, we’ll start bringing criminal charges against individual doctors,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Mehta says. Mehta says his office thinks the scam began in 2013 when the military health care program Tricare started seeing a big spike in compounded […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 25, 2015

If you’re reading this, you likely have a positive relationship with the Thanksgiving holiday. This should be especially true for the doughty stalwarts of the #JaxPol universe, where seemingly everyone, from the congressional level down to City Council, have tangible things for which they should be grateful. U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw, for one, can be grateful […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 25, 2015

In the HD 11 race, Jacksonville Beach Republican Donnie Horner can give thanks for a key endorsement rendered on Tuesday: that of former Senator Steve Wise, who had been chair of the Education Appropriations Committee. In the endorsement statement released by the Horner camp, Wise cites the “conservative principles” of Horner, as well as his “demonstrated commitment […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 24, 2015

The penultimate Jacksonville City Council meeting of the year, on “getaway day” before Thanksgiving break unofficially begins, had, in theory, a light agenda with expected heavy public comment on the HRO and related issues. In practice, though the agenda was light and the public comment was robust, the HRO commentary was surprisingly muted. The agenda […]

Jax

JASMYN takes steps toward “AIDS-free generation” in Jacksonville

Jax Finance Committee OKs amphitheater deal

Jax pastor R.L. Gundy on HRO switch: “we cannot discriminate”

Wes White: “Raymond Johnson was hired to collect petitions”

Jax Democratic Council members discuss potential HRO referendum

This Thanksgiving, no one is more thankful than Jax food truck owners

More prosecutions, arrests coming in Florida pharmacy fraud scam

Thanksgiving, the #JaxPol edition

Steve Wise endorses Donnie Horner in HD 11

Jax City Council light on agenda, heavy on public comment