Local

Mitch PerryMarch 10, 2016

Tampa state House Democrat Ed Narain said Thursday he’s giving up his House District 61 seat to run for state Senate this year. He’s aiming for the Senate District 19 seat being vacated by term-limited Arthenia Joyner. “From community service to political service, my guiding principal has been to focus on what’s best for Florida […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 10, 2016

A $31,670 February for Charles Cofer, 4th Circuit candidate for public defender, brings Cofer up to almost $60,000 raised during his three months in the race. The majority of Cofer’s 92 contributions came from the legal community, a base Cofer expected to provide such support. Among the names are Jim Rinaman, Holland and Knight, Harrell and Harrell, and […]

Scott PowersMarch 9, 2016

State Sen. Geraldine Thompson was elected Wednesday to chair the Florida Legislative Black Caucus for the next year while vowing to stay in the race to be elected to the U.S. Congress next fall. “Congressional District 10: yes, I’m staying in the race,” she said. Thompson, an Orlando Democrat, said she did not have to make a choice between campaigning […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 9, 2016

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry‘s PAC, Build Something That Lasts, celebrated the Senate passing of the Jacksonville “pension tax” bill with an email to supporters. In an email on Wednesday the PAC noted: “Since its inception, Build Something That Lasts has made $141k in contributions to PACs related to Tallahassee elected officials, including contributing to the House […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 9, 2016

Reggie-Fullwood-after-casting-his-vote.-phote-credit-Jeff-Branch-1024x1024-1024x1024.jpg

A bill establishing exceptions for space and seating requirements for liquor licenses for restaurants in Riverside/Avondale commercial character zone, passed the state Senate Wednesday. It had previously passed the House 102-1, sponsored by Reggie Fullwood, instead of Jay Fant, the area’s representative. The goal of the bill is to provide allowances for space and seating requirements in a […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 9, 2016

Ahead of other rallies in the state Thursday, Bernie Sanders will rally at the University of Florida in Gainesville Thursday morning. Doors open at 8, and attendees will Feel The Bern at 11, when the septuagenarian socialist Senator speaks at the University South Village Field. “Just so we’re clear,” claims the announcement, “Bernie WILL be at […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 9, 2016

120329-Rick_Santorum-AP120329084228_620x350-1024x1024.jpg

Ahead of the Florida primary, the Marco Rubio campaign is bringing star power to Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, in the form of Rick Santorum. There are two Jacksonville events: a National Security presser Thursday at 10 p.m., then a phone bank event, Thursday at 6 p.m.. Both events will be at Rubio’s Jacksonville headquarters on Beach […]

Bill RuftyMarch 9, 2016

Now in its second year of operation the state’s newest university, Florida Polytechnic in Lakeland, will receive money in this year’s state budget for its second major academic building and funding for a new program. In the budget, and approved earlier by the Board of Governors, are $5 million for the preliminary preparation and construction […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 9, 2016

On Wednesday, the Florida Senate voted 35-1 to approve the Discretionary Sales Surtax bill (SB 1652), which would allow Jacksonville to impose a pension tax via referendum if the bill is signed into law. This passage represents the culmination of a concerted effort that started months ago, including the enlistment of an army of city […]

Scott PowersMarch 9, 2016

U.S. Rep. John Mica announced Wednesday that his deal to transfer a closed U.S. Veterans Affairs nursing home to Florida has been completed, with his bill rocketing through both houses and getting President Barack Obama‘s signature in less than a month. The home, part of the old Baldwin Park VA medical services complex in Winter […]

Local

Ed Narain declares candidacy for SD 19

4th Circuit public defender 4 hopeful Charles Cofer nears $60K raised

Geraldine Thompson elected to chair of Legislative Black Caucus while vowing to stay in congressional race

Lenny Curry’s PAC exults in pension tax passage

Jax J-1 local bill clears Senate, affects Riverside/Avondale liquor-serving restaurants

Bernie Sanders plans Gainesville rally Thursday

Rick Santorum to campaign in Jacksonville, NE Florida for Marco Rubio

Once-controversial Florida Poly University gets expansion funds

Jacksonville’s pension tax bill sails through Senate, now heads to Gov. Scott

John Mica gets feds to transfer VA nursing home to Florida in less than 30 days