Local

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 13, 2016

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Despite Tommy Hazouri choosing to withdraw the HRO expansion bill (and taking the slings and arrows of character assassination from HRO expansion advocates in the process), the Jacksonville Coalition for Equality remains steadfast in its commitment to a fully inclusive bill. A long statement from the JCE had a couple of interesting sentences. One of them: “We […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 13, 2016

A seven-member bipartisan group of Congress, led by Tampa Democrat Kathy Castor, departed from Tampa to Cuba on Saturday. “We intend to meet with small business owners and entrepreneurs to gain a better understanding of how the changes in the Cuban economy are working,” Castor said in a brief news conference held at Tampa International […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 13, 2016

A temporary setback for the movement to expand the Human Rights Ordinance in Jacksonville was revealed Saturday, when Tommy Hazouri announced his decision to withdraw his bill… for now. Hazouri confirmed, in a conversation Saturday, that the bill will be back sooner than later. Hazouri’s decision, according to those familiar with his thinking, was driven by […]

Bill RuftyFebruary 13, 2016

Hopes that the Florida Legislature would give the city of Winter Haven enough money to buy the unused Nora Mayo Hall from the state are gone for this year. The reason is a lack of support from Gov. Rick Scott, members of the Polk County Legislative Delegation said. Although the purchase won’t happen this year […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 12, 2016

Nancy Watkins, the South Tampa certified public accountant who has been campaign treasurer for hundreds of local and national Republicans for more than 25 years, won’t run for the Florida House District 60 seat being vacated this fall by Dana Young. Watkins, who has never run for public office, was said to be seriously considering […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 12, 2016

If Gainesville Republican Rep. Keith Perry decides to run for state Senate, there’s one Republican, at least, chomping at the bit to take over his House District 21 seat. Newberry Republican Chuck Clemons announced his candidacy Thursday but said he would bow out of the race if Perry decides to seek his final term in […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 12, 2016

On Friday, Sheriff Mike Williams and his predecessor, John Rutherford, endorsed State Attorney Angela Corey for re-election. For both men, it was an easy decision, and a validation of the long-range vision underpinning law enforcement and the administration of justice in Jacksonville. Rutherford used familiar language, referring to the “three-legged stool” of prevention, intervention, and enforcement, and saying […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 12, 2016

Todd Wilcox said Republicans have a clear choice in the race to replace Sen. Marco Rubio in the U.S. Senate. They can choose from one of several career politicians running for office, or they can pick him, a first-time candidate who spent years as an entrepreneur. Wilcox made his pitch to the Women’s Republican Club […]

Guest AuthorFebruary 12, 2016

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Candidates who want to keep Martin County different from the rest of crowded South Florida have lost county commission races when two who favor careful growth run against one development-friendly contender. In past elections, the two candidates who support careful growth split the majority vote and the candidate who developers favor coasts to victory on […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorFebruary 12, 2016

Toast: Two judges, some killers (unfortunately) and death penalty critics The death penalty doesn’t exist in Florida. At least not for now. And that’s a thing of beauty for people who don’t care for the policy much. Especially considering Florida is the second-most murderous state in the nation in terms of capital punishment. Two judges, […]

Local

On HRO, no compromise for Jax Coalition for Equality

Kathy Castor leads 7-member congressional delegation to Cuba

Tommy Hazouri to withdraw HRO bill

State: No to Nora Mayo Hall … for now

Nancy Watkins opts not to run for Tampa HD 60 seat

If Keith Perry mounts Senate bid, Republican ready for HD 21 run

2 Jax sheriffs endorse Angela Corey for re-election

Todd Wilcox looks to woo Republican voters during Naples stop

Sally Swartz: If growth advocates split vote, can conservationist win Martin commission seat?

Toast to the Bay/Dump into the Bay: 2 Bay area judges; Jim Frishe