Local

Scott PowersJanuary 6, 2016

The International Association of Firefighters has endorsed state Sen. Darren Soto in the Democratic nomination race for the Orlando-based Congressional District 9. Soto, whose legislative efforts included successfully pushing for passage of the “John Curry Firefighter Death Benefit Act,” announced Wednesday morning the endorsement from a union that represents over 300,000 firefighters and paramedics nationally. In a […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 6, 2016

“The people made it clear what they wanted,” a re-elected politician said. “I earned capital in the campaign, political capital, and I intend to spend it.” That politician: George W. Bush, in 2004. Bush 43 learned about the finite power of political capital the hard way: seeing his father go from 91 percent approval ratings to […]

Bill RuftyJanuary 5, 2016

After the announcement Tuesday of the new numbered districts following a court-ordered redistricting because the Florida Senate couldn’t or wouldn’t do its job, Polk County still will have three state Senate Districts. But it could have at least two new senators after the 2016 elections. The districts won’t be in the same positions in the […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 5, 2016

In the Riverside area of Jacksonville on Tuesday, a Donald Trump banner in a storefront window was defaced with Nazi iconography. SS insignia were painted on the glass, covering the collar of his shirt. A Hitler mustache, painted over his top lip. A swastika, emblazoned on his forehead. And the banner message? “Heil Donald Trump: Nazi […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 5, 2016

Jacksonville City Council’s Tuesday Recreation, Community Development, Public Health, and Safety (RCDPHS) committee meeting was highlighted by Pension Tax and Public Health talk, and an extended discussion of a controversial Fire and Rescue salary allocation from September’s budget hearings. The Health Department’s Kelly Wells announced new initiatives, such as the 60 Days to Better Health challenge […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 5, 2016

On Monday, the Jacksonville City Council Neighborhood Improvement and Community Enhancement Committee kicked off 2016. The ad hoc committee has become a source of consternation for many on Council, who note that it is unable to take action, and is just a deliberative committee. Some highlights included a further discussion of Land Bank issues and […]

Ryan RayJanuary 4, 2016

Democrat Randy Perkins took in a massive $1.35 million dollar haul during his first active month of running for Congress, his campaign announced Monday. The independently wealthy political novice raised about $425,000 from donors, as well as chipping in $1 million of his own money during the fourth fundraising quarter of 2015. Perkins is seeking to succeed […]

Scott PowersJanuary 4, 2016

A group that contends Israel has essentially locked Palestinians into an open prison and that Americans are paying for it, has placed a billboard in east Orange County denouncing American financial support for Israel. The group, If Americans Knew, has placed the billboard reading “$10 MILLION A DAY TO ISRAEL? Our money is needed in […]

Melissa RossJanuary 4, 2016

History shows that a rebounding economy tends to favor the Democratic nominee in the 2016 presidential election, say two North Florida economists, with the caveat that it’s a long way between now and Nov. 8. Forecasts for the coming year are all over the map, but economist Andres Gallo of the University of North Florida is on […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 4, 2016

According to an analysis conducted by the Miami Herald last year, most driver’s license suspensions in Florida occur because of a failure to pay fees for traffic violations, not because of unsafe driving practices. The failure to pay fees accounted for 77 percent of all license suspensions in Florida between 2012 and 2015, according to an analysis […]

Local

Darren Soto’s congressional bid wins endorsement of firefighters union

Lenny Curry, the pension tax, and political capital

In Polk County, new state Senate districts – and new intrigues

Donald Trump banner in Jax defaced with Nazi iconography

Jax rec committee talks public health, pension tax plan, JFRD budget

Jax NICE Committee kicks off 2016, discusses “Spring Clean Jacksonville”

Randy Perkins garners $1.35 million in first month for congressional bid

Orlando billboard urges end to Israel financial support

Improving economy slightly favors Democrats in 2016 (but anything can happen)

Event aiming to reinstate suspended drivers licenses set in Hillsborough