Local

A.G. GancarskiDecember 29, 2015

One of Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry‘s priorities has been public safety. But it’s a new school approach to law and order, one predicated on the assumption that Jacksonville can’t police our way out of its problems, and one rooted in a revival of the Jacksonville Journey. “It’s the right thing to do,” Curry has said. Curry […]

Mike SchneiderDecember 29, 2015

A federal judge in San Diego has dismissed a class-action lawsuit brought by SeaWorld patrons who claimed they were deceived about how the marine park treats orcas and wanted refunds. The federal judge last week said that the plaintiffs didn’t have standing to bring the lawsuit on behalf of patrons of SeaWorld parks in San […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 29, 2015

Despite the handwringing in certain quarters about JEA’s annual bond ratings agency trip to New York earlier in December, JEA says it was “excellent.” An email from JEA CFO Melissa Dykes to Kerri Stewart, Chief of Staff of the Lenny Curry administration, credits the Jacksonville mayor. “The rating agency meetings were excellent. In particular, we have received […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 28, 2015

Capital is a finite thing in municipal budgets, and to that end an evaluation matrix for capital investments is floating around Jacksonville’s executive branch. What this will do, in its final form: codify a disciplined approach to capital investment, one rooted in ROI. The seven-page document from Kirk Wendland of the Office of Economic Development offers […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 28, 2015

Internal city of Jacksonville emails reveal that the Candy Apple Café, located across the street from City Hall, seeks to bag parking meters during peak hours. The issue, says Jennifer Earnest of the café, is one of capacity. “Is there any opportunity that we could bag the meters across from our building to create a space […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 24, 2015

Though talk is that a candidate still might jump into the House District 16 primary between Jason Fischer and Dick Kravitz, that candidate won’t get the support of the Northeast Florida Builders’ Association. NEFBA released a statement on Wednesday backing Fischer, who runs to replace termed-out Charles McBurney. “It is vital that we have strong leadership at both […]

Ryan RayDecember 24, 2015

Former Rep. Mike Clelland will pursue a return to Tallahassee in the open Senate District 13 seat vacated by term-limited Senate President Andy Gardiner, according to multiple Democratic operatives. The Morgan & Morgan attorney and former firefighter has made calls to past supporters to gauge interest in a bid for the Orlando-based Senate seat. One local Democrat told FloridaPolitics.com Clelland […]

Bill RuftyDecember 23, 2015

The holiday season is a time of giving, and Boynton Beach Republican Mark Freeman has promised to gift his campaign for Florida’s 18th Congressional District $1 million of his own money. Originally planning a run for the 22nd Congressional District, Freeman, an orthopedic surgeon, has entered a very crowded race for Congress to replace Congressman […]

Melissa RossDecember 23, 2015

The messaging war over expanding Jacksonville’s HRO, or human rights ordinance, is heating up as Christmas draws near, with District 3 City Councilman Aaron Bowman the latest to enter the fray Bowman’s email inbox is already drawing hate messages, advocates say, after his piece in support of updating the ordinance to cover LGBT residents appeared […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 22, 2015

The First District Court of Appeal on Tuesday ruled against a Nassau County man in a “stand your ground” case. On behalf Nicholas Rudin, 4th Circuit Public Defender Matt Shirk‘s team contended that Rudin was immune from prosecution under state Statute 766.032 (the stand your ground law). Shirk’s external communications officer said the case was not […]

Local
Girls at a Boys & Girls Club in Rhode Island. Image via AP.

Jax Journey revival showing successes already

Judge dismisses lawsuit brought by SeaWorld patrons

JEA credits Lenny Curry on “excellent” ratings agency meetings

Details emerge about Jacksonville’s proposed capital investment scoring matrix

Candy Apple Cafe wants meters in bags

NEFBA backs Jason Fischer in HD 16

Former Democratic lawmaker Mike Clelland eyeing bid in Senate District 13

‘Tis the Season for giving … to one’s own campaign

Councilan’s pro HRO op-ed generates hate mail, positive mail pushback

Matt Shirk’s office loses “stand your ground” case over father/son fracas