Local

Associated PressDecember 1, 2015

It’s decision day for a developer’s planned $500 million project that would bring the world’s tallest rollercoaster to Orlando’s International Drive. Orange County’s Board of Commissioners is set to vote Tuesday on whether to grant zoning approval for Skyplex Orlando. Opposition led by neighboring Universal Orlando says the proposed 570-foot “Skyscraper” coaster, which would have […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 1, 2015

The vote, much like the Jaguars’ game against New England this year, was never in doubt. With heavy backing from the Lenny Curry administration throughout the process, Jacksonville City Council’s Recreation, Community Development, Public Health, and Safety Committee unanimously OK’d the city’s $45 million allocation for the improvements to EverBank Field, which include a covered practice […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 1, 2015

It’s unknown at press time whether Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry is making a list or checking it twice. What is known, however, is that Jacksonville’s City Hall will hold an Holiday-themed open house Wednesday night at Art Walk, and the mayor and the First Lady will be central to it. “Christmas is such a special time […]

Melissa RossNovember 30, 2015

By turns funny and rueful, Houston Mayor Annise Parker urged Duval County Democrats to learn from her city’s recent bruising turn in the national spotlight over the routing of its “HERO” ordinance by not making the same mistakes of her administration. “When the stupid comments start, don’t roll your eyes,” she told the 2015 Blue […]

Associated PressNovember 30, 2015

Several rural counties in north Florida are struggling with high-speed Internet service after an agency created in 2009 has become unreliable, and some customers have moved on to other sources for Internet service, local officials said. According to The Gainesville Sun, the North Florida Broadband Authority was formed by the North Florida Economic Development Partnership […]

Drew WilsonNovember 30, 2015

A second Democrat has filed to run in House District 42, setting up a primary battle for the seat now held by Republican Rep. Mike La Rosa. Dr. Bienvenido John Valentin Jr., a clinical psychologist, filed to run for the seat Nov. 23 and will face off against John Ferentinos, a Democrat who ran as […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 30, 2015

A delightful #jaxpol subplot has been the continuing controversy over what gifts are acceptable outlays from the Jacksonville Jaguars to Jacksonville’s City Council members and members of the executive branch. Even as Jacksonville public officials wrestle over the seemingly inevitable $45 million capital outlay on the latest round of stadium improvements, with THREE more committees […]

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 […]

Phil AmmannNovember 30, 2015

Congressional candidate Susannah Randolph knows the challenges facing a woman with political ambition. She learned it more than 30 years ago, while in fifth grade. Randolph writes about her first encounter with the glass ceiling in a new fundraising email to supporters. “Our class project was to come up with a candidate for president, a […]

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 […]

Local

Orange County Commission to decide fate of Skyplex Orlando project

2nd Jax city panel, recreation committee, OKs Jaguars’ amphitheater bill

For Jacksonville’s Art Walk, it’s a Lenny Curry Christmas

Houston Mayor Annise Parker to Duval Dems: “address stupid comments head-on”

North Florida rural counties struggle with Internet service

2nd Democrat files in HD 42, setting up primary battle for Mike LaRosa seat

Jaguars lobbyist Paul Harden mansplains, throws shade at Jax Ethics office

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

Email insights: Susannah Randolph, her daughter and finally breaking ultimate glass ceiling

Jax Finance Committee OKs amphitheater deal