Local

A.G. GancarskiSeptember 12, 2015

At Jacksonville City Council last Tuesday, there was some concern expressed that, because of a $326,000 shortfall of property tax revenue, the Finance Committee would have to tweak the budget accordingly on Monday. That may not need to happen. “I think we can make up the difference on the Ad Valorem decrease if we revise […]

Melissa RossSeptember 12, 2015

In the ultimate generational passing of the torch, 35-year-old Ken Babby has assumed control of the Jacksonville Suns from the storied Bragan family, taking ownership after the 2015 season and planning what he says will be a millennial’s approach to freshening up the fun at the ballpark. The divorced dad of a 7-year old son, Babby […]

Drew WilsonSeptember 11, 2015

Lake City Republican Rep. Elizabeth Porter has drawn a Democratic challenger for her House District 10 seat, dashing her chances of going a third cycle in a row without major party competition. Fredrick “Rick” Schutte IV filed Friday to run for the seat. The Live Oak resident and Army veteran has been working as a […]

Frank TorresSeptember 11, 2015

Altamonte Springs State Rep. Bob Cortes is looking to reform the Central Florida Transportation Authority with a new bill that could eventually privatize the region’s LYNX bus system. Filed on Friday, HB 155 would change the five-person board, now made up of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Osceola Commissioner Viviana Janer, Seminole County Commissioner Carlton […]

Frank TorresSeptember 11, 2015

Orlando state Sen. and congressional candidate Darren Soto sent an email to supporters Friday morning to remember the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and announce an endorsement from an Osceola County firefighter’s union. “Our nation owes a huge debt to the police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders that answered the call of duty 14 […]

A.G. GancarskiSeptember 11, 2015

Speculation is swirling among the plugged-in types in Jacksonville’s City Hall. Former Jacksonville City Councilman Richard Clark, they say, might be dropping out of the District 12 race against fellow former councilman Don Redman. They might look at his August fundraising, which is at zero again for a fourth straight month, and say that Clark isn’t running. […]

A.G. GancarskiSeptember 11, 2015

We had a story this week about Donnie Horner continuing to lap the HD 11 field in fundraising, with a lot of that money coming from Jacksonville power brokers. Michael Munz and Peter Rummell in August. Ben Frisch, Chartrand, WW Gay, and the Fiorentino Group in July. Well, after that ran, local Republicans raised concerns. They brought up Horner’s recent party switch. […]

Frank TorresSeptember 11, 2015

Putting aside political differences, a group of college Democrats and Republicans from the University of Central Florida met this morning to remember those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks fourteen years ago and honor the heroes defending the country’s freedom every day. Over 60 students met at dawn to place 2,977 American flags on […]

A.G. GancarskiSeptember 11, 2015

The race between veteran Jacksonville Republican Dick Kravitz and Duval County School Board member Jason Fischer continues, in terms of fundraising, to be a one sided affair. The big donation of August, for Fischer’s Conservative Solutions for Jacksonville PAC, was a $10,000 haul from Tampa’s John Kirtley, who, like Fischer, is committed to educational reform. This brings Fischer’s […]

A.G. GancarskiSeptember 11, 2015

Dyslexia was the topic at Thursday afternoon’s Education Solutions summit in Yulee, Florida, in the packed Nassau Room at the Florida State College Jacksonville Nassau County campus. Convened by Fernandina Beach Representative Janet Adkins, speakers included Duval County School Superintendent Nikolai Vitti and a panel of educational experts. Before the panel, Adkins stressed the importance of this […]

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Sen. Ashley Moody (right) fields questiosn about the space program during a town hall in Melbourne. Image via Ashley Moody.

Budget Booster: Jax “strong finish” in FY 15 sales tax revenue

New Jax Suns owner Ken Babby: “I absolutely love what I’m doing”

Elizabeth Porter draws Democratic challenger for House District 10 race

New bill filed to reform Central Florida Transportation Authority, privatize LYNX

Email insights: Darren Soto announces firefighter support on 9/11

For 4th month, HD 12 GOP hopeful Richard Clark raises no money

HD 11 Sheri Treadwell clears $35K, presents challenge to Donnie Horner

UCF Republicans and Democrats stand together for 9/11 remembrance event

In HD 16, Jason Fischer continues his fundraising dominance

Nikolai Vitti, Janet Adkins talk dyslexia at Nassau County Education Solutions Summit