Local

Frank TorresAugust 28, 2015

Sen. David Simmons formally announced the passage of his “No Contact” bill in Downtown Orlando on Friday afternoon. The legislation will ensure that once an “order of no contact” has been issued by the court, jailed suspects are prohibited from contacting and potentially threatening retaliation to victims. “We’re trying to ensure the prevention of domestic violence […]

Ryan RayAugust 28, 2015

When Rep. Brad Drake agreed to step aside and allow Rep. Marti Coley to finish out her tenure in the House following 2011 redistricting, he probably figured her former HD 5 seat was all his for four terms. But Bev Kilmer has announced she will not extend Drake the same professional courtesy Coley received when she and Drake were drawn into the […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 28, 2015

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It seemed the Tommy Hazouri proposal to rebuild the Jacksonville Library system by restoring hours in challenged neighborhoods would meet with approval from the finance committee on Friday. Then, Councilman Matt Schellenberg spoke up, wondering why there is no “preference to one or two of the libraries” in his Mandarin district, which have been “excluded” from this proposal. […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 28, 2015

From all accounts, former Clinton Administration member Nancy Soderberg is “ready for Hillary.” Word is that she’s going to be putting in work on the campaign. She’ll have more time to do just that in the coming months, as the Lenny Curry administration let the former Deputy National Security Advisor know this week that her services no […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 28, 2015

The Inspector General budget got a look from the Finance Committee of the Jacksonville City Council on Friday. Less interesting than the budget was the performance of the IG on the stand. Councilman John Crescimbeni and the new Inspector General had several exchanges that left the longtime councilman less than impressed. There were times when the […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 28, 2015

A red-hot Friday session of the Jacksonville City Council Finance Committee budget review included an conversation about Jacksonville Transit Authority revenue that got to the heart of the fractious relationship between City Council and Jacksonville’s independent authorities. Councilwoman Lori Boyer held forth with an extended address about the local option gas tax as part of a […]

Frank TorresAugust 28, 2015

Much like preparing for a hurricane, Orange County Republicans are looking for some shelter from an upcoming storm. And it’s not Tropical Storm Erika that has the GOP worried. In a unanimous vote Thursday evening, the Orange County Republican Executive Committee approved a group of three stand-alone campaign finance accounts, which would protect them from […]

Frank TorresAugust 27, 2015

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, along with dozens of leaders from the community, were in Downtown Orlando on Thursday to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Canvs, downtown’s technology hub. Canvs has supported technology startups in Orlando by providing work space options, mentorship, programming and regular events. One year ago, the collective found its home in the renovated […]

Bill RuftyAugust 27, 2015

Former Circuit Court Judge Robert Doyel announced Thursday that he is running in 2016 for Florida House District 41, which encompasses most of the eastern portion of Polk County. County Democratic Party officials confirmed last week that they were trying to recruit Doyel to run against Lakeland Republican Sen. Kelli Stargel. “I was approached about running […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 27, 2015

While some journalists were in Jacksonville City Council chambers marinating in stormwater and solid waste discussions, there was other action on the #jaxpol scene, as Nate Monroe reports in the Florida Times-Union. Former mayor John Delaney and former mayoral candidate (and JAX Chamber Chair Elect) Audrey Moran were among a few dozen civic leaders who have advocated for […]

Local
Buccaneers QB Teddy Bridgewater. Image via AP.

David Simmons formally announces passage of “No Contact” bill

Former lawmaker Bev Kilmer challenging Brad Drake in Panhandle House seat

Tommy Hazouri Jax library rebuild proposal survives Finance budget review

Nancy Soderberg, ready for Hillary, bounced from JAXPORT board

Jax Inspector General underwhelms in budget hearing

JTA, Jax Council Finance Committee spar over funding, Skyway

Orange County GOP approves finance accounts to shelter from House Speaker storm

Buddy Dyer celebrates Canvs anniversary in downtown Orlando

Robert Doyel announces HD 41 bid

As the HRO turns: Thoughts on the T-U piece on the River Club meeting