Local

Ryan RayAugust 20, 2015

Gretna City Commissioner Clarence Jackson announced Thursday via a theatrical campaign ad that he’s jumping into a now four-way race for an open seat in House District 8. The all-Democratic field seeks to succeed term-limited Rep. Alan Williams in HD 8, which takes in all of Gadsden County – the state’s only majority-minority county – and the southern […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 20, 2015

As the Lenny Curry administration settles in, new appointees look to be advanced to various boards in the coming weeks. Mary Harvey and Lea Mahan are being advanced as a possible member of the Art in Public Places committee. Russ Thomas and Jay Demetree are potential appointees to the Jacksonville Aviation Authority. John Rood, a key supporter of Curry during his campaign, […]

Frank TorresAugust 19, 2015

Orlando State Sen. Geraldine Thompson filed legislation Wednesday that would prohibit the display of Confederate flags at government buildings. Senate Bill 154 reads, in part: “The display of the flag or emblem of the Confederate States of America or any flag or emblem used by the Confederate States of America or its military or naval forces at any time […]

Frank TorresAugust 19, 2015

Political operatives in Central Florida are certain U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown will not sit still if (or when) her congressional district is redrawn. Brown might consider running in Florida’s 10th Congressional District, which covers much of the Orlando area, if she loses the fight to keep her current District 5 seat, which has caught the attention of the Florida Supreme court […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 19, 2015

10959373_1379968915648765_7069555253090901376_n-1024x1024.jpg

Another day, another departure of an Alvin Brown political appointee. Wednesday’s edition: Melody Bishop, the wife of one-time mayoral candidate Bill Bishop, from the Downtown Investment Authority board. In a letter to Jordan Elsbury, the Director of Appointments and Special Projects for the Lenny Curry administration, Bishop, “with heavy heart,” offers her resignation “effective immediately.” She wanted the opportunity to meet […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 19, 2015

A controversy is brewing in the House District 11 Republican primary. On Wednesday, an email sent by Jacksonville Beach Mayor Charlie Latham from his official city account blurred the lines between official city business and electioneering. Latham’s communication to Jacksonville Beach business owners that addressed the workings of the city while simultaneously touting his “good friend […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 19, 2015

The Florida Times-Union ran a piece on Wednesday afternoon detailing the grounds for the attorney for Michael Dunn appealing his murder conviction for the killing of Jordan Davis. Interestingly, my own journalism figured into the appeal. One of the grounds for appeal: a juror was removed from the trial because he made a joke about prosecuting attorney Angela Corey. […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 19, 2015

On Wednesday afternoon, a special committee on Public Service Grants was convened by the Jacksonville City Council. Chaired by Anna Brosche, the committee included Councilmembers John Crescimbeni, Sam Newby, Katrina Brown, and Reggie Gaffney. At issue was a scoring process that charitably could be called “subjective.” Groups had scores that were all over the place. Jacksonville Area Legal Aid […]

Frank TorresAugust 19, 2015

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, along with several officials from the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness, announced this morning a recent “surge” that put 418 veterans on the path to permanent housing. “I believe more than ever we have the right resources and the right processes to fight for our Veterans […]

Melissa RossAugust 19, 2015

The Reverend John Guns lights up with enthusiasm as he talks about the new back-to-school initiative in Jacksonville designed to support and encourage male students from 6th through 12th grades — one with strong buy-in from the city’s mayor, sheriff, and school superintendent. “It’s an exciting week,” said Guns during an appearance on WJCT’s First Coast Connect. […]

Local
TAMPA, FLA. 8/12/25-During the Florida Chamber Foundation’s 2025 Florida Technology & Innovation Solution Summit in Tampa. COLIN HACKLEY PHOTO

Gretna Commissioner Clarence Jackson files for 2016 House run in HD 8

Potential new board appointees from Lenny Curry administration

Geraldine Thompson files bill to prohibit flying Confederate flag on public buildings

Corrine Brown could consider CD 10 run if she loses redistricting battle

Melody Bishop leaves Downtown Investment Authority, pledges “support” to Curry

Jax Beach mayor uses city email to campaign

Michael Dunn appeal not a surprise, but Wes White thinks it lacks legs

Jax Public Service Grant panel member argues system is broken

Orlando leaders announce homeless Veterans surge helps 418

John Guns: one city/one Jacksonville “an exciting week”