Local

A.G. GancarskiMay 17, 2016

In welcome news for media tasked with covering the Jacksonville City Council’s Vehicles for Hire committee, it appears that special panel may be nearing its end. Rules Committee chair Matt Schellenberg, who also chairs Vehicles for Hire, noted in the Rules agenda meeting Tuesday afternoon that Vehicles for Hire hadn’t been making the progress he’d hoped […]

Peter SchorschMay 17, 2016

A coalition of Miami-Dade politicians announced a new initiative Tuesday to put tougher enforcement of local campaign finance laws and a lobbyist gift ban on the November ballot. Heading the group Accountable Miami-Dade is Monica Russo, the president of the SEIU Florida Council, and Bettina Rodriguez Aguilera, the one-time Republican vice-mayor of Doral and former […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 17, 2016

Another day, another story about public school bathrooms from Northeast Florida. On Monday, Duval County’s school superintendent, Nikolai Vitti, discussed the “fear factor” from some parents and students, relative to transgender students using the bathrooms of their choice, a policy supported and accommodated by Duval County Public Schools. On Tuesday, Vitti, along with the school district […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 17, 2016

Last week, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement gave the city of Jacksonville $12,900 of federal funds via its Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) re-allocation. The money, said the grant letter, is intended to establish a “zero tolerance” culture “related to sexual abuse and sexual harassment in confinement facilities.” The grant period extends eight months, […]

Mitch PerryMay 17, 2016

Former Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink is giving her seal of approval to Jennifer Webb, the Gulfport-based Democrat now running for the House District 69 seat. “Jennifer Webb is a proven leader who will bring a strong, independent voice to Tallahassee for the hardworking residents of Pinellas County,” Sink said on Tuesday. “For too long, career politicians have […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 17, 2016

The Daytona Beach News-Journal reported Tuesday that Fred Costello won the Hob Nob straw poll of Congressional District 6 candidates at the Daytona Speedway. Costello got 29 percent of the 251 votes cast, edging out G.G. Galloway and Brandon Patty, who both finished above 20 percent. The News Journal report noted all five candidates on hand supported GOP nominee Donald […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 17, 2016

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The Republican Party of Duval County elected Cindy Graves to be its new chairwoman Monday night, filling the vacancy left by Lake Ray, who is running for Congress. Graves’ election was unanimous, and the press release from the Duval GOP notes that the vote “solidifies GOP unity.” Graves, GOP committeewoman since 2008, was elected earlier this year to […]

Peter SchorschMay 17, 2016

A month after filing papers to run in Florida’s 6th Congressional District, Ric Keller says he has decided not to pursue the seat. “I enjoyed serving the people of Central Florida in Congress for eight years,” said Keller in a release. “However, remaining in the private sector is the most positive option for our family […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 17, 2016

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An ordinance appropriating $250,000 from Jacksonville City Council contingency funds to construct a stage at downtown’s Hemming Park was approved Tuesday by the Recreation, Community Development, Public Health and Safety (RCDPHS) committee, the second of two committees to mull the measure before the full council considers it Tuesday. The allocation was approved Monday by a 6-to-1 […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 17, 2016

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Sheri Treadwell is winning the money race in House District 11’s pivotal GOP primary. And Tuesday, she announced that she made the ballot via petition. Treadwell has 1,152 verified petitions, which puts her over the mark of 1,145 needed. “Our conservative message is resonating, and I am thrilled with the grassroots support our campaign is […]

Local

Jax vehicles for hire committee nears its end

Miami-Dade pols look for tougher campaign finance laws, lobbying gift ban

Duval School Board sued over bathroom policy

FDLE gives Jax $12,900 to battle prison rape

Alex Sink endorses Jennifer Webb in HD 69 contest

Report: Fred Costello wins CD 6 Hob Nob straw poll in Daytona

Duval GOP elects Cindy Graves as new chairwoman

On second thought, Ric Keller decides not to purse congressional seat

Second Jax Council committee approves $250K for Hemming Park stage

Sheri Treadwell qualifies for HD 11 GOP ballot by petition