Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiDecember 26, 2018

With Christmas celebrations behind us (some trees are already at the curb), 2018 is quickly reaching its terminus. Some Jacksonville political types have had years to forget. Below, some who have had years to remember. ________ Politician of the year: Lenny Curry “To be the man, you’ve got to beat the man,” Ric Flair used to […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 11, 2018

The final Jacksonville City Council meeting of 2019, on Tuesday evening, saw at least a hint of the interpersonal drama that has characterized the rest of the year. At issue: a bill the Rules Committee revamped that would have returned a $2.775 million grant from the United Arab Emirates. Back in October, the United Arab Emirates gave Jacksonville that money […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 10, 2018

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and City Council President Aaron Bowman presented a united front at Monday’s meeting of the Jacksonville Rotary Club. This was their second co-appearance in front of a Rotary group, and while the two first-term Republicans aren’t completing each other’s sentences, what was clear Monday was that they are determined to continue working together […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 10, 2018

The Duval County Republican Party elects a chair Monday night, with incumbent Karyn Morton facing a challenge from vice-chair Dean Black. Morton has been outspoken about the failures of statewide candidates Ron DeSantis and Rick Scott, as well as about media and members of her own executive committee. Ahead of a joint appearance at the Jacksonville Rotary Club, Jacksonville’s leading […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 10, 2018

More members than not of the Duval County Legislative Delegation went into Monday’s meeting wondering what Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry wants. While the Mayor’s Office has had some conversations, we talked to five delegation members who had yet to hear from staff ahead of the conclave. No matter: Curry’s team was confident going into the event. They […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 7, 2018

Intrigue preceded Thursday’s Jacksonville City Council special committee on short-term vacation rentals. Chairman Danny Becton took his leave of the panel, with a letter expressing “disappointment … in recent events for which I have found dismissive actions towards my legislative work.” Becton said his “effectiveness” was impaired, and he could not be “successful in this role.” […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 5, 2018

The Jacksonville City Council Rules Committee has approved a strategic plan for the next five years, setting it up for consideration by the full body next week. A subcommittee hashed out the initial proposal last week, pushing forward a revamped version of the bill (2018-594) filed this summer, on matters including public safety, financial health, governmental […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 29, 2018

One of the knocks against Jacksonville’s government is a lack of long-range planning. Jacksonville City Council members are working to change that, via the institutionalization of plans extending out as far as five years. These plans have been pushed before in the early 2000s, and are up again. A bill under consideration in the Jacksonville […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 13, 2018

On Tuesday, Jacksonville City Councilman Matt Schellenberg, the liaison to local utility JEA, reiterated concerns about the Council’s lack of oversight over the power provider. Schellenberg had told the Florida Times-Union of his frustrations with not being able to get a meeting with interim CEO Aaron Zahn until after the utility decided whether or not to make Zahn permanent. The […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 12, 2018

With Jacksonville’s leading Republican officeholders all in for the Ron DeSantis campaign, October fundraising for their 2019 campaigns was on the back burner. And why not? Though Jacksonville has a Democratic plurality, and statewide candidates Bill Nelson, Andrew Gillum, and Nikki Fried all won here, local Republicans have no reason to doubt their ability to hold serve based on […]

Tag: Aaron Bowman

Domination: Jacksonville politics’ biggest winners of 2018

Jacksonville City Council bill to return UAE money withdrawn … twice

Lenny Curry, Aaron Bowman present united message at Rotary lunch

‘A tough year’: Aaron Bowman, Lenny Curry talk Duval GOP chair race

Making a list: Duval legislators hear Jacksonville’s funding needs

Jacksonville short-term rental panel loses chairman, pushes forward

Aspirational goals: Jacksonville City Council moves toward long-term strategic plan

Long-range plan: Jacksonville City Council members delve into budget priorities

Jacksonville City Councilmember bristles over lack of JEA oversight

October slump: Governor’s race chills local political fundraising in Jacksonville