Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Melissa RossApril 30, 2015

With just 20 days left until the city’s runoff election, Bill Bishop’s unexpected endorsement of Mayor Alvin Brown has landed as another late-in-the-game twist in the city’s tight mayor’s race. After tallying up 17% of the vote in the March First Election for mayor, Bishop vowed to run again in four years- but repeatedly said he was […]

Melissa RossApril 23, 2015

As a conservative Democrat in GOP-leaning Duval County, Mayor Alvin Brown has always had to triangulate. It’s a skill most Florida political observers think he learned from his years Bill Clinton‘s orbit (arguably the most skilled Democrat in history at swimming upstream in the South). Perpetually walking a knife’s edge on taxes and spending, not to mention […]

Melissa RossMarch 26, 2015

Surprising some, Jacksonville is on a new New York Times list showing the metro areas with the largest population of LGBT residents. San Francisco is No. 1 (no surprise), followed by Portland, Ore.; Austin, Texas; and New Orleans. Jacksonville is the only Florida city to make the list, with 4.3 percent of the population falling […]

Melissa RossMarch 26, 2015

Surprising some, Jacksonville is on a new New York Times list showing the metro areas with the largest population of LGBT residents. San Francisco is No. 1 (no surprise), followed by Portland, Ore.; Austin, Texas; and New Orleans. Jacksonville is the only Florida city to make the list, with 4.3 percent of the population falling […]

Melissa RossMarch 24, 2015

Calling his first-place showing “a great victory,” Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown holds a 5-point lead over challenger Lenny Curry as the two well-funded candidates now advance to a May runoff. Speaking to supporters Tuesday nighty, Brown made a point of emphasizing the bipartisanship of his administration and supporters. “This isn’t about Republicans or Democrats or […]

Melissa RossMarch 23, 2015

Facing strong challenges in Tuesday’s election, incumbent Mayor Alvin Brown said he’s confident — and that he’s fulfilled the campaign promises from four years ago that made him a come-from-behind winner in Jacksonville’s 2011 mayoral race. “I made a promise that I would streamline government, that we would live within our means, put Jacksonville back […]

Melissa RossMarch 23, 2015

Facing strong challenges in Tuesday’s election, incumbent Mayor Alvin Brown said he’s confident — and that he’s fulfilled the campaign promises from four years ago that made him a come-from-behind winner in Jacksonville’s 2011 mayoral race. “I made a promise that I would streamline government, that we would live within our means, put Jacksonville back […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 21, 2015

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Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown had an “open and frank conversation” that appeared to some observers to be more of a spirited dispute with Ben “Ben America” Weaver, a local Democratic activist, on Saturday afternoon at Hemming Park. The confrontation between Brown and Weaver, currently affiliated with the Northeast Florida LGBT Leadership PAC, had to do with […]

Melissa RossFebruary 23, 2015

In a rare media appearance, Jacksonville mayoral candidate Omega Allen drew voluminous commentary on social media Monday morning after saying on the air she believes homosexuality is “a choice.” Allen was a guest on the program I host, WJCT’s First Coast Connect. After fielding several calls and emails about her position on the city’s human […]

Melissa RossFebruary 23, 2015

In a rare media appearance, Jacksonville mayoral candidate Omega Allen drew voluminous commentary on social media Monday morning after saying on the air she believes homosexuality is “a choice.” Allen was a guest on the program I host, WJCT’s First Coast Connect. After fielding several calls and emails about her position on the city’s human […]

Tag: HRO

Bill Bishop endorsement: “I really do think it’s a game-changer”

LGBT issue forces Jax mayoral candidates to walk political tightrope

Jacksonville found to be “gayest” city in Florida

Jacksonville found to be "gayest" city in Florida

Alvin Brown v. Lenny Curry: Takeaways

Alvin Brown’s final argument: “The key is keeping your promise”

Alvin Brown's final argument: "The key is keeping your promise"

Alvin Brown argues with LGBT PAC members at outdoor event

Jacksonville mayoral candidate: Homosexuality is “a choice”

Jacksonville mayoral candidate: Homosexuality is "a choice"