Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiJuly 31, 2015

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In a conference room in the suite of offices for Jacksonville’s City Council members, there is a distinctive picture of President Andrew Jackson that I had seen many times, yet I didn’t know any background about until I interviewed Councilman Tommy Hazouri on Friday. Hazouri casually remarked that he had been interning for former Jacksonville mayor Lou Ritter […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 30, 2015

As promised no later than June 30 by Mayor Alvin Brown, Jacksonville’s General Counsel released his review of anti-discrimination legislation. A quick read of this indicates that there is room to legislate against discrimination, such as in a Human Rights Ordinance, without creating undue enforcement burdens or burdens against religious groups. Should City Council be looking […]

Melissa RossJune 29, 2015

With reaction continuing to pour in after the Friday Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage, Jacksonville LGBT activists say they’re ready to take another crack at updating the city’s human rights ordinance. “We’re trying again,” says Jacksonville attorney and activist Jimmy Midyette, who chairs the Northeast Florida LGBT Leadership PAC, and thinks the climate is now a […]

Melissa RossJune 24, 2015

With resolutely positive messaging, outgoing Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown is reflecting on his four years in office by noting the accomplishments that he says make him most proud: pension reform, downtown development, and the growth of the city as a sports and entertainment destination. On the pension deal: “I’m very happy for the hardworking taxpayers […]

Kevin MeerschaertApril 21, 2015

The crowd at the Main Library downtown for the Jacksonville City Council debate may not have been as large as others around town. What it lacked in size, it made up with substance. About 40 people, many connected to a campaign in one way or another, attended to hear candidates discuss the issues facing Jacksonville. […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 27, 2015

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Another news cycle brings another round of drama to the Northeast Florida LGBT Leadership PAC, whose chairwoman, Carrington Mead, has stepped down amid pressure from other PAC members. They are said to see her as an obstacle to negotiations with the Mayor’s Office to get an executive order protecting LGBT community members from workplace discrimination. Mead […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 18, 2015

Florida Family Action is emailing Jacksonville voters, offering its support to “City Council candidates [who] oppose granting special rights based on ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity’ and support Natural Marriage and Religious Freedom.” The message also opposes candidates who support what the group calls “gay rights” legislation. The group’s “voter guide” lists the city council candidates […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 18, 2015

Florida Family Action is emailing Jacksonville voters, offering its support to “City Council candidates [who] oppose granting special rights based on ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity’ and support Natural Marriage and Religious Freedom.” The message also opposes candidates who support what the group calls “gay rights” legislation. The group’s “voter guide” lists the city council candidates […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 18, 2015

On today’s episode of First Coast Connect on WJCT-FM, Jacksonville Mayoral Candidate Bill Bishop took calls from listeners. Bishop has been the beneficiary of favorable coverage on this program, yet like Lenny Curry yesterday, Bishop dealt with tough questions from the NPR affiliate’s listeners and guest host Jessica Palombo. The most surprising takeaway from this performance will be for Bishop’s […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 13, 2015

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On Friday’s episode of 25 Minutes of Power with Apostle Kimberly Daniels, the Jacksonville at large city councilwoman addressed persistent rumors about an incident at a Northside polling place Monday, the first day of early voting. It came on her daily religious broadcast as part of a wide-ranging discussion that touched on many other issues as she sought […]

Tag: Human Rights Ordinance

Tommy Hazouri talks Jax City Council, HRO, Alvin Brown’s loss, and more

Jacksonville General Counsel releases review of anti-discrimination laws

With same-sex marriage now legal coast to coast, Jax activists eye city’s HRO once again

Alvin Brown says, “I kept my promises”

Jax City Council debate small in size, big on substance

Carrington Mead resigns as chair of Jax-area LGBT PAC

Florida Family Action mailer offers “voter alert” on “gay rights” push

Florida Family Action mailer offers "voter alert" on "gay rights" push

Bill Bishop pivots to the right on Jax radio appearance

Kim Daniels breaks silence on polling place incident