Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiJune 7, 2018

With just weeks to go in Anna Brosche‘s Jacksonville City Council presidency, the majority of special committees formed during her year are coming to an end. That rule applies to what is now known as the special committee on the “future of JEA,” a change in name and scope from its original five-person iteration as a group […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 7, 2018

Jacksonville City Councilman Sam Newby has yet to hit his fundraising stride in his re-election campaign to his at-large seat. May saw Newby, a first-term Republican, bring in just $1,550, a number largely provided by one $1,000 check from Advanced Disposal. Newby now has $7,150 banked — a slight sum for an at-large, citywide race. He’s […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 5, 2018

Just days after Gov. Rick Scott suspended two Jacksonville City Council members who face 38 federal counts in a scheme to defraud local and federal taxpayers, Mayor Lenny Curry said Tuesday his office had no active role or insight into the selection process for their replacements. The replacements for suspended Democrats Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown will be picked by […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 5, 2018

Through the first six months of FY 17-18, the Jacksonville city budget is in good shape, showing a positive variance, per a recent report from the Jacksonville City Council auditor. “The City is projected to experience an overall favorable budget variance of approximately $9.3 million within the General Fund/General Services District (GF/GSD). Revenues are projected […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 4, 2018

On Monday, Jacksonville City Council’s Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health and Safety committee greenlit the ‘District‘ development plan. That said, the bill did not pass without considerable discussion and consternation among myriad members of the panel before the 5-1 vote The bill (2018-313) could transform the Southbank with its radical redevelopment of 30 acres at the […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 4, 2018

On Monday, the Jacksonville City Council’s Neighborhoods, Community Development, Public Health, and Safety committee deferred the “Homeless Bill of Rights,” legislation that could codify civil rights for the city’s dispossessed populations. Ordinance 2018-308, filed by currently-suspended Councilwoman Katrina Brown, contends that “the basic rights all people should enjoy must be guaranteed for homeless individuals and families,” […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 4, 2018

On Thursday, Jacksonville City Council members Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown were indicted on a 38-count conspiracy to defraud, after both allegedly misused city and federal funds intended for economic incentive purposes. Friday saw Gov. Rick Scott suspend the two less than a year before elections, leaving the Jacksonville City Council to scramble in terms of figuring out […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 4, 2018

On Friday, first-term Republican Danny Becton made official his interest in a second term on the Jacksonville City Council, filing for re-election. Becton, who represents the Baymeadows area and points south, faced no competition in 2015. The filing comes just weeks after Becton lost a close race for Council VP-designate to Scott Wilson, a loss that saw familiar […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 1, 2018

Jacksonville’s political class is reeling from Thursday’s federal indictment of City Councilors Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown, which saw the two Democrats slammed with a 38-count conspiracy to defraud. Councilwoman Brown was named in 37 counts; Councilman Brown in 32. Per prosecutors, the two misappropriated federal and city money provided to fund an ultimately failed BBQ sauce […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 1, 2018

At Large Jacksonville City Councilman Tommy Hazouri, a political veteran who has been everything from Mayor to State Rep and School Board member, filed for re-election Friday. Hazouri, who scored more votes than any other citywide candidate in his decisive May 2015 victory over Republican Geoff Youngblood, is running unopposed for the office. If re-elected, […]

Tag: jacksonville city council

Jacksonville City Council winds down JEA committee

Jacksonville City Councilman Sam Newby underwhelms with May fundraising

Lenny Curry: Jacksonville City Council fill-ins are Rick Scott’s decision

Jacksonville budget in good shape, though investments are flat and Irma costs loom

Despite hiccups, Jacksonville ‘District’ development clears first City Council panel

Jacksonville Council committee defers ‘bill of rights’ for homeless population

Jacksonville City Council confident in post-indictment path

Danny Becton chases second Jacksonville City Council term

Jacksonville in wait and see mode regarding Rick Scott suspending indicted councilors

Tommy Hazouri files for re-election to Jacksonville City Council