Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiOctober 30, 2015

In 2000, the Better Jacksonville Plan, an ambitious initiative passed via referendum to institute a sales tax increase for various infrastructure improvements, passed by a comfortable margin. Though it now seems like a historical footnote, one might be surprised to know that even though all money has been encumbered for the BJP, there are still […]

A.G. GancarskiOctober 26, 2015

Storm clouds brewed over the main branch of the Jacksonville Public Library on Monday, as the talk inside centered on the Skyway. A one-hour subcommittee meeting preceded the first public forum about what to do with the outmoded conveyance. Like a VCR or compact disc player, the once state-of-the-art train system now requires either overhaul, […]

A.G. GancarskiOctober 26, 2015

On Monday, members of the St. Johns River Ferry Commission met with representatives of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority and representatives of the City Finance Department to discuss future funding for the St. Johns River Ferry … and ultimately, “whose baby” (and responsibility) the ferry is. To this end, an agreement transfer subcommittee will be formed, including Mike Weinstein, […]

A.G. GancarskiOctober 5, 2015

The long-awaited JTA presentation to the Jacksonville Transportation, Energy, and Utilities Committee on the way forward for the much-maligned Skyway finally occurred on Monday afternoon. Scheduled originally for a committee meeting in September, scheduling confusion pushed back the original presentation. The options on the table range from overhauling vehicles, creating new vehicles, decommissioning the Skyway once obsolete, […]

A.G. GancarskiSeptember 16, 2015

Florida Politics has gotten confirmation that, as Councilman Tommy Hazouri told us, Council President Greg Anderson is planning to form a subcommittee with the express intent of looking at JTA issues, including the Skyway. “My understanding is that the Council President is planning to form a subcommittee to examine multiple aspects of the JTA,” wrote Anderson’s Executive […]

A.G. GancarskiSeptember 16, 2015

The Jacksonville Skyway. If you ever saw the classic Simpsons episode about the Springfield Monorail, you’ll know how most longtime locals feel about the almost 30-year old mass transit conveyance. The complaints are myriad. It isn’t especially accessible for the vast majority of residents. Some say it goes from “nowhere to nowhere.” Its aesthetics? Like something […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 24, 2015

The highlight of Monday afternoon’s St. Johns River Ferry Commission meeting, without question, was the review of the proposed transfer agreement between the city of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Transportation Authority. There have been many twists and turns, yet it appears that the two parties are on track for a March 31 transfer. Though it […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 12, 2015

What a difference two weeks makes for the St. Johns River Ferry Commission. Their last meeting, late in July, was fractious. Chairman John Crescimbeni was, at various points, extremely critical of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority. Regarding JTA, the cantankerous Crescimbeni said at one point, “I feel like we’re completely out of the loop. We keep trying […]

A.G. GancarskiJuly 30, 2015

Internal emails from the Lenny Curry administration spotlight a TIGER grant application from the Jacksonville Transportation Authority. The email, forwarded from Mike Hightower of Holland & Knight to Chief of Staff Kerri Stewart, shows both the purpose of the grant application, and the lobbying strategy that will be employed. The $15.24 million grant application is a “request for a bike, pedestrian […]

A.G. GancarskiJuly 28, 2015

On Monday afternoon, a meeting of the St. Johns River Ferry Committee proved to be surprisingly contentious. Councilman John Crescimbeni was, at various points, extremely critical of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority. Regarding JTA, Crescimbeni said at one point, “I feel like we’re completely out of the loop. We keep trying to look at JTA as a […]

Tag: Jacksonville Transportation Authority

Better Jacksonville Plan still alive at 15

Skyway commission has 3rd meeting on “vision”

Future St. Johns River Ferry funding proceeds like custody battle

Jacksonville Transportation Authority presents Skyway options to Council TEU committee

Jax City Council to form subcommittee looking at JTA issues

In Jacksonville, a Skyway? Or a money pit?

JTA set for 3/31 St. Johns River Ferry transfer

JTA and COJ back on track for ferry transfer

JTA applying for $15.24M TIGER Grant

JTA “surprised and disappointed” with tone of Monday ferry meeting