Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Melissa RossNovember 30, 2015

Back in 2012, he was one of a chorus of evangelical pastors in North Florida speaking out against updating Jacksonville’s human rights ordinance to cover LGBT citizens from discrimination in jobs, housing and public accommodations. But now, the Reverend R.L. Gundy has changed his mind. “There’s no conflict between your Biblical stance and the issue. […]

Melissa RossNovember 26, 2015

After facing intense backlash from a spirited and feisty local food truck community, this week Jacksonville City Councilman Reggie Brown withdrew his proposed ordinance that would have placed new restrictions on the popular restaurants on wheels. Brown backed down after the “truckies” showed up to City Council and squawked, loudly, about the move toward stricter […]

Melissa RossNovember 24, 2015

As NATO’s chief calls for calm and “de-escalation” after news that Turkey shot down a Russian warplane at the Syrian border, Florida Coastal School of Law took the issue local with a Tuesday panel discussion on the Syrian refugee crisis and the legal issues around refugee resettlement. Also on the agenda, the recent U.S. House bill blocking refugee resettlement […]

Melissa RossNovember 24, 2015

In the wake of bomb threats and racist KKK flyers being distributed around town, the Jacksonville Coalition for Equality is sending a message of unity and strength as the city continues its “community conversations” on whether to expand the local human rights ordinance to cover LGBT residents. In an email to supporters and media outlets, […]

Melissa RossNovember 23, 2015

Three years ago Monday on Nov. 23, 2012, – it was Black Friday that year – Michael Dunn, a 45-year-old white man, argued with a group of teenage friends at a Southside gas station in Jacksonville. Dunn was peeved about the volume of their hip-hop music . The altercation would turn violent. Dunn fired 10 […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 23, 2015

The name of the south Jacksonville sign shop where Florida Governor Rick Scott unveiled his “Florida First” budget on Monday, Harbinger Signs (a business in Jacksonville for 53 years now), had a Thomas Pynchon quality. Expected going in, as a “harbinger” of the Monday event: an announcement that Florida would have a record $29.8 billion of general […]

Melissa RossNovember 23, 2015

Everything old is new again, the saying goes. In North Florida, that also holds true for crime prevention initiatives. Sources tell Florida Politics that Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry is set to announce new details about a revamped Jacksonville Journey initiative on Dec. 1 The program, debuted under the mayoral administration of John Peyton, began as […]

Melissa RossNovember 19, 2015

Jacksonville’s Read It Forward Jax Coalition is composed of some real heavy hitters across the 904, such as Kerri Stewart, chief of staff to Mayor Lenny Curry; Susie Wiles, chairwoman of the Donald Trump campaign in Florida; and many more. But the coalition’s creator has the respect of them all: attorney and former Duval County […]

Melissa RossNovember 18, 2015

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization is out with its 2016 Corporate Equality Index, an annual report assessing LGBT inclusion in major companies and law firms across the nation, including 21 in Florida. In an email to media outlets, the HRC champions that […]

Melissa RossNovember 16, 2015

The former US military commander in the Middle East is appearing in North Florida this week and giving his insights on how world powers should respond to the deadly attacks in Paris from the Islamic State. John Abizaid, the retired U.S. Army general who served as U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) commander from 2003-2007, will speak Tuesday […]

Tag: Jacksonville

Jax pastor R.L. Gundy on HRO switch: “we cannot discriminate”

This Thanksgiving, no one is more thankful than Jax food truck owners

Syrian refugee crisis up for discussion at Florida Coastal School of Law

Email insights: Jax Coalition for Equality “united against threats and fear”

HBO film “3 1/2 Minutes, 10 Bullets” debuts Monday with story of Jax teen Jordan Davis

Rick Scott unveils “Florida First” budget at Jax sign shop

Jacksonville Journey “2.0” to officially debut Dec. 1

Read It Forward Jax Coalition moves ahead

Email insights: Human Rights Campaign ranks Florida companies in 2016 Corporate Equality Index

Retired Gen. John Abizaid speaks in Jacksonville on American role in fight against ISIS