Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Melissa RossMay 19, 2016

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The Northeast Florida donor class is ramping up its efforts to support 4th Judicial Circuit State Attorney candidate and trial attorney Melissa Nelson. An appeal went out this week from Jacksonville’s Gary Chartrand, executive chairman of Acosta and a member of the State Board of Education. “This race represents what I have always valued in the […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 18, 2016

It turns out that Warren Jones wasn’t the only big name being talked up for a run for Duval County School Board. Mike Hightower, JEA’s chief public affairs officer, was approached by some interested members of Jacksonville’s donor class for a potential school board run. He thought about it briefly — for about 14 hours — […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 17, 2016

Last week, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement gave the city of Jacksonville $12,900 of federal funds via its Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) re-allocation. The money, said the grant letter, is intended to establish a “zero tolerance” culture “related to sexual abuse and sexual harassment in confinement facilities.” The grant period extends eight months, […]

Melissa RossMay 13, 2016

A new study from the Pew Research Center finds the phenomenon of a shrinking middle class is a reality across Florida. According to Pew, the percentage of families earning middle class incomes has fallen in nearly nine out of 10 major cities nationwide over the last several years. That includes most population centers in Florida. Four […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 12, 2016

Visitors to Jacksonville’s City Hall may have noticed something … different … this week. Renovations to the front entrance of City Hall on Duval Street are underway, requiring visitors to use the entrance on Laura Street for the rest of the year, says the office of Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry. The price tag on the renovations is $549,000. […]

Melissa RossMay 12, 2016

At least one Jacksonville official says the 904 should follow the lead of Austin, Texas when it comes to how to regulate ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft. City Councilman John Crescimbeni said all he’s calling for is a level playing field. “Either everybody plays by the rules, or we just get rid of the […]

Melissa RossMay 11, 2016

It’s the remarkable tale of a poor Mexican boy who beat long odds to become a renowned brain surgeon. His mission — to eradicate brain tumors. Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa first came to this country as an illegal immigrant. Jumping a border fence on the day before his 19th birthday in 1987, he had no English and no money, so […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 11, 2016

Before the meeting of the Jacksonville Area Refugee Task Force on Wednesday, sponsored by the Department of Children and Families here and throughout the state, this writer was spoke with Elaine Carson of World Relief Jacksonville. The faith-based organization helps refugees and those in need of political asylum, with a recent concentration on Burmese and Eritrean resettlement in the […]

guestMay 10, 2016

By all accounts, the Jericho School, a private facility opened 21 years ago in Jacksonville, does a wonderful job helping students with autism and other special needs succeed academically. That nearly all of its students are enrolled through two state voucher programs also reflects the fertile nature of Florida’s expanding educational choice landscape. In a […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 9, 2016

On Monday morning, the Jacksonville City Council Vehicles for Hire subcommittee wrestled, yet again, with regulations for Uber and Lyft, making glacial progress on resolving the long-standing contretemps between the taxicab industry and transportation network companies. Progress had been made previously on insurance conditions, with the committee agreeing on terms. Drivers for transportation network companies […]

Tag: Jacksonville

The fundraising push is ramping up for Melissa Nelson

Mike Hightower for Duval school board? Thought about it, ruled it out

FDLE gives Jax $12,900 to battle prison rape

Florida’s shrinking middle class

Jax City Hall renovations underway until January 2017

A voter referendum for Uber/Lyft in Jacksonville?

Brad Pitt, immigration, Mayo Clinic, and ‘Dr. Q’

Jacksonville refugee task force helps those who need it most

Jon East: Tax-credit scholarships benefit 78,000 of Florida’s poorest schoolchildren

Jax Vehicles for Hire committee considers regulatory framework, yet again