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Staff ReportsDecember 14, 2018

Those close to the political operation of Mayor Lenny Curry are calling this a “momentum week.” And why not? Curry is essentially alone still in the mayoral field. Yes, there are filed opponents. No, you haven’t heard of them. And won’t, given their fundraising. Curry is on television with an ad buy. He’s talking smack. […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 11, 2018

The final Jacksonville City Council meeting of 2019, on Tuesday evening, saw at least a hint of the interpersonal drama that has characterized the rest of the year. At issue: a bill the Rules Committee revamped that would have returned a $2.775 million grant from the United Arab Emirates. Back in October, the United Arab Emirates gave Jacksonville that money […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 11, 2018

All good things come to an end: and so it is for the 2018 calendar for the Jacksonville City Council, which met Tuesday for the final time this year. Just a few of the highlights, beyond the X-Mas sweaters depicted in the graphic…. _ Health care options for public safety: New changes to collective bargaining […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 10, 2018

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and City Council President Aaron Bowman presented a united front at Monday’s meeting of the Jacksonville Rotary Club. This was their second co-appearance in front of a Rotary group, and while the two first-term Republicans aren’t completing each other’s sentences, what was clear Monday was that they are determined to continue working together […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 10, 2018

The Duval County Republican Party elects a chair Monday night, with incumbent Karyn Morton facing a challenge from vice-chair Dean Black. Morton has been outspoken about the failures of statewide candidates Ron DeSantis and Rick Scott, as well as about media and members of her own executive committee. Ahead of a joint appearance at the Jacksonville Rotary Club, Jacksonville’s leading […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 10, 2018

Monday will see the Duval County Legislative Delegation convene and receive the asks of Jacksonville, its independent agencies, and other major stakeholders. While there are no local bills on the agenda this year, 50 speakers will attempt to make their cases for funding. From colleges and universities to non-profits, the pitches will be both urgent […]

Staff ReportsDecember 6, 2018

Wrap it up The year, in terms of Jacksonville city government, is nearing an end. Next Tuesday sees the final City Council meeting of 2018. For those interested in getting autographs, a Holiday themed meet-and-greet will also be held Wednesday afternoon. Hors-d’oeuvres will be served at the latter event. Reminder: keep gifts under $100 in […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 6, 2018

The qualifying deadline for Jacksonville city elections in 2019 is Jan. 11. And as of now, Mayor Lenny Curry is the prohibitive favorite for re-election. Curry has drawn seven opponents as of Thursday morning. But the first-term Republican Mayor has somewhere over $3 million on hand. And his nearest opponent, independent candidate Connell Crooms, has just over […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 3, 2018

Duval’s December begins as most months have begun the last four years: Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and his ever-expanding political machine standing strong, even as political enemies recover from their latest rout. Last Tuesday saw a doubleheader: back-to-back events illustrating the futility of, as the phrase once went, raging against the machine. An older phrase […]

Staff ReportsNovember 29, 2018

Baseball terminology may be out of season, but no matter: this week’s developments show that all the work Northeast Florida lawmakers have done in recent months has paid off. For the second straight year, Fleming Island Republican Rob Bradley will helm Senate Appropriations. This year, a close ally is also handling the House budget. Gov. […]

Tag: Lenny Curry

Jacksonville Bold for 12.14.18 — Momentum week

Jacksonville City Council bill to return UAE money withdrawn … twice

Last call: Jacksonville City Council closes 2018

Lenny Curry, Aaron Bowman present united message at Rotary lunch

‘A tough year’: Aaron Bowman, Lenny Curry talk Duval GOP chair race

‘Stay tuned’: Duval Delegation awaits Lenny Curry, Jacksonville 2019 asks

Jacksonville Bold for 12.6.18 — Wrap it up

Lenny Curry challengers: all talk and no action?

2019 elections a referendum on Jacksonville’s strong mayor government

Jacksonville Bold for 11.29.18 — Payoff pitch