Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschOctober 26, 2015

Welcome A-Schorsch! After a week at sea aboard the Disney Fantasy, I am tanned, rested and ready to return to writing about the Florida politics. Here are 10 things I think I think about the latest political news from the Sunshine State. Hillary Clinton pretty much locked up the Democratic nomination — Biden not in. Benghazi […]

A.G. GancarskiOctober 24, 2015

Say what you will about GOP Presidential frontrunner Donald Trump, he knows how to draw a crowd. Even an hour before his rally was to start at the Jacksonville Landing, a hundred or so Trump fans lined up, looking less like a political movement and more like dinner rush queue at the Golden Corral buffet. […]

Melissa RossOctober 24, 2015

While thousands packed the Jacksonville Landing to hear Donald Trump speak, outside the scene was a colorful, #OnlyinDuval spectacle, marked by protesters, police presence, and the wrapup of a Saturday morning breast cancer rally. The anti-Trump signs showed up bright and early, led by a “Dump the Trump” banner, unfurled by the group Eyes Open […]

A.G. GancarskiOctober 23, 2015

For the best part of the year, Northeast Florida seemed on lockdown for Jeb Bush. When Bush endorsed Lenny Curry in the mayoral race, it seemed to many observers, including this writer, like a mutual coronation. Bush, instrumental in helping to bring the Jaguars to Jacksonville, made the city a frequent stop when he was governor […]

A.G. GancarskiSeptember 16, 2015

On Wednesday night, the Republican Party of Duval County will hold its second Debate Watch party of the 2016 Presidential Primary cycle. The party, which will be held instead of the normal Republican Executive Committee meeting, will commence at 7:30 at the Players Grille on Hendricks Avenue on the Southside. On offer: “complimentary nachos and wings while they […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 25, 2015

Florida Politics has learned that Jessica Baker, governmental consultant for Ballard Partners, has left the lobbying firm’s Jacksonville office to join the Lenny Curry administration, where she will be second in command in Intergovernmental Affairs under Ali Korman Shelton. Curry and his Chief Administrative Officer, Sam Mousa, were asked about the talk that had been circulating Tuesday morning. Answering […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 6, 2015

One of the hallmarks of the Lenny Curry administration thus far has been increasing the transparency of the process, which many people both covering City Hall and working inside it thought was necessary. The downside: It makes events like Thursday’s presentation of transition subcommittee reports, the culmination of a process begun shortly after Curry’s election, necessarily […]

Phil AmmannJune 23, 2015

Some of Jacksonville’s most influential Republicans will appear at a fundraiser next week to support Jason Fischer in his bid for Duval County House District 16. The afternoon reception begins Monday, June 29 at 5:00 p.m. at the Epping Forest Yacht Club, 1830 Epping Forest Drive in Jacksonville. With nearly 40 hosts listed, the event will […]

Peter SchorschJune 22, 2015

There are few people in Florida politics with more influence than Susie Wiles. She’s a managing partner for mega-lobbyist Brian Ballard; she ran the 2010 campaign of little-known outsider, now two-term Gov. Rick Scott; and she has been a gubernatorial appointee to the Republican Party of Florida’s Executive Committee. Wiles’ reach extends outside of Florida […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 17, 2015

The afternoon slate of transition budget team leader Sam Mousa‘s budget meetings related to the Lenny Curry mayoral transition continues with the Ethics Office and Carla Miller. 1:17 p.m.: The usual review of the budget pages. No revenues and salaries are up $20,000 (a new employee). Pension contribution up $28,000. 1:21 p.m.: Mousa wants to know how […]

Tag: Susie Wiles

Back from vacation, here are 10 things I think I think about Florida politics

In Jax, Donald Trump makes play to “silent majority”

Protestors have their say outside Donald Trump rally in Jacksonville

With Susie Wiles on Team Donald Trump, NE Florida is in play

Duval GOP announces debate watch party, “insider briefing”

Personnel note: Jessica Baker joins Lenny Curry administration

Curry transition reports push Neighborhoods, Jax Journey

Jason Fischer draws high-profile Duval Republicans for HD 16 fundraiser June 29

Tax troubles for Jacksonville insider Susie Wiles?

Jax transition budget meetings: Ethics Office