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OPINION | Florida GOP muzzles ‘independent’ Republican groups
As humorist Dave Barry used to say, “I swear I’m not making this up!”. The Republican Party of Florida is now openly claiming that it literally – and yes, I do mean literally – “owns” the word “Republican” and that it has the absolute legal right under Florida law to deny its use to any independent organization of registered Republicans unwilling to submit to its authority.
Restaurant owners charged after immigration raids
Two restaurant owners have been charged with harboring undocumented workers after federal raids at Kamiya 86 spots in Ponte Vedra and Jacksonville Beach. Hua Yao Ke and Ping Ping Zheng, both of Jacksonville, each face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
OPINION | The ‘dangerous homeless person’ myth
Last week, several media outlets, including this one, reported that a large employer is moving out of Downtown due to safety concerns. “Citizens, which has been on Bay Street since 2015, says many employees have reported being threatened by or harassed by Downtown’s unhoused population,” went the summary of an Action News Jax story in the Aug. 14 Jacksonville Today newsletter . The article goes on to report that the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has been called to the company’s address 230 times, and 25 of those calls were due to suspicious or potentially mentally ill persons .
Nocatee residents fight Jacksonville cell tower
Residents of the Nocatee community in St. Johns County are pushing back against a cell tower planned for construction just over the border in neighboring Duval County. The group of residents started by launching a petition that has collected nearly 1,500 signatures, and they have also launched a fundraiser that has collected $900 to raise money for legal fees if the tower is approved.
New public artwork offers peace to grieving families
The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville dedicated a new public artwork Monday to honor the life of 15-year-old Allison Brundick Haramis. The artwork, titled On Allison’s Wings, honors Allison and the work of the nonprofit organization formed in her memory, Angels for Allison.
Decision due on St. Johns County’s trash troubles
St. Johns County will meet with its new trash hauler Monday and expects to reach a decision about whether to cancel the company’s contract. FCC Environmental took over trash services Aug. 1, and thousands of residents have complained since then about late pickups and trash scattered near their homes.
SPORTS | What we learned from the Jaguars’ win over the Buccaneers
The Jaguars ended a preseason game ahead on the scoreboard for the second straight week. While the Jaguars’ preseason record is now 2-0, it is important to put every preseason game into context. Here’s what we learned from the Jaguars’ 20-7 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Two lead in fundraising for Duval judge’s seat
Most elections for Duval County judicial seats were settled before voters even began voting this year. Of the eight seats for Duval County judges in the 4th Judicial Circuit Court , seven judges were retained without opposition.
More DUI patrols possible if marijuana issue passes
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said he will consider more DUI patrols if voters legalize recreational marijuana use in Florida. Voters will consider Amendment 3 in November. It would allow adults 21 or older to possess, purchase or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical purposes.
Want a fire truck? St. Johns County is auctioning one
St. Johns County will auction a fire truck and other surplus property Saturday in St. Augustine. Eighty-plus items will be auctioned off including a 2007 Pierce fire truck, a 1997 Ford fire utility vehicle, trailers and multiple used pickup trucks, cars and vans.
OPINION | Deegan’s affordable housing loans should be restored in city budget
That’s Mayor Donna Deegan talking in April about Jacksonville’s lack of affordable rental housing, a deepening community-wide challenge that destabilizes families and neighborhoods alike. The lack of affordable rents is arguably one of Jacksonville’s most pressing and daunting human challenges. It’s not good for any of us.
Cleaveland vs. Cox: Campaign finances in race for 4th Circuit judge
Back in 2022, a whopping 227 circuit and county judges won their seats in uncontested races across the state. This election season, 22 judges are expected to be elected unopposed across Duval, Nassau and Clay counties.
#AskJAXTDY | What is a Republican Party committeeman or committeewoman?
Q: Jacksonville Today reader K. C. likes our voting guide , but she wants to learn more about the races for Republican state committeeman and state committeewoman. A: Florida statute 103.091 says each political party in the state shall be represented by a state executive committee, which consists of at least two members — a man and a woman — from each precinct. They are called the precinct committeeman and committeewoman.
Court fight colors St. Johns County election
While St. Johns County voters cast their ballots in this month’s primary election, two people battling it out in the courts have connections to key races. James Higbee and Nicole Crosby aren’t on the ballot, but their court fight is tied to the contests for the St. Johns County Commission.
ARTS PICKS | Aug. 16-18
Jacksonville Today Arts and Culture Editor Matt Shaw shares his arts and culture picks for the weekend. Starship Abundance , a new multi-disciplinary exhibition of works by New York based, Peru-born artist Emil Alzamora, is just one of several new exhibits on view at MOCA, as part of the institution’s 100-year-anniversary programming. Alzamora’s work joins the late-Frank Stella’s large-scale sculpture installation, Jacksonville Stacked Stars, which currently fills Project Atrium. Meanwhile, University of North Florida student artist-in-residence Elysa Adams’ Voices of Moncrief remains on view. And an exhibition of more than 100 works – many of which by less-heralded artists with no formal training, hailing from the Deep South – called Fill My Heart With Hope: Works From The Gordon W. Bailey Collection, currently fills two floors of the museum. MOCA is open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays are free. More information .
THE JAXSON | The Gilded Era hotels of Henry Flagler
Considered to be the brains behind John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Co., Henry Morrison Flagler is recognized as one of the most influential individuals in the development of Florida. Following his success as a founding partner of Standard Oil, Flagler built the Jacksonville Terminal and the Florida East Coast Railway between Jacksonville and Key West, leading to the growth of cities such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. In addition, he was known for his chain of Gilded Era luxury resort hotels, some of which still remain today. Here are the Gilded Era hotels of Henry Flagler.
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