I created the previous version of this thread for the 2023 election (https://forum.metrojacksonville.com/index.php?msg=507052), and it seems there's some desire (https://forum.metrojacksonville.com/index.php?msg=536750) to start the conversation about this next election, so let's have at it.
Just to establish the facts, incumbent Mayor Donna Deegan announced in a video this week (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOAyMxSWtsY&pp=ygUMZG9ubmEgZGVlZ2Fu) that she would run for a second term:
That leaves the opportunity, given Jacksonville's "jungle primary" system, for whoever can garner the support of enough citizens to challenge said incumbent, or seek one of the other local offices up for grabs next year.
Duval County previously voted for President Joe Biden in 2020, the first time it did so in a presidential race since Jimmy Carter in 1976, before flipping to reelect President Donald Trump in 2024. It similarly supported Andrew Gillum's unsuccessful bid for Governor of Florida in 2018, before flipping to reelect Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022.
Who local voters will support in this year's state elections or the upcoming municipal elections is yet to be seen.
And the Florida GOP is still trying to manufacture scandals. Seems time would be better spent on trying to field a real candidate
QuoteThe Republican Party of Florida on Friday announced that it is filing a formal complaint with the Florida Elections Commission against Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan's re-election campaign.
...
In a media release, the GOP said that hours after she filed, Deegan's campaign released a "polished, multi-minute video featuring staged footage of Deegan — including scenes filmed in her downtown office - along with testimonials, edited news clips, and multiple filming locations across Jacksonville."
"That kind of production doesn't happen in a few hours - and it doesn't happen for free," the Republican Party of Florida wrote.
The Republican Party of Florida's complaint outlines alleged violations of Chapter 106, Florida Statutes, including accepting in-kind contributions, making expenditures, and/or authorizing campaign expenditures prior to opening a campaign account and authorizing expenditures without sufficient funds on deposit in a campaign account.
The Republican Party of Florida is requesting that the Florida Elections Commission initiate an investigation.
https://www.news4jax.com/news/politics/2026/04/17/gop-claims-mayor-broke-the-law-with-re-election-video-deegan-rep-says-everything-was-done-by-the-book/
The irony is that anything of substance to complain about in Jacksonville traces back to a GOP mayor -- that's kind of the catch with being the historically dominant party in local politics. So they have to rely on cheap tricks like attempting to nationalize the race (GUN REGISTRY!!!) or manufacture scandal.
Ron Armstrong highlights some very real issues in our city, and I think that's productive. But it's inaccurate to lay those issues at the feet of the current administration, when they have been trying far harder than anyone in a long time to address maintenance deficits.
Based on her actions as our city's executive, I wouldn't have any idea what party Deegan belongs to. I think that's high praise.
Quote from: jaxoNOLE on April 18, 2026, 01:04:36 PMThe irony is that anything of substance to complain about in Jacksonville traces back to a GOP mayor -- that's kind of the catch with being the historically dominant party in local politics. So they have to rely on cheap tricks like attempting to nationalize the race (GUN REGISTRY!!!) or manufacture scandal.
Ron Armstrong highlights some very real issues in our city, and I think that's productive. But it's inaccurate to lay those issues at the feet of the current administration, when they have been trying far harder than anyone in a long time to address maintenance deficits.
Based on her actions as our city's executive, I wouldn't have any idea what party Deegan belongs to. I think that's high praise.
Armstrong is definitely the eager, grassroots candidate this cycle. But if any Republican council member (Salem/Diamond) or Jerry Holland run, they'll easy be the leading opposition vs Deegan going after her with the agendas around wasteful budget spending, DEI, increased taxes and so on. Basically taking the noise from social media to your TV for the next several months.
If I was a Republican interested in the mayor's office, I'd stay as far away from 2027 as I could. Donna Deegan is too popular, and the last mayoral race showed that not only does going dirty not work (Daniel Davis), but it actually damages your campaign. I think the city is smart enough to see through the manufactured controversies that Ron Salem and the like have tried without success to stir up since she took office.
My only advice for Deegan would be to distance herself from the U2C & Nat Ford. That whole agency is swirling the sink. Can't get sucked down with it.
Ditto on the U2C/JTA part. Nothing good will come with being associated with that albatross.
My 2 cents: the Republican party will undoubtedly trot someone out to challenge and will continue hammering on with their nonsense of the week. Whoever it ends up being will have a lot of money and a powerful machine, but unfortunately for them, their ideas are bad, their candidates are worse and people are sick of it. It'll be interested to watch the City Council races as well. Imagine what this city could do with better leadership at the helm!
I am very interested in the city council races. Last UNF poll showed city council with negative favorability ratings compared to the mayor and the sheriff who both had high favorability. If the national and local political environment a year from now is similar to what it is today, there are plenty of competitive districts that could reasonably flip (including the at-large districts)
I got blocked by Ron Armstrong on social media 😅..i guess i was challenging him too much 🤷💀...
this mayoral and city council race will be interesting though..i just hope the city continues to prioritize downtown....JTA needs to drop U2C and shift focus on real mass transit for change.
Quote from: Zac T on April 23, 2026, 01:19:34 PMI am very interested in the city council races. Last UNF poll showed city council with negative favorability ratings compared to the mayor and the sheriff who both had high favorability. If the national and local political environment a year from now is similar to what it is today, there are plenty of competitive districts that could reasonably flip (including the at-large districts)
Yep. And a number of strong candidates will be running for those seats, and with much stronger financial and organizational backing than in years past. That's in addition to the top of the ticket. Gonna be a hell of a campaign season.
It's hard for me to imagine someone coming in and beating Deegan right? She has done a really good job staying out of hot button national issues and trying to focus as much as possible on a few signature issues. That aspect of her kind of reminds me of Mamdani's approach. Deegan came first though...
She has done a really good job, regardless of which side of the aisle you lean in elections. But unfortunately a lot of Jax votes red regardless. Fingers crossed she gets another chance to continue the success
Knock on wood, but I think the greater political mood, mixed with around a 60% approval rate will help her get through just fine.
Who would GOP run that is compelling enough figure?
Quote from: Jones518 on April 25, 2026, 01:35:44 AMI got blocked by Ron Armstrong on social media 😅..i guess i was challenging him too much 🤷💀...
He is a lunatic.
I am not sure he is anything more than a candidate for the Facebook fringe. He and people he has aligned himself with have shared some truly deranged stuff.
I am relieved I never went to the coffee shop he runs.
I am supposed to get on a phone call with him at some point because I try to do that with as many people as possible.
Surely he has no chance though, right? Like he's probably not even a top 3 GOP contender, and we don't even know who the others are yet.
^ I actually think Armstrong might be #2 or #3 GOP contender
Quote from: copperfiend on May 17, 2026, 08:20:19 AMQuote from: Jones518 on April 25, 2026, 01:35:44 AMI got blocked by Ron Armstrong on social media 😅..i guess i was challenging him too much 🤷💀...
He is a lunatic.
I am not sure he is anything more than a candidate for the Facebook fringe. He and people he has aligned himself with have shared some truly deranged stuff.
I am relieved I never went to the coffee shop he runs.
Looks like you are in the clear to stop by for a cup now if you like; he apparently sold it to focus on his mayoral campaign.
https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2026/04/17/grounds-of-grace-sold.html
Quote from: tufsu1 on May 18, 2026, 12:34:53 PM^ I actually think Armstrong might be #2 or #3 GOP contender
It wouldn't shock me. He's at least locking down the Qanon wing of the party.
How does he feel about the Epstein Files? That is the litmus test now for if you're intellectually consistent. Now that there is a "there" there a lot of people don't want to touch it.
City Councilman Terrance Freeman is resigning to run for the Florida House of Representatives.
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2026/may/29/special-election-set-for-aug-18-to-replace-terrance-freeman-on-jacksonville-city-council/
A special election will be held on August 18th for his Group 1 At-Large seat, followed by a runoff on November 3rd if no one receives enough votes. Freeman was term limited, after being first appointed to City Council by Governor Rick Scott to represent District 10 in 2018 and then elected to two terms At-Large in 2019 and 2023.
House District 12 is currently represented by Wyman Duggan, who is reportedly considering a run for Mayor next year against incumbent Donna Deegan.
Can we say politics are a profession?
I was going to say we seem to have "professional politicians," but actually finding politicians who act professional is getting harder and harder to find. Being a partisan party hack, belittling your opponents, being egotistical, being beholden to your campaign donors and/or acting mostly in your own self interest disqualifies you automatically from being professional.
^Lol its hard to argue with that.
For the At-Large Group 1 Special Election on August 18 - will the three people who have already signed up for the Spring 2027 election have to qualify for the Special, or will they automatically be placed on the August ballot? The SOE website doesn't have the Special Election on their website yet.
Ron Armstrong seems to have the clueless contingent fully hooked on his complaining without a solution campaign. I hope he goes away sooner than later at this point.
Quote from: acme54321 on June 03, 2026, 12:18:25 PMRon Armstrong seems to have the clueless contingent fully hooked on his complaining without a solution campaign. I hope he goes away sooner than later at this point.
The last ten years have taught me to expect anything.
However, his support seems to be strictly a very narrow Facebook fringe. And all he posts is engagement bait and rage bait. As you mentioned, he has no solution. He just floods Facebook with posts.
He posted a bizarre video (https://www.facebook.com/reel/1614433842966360) last week that claimed the Mayor's book club was distributing inappropriate books to kindergarteners. He didn't name the book or author until pressed by a few people. It ended up being a kids book called "You are Not a Cat", which is a pretty generic kids book and contains nothing offensive. After pressed to name the book he said his real concern is other books by the author. None of it made sense.
And of course, after that day he never mentioned it again. Anybody can scroll through his campaign's Facebook page and see he is completely clueless.
Don't discount "completely clueless" Ron Armstrong.
This is the guy who probably has locked up being in the run-off for Mayor of Los Angeles, against the incumbent. A reality TV star who is pissed because the massive LA fires burned down his house.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spencer_Pratt
Quote from: copperfiend on June 03, 2026, 06:56:43 PMQuote from: acme54321 on June 03, 2026, 12:18:25 PMRon Armstrong seems to have the clueless contingent fully hooked on his complaining without a solution campaign. I hope he goes away sooner than later at this point.
The last ten years have taught me to expect anything.
However, his support seems to be strictly a very narrow Facebook fringe. And all he posts is engagement bait and rage bait. As you mentioned, he has no solution. He just floods Facebook with posts.
He posted a bizarre video (https://www.facebook.com/reel/1614433842966360) last week that claimed the Mayor's book club was distributing inappropriate books to kindergarteners. He didn't name the book or author until pressed by a few people. It ended up being a kids book called "You are Not a Cat", which is a pretty generic kids book and contains nothing offensive. After pressed to name the book he said his real concern is other books by the author. None of it made sense.
And of course, after that day he never mentioned it again. Anybody can scroll through his campaign's Facebook page and see he is completely clueless.
Armstrong is an S-tier goober, but I give him credit for hitting the bricks. That's more than you can say about the other potential Republican challengers - and none of their ideas are any better than the above what-have-you.
Quote from: Tacachale on June 04, 2026, 05:04:48 PMQuote from: copperfiend on June 03, 2026, 06:56:43 PMQuote from: acme54321 on June 03, 2026, 12:18:25 PMRon Armstrong seems to have the clueless contingent fully hooked on his complaining without a solution campaign. I hope he goes away sooner than later at this point.
The last ten years have taught me to expect anything.
However, his support seems to be strictly a very narrow Facebook fringe. And all he posts is engagement bait and rage bait. As you mentioned, he has no solution. He just floods Facebook with posts.
He posted a bizarre video (https://www.facebook.com/reel/1614433842966360) last week that claimed the Mayor's book club was distributing inappropriate books to kindergarteners. He didn't name the book or author until pressed by a few people. It ended up being a kids book called "You are Not a Cat", which is a pretty generic kids book and contains nothing offensive. After pressed to name the book he said his real concern is other books by the author. None of it made sense.
And of course, after that day he never mentioned it again. Anybody can scroll through his campaign's Facebook page and see he is completely clueless.
Armstrong is an S-tier goober, but I give him credit for hitting the bricks. That's more than you can say about the other potential Republican challengers - and none of their ideas are any better than the above what-have-you.
S-Tier Goober is my new favorite phrase ;D
Going to steal this in my day-to-day life, Bill, just as a heads up.
Lol... Hmmmm....
Ron Armstrong seems to be troubled by the city spending money on anything (MOSH, Riverfront Plaza, the Emerald Trail).
But his campaign posted a video of him bragging that the fire department filled a baptismal tub in the parking lot of a coffee shop he supposedly no longer owns. (https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CLDNV4ner/)
I strongly oppose Ron Armstrong and his campaign.
Much of his messaging comes across as vague, misleading, inconsistent, and designed to provoke outrage rather than encourage thoughtful/ educational discussion. At times, he reminds me more of a blogger, a podcaster, a Charlie Kirk more than someone offering a clear vision for Jacksonville's future.
I attended one of his campaign events and was surprised by the level of armed security present. For an event with roughly 30–40 attendees, there appeared to be more than 10 armed security personnel. By comparison, Mayor Donna Deegan's campaign announcement at the Garden Club was attended by only two JSO officers. It makes you question, what are he and his campaign managers putting out, that angers people so much that you receive "threats".
While every candidate has the right to determine their own security needs, it is concerning when a candidate for mayor feels the need for such a large armed security presence at a relatively small campaign event.
I was also troubled by a Facebook post Ron shared on February 25 in which he suggested that Muslims are "taking over" New York City and expanding their influence across America through the construction of mosques. He further implied that this trend is spreading to Jacksonville. In my view, rhetoric that portrays an entire religious group as a threat promotes fear, and division rather than understanding and respect.
He has made it clear that he opposes any investment in downtown....he doesn't understand how funding and how certain funds can only be spent and allocated for specific purposes...
I can name a number of things I disagree with Ron and his campaign about.
Jacksonville deserves leadership that brings people together. We need leaders who focus on solving problems, building community, and uniting residents..not fostering division, fear, misinformation, and hostility toward our neighbors. I truly hope and pray he does not become Mayor.
I'll take anyone over Ron or the Eric badazz guy 😂...Donna Deegan (hopefully), the soon to be announced GOP candidate - Wyman Duggan, anyone...
The guy is a kook. Yesterday he was complaining about Hogan's Creek in Springfield and how the park is neglected and no one does anything about it. Today he's complaining about the waste of the Emerald Trail, the very project that will fix what he was whining about the day before. You can't make it up.
Qualifying for the Special Election to fill Terrence Freeman's At Large Group 1 vacant seat.
Very short qualifying time. less than 24 hours, when you only count the hours the SOE's office is open.
QuoteJACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville City Council and Mayor Donna Deegan passed a resolution (2026-474-A) on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, approving a Special First Consolidated Government Election to be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
The Special Election will be held to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Councilman Terrance Edward Freeman, At-Large Group 1. Freeman resigned his Council position to run for an elected position in the Florida Legislature.
If no candidate receives a majority of the votes of the Special First Election on August 18, according to the resolution, then the two candidates with the highest vote totals shall participate in a Special General Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Supervisor Holland shared the number of petitions needed to qualify for candidacy for City Council At-Large Group 1 is 1,855.
The qualifying fees are as follows:
$3,408.24 for partisan candidates
$2,272.16 for candidates with no party affiliation.
Qualifying begins at Noon, June 11, 2026, and ends at Noon, June 12, 2026.
In case anybody wonders what an Armstrong administration would consider the role of government.
QuoteJACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A video posted on Facebook by Jacksonville Republican Mayoral Candidate Ron Armstrong is raising questions about how – and whether – Jacksonville Fire and Rescue resources should be used for events that are not fires or emergencies or sanctioned by the city.
Armstrong owns the Grounds of Grace coffee shop in Arlington.
In the video you hear Armstrong say, "When you can't fill a baptismal tub, what do you do? You just call the firefighters, and they fill it up for you."
Video of JFRD filling baptismal tub outside Jacksonville mayorial candidate's shop raises questions (https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/local/video-jfrd-filling-baptismal-tub-outside-jacksonville-mayorial-candidates-shop-raises-questions/VJ7HAQ6WVZFAXKVK3AQZWDLJP4/?tbref=hp)
Quote from: copperfiend on June 12, 2026, 08:34:34 AMIn case anybody wonders what an Armstrong administration would consider the role of government.
QuoteJACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A video posted on Facebook by Jacksonville Republican Mayoral Candidate Ron Armstrong is raising questions about how – and whether – Jacksonville Fire and Rescue resources should be used for events that are not fires or emergencies or sanctioned by the city.
Armstrong owns the Grounds of Grace coffee shop in Arlington.
In the video you hear Armstrong say, "When you can't fill a baptismal tub, what do you do? You just call the firefighters, and they fill it up for you."
Video of JFRD filling baptismal tub outside Jacksonville mayorial candidate's shop raises questions (https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/local/video-jfrd-filling-baptismal-tub-outside-jacksonville-mayorial-candidates-shop-raises-questions/VJ7HAQ6WVZFAXKVK3AQZWDLJP4/?tbref=hp)
To me this just feels like a big publicity stunt that we are all participating in lol. Like it's getting picked up by local news because of it's absurdity but all of that is good for his "anti-establishment" branding.
Qualifying for the Special Election to fill Terrence Freeman's City Council At-Large (Group 1) seat closed at noon today (Friday, June 12).
As of 12:30, the SOE list the following candidates:
Democrat - Mone' Holder
Republican - Deborah Wesley - website: https://deborahwesley.com/
Libertarian Party of Florida - Addison Patrick aka Addison Liberty Patrick - website: https://addisonlibertypatrick.com/
Two candidates are listed as "Withdrawn"
Issac Daniel East - Democrat
Ivan Terrell Mote - NPA
ETA, also from the SOE, the Republican, Deborah Wesley, is the only one with money in their campaign account. She has spent $7,054 of the $81,563 in contribuitons.
The SOE does not include links to campaign websites (at least not on the list of candidates page). I could not find one for Mone' Holder. Addison Liberty Patrick's site says "Platform Coming Soon." It says she appears at City Council frequently, and there are clips from some of her appearances.
Deborah Wesley is endorsed by Sheriff T.K. Waters, and identifies herself as "Commander Wesley" at JSO. A conservative supporting law enforcement and families.
Let the games begin!
A Democrat replaces a Republican on the City Council today! Hoping this reigns in some of the partisanship as the Council will have a harder time getting a super majority to override the Mayor and more. Also, hoping it bodes well for next year's elections to do more of the same.
https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/politics/elections/jacksonville-city-council-group-1-at-large-results/77-82ee1bae-5cf5-4593-9624-25ec43c52974
Quote from: jaxlongtimer on August 18, 2026, 11:28:12 PMA Democrat replaces a Republican on the City Council today! Hoping this reigns in some of the partisanship as the Council will have a harder time getting a super majority to override the Mayor and more. Also, hoping it bodes well for next year's elections to do more of the same.
https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/politics/elections/jacksonville-city-council-group-1-at-large-results/77-82ee1bae-5cf5-4593-9624-25ec43c52974
Republicans should be concerned headed into 2027 that she won by 6.5 points despite Dems and Reps casting nearly the same number of ballots. NPA's are clearly breaking toward the left and that will be crucial in a general election
I do think this is a noteworthy race, but I'm not ready to read into it either way. I'd love to see a number of how many NPA (or those registered with a party besides Republican or Democrat) voters turned out yesterday.
The top of the ballot races were the Rep/Dem primaries for Senate/House/Governor, followed by CFO/Ag. If you weren't registered as one of those then your entire ballot was the City Council race and the two judge races, and I have to believe many of the NPA folks simply stayed home.
What's fascinating to me is that in the Governor's race, Jolly is clearly distancing himself from Nixon, with his comments about DSA and Socialism, emphasizing the Capitalist that he is, in his speech last night. Hats off to Nixon though for defeating the well-funded carpet-bagger in Vindman. Jolly is taking on Donalds, who honestly there wasn't a lot of energy around any of the GOP Gubernatorial candidates. Could it be that Republicans just aren't enthused with any of them, or was it a matter of, "Just tell me which Republican to vote for in November." I think Donalds will keep the GOP base enthused enough to vote for him - honestly any of them likely would have except Fishback who came with more baggage than a Kardashian going on a yearlong trip.
Now I think the electorate will vary a little bit in the local races in the spring compared to the mid-terms. I'm wondering if one party makes a big impact in November, does the opposite party get a springboard to March/May (similar to how the opposite party tends to get a boost after the White House flips)?
Quote from: Steve on August 19, 2026, 01:40:26 PMI do think this is a noteworthy race, but I'm not ready to read into it either way. I'd love to see a number of how many NPA (or those registered with a party besides Republican or Democrat) voters turned out yesterday.
The top of the ballot races were the Rep/Dem primaries for Senate/House/Governor, followed by CFO/Ag. If you weren't registered as one of those then your entire ballot was the City Council race and the two judge races, and I have to believe many of the NPA folks simply stayed home.
What's fascinating to me is that in the Governor's race, Jolly is clearly distancing himself from Nixon, with his comments about DSA and Socialism, emphasizing the Capitalist that he is, in his speech last night. Hats off to Nixon though for defeating the well-funded carpet-bagger in Vindman. Jolly is taking on Donalds, who honestly there wasn't a lot of energy around any of the GOP Gubernatorial candidates. Could it be that Republicans just aren't enthused with any of them, or was it a matter of, "Just tell me which Republican to vote for in November." I think Donalds will keep the GOP base enthused enough to vote for him - honestly any of them likely would have except Fishback who came with more baggage than a Kardashian going on a yearlong trip.
Now I think the electorate will vary a little bit in the local races in the spring compared to the mid-terms. I'm wondering if one party makes a big impact in November, does the opposite party get a springboard to March/May (similar to how the opposite party tends to get a boost after the White House flips)?
To answer your first question, NPA's accounted for 7.4% of votes in Duval County or a little over 11k. Holder's margin of victory was 9k so enough NPA's voted to have made a reasonable difference in the race
Here's my point
648,838 Registered Voters
243,983 Democrats
237,891 Republicans
142,814 NPA
24,150 Other
150,880 Voted in this election
69,127 Democrats
68,801 Republicans
11,169 NPA
1,792 Other
% Electorate:
45.82% Democrats
45.60% Republicans
7.40% NPA
1.19% Other
% Voted
28.33% Democrats
28.20% Republicans
4.58% NPA
0.73% Other
My point is NPAs made up 7.4% of the electorate yesterday, yet only 4.58% of all NPAs voted, compared to over 28% of the Dem/Rep registered voters. Now that isn't shocking - like I said, the major draws in this race were part of closed primaries.
But, compare that to 2024 when 87,235 NPAs voted out of 145,296 registered NPAs (just over 60%), or even in the 2022 midterms where 48,359 registered NPAs voted out of 151,381 registered NPAs (just under 32%).
My point is trying to equate the NPA impact on a special election City Council Race (when nearly every other race on the ballot was a closed primary) to what might happen in November or Spring 2027 isn't statistically material. I do agree they had a measured impact in this City Council race though. Honestly this data right here was the basis of the argument as to why local elections were separated out from Presidential or the Midterm cycle.
Other random thoughts: I'd personally be in favor of moving our local elections to be in the fall of the year after the midterms vs. the Spring and having the local officials take office on 1/1 of the following year. Pick one year and they get a 3 1/2 or 4 1/2 year term to readjust. Not only is the fall a more natural election cycle, you get away from the hangover of the recent midterms. Plus it would eliminate the ridiculous budget cycle where the Mayor takes office on 7/1, only to have to present a budget two weeks later.
I was one of the NPAs to early vote at EWU. I went just for council and the two judge spots. I was in and out within seconds. I was more shocked seeing students dressed in hoodies and sweaters on campus.
Steve - a quibble,
QuoteIf you weren't registered as one of those then your entire ballot was the City Council race and the two judge races, and I have to believe many of the NPA folks simply stayed home.
In three of the School Board (= 6 City Council) districts, there were also School Board races, each of which will go to run-offs (on the November ballot?). I would like to see turn-out numbers by party/NPA/other by district, to see if the SB races increased the NPA/Other turn out.
Were your turn-out comparisons to the 2022 and 2024 races to the General or the Primary?
Quote from: Zac T on August 19, 2026, 12:54:15 PMQuote from: jaxlongtimer on August 18, 2026, 11:28:12 PMA Democrat replaces a Republican on the City Council today! Hoping this reigns in some of the partisanship as the Council will have a harder time getting a super majority to override the Mayor and more. Also, hoping it bodes well for next year's elections to do more of the same.
https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/politics/elections/jacksonville-city-council-group-1-at-large-results/77-82ee1bae-5cf5-4593-9624-25ec43c52974
Republicans should be concerned headed into 2027 that she won by 6.5 points despite Dems and Reps casting nearly the same number of ballots. NPA's are clearly breaking toward the left and that will be crucial in a general election
Two notes on this:
The new city council rep has to keep on campaigning for herself...because she's simply filling in for an empty seat, her next election is just 7 months from now.
Politics is fickle. So much depends on the specific circumstances of each race, difficult to make generalizations.
Quote from: Charles Hunter on August 19, 2026, 04:58:17 PMSteve - a quibble,
QuoteIf you weren't registered as one of those then your entire ballot was the City Council race and the two judge races, and I have to believe many of the NPA folks simply stayed home.
In three of the School Board (= 6 City Council) districts, there were also School Board races, each of which will go to run-offs (on the November ballot?). I would like to see turn-out numbers by party/NPA/other by district, to see if the SB races increased the NPA/Other turn out.
Were your turn-out comparisons to the 2022 and 2024 races to the General or the Primary?
I can pull that - it's a good question with regard to the School Board races. The data is on the SOE site; just buried a bit. The other thing that it could show is the 4.5% of the NPAs is an average across the city. Well, averages are just that - if I put one foot in boiling water, and one foot in freezing water, well "on average" I should be comfortable. Tying back to this....was the NPA percentage higher in reliably Dem Districts or across the board?
To answer your other question, it was the 2022 and 2024 generals. My point was mainly that the 4.5% of NPAs that voted (and could have swayed the City Council race) isn't necessarily an indicator of how NPAs will vote in November. Given it was only 4.5% of the voter base that came out, anything could have explained that - something as simple as Mone' Holder's GOTV campaign was just simply stronger than Deborah Wesley's.
Really to do this right, you should go down to the precinct level. Take District 7 - Jimmy Peluso's district. Last I looked (which was a few years ago), it has Durkeeville (Reliably Dem) Springfield North to 20th Street (Reliably Dem), Downtown (Dem), Riverside (Dem but not as strong as Springfield), Avondale (leans GOP) and Ortega (Reliably GOP).
Based on my look for turnout info at the School Board district level, this is quite an understatement, Steve
QuoteI can pull that - it's a good question with regard to the School Board races. The data is on the SOE site; just buried a bit.
All I could find is precinct level voting by contest. Even if I wanted to spend the time aggregating that, it wouldn't give me a 'turnout' number. Surely, the SOE has the data, I just can't find it.
Quote from: Steve on August 19, 2026, 03:46:08 PMHere's my point
648,838 Registered Voters
243,983 Democrats
237,891 Republicans
142,814 NPA
24,150 Other
150,880 Voted in this election
69,127 Democrats
68,801 Republicans
11,169 NPA
1,792 Other
% Electorate:
45.82% Democrats
45.60% Republicans
7.40% NPA
1.19% Other
% Voted
28.33% Democrats
28.20% Republicans
4.58% NPA
0.73% Other
My point is NPAs made up 7.4% of the electorate yesterday, yet only 4.58% of all NPAs voted, compared to over 28% of the Dem/Rep registered voters. Now that isn't shocking - like I said, the major draws in this race were part of closed primaries.
But, compare that to 2024 when 87,235 NPAs voted out of 145,296 registered NPAs (just over 60%), or even in the 2022 midterms where 48,359 registered NPAs voted out of 151,381 registered NPAs (just under 32%).
My point is trying to equate the NPA impact on a special election City Council Race (when nearly every other race on the ballot was a closed primary) to what might happen in November or Spring 2027 isn't statistically material. I do agree they had a measured impact in this City Council race though. Honestly this data right here was the basis of the argument as to why local elections were separated out from Presidential or the Midterm cycle.
Other random thoughts: I'd personally be in favor of moving our local elections to be in the fall of the year after the midterms vs. the Spring and having the local officials take office on 1/1 of the following year. Pick one year and they get a 3 1/2 or 4 1/2 year term to readjust. Not only is the fall a more natural election cycle, you get away from the hangover of the recent midterms. Plus it would eliminate the ridiculous budget cycle where the Mayor takes office on 7/1, only to have to present a budget two weeks later.
2024 was a presidential election year. 2026 (and 2027) are not. The key takeaways from this election are (1) Democrats outvoted Republicans, thanks in no small part to better GOTV efforts (in other words, when you put the money and work in, Democrats can be competitive, who'd have thought); (2) NPAs leaned Democratic in a big way they tend to lean against the party in power; and (3) it was clearly a race of candidate/campaign quality, and people are sick of dud candidates who act like they don't need your vote.
I can definitely say that the Democrats are taking these lessons to heart and not getting cocky or taking anything for granted. Will the Republicans do the same? The answer is in the quality of candidates they have running and the quality of their campaign consultants.
State Representative Wyman Duggan, a Republican, announced a bid for Mayor of Jacksonville today.
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2026/oct/02/legislator-wyman-duggan-announces-run-for-mayor/
The worst kept secret!
https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2026/10/02/live-state-rep-wyman-duggan-makes-announcement-at-duval-elections-office/
QuoteJacksonville did not need an expensive urban science fair project while workers are trying to get to their jobs and seniors are trying to get to the doctor," he said. "That is not a transit problem. That is a leadership problem."
After Duggan highlighted recent budget issues and scrutiny of JTA this week, calling it "Donna Deegan's JTA," the mayor's office responded that JTA is a regional transportation agency and that JTA's staff is made up of state employees.
"It's disconcerting that an eight-year member of the state legislature and current Speaker of the House is either unaware of the structure or intentionally misleading the public," the mayor's office said in a statement.
The challenger's campaign message is completely predictable and could turn out to be effective. Instead of "passing the buck" the mayor's office needs to take the initiative on this JTA Scandal. That would mean holding the former JTA CEO responsible, we will see if that happens.
Very predictable indeed. The discussion on FCC about JTA was pretty interesting today. Where was Duggan on JTA? Both can throw mud at each other over that one. JTA's science project has been in the works for a full decade now.
I'm not able to say much, as for me this is actual work and not just a political talking point. The mayor's administration is moving forward on resolving the JTA mess and City Council is too. Wyam Duggar or whatever his name is has no solution, or he'd be working on it now as the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Florida House. It's a state agency and the solution will need state action. But he just wants to use it as campaign shtick because he's got nothing to run on and he's desperate.
Quote from: thelakelander on October 02, 2026, 07:29:22 PMVery predictable indeed. The discussion on FCC about JTA was pretty interesting today. Where was Duggan on JTA? Both can throw mud at each other over that one. JTA's science project has been in the works for a full decade now.
Action News attempted to reach out to Duggan a while back about his position on JTA and the U2C.
He refused to comment, (https://www.scribd.com/document/729957516/Jta-Responses) alongside many other local officials.
Someone find me the clip of Donna criticizing people for scrutinizing the UC2 on a podcast. Good luck twisting this one.
When it comes to the U2C, NAVI, JTA, both are residing in a glass house. So be careful with the stone throwing either way. Unless something super crazy pops up publicly that hasn't already, I don't see JTA being a major influence on the race either way.
Quote from: thelakelander on October 03, 2026, 10:26:37 AMWhen it comes to the U2C, NAVI, JTA, both are residing in a glass house. So be careful with the stone throwing either way. Unless something super crazy pops up publicly that hasn't already, I don't see JTA being a major influence on the race either way.
Fully agree.
I actually see downtown redevelopment focus being a bigger lighting rod than JTA, with Duggan pushing an over-investment narrative in the urban core at the expense of other neighborhoods.
Way too early prediction: Deegan wins comfortably, taking at least 54% of the vote.
I think the midterms will be telling too. If Duval goes heavy on Dems that will bode well for Deegan. If it is tight or the other way, it could be a closer call in the Spring.
Quote"They're waiting on a permit that should not require a lawyer and a friend at City Hall to get issued."
Interesting, given Duggan is a land use lawyer ;D .
QuoteSimilarly, Duggan said he would consider removing JEA contributions to the city and instead use that funding to lower utility costs for ratepayers. He said he also would work to reduce the city's garbage fee, which increased from $151.80 in fiscal year 2025 to $384 in fiscal year 2027.
JEA contributes about 7.5% of the City's funding. Eliminate that, especially in conjunction with Amendment 3, and the City is essentially out of business. Add, that the garbage fee is at "bid costs" to the City after losing tens of millions delaying the garbage tax increase, and I wonder how reducing the fee and restoring those millions in losses would be covered. It's easy to criticize, but where are the viable alternatives to cover these politically expedient "points." We get what we pay for.
QuoteOutside of his work in politics, he is a shareholder and member of the governing board of the Rogers Towers law firm, where his specialty areas include land use, private property rights, and economic development.
As a land use attorney, I see developers being the main supporters of Duggan. It's clear that between the lines, he is appealing to their interests.
QuoteThe Duval County Democratic Party responded to Duggan's announcement with an attack on Duggan's legislative record, saying he "repeatedly supported legislation that shifted decision-making authority away from local governments and into the hands of Tallahassee." The party said Duggan's voting record included "taking away local input on zoning and land use decisions, imposing unfunded state mandates on municipalities and advancing policies that could significantly reduce funding for essential local services such as public safety, parks, libraries, roads and infrastructure."
"Jacksonville deserves a leader who stands up for our community every day, not someone whose record consistently favors Tallahassee over local families," Millie Leeds, chair of the Duval County Democratic Party said in the party's statement. "When voters look beyond the campaign rhetoric and examine Wyman Duggan's legislative record, they'll see a pattern of supporting policies that weaken our local community's ability to address pressing issues and jeopardize the investments that make Jacksonville a great place to live."
Dems should play up these points at every turn, not just in Duval, but statewide. GOP claims to be the party of "local" government but, under DeSantis, they are the party of centralized and controlling State government.
Lastly, I would be interested to know of any connections between Curry and Duggan. That could be politically "fatal" in my opinion.
All quotes above at:Quotehttps://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2026/oct/02/legislator-wyman-duggan-announces-run-for-mayor/
Just found this add-on quote:
Quote"Under this administration, we have had disputes involving JEA, the (Jacksonville Transportation Authority), and the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, and JAA has threatened to sue the city."
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/823058-wyman-duggan-makes-up-ground-against-donna-deegan-in-fundraising-race-but-theres-a-long-way-to-go-still/
All these disputes were initiated by his fellow Republican's on the City Council to gain political points, nothing more. (Notably, where is the complaint about the real JEA scandal under fellow Republican Curry?) And, other than Howland getting a piece of legislation in Tallahassee (Duggan assisted?) passed to meaninglessly modify the JAA charter due to effective limits imposed by the FAA on JAA funding and JEA CEO Cavey resigning due to health issues, nothing earthshaking came out of any of these manufactured dust-ups. So where is Deegan to blame? This is really grabbing at straws.
FYI, Florida Politics added this observation about Duggan's funds:
QuoteOne name that may be worth watching down the stretch in that context: the "Very Conservative" political committee. Duggan's committee gave it $30,000.
That was a very uninspiring campaign launch. Nothing he said makes me think he would improve my quality of life
Quote from: Zac T on October 03, 2026, 01:39:25 PMThat was a very uninspiring campaign launch. Nothing he said makes me think he would improve my quality of life
You must not be a Big Time Real Estate Developer
Quote from: thelakelander on October 03, 2026, 10:26:37 AMWhen it comes to the U2C, NAVI, JTA, both are residing in a glass house. So be careful with the stone throwing either way. Unless something super crazy pops up publicly that hasn't already, I don't see JTA being a major influence on the race either way.
So then why does Duggan's lack of comment matter? Either this will impact the election or it won't and if it does, it won't be a -1 to Duggan for a lack of comment. It will be to the incumbent Mayor that publicly endorsed the clown cars.
The NAVI fiasco also happened on his watch as a state leader. If he had a problem with it, he had an opportunity to do something about it. He did nothing. So that was what my glass house comment was about. The lack of comment that Marcus shared had nothing to do with my statement.
^Re: Glass houses.
Make sure to also toss rocks at the Chamber of Commerce, who heavily championed the U2C. And the Curry Admin, who heavily campaigned for the gas tax, knowing what JTA was planning to use it for. And Downtown Vision, for propagandizing the U2C/NAVI. And the City Council, who voted 14-5 in favor of a local option gas tax bill with $250 million set aside for NAVI.
I believe John Delaney and the Civic Council were the only major group to actively push back on NAVI when the gas tax was being debated.
Would be absurd to try to paint Donna as any kind of NAVI puppet-master when Ford had so many others brainwashed.
Absurdity doesn't matter in politics. Just effective narratives.
Quote from: jaxlongtimer on October 03, 2026, 01:09:26 PMLastly, I would be interested to know of any connections between Curry and Duggan. That could be politically "fatal" in my opinion.
These will be very apparent - don't think Curry is hiding it
Quote from: tufsu1 on October 05, 2026, 08:24:16 PMQuote from: jaxlongtimer on October 03, 2026, 01:09:26 PMLastly, I would be interested to know of any connections between Curry and Duggan. That could be politically "fatal" in my opinion.
These will be very apparent - don't think Curry is hiding it
I'm never a fan of unnecessary dirty politics or going low with your campaign, but I'd do it with Duggan.
Dude is Curry in sheep's clothing. Lenny helped launch Duggan's political career in the 2017 Florida House race, and appeared all over Duggan's ads.
The campaign was run by the Curry goon squad. Tim Baker. Brian Hughes. They're all still close. And it looks like Jordan Elsbury is buddying up to Duggan ahead of the election too.
If you want to go down a fun little rabbit hole, look into Duggan's connection to the JEA scandal. Seems that Lenny's buddy, while serving as a state representative, also served as a consultant and lobbyist for FPL/NextEra when they were colluding to privatize JEA.
https://jeainvestigation.com/wp-content/uploads/chronology/Witness%20Statements/SIC%20Investigation/Mousa%2C%20Sam/Transcript.pdf
So, Duggan wasn't just loosely adjacent to Curry/Baker/Hughes during the JEA affair. He had professional ties to FPL/NextEra when they were trying to acquire JEA, and Duggan was specifically identified in sworn testimony from the City Council investigation as part of FPL's team during the 2019 process.
Other than that, they barely know each other :P
GOP John Delaney was on First Coast Connect today and gave Duggan long odds against Deegan. Says he even knows some MAGA's that would vote for her. Interesting...
Quote from: thelakelander on October 05, 2026, 03:29:04 PMThe NAVI fiasco also happened on his watch as a state leader. If he had a problem with it, he had an opportunity to do something about it. He did nothing. So that was what my glass house comment was about. The lack of comment that Marcus shared had nothing to do with my statement.
You said, "When it comes to the U2C, NAVI, JTA, both are residing in a glass house. So be careful with the stone throwing either way. Unless something super crazy pops up publicly that hasn't already, I don't see JTA being a major influence on the race either way."
My comments to that were "So then why does Duggan's lack of comment matter? Either this will impact the election or it won't and if it does, it won't be a -1 to Duggan for a lack of comment. It will be to the incumbent Mayor that publicly endorsed the clown cars."
Simply put, you can make the argument that this won't effect the Election, & that's your opinion. Either way, your statement was in reply to either Tacachale, Marcus or myself. All three of us made statements about Deegan or Duggan's comments/actions on the U2C.
The idea that Duggan could have influenced this compared to Deegan is totally bullshit too. I'd like to hear one good reason why she replaced an active board member with someone in her pocket. I understand the tilt on this forum, but let's not act like she has any type of plan with JTA. Anyone seriously saying that should be ashamed of themselves.
You know exactly the point I was making. You don't have to agree with it. Peluso and Diamond have been pretty consistent about the waste happening over at JTA. Duggan isn't in that small circle. Neither is Deegan. I'm not here to defend anyone. In my opinion, Duggan's house is full of glass on this particular issue. In fact, most elected leaders are on both sides of the fence. Be careful with those stones.
Quote from: thelakelander on October 06, 2026, 01:57:42 PMYou know exactly the point I was making. You don't have to agree with it. Peluso and Diamond have been pretty consistent about the waste happening over at JTA. Duggan isn't in that small circle. Neither is Deegan. I'm not here to defend anyone. In my opinion, Duggan's house is full of glass on this particular issue. In fact, most elected leaders are on both sides of the fence. Be careful with those stones.
So then hold Deegan accountable - do you agree with the comments she made today? Your voice means a lot in this space Lake. It may not be politically acceptable, but you absolutely need to. The damage control going on right now is disgusting.
The below is a great move and long overdue. To be clear, it needs to include fiduciary responsibilities to the taxpayers that support the agencies. As a board member, you are not meant to be a "rubber stamp" or "yes" person, but a thoughtful, informed, engaged, mission-focused, financially prudent and questioning person that understands your oversight and support responsibilities and accountability not to the CEO/staff or appointing politicians, but to the public at large.
QuoteDeegan order encourages finance, ethics training for Jacksonville board appointees
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Mayor Donna Deegan signed an executive order Tuesday encouraging people appointed to city boards and independent agencies to take training on finances, audits, ethics and public records laws.
The order also calls for independent agency leaders to certify the financial information they give the city.
Deegan said the training would help volunteers who oversee public money and make decisions for city boards and agencies.
"Taxpayers deserve confidence that the people overseeing their money understand the budgets, audits, and ethics rules in front of them," Deegan said.
New appointees are encouraged to complete the training within 90 days of City Council confirmation. Current appointees are encouraged to complete it within 180 days. The training would be free.
The city's Finance Office must offer financial training within 90 days. It will cover how to read financial statements, understand the city budget and spot possible financial problems, including risks tied to debt, credit ratings and pensions.
The order recommends that independent agencies include a signed statement from their chief executive when submitting budgets, financial reports or other financial data to the city. The statement would say the information is accurate and complete to the best of the official's knowledge.
The order takes effect immediately. It does not require appointees to take the training or make certification mandatory.
Deegan said she will work with the Jacksonville City Council on legislation to make the standards enforceable.
https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2026/10/06/deegan-order-encourages-finance-ethics-training-for-jacksonville-board-appointees/
Quote from: Jax_Developer on October 06, 2026, 03:29:11 PMQuote from: thelakelander on October 06, 2026, 01:57:42 PMYou know exactly the point I was making. You don't have to agree with it. Peluso and Diamond have been pretty consistent about the waste happening over at JTA. Duggan isn't in that small circle. Neither is Deegan. I'm not here to defend anyone. In my opinion, Duggan's house is full of glass on this particular issue. In fact, most elected leaders are on both sides of the fence. Be careful with those stones.
So then hold Deegan accountable - do you agree with the comments she made today? Your voice means a lot in this space Lake. It may not be politically acceptable, but you absolutely need to. The damage control going on right now is disgusting.
My voice has not changed in 10 years with JTA. I've said plenty of times over the years that the mayors office and council needed to force Ford to pull the NAVI plug or risk being beat over thr head with it once it failed. I've been consistent and vocal about this one on this website, in editorials and behind closed doors. Duggan is new to the convo here in these forums, regarding JTA, which is why I commented about glass houses.
Quote from: thelakelander on October 06, 2026, 04:45:39 PMQuote from: Jax_Developer on October 06, 2026, 03:29:11 PMQuote from: thelakelander on October 06, 2026, 01:57:42 PMYou know exactly the point I was making. You don't have to agree with it. Peluso and Diamond have been pretty consistent about the waste happening over at JTA. Duggan isn't in that small circle. Neither is Deegan. I'm not here to defend anyone. In my opinion, Duggan's house is full of glass on this particular issue. In fact, most elected leaders are on both sides of the fence. Be careful with those stones.
So then hold Deegan accountable - do you agree with the comments she made today? Your voice means a lot in this space Lake. It may not be politically acceptable, but you absolutely need to. The damage control going on right now is disgusting.
My voice has not changed in 10 years with JTA. I've said plenty of times over the years that the mayors office and council needed to force Ford to pull the NAVI plug or risk being beat over thr head with it once it failed. I've been consistent and vocal about this one on this website, in editorials and behind closed doors. Duggan is new to the convo here in these forums, regarding JTA, which is why I commented about glass houses.
Fair enough. Today's comments by Deegan prove the web is large. You don't remove a board member asking questions without a reason... Holon still a go? Lol.
I'll believe Holon happens when they roll that first vehicle off the assembly line. They're not here if we aren't subsidizing them along with being the largest purchaser of their product. JTA is out of money, so whats the point?
Quote from: thelakelander on October 06, 2026, 06:30:04 PMI'll believe Holon happens when they roll that first vehicle off the assembly line. They're not here if we aren't subsidizing them along with being the largest purchaser of their product. JTA is out of money, so whats the point?
Deegan isn't a dummy & knows this too. So then why say otherwise?
You'll have to ask her and the city council about it. I've always been against both NAVI and view Holon as an extension of that project. I've publicly shared that opinion for years. However, the majority of our political leaders that approved the incentives package have a different opinion.
Quote from: thelakelander on October 08, 2026, 04:54:55 PMYou'll have to ask her and the city council about it. I've always been against both NAVI and view Holon as an extension of that project. I've publicly shared that opinion for years. However, the majority of our political leaders that approved the incentives package have a different opinion.
With $0 upfront dollars, City Council rubber-stamped it without scrutiny, off the idea that Holon will come to town with a massive guaranteed investment from the City, because of support from key parties. It's not much different than the DDRB approving a project with a REV Grant.
Its very different. The DDRB is a design review board. Design approval has nothing to do with how the project is funded. You can't sit on that board and deny projects because you don't like the way they are funded. BTW, most are already through DDRB before incentives (if being pursued) are figured out.
Quote from: thelakelander on October 08, 2026, 09:24:06 PMIts very different. The DDRB is a design review board. Design approval has nothing to do with how the project is funded. You can't sit on that board and deny projects because you don't like the way they are funded. BTW, most are already through DDRB before incentives (if being pursued) are figured out.
Are you suggesting that City Council approving already structured city & state level incentives is anything different than the DDRB approving structured incentives from the DIA? Are you suggesting City Council is negotiating these packages? Surely not.
Who does the OED report to again?
^ DDRB doesn't approve structured incentives. City Council does.
Quote from: tufsu1 on October 09, 2026, 01:50:13 PM^ DDRB doesn't approve structured incentives. City Council does.
That is a completely irrelevant point in the context of my response. Who negotiates both? Exactly.
Quote from: Jax_Developer on October 09, 2026, 01:56:40 PMQuote from: tufsu1 on October 09, 2026, 01:50:13 PM^ DDRB doesn't approve structured incentives. City Council does.
That is a completely irrelevant point in the context of my response. Who negotiates both? Exactly.
DIA and DDRB staff are one and the same, but the two boards are completely separate and they are not required to follow staff's recommendation. No individuals sit on both boards and so the separation of functional duties is a very relevant point to the discussion.
Yes, DDRB has nothing to do with whatever point is trying to be made about financial incentives with various projects. Jax_Developer, I'm totally lost in understanding whatever point you're trying to make with this one.
Quote from: Jax_Developer on October 09, 2026, 09:01:27 AMQuote from: thelakelander on October 08, 2026, 09:24:06 PMIts very different. The DDRB is a design review board. Design approval has nothing to do with how the project is funded. You can't sit on that board and deny projects because you don't like the way they are funded. BTW, most are already through DDRB before incentives (if being pursued) are figured out.
Are you suggesting that City Council approving already structured city & state level incentives is anything different than the DDRB approving structured incentives from the DIA? Are you suggesting City Council is negotiating these packages? Surely not.
Who does the OED report to again?
DDRB doesn't have anything to do with financial incentives. What are you going on about?
Lol at this being so hard to understand. This is Lake's reply:
"You'll have to ask her and the city council about it. I've always been against both NAVI and view Holon as an extension of that project. I've publicly shared that opinion for years. However, the majority of our political leaders that approved the incentives package have a different opinion."
AKA, we don't need to ask City Council. Are you all really suggesting a company like Holon goes to City Council to negotiate incentives? Now same thing, do developers goto the DDRB to negotiate incentives?
Both answers are no. These are structured incentives. What does that mean? That means the process has already been defined... For some reason, this forum can't seem to understand that. This is the near equivalent of being upset at a project passing the DDRB, when you are *actually* upset at the incentives passed. The blame is completely misguided.
I would bet $$ one of you will say "yeah but city council passes incentives" well, that's why I used the phrase "not much different" - because it isn't. Both parties do not negotiate incentives. Which was the entire point of my response & why Lake's response including to "ask City Council" makes absolutely zero sense.
Did council not vote to approve Holon's incentive package? DDRB has never voted to approve or deny an incentives package for a project. Thats not the DDRB's responsibility. This is exactly where the attempt to compare falls apart.
Quote from: Jax_Developer on October 12, 2026, 04:43:17 PMLol at this being so hard to understand. This is Lake's reply:
"You'll have to ask her and the city council about it. I've always been against both NAVI and view Holon as an extension of that project. I've publicly shared that opinion for years. However, the majority of our political leaders that approved the incentives package have a different opinion."
AKA, we don't need to ask City Council. Are you all really suggesting a company like Holon goes to City Council to negotiate incentives? Now same thing, do developers goto the DDRB to negotiate incentives?
Both answers are no. These are structured incentives. What does that mean? That means the process has already been defined... For some reason, this forum can't seem to understand that. This is the near equivalent of being upset at a project passing the DDRB, when you are *actually* upset at the incentives passed. The blame is completely misguided.
I would bet $$ one of you will say "yeah but city council passes incentives" well, that's why I used the phrase "not much different" - because it isn't. Both parties do not negotiate incentives. Which was the entire point of my response & why Lake's response including to "ask City Council" makes absolutely zero sense.
Uh, what?
I get it that Jax Developer doesn't like Mayor Deegan. That's fine, its a free country. No sweat off my back. I'm not running for office, pitching woo for votes or working on political campaigns. As mentioned before, I've been pretty consistent about my opinions of NAVI since day one. I'm more than happy to give my personal opinion on that gadgetbahn, but I'll leave the political mumbo jumbo up to those that care to jump into such debates.
Artis Gilmore vs. Nick Howland... this could be entertaining to watch ;D .
QuoteBasketball great Artis Gilmore running for Jacksonville City Council
Hall of Fame basketball player Artis Gilmore, who took Jacksonville University to the NCAA championship game in 1970, is gearing up for a different kind of March Madness.
Gilmore plans to file Oct. 13 for an at-large Jacksonville City Council seat in a challenge to incumbent Nick Howland in the March 9 first election, according to an announcement of his intention.
Hall of Fame basketball player Artis Gilmore, who took Jacksonville University to the NCAA championship game in 1970, is gearing up for a different kind of March Madness.
Gilmore plans to file Oct. 13 for an at-large Jacksonville City Council seat in a challenge to incumbent Nick Howland in the March 9 first election, according to an announcement of his intention....
How long before some 'clever' journalist or columnist talks about the Gilmore/Howland election as being a "slam dunk" for one of them? 8)
Yea, that would be a layup.
Howland is only a couple months into his term as president and he's already in foul trouble, in my opinion. Gilmore (or almost anyone) is a slam dunk candidate against Howland.