{"id":180492,"date":"2025-08-27T19:25:33","date_gmt":"2025-08-27T19:25:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/180492\/"},"modified":"2025-08-27T19:25:33","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T19:25:33","slug":"jacksonville-bold-for-8-27-25-strong-mayor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/180492\/","title":{"rendered":"Jacksonville Bold for 8.27.25: Strong Mayor?"},"content":{"rendered":"

There were years in which former Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry\u2019s<\/strong> agenda was carried by unanimous votes \u2013 or close enough for government work.<\/p>\n

Current Mayor Donna Deegan<\/strong> doesn\u2019t have that luxury, and here in the third year of her administration, the executive branch spends a lot of time dealing with attacks from the legislative branch that serve as appetizers for the 2027 campaign.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Evan Power joins Kevin Carrico and Nick Howland to challenge Donna Deegan\u2019s political agenda.<\/p>\n

This week, the Republican Party of Florida\u2019s Chair, Evan Power,<\/strong> joined them for a news conference on the steps of City Hall, where Council Republicans took batting practice against Deegan\u2019s agenda, with the apparent goal of bringing Republicans who crossed over in 2023 back home in 2027.<\/p>\n

President Kevin Carrico<\/strong> noted that being a budget hawk isn\u2019t a Republican or Democratic issue, but instead \u201cis an issue for the people, based on the calls that we\u2019re getting, based on the concerns of our citizens, based on the conversations I\u2019m having out in the district where people are struggling.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vice President Nick Howland<\/strong> added that \u201cif governments go unchecked, they\u2019ll reach in and take more dollars out of your wallet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m proud to stand with the people behind me who heard the call of their taxpayers that they wanted relief, and they were willing to take the hard budget cuts and look at the waste and fraud and make difficult decisions,\u201d Power said.<\/p>\n

Arguably, Deegan wouldn\u2019t be the Mayor if it hadn\u2019t been for the Republicans\u2019 circular firing squad two years ago. Daniel Davis<\/strong> and LeAnna Cumber<\/strong> went so negative against each other ahead of the March election that many Cumber supporters opted for Deegan rather than putting Davis over the hump. So even though the GOP won the turnout game, they did not win when counting ballots.<\/p>\n

Power says he won\u2019t be wading into the Primary process, for what it\u2019s worth. But the invisible Primary is very real. And it looms over this process, which finds Deegan increasingly reactive, as the poetry of the campaign has long since deteriorated into the prose of governmental realities.<\/p>\n

Elections have consequences<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gov. Ron DeSantis<\/strong><\/a> says the people of Baker County \u2014 where the state\u2019s shuttered Baker Correctional Institution will be revived under the aegis of the alliterative \u201cDeportation Depot\u201d to hold undocumented immigrants before they are flown back home temporarily \u2014 are \u201cprobably excited\u201d about the facility.<\/p>\n

\u201cI got 90% of the vote in Baker County,\u201d DeSantis recalled about his cakewalk re-election in 2022.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Ron DeSantis smiles while discussing his plans for a controversial immigration facility in Baker County.<\/p>\n

The excitement is not unanimous, however. As Fresh Take Florida<\/strong><\/a> reported, various residents call the concept \u201cstupid\u201d and \u201ctoo close to home.\u201d<\/p>\n

DeSantis has suggested that the revived prison will be a boon to local businesses, including the Busy Bee, located on the route to Lake City Airport, from where inmates will be flown to their final destinations.<\/p>\n

Both proponents and opponents will soon find out. The facility is expected to open in the next few weeks.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

CDBG cash<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not just Baker that\u2019s getting love from the Governor, though.<\/p>\n

A few other area governments will be seeing green after their latest round of Community Development Block Grants.<\/p>\n

Live Oak is looking at $3 million for potable water system improvements and $1.5 million to rehabilitate or replace 21 homes for lower-income households.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>J. Alex Kelly touts community grants under Ron DeSantis for infrastructure in rural Florida towns. <\/p>\n

Green Cove Springs will get $1.2 million for stormwater improvements.<\/p>\n

Finally, Columbia County will get $1.2 million and Madison $950,000 to rehab homes for low-income families.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnder Gov. DeSantis\u2019 leadership, FloridaCommerce continues to invest in critical infrastructure in Florida\u2019s small and rural communities,\u201d said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly<\/strong>. \u201cThese awards strengthen the foundation of these local economies, enhance quality of life and support a more resilient and prosperous future in the heart of Florida.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tweet, tweet<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Capital idea<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Northeast Florida Builders Association is looking to build a new Workforce Education Center.<\/p>\n

But to do so, they\u2019re going to have to raise some money.<\/p>\n

And that\u2019s where the \u201cTogether We Build\u201d campaign comes in.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Seth Kelley leads NEFBA\u2019s campaign for a new center, backed by Delores Barr Weaver.<\/p>\n

NEFBA seeks $7.5 million for the construction of labs, classrooms and a 300-seat auditorium, framed as a forward-looking investment.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not just building a facility, we\u2019re building for the future, for the benefit of our apprentices and the greater overall construction industry here in Northeast Florida,\u201d 2025 NEFBA President Seth Kelley<\/strong> said.<\/p>\n

Early donors include Delores Barr Weaver<\/strong>, whose Legacy Fund at the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida has poured $850,000 into the paper chase.<\/p>\n

Ticket thicket<\/strong><\/p>\n

Disputes persist in Jacksonville City Hall, including the longstanding tradition of offering complimentary tickets to Jaguars and Jumbo Shrimp games, as well as other significant cultural events.<\/p>\n

A document compiled by the City Council states that the vast majority of the latest complementary entries were directed to Deegan\u2019s office, a function of the Mayor\u2019s Office that receives and distributes the tickets.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>A dispute erupts between Donna Deegan\u2019s office and City Council over distributing free event tickets.<\/p>\n

While this practice didn\u2019t begin in the Deegan administration, it was highlighted this year, as the Republican-controlled legislative branch has clashed with the Democratic chief executive.<\/p>\n

The premium portfolio offerings, of course, are for NFL games. And the Mayor\u2019s Office and guests scored five out of every six of the nearly 600 tix doled out in 2025. That\u2019s up from 2024\u2019s 62%.<\/p>\n

The Mayor\u2019s Office also got 97% of the 6,726 tickets for events at VyStar Arena, 87% of the 260 for Daily\u2019s Place, 84% for events at the Performing Arts Center, 90% of the EverBank Field events, not including the Jaguars, and 99% of the Jumbo Shrimp ticket distributions.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the Mayor\u2019s Office argues that the story initially published misrepresented the facts.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe story \u2026 misrepresents who tickets go to. City Council has used and requested more tickets than the Mayor\u2019s Office. The attached spreadsheet has multiple tabs that show the number of requests and breakdown by number of tickets\/events for each year for the Mayor\u2019s Office and City Council. This list does not include the Jaguars Suite, which has 24 tickets per home game split 50\/50 between the administration and Council. Keep in mind that the 409 tickets recorded in this spreadsheet are out of the more than 10,000 tickets that the city receives as part of the agreements for its venues. The vast majority of these go to city employees that are not in the Mayor\u2019s Office or City Council \u2013 or they go unused.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Mayor\u2019s Office also claims the City Council is the bigger beneficiary of taxpayer largesse.<\/p>\n

\u201cBetween the city suite for Jaguars games, which is split 50\/50 between the Mayor\u2019s Office and City Council, and ticket requests for city-owned venues, City Council has utilized 632 tickets versus the Mayor\u2019s Office using 341 tickets from 2024 to 2025. Any other tickets go to city employees or community members (who) request them, or the tickets go unused. All tickets belong to the city, and the distribution is administered by the Mayor\u2019s Office, as it always has been,\u201d a spokesperson said Saturday.<\/p>\n

Tweet, tweet<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Big endorsements<\/strong><\/p>\n

If a simple majority of the Jacksonville City Council<\/strong><\/a> could vote Republican Deborah Wesley <\/strong>onto the panel, she would already have the votes.<\/p>\n

The Jacksonville Sheriff\u2019s Office<\/strong><\/a> Commander is rolling out 10 endorsements out of the 19 currently serving Council members for her thus-far unopposed 2027 campaign for the at-large Group 1 seat. It\u2019s the latest sign of a strength that borders on inevitability for her bid to join the GOP-controlled legislative body.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Deborah Wesley earns endorsements from Terrance Freeman, Kevin Carrico, and Nick Howland for City Council.<\/p>\n

Among those endorsements: the outgoing incumbent, Terrance Freeman<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith decades of leadership and service to our city, Deborah Wesley has a clear understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing Jacksonville,\u201d said the former Council President, who is widely expected to run to succeed Rep. Wyman Duggan<\/strong> in the House next year.<\/p>\n

Others, including current President Carrico, are on board.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs Council President, I know the value of having strong, proven leaders at the table. Commander Deborah Wesley has dedicated her life to public service, confronting some of the city\u2019s toughest criminals to keep our community safe. I\u2019m excited to endorse her for City Council, knowing she will continue to fight every day for Jacksonville\u2019s children and families,\u201d said the Southside district Council member.<\/p>\n

Vice President Howland of At-Large Group 3 says Wesley\u2019s \u201cyears of leadership and service have prepared her to make tough decisions for Jacksonville.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a fiscal conservative, she understands the responsibility that comes with managing public funds and will ensure our budgets always put taxpayers first,\u201d Howland adds.<\/p>\n

Former Council President Randy White<\/strong> of District 12 referenced their shared commitment to \u201cpublic safety.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith 34 years of service to JSO, she has the experience and dedication to keep Jacksonville safe. As a former Fire Chief, I know how important it is to have a public safety expert on the Council, and I\u2019m proud to endorse her,\u201d White said.<\/p>\n

Council Members Ken Amaro<\/strong>, Raul Arias<\/strong>, Joe Carlucci<\/strong>, Will Lahnen<\/strong>, Chris Miller<\/strong>, and Ron Salem<\/strong> are also endorsing Wesley.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am truly humbled by the outpouring of support since filing just last month,\u201d Wesley added. \u201cAfter 34 years serving our community at JSO, I know the importance of leadership, accountability, and keeping our neighborhoods safe. That\u2019s why it means so much to have the backing of Sheriff T.K.<\/strong> Waters<\/strong> and 10 City Council Members. Together, we\u2019re building a strong conservative coalition to unite our city and keep Jacksonville safe, strong, and thriving.\u201d<\/p>\n

Women\u2019s athletics feted<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Jacksonville City Council recently passed a resolution commending the University of North Florida for its exceptional accomplishments in women\u2019s athletics.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Will Lahnen introduces a resolution honoring UNF athletes Allison Benning, Zara Siassi, and Smilla Kolbe.<\/p>\n

Resolution 2025-441-A, introduced by Council member Will Lahnen<\/strong> and co-sponsored by several members, commends the University of North Florida (UNF) for its exceptional achievements in women\u2019s athletics. It highlights the academic and athletic excellence of UNF\u2019s women student-athletes, including a cumulative GPA of 3.58, multiple championships, All-American selections, and record-breaking performances.<\/p>\n

The resolution celebrates standout athletes like Allison Benning<\/strong>, Zara Siassi<\/strong>, and Smilla Kolbe<\/strong>, recognizing their contributions to Jacksonville\u2019s community pride.<\/p>\n

It becomes effective upon the Mayor\u2019s signature.<\/p>\n

Stronger together<\/strong><\/p>\n

CSX isn\u2019t in a merger \u2013 yet.<\/p>\n

However, they are working with another railroad, as the push toward consolidation in the sector continues at a rapid pace.<\/p>\n

CSX and BNSF\u2019s collaboration will allow, among other things, coast-to-coast service between Southern California and Jacksonville.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>BNSF\u2019s Jon Gabriel and CSX\u2019s Drew Johnson announce a new coast-to-coast intermodal service partnership.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis collaboration between BNSF and CSX demonstrates the power of partnership, delivering greater flexibility, efficiency and value for our customers,\u201d said BNSF Group Vice President of Consumer Products Jon Gabriel<\/strong>. \u201cWe are looking forward to these offerings providing immediate, streamlined service to the supply chain across key markets nationwide.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThrough this new connectivity, CSX and BNSF are connecting Western and Eastern U.S. markets, creating faster, more reliable service,\u201d said Drew Johnson<\/strong>, Vice President, Intermodal Sales and Marketing at CSX. \u201cTogether, we\u2019re opening access to key markets and strengthening options for our mutual customers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Friendly skies<\/strong><\/p>\n

Time was when Jacksonville International Airport was one of the more sedate places to make an arrival or departure.<\/p>\n

These days, though, there\u2019s more activity all the time.<\/p>\n

And in fact, last month was the busiest ever, with more than 709,000 people traveling through JIA, suitable for a 3.1% increase YOY over what was previously the most active month.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Mark VanLoh announces a record-breaking month for passenger travel at Jacksonville International Airport (JIA).<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the first half of 2025, two new airlines and 12 new nonstop destinations have landed at JAX,\u201d Jacksonville Aviation Authority CEO Mark VanLoh<\/strong> said. \u201cThis is proof that Northeast Florida is a growing region and an attractive destination for airlines.\u201d<\/p>\n

JAA notes that, due to the growth, infrastructure projects are underway, including a new Concourse with six gates and additional concessions.<\/p>\n

Additionally, another parking garage is under construction.<\/p>\n

Both projects are expected to be completed by the end of next year.<\/p>\n

What a gas<\/strong><\/p>\n

A new natural gas plant is being constructed in Jacksonville. The JEA<\/strong><\/a> Board of Directors voted this week to build a combined-cycle natural gas plant.<\/p>\n

The new facility will be constructed on the site of an old JEA location known as the St. Johns River Power Park<\/strong><\/a> on Jacksonville\u2019s North Side. Vickie<\/strong> Cavey,<\/strong> the JEA CEO and managing director, will oversee the development of natural gas operations.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Vickie Cavey and Joseph DiSalvo will oversee JEA\u2019s approval for a new natural gas plant.<\/p>\n

Cavey will be in charge of negotiating the project\u2019s finalization with GE Vernova<\/strong><\/a>. That\u2019s the company, which is an offshoot of General Electric and builds combined-cycle power plants. A combined-cycle facility uses energy generated by both natural gas and steam turbines. GE Vernova officials say that it produces 50% more electricity from the same amount of fuel.<\/p>\n

The approval from the JEA board calls for up to $1.57 billion to be spent on the project. The new plant will allow for more energy growth in North Florida, according to JEA officials.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to be able to deliver reliable energy to everyone, all JEA customers. The risk is unacceptable if we postpone the development of combined-cycle technology. My personal view is that the risk isn\u2019t worth it,\u201d said JEA Board Chair Joseph DiSalvo<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The new plant could generate up to 675 megawatts worth of power. That amount of energy would cover up to 300,000 households in the First Coast region.<\/p>\n

TikTok don\u2019t stop<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jacksonville is among the top 25 cities for TikTok content.<\/p>\n

A study from student travel company Rustic Pathways reveals the city is #24, generating more than 11.5 billion views from almost 960,000 posts \u2014 nearly one per every resident.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>A new study reveals Jacksonville now ranks among the top 25 cities for TikTok content. Image via Fresh Take Florida.<\/p>\n

\u201cUsers on the platform have shared nearly 1 million posts under the two most popular hashtags related to Jacksonville. Known for its miles of beaches, vibrant arts community, and riverfront downtown, Jacksonville\u2019s coastal charm contributes to its TikTok presence,\u201d the company claims.<\/p>\n

While the local view count is much less than Miami\u2019s mighty 157.3 billion views, the stat nonetheless shows that a lot of eyes are on Duval County these days.<\/p>\n

Jags deep cuts<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Jaguars\u2019 final roster cuts did not include any bombshells, but there were a few familiar names let go in advance of the start of the regular season.<\/p>\n

Notably, veteran special teams standout safety Daniel Thomas<\/strong> was released. Thomas had been with the team since 2020. Only punter Logan Cooke<\/strong>, defensive end Josh Hines-Allen,<\/strong> and safety Andrew Wingard<\/strong> had been with the team longer on the current roster.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The Jaguars release Daniel Thomas and John Wolford as the team finalizes its 2025 roster. Image via USA Today.<\/p>\n

Also waived on Tuesday were former draft picks Chad Muma<\/b>, Tyler Lacy<\/b>, Jordan Jefferson<\/b>, De\u2019Antretre Prince<\/b>, and Myles Cole<\/strong>. 2025 third-round pick Caleb Ransaw<\/strong> was placed on the Reserve\/Injured list.<\/p>\n

Also released was former Bishop Kenny quarterback John Wolford<\/strong>. The Jaguars, as most NFL teams do, will enter the season with two active quarterbacks on the roster: Trevor Lawrence <\/strong>and Nick Mullins<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The moves leave four running backs on the active roster: Travis Etienne, Tank Bigsby,<\/strong> and rookies Bhayshul Tuten<\/strong> and LeQuint Allen Jr.<\/strong> The position will be one worth watching as the season plays out. Bigsby outperformed Etienne last season and both rookies have shown promise during the preseason.<\/p>\n

The cut to 53 left nine offensive linemen and 11 defensive backs, two positions that usually include some of the final cuts.<\/p>\n

On the offensive line, in addition to projected starters Walker Little, Ezra Cleveland, Robert Hainesey, Patrick Mekari,<\/strong> and Anton Harrison<\/strong>, veterans Cole Van Lanen<\/strong> and Chuma Edoga<\/strong> made the roster, as did a pair of rookies, Jonah Monheim <\/strong>and Wyatt Milum<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Counting Travis Hunter<\/strong>, the Jaguars retained six cornerbacks and five safeties. Rookie Rayjuan Lane<\/strong> and Antonio Johnson<\/strong> figure to play key roles on special teams, with Andrew Wingard, Eric Murray, <\/strong>and Darnell Savage<\/strong> expected to get most of the opportunities on defense. Hunter\u2019s inclusion as a cornerback and wide receiver appears to have enabled the Jaguars to retain more defensive backs; they also kept six linebackers, including rookie Jack Kiser.<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are unproven areas, including at wide receiver and tight end. There are questions about the interior defensive line, where injuries in the preseason have limited Maason Smith<\/strong> and Arik Armstead<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

While Hunter will continue to demand a lot of attention, the need to protect Lawrence will be one of the two primary keys to the Jaguars\u2019 success. The other is the improvement of the defense. With rookie coordinators on both offense and defense and a first-time head coach, the Jaguars are likely to experience growing pains early in the season.<\/p>\n

The Jaguars open the 2025 regular season a week from Sunday at EverBank Stadium when they host the Carolina Panthers. The rest of the first month includes a road game at the Cincinnati Bengals, a home meeting with the AFC South champions, the Houston Texans, and a road trip to the West Coast to face the San Francisco 49ers.<\/p>\n


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