Black, the former Chair of the Duval County Republican Party, is currently running unopposed for another term in HD 15.<\/p>\n Fundraising has been modest thus far. He\u2019s raised more than $36,000 and had almost $28,000 on hand as of the end of June, which was the closing date for the quarterly reports required by the Florida Division of Elections.<\/p>\n Black beat Democrat Gary McManus <\/strong>in 2024 with 65% of the vote, so his re-election to a third term isn\u2019t in much doubt.<\/p>\n Save the date<\/strong><\/p>\n Speaking of candidates, a gubernatorial hopeful is in Jacksonville on Monday.<\/p>\n Former House Speaker Paul Renner<\/strong> will be speaking to Duval County Republicans.<\/p>\n Even though Gov. Ron DeSantis<\/strong> said Renner made an \u201cill-advised decision\u201d to run, his entry complicates the race, especially given U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds<\/strong> is running with the blessing of the President.<\/p>\n Florida Politics obtained the first interview with the new candidate, and if you haven\u2019t seen it yet, it\u2019s available here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Union label<\/strong><\/p>\n Mayor Donna Deegan<\/strong> got some key support in the property tax dispute with the City Council, which looks for a \u215b mill cut, from public safety unions this month.<\/p>\n Kelly Dobson<\/strong>, head of the Jacksonville Association of Firefighters, and Randy Reeves<\/strong>, who helms the local Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 530, said the proposal \u201cwill severely damage the ability of our city to pay for needed public safety issues in the years ahead,\u201d per Jacksonville Today<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Why this matters: The Mayor may be able to position the first responder unions so that they do not endorse opponents in 2027.<\/p>\n Deegan already created a path for police officers and firefighters to get on the Florida Retirement System, which is supposed to curb attrition challenges.<\/p>\n Time will tell if that works. But by undoing the pension reform Lenny Curry<\/strong> got through at the height of his political capital, Deegan clearly found a way to get the unions on board, and so far, their purpose remains united.<\/p>\n As of Tuesday night, the proposed millage rate reduction has not been put in the budget. Final vote is in 13 days, though, and it is expected to come up again.<\/p>\n Lucky 13<\/strong><\/p>\n As uncertainty continues<\/strong><\/a> over the next move of incumbent Rep. Angie Nixon<\/strong><\/a> in Florida\u2019s House District 13<\/strong><\/a>, a new candidate is launching a campaign in the safely Democratic Jacksonville<\/strong><\/a> seat.<\/p>\n Earlier this month, Shemiah Rutledge<\/strong><\/a> of the Northwest quadrant opened a campaign account, making her the first candidate to declare intentions ahead of next year\u2019s elections.<\/p>\n The 36-year-old Rutledge, a six-year Navy veteran who just got her degree from Southern University Law Center, is preparing to take the Bar in February ahead of a career in criminal defense either in Florida or Minnesota, where she interned. So, she\u2019ll be off the campaign trail for a few months before that.<\/p>\n But when she\u2019s on the trail, don\u2019t expect her to say anything negative about the incumbent. That represents a departure from some of the bruising campaigns Nixon has faced since 2020.<\/p>\n During a conversation on Friday, Rutledge praised Nixon as \u201ca great leader\u201d who has \u201cdone a fabulous job\u201d and works to \u201cbring the community together and fight for the community.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not against Angie Nixon. She\u2019s my current Rep., and if she does run and win, you know, good for her. I\u2019ll just run at another time. I\u2019m not going to sit here and knock her, nothing like that. It\u2019s not that serious,\u201d Rutledge said.<\/p>\n Gavels galore<\/strong><\/p>\n Gov. Ron DeSantis<\/strong> is picking two new judges for area courtrooms.<\/p>\n Benjamin Rich<\/strong>, a former assistant state attorney in the 7th Circuit and a graduate of the Florida Coastal School of Law, will take the position left by Judge Lauren Blocker<\/strong> on the St. Johns County Court. Blocker was picked for a 7th Circuit vacancy back in May.<\/p>\n Randall Daugustinis<\/strong> will join Blocker on the 7th Circuit, replacing the retired Stasia Warren<\/strong>.<\/p>\n She is an FCSL graduate with experience as an ASA in the 7th and 10th Circuit.<\/p>\n Yoho\u2019s pick<\/strong><\/p>\n A former North Florida Congressman is weighing in on a Florida House race, backing Marshall Rawson<\/strong> over the son of the current officeholder.<\/p>\n \u201cMarshall Rawson is a conservative fighter with a backbone to get things done for his constituents in Tallahassee,\u201d said Ted Yoho<\/strong>, who represented Florida\u2019s 3rd Congressional District from 2013 until 2021.<\/p>\n \u201cAny Floridian can take a look at Marshall\u2019s track record and know that he is a tried-and-true public servant and America First conservative. Marshall will stand up to the radical rhetoric of the Left and ensure that our communities are safe, our freedoms stay intact, and that we preserve our agricultural industry. I fully stand behind Marshall\u2019s campaign and endorse him to be the next State Representative for District 10 in the Florida House.\u201d<\/p>\n Rawson, a member of the Florida Guard who aided Gov. Ron DeSantis\u2019<\/strong> illegal immigration fight in Texas and who also served under Secretary of State Cord Byrd<\/strong> as a legal aide in addition to interning at the Department of Agriculture, is \u201cexcited and honored\u201d by the endorsement.<\/p>\n \u201cYoho has been a bold leader when it comes to the strengthening of the U.S. on the world\u2019s stage, an advocate of Florida agricultural growers, and in Congress, he was not afraid to vote alone when necessary. We need more independent conservatives in Tallahassee, and I look forward to being that for District 10,\u201d Rawson said.<\/p>\n \u201cHis statement of support means a great deal to me as I fight for Florida\u2019s future. Given the opportunity to serve in the state House, I promise to be a strong advocate for our farmers and ranchers and will champion our founding principles and the way of life that we cherish here in North Florida.\u201d<\/p>\n Rawson is the second filed candidate, joining Chase Brannan<\/strong><\/a>, the son of the outgoing lawmaker, in the field.<\/p>\n Mousa move<\/strong><\/p>\n A well-known local figure is going out on his own.<\/p>\n Nick Mousa<\/strong>, the son of the late Jacksonville city administrator Sam Mousa<\/strong>, is launching his own consultancy: Bold City Nexus.<\/p>\n Mousa says the new venture is \u201cdrawing on my career experience to date in business, development, and government relations\u201d and \u201cwill be focused on partnering with organizations to help drive economic growth in all its forms.\u201d<\/p>\n Most recently, Mousa served as a senior business adviser for GAI Consultants, Inc., bringing nearly a quarter century of experience to this space as a \u201cretained fractional consultant \u2014 offering executive-level insight and hands-on support without the overhead of a full-time hire.\u201d<\/p>\n Shamari Lewis can\u2019t lose?<\/strong><\/p>\n A Republican is leaping into a challenging Jacksonville City Council race.<\/p>\n Shamari Lewis<\/strong> will present as a candidate in heavily Democratic District 9, where incumbent Tyrona Clark-Murray<\/strong> is expected to run again.<\/p>\n \u201cI have formally filed and entered the race for Jacksonville City Council District 9,\u201d Lewis said during remarks outside the Duval County Supervisor of Elections office. \u201cAs a third-generation native of this community, I understand its roots as well as its challenges. I will put District 9 first, prioritizing public safety and economic opportunity. Throughout this campaign, I will work every day to earn your support and your trust. Together, we will make Jacksonville the greatest city in the nation to live, work, and raise a family.\u201d<\/p>\n Aspirational words to be sure.<\/p>\n Murray had 55% of the vote in 2023.<\/p>\n Manufacturing musings<\/strong><\/p>\n First Coast manufacturers are reporting another concerning month for production contracting in August, accounting for seven months straight of questionable indicators.<\/p>\n The University of North Florida (UNF<\/strong><\/a>) issued its monthly Jacksonville Economic Monitoring Survey (JEMS<\/strong>) report and several manufacturing sectors showed contraction or remained unchanged last month. The August results were slightly better than July\u2019s survey<\/strong><\/a>, when 10 out of 12 sectors contracted.<\/p>\n But Albert Loh<\/strong>, the Interim Dean of the UNF Coggin College of Business<\/strong><\/a>, who oversees the survey, said there\u2019s still hesitance and wariness among North Florida manufacturers.<\/p>\n \u201cThe August Jacksonville Economic Monitoring Survey revealed that both production and employment contracted. Export orders remained steady, inventories remained stable, and supplier deliveries slowed slightly, suggesting that supply chains are stable but strained. Overall, the data reflect a local economy that is stuck in a cautious holding pattern,\u201d Loh said in his summary of the survey.<\/p>\n UNF researchers from the JEMS project reach out to First Coast manufacturing companies each month to see where they stand on production and several other factors.<\/p>\n While many sectors show continued signs of contraction or unchanged production, there were some positive elements to the report. New orders did expand, rising from a 43 index figure in July to 51 in August. That\u2019s a key indicator.<\/p>\n The expansion means \u201cslightly more local manufacturers are seeing an increase in new orders than those seeing a decrease,\u201d Loh said, adding there is still some concern. \u201cWhile local manufacturers are seeing new orders increase, concerns over tariffs and costs persist, and many companies remain hesitant to ramp up their operations fully.\u201d<\/p>\n Other North Florida manufacturing areas that showed signs of expansion included business activity outlook over the next year, supplier delivery times and average input prices.<\/p>\n However, there are a dozen sectors that the survey measures, and the remaining eight either contracted or remained unchanged in August.<\/p>\n Overseas head honcho<\/strong><\/p>\n JAXPORT<\/strong><\/a> officials announced this month that Juan Pablo Acosta Magana<\/strong> has joined the commercial team of the hub and is taking over the job that oversees the cargo shipments to and from Latin America. That includes shipping interests to South America, Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean.<\/p>\n Magana has about two decades of experience in international trade and logistics. He\u2019s also worked in Latin America, augmenting shipping on the global market. He served in sales and customer service roles at shipping companies such as Maersk Line, Hapag-Lloyd, and Hamburg S\u00fcd, and has experience in supply chain coordination and management.<\/p>\n Magana is a native of Venezuela and earned his master\u2019s degree in science in logistics and supply chain management from Florida International University.<\/p>\n UNF for real?<\/strong><\/p>\n UNF is getting real by offering more curricula in artificial intelligence (AI).<\/p>\n UNF announced there is now instruction for an \u201cAI for Work and Life\u201d certificate program at the Southside Jacksonville campus. The program began registration on Monday and will finish classes for enrollees on Dec. 31. The program is free.<\/p>\n \u201cUNF is offering this bold and innovative AI for Work and Life certificate program to help the public navigate a time when AI is quickly transforming the world,\u201d said UNF President Moez Limayem<\/strong>. \u201cWe are proud to offer this certificate free for the remainder of 2025, since understanding and applying AI appropriately can help unlock opportunities at work and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n The program is not limited to UNF students and is open to anyone wanting to enroll. It\u2019s specifically open to professionals from any line of work, along with the school\u2019s students who are focusing on getting ready for jobs in and related to AI. There are no prerequisites for entering the program.<\/p>\n \u201cThis certificate is designed to give everyone an entry point into the world of artificial intelligence, whether you\u2019re a high school graduate curious about how AI is changing the job market or a lifelong learner who wants to keep up with the rapidly evolving technological landscape,\u201d said Josh Gellers<\/strong>, a UNF professor who serves as the first Faculty Fellow for AI and is Director of the Digital Humanities Institute<\/strong><\/a>. \u201cAbove all, this program approaches AI in a way that is both informative and fun.\u201d<\/p>\n Marketing Maven<\/strong><\/p>\n Baptist Health is adding a new executive to the Jacksonville organization.<\/p>\n Sarah C. Sanders<\/strong> was named executive vice president and Chief Consumer Officer effective Monday. She\u2019ll lead digital strategy for the hospital network in North Florida and Southeast Georgia. She will also oversee marketing, communications, advertising, community impact, and other initiatives involving media and community engagement.<\/p>\n \u201cSarah is an innovative and mission-focused leader with a remarkable ability to get to the heart of a community\u2019s health care needs,\u201d said Michael A. Mayo<\/strong>, president and CEO of Baptist Health. \u201cHer leadership will be invaluable as we continue to build meaningful relationships with our patients, ensuring they feel seen, heard and cared for throughout every step of their health care journey.\u201d<\/p>\n Sanders has more than two decades of experience in marketing and communications in the health care field. She arrives in Jacksonville after serving as Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for the University of California, San Francisco Health System.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a privilege to join an institution so deeply rooted in the community and trusted by generations of patients and families,\u201d said Sanders. \u201cI\u2019m looking forward to strengthening these connections so that we can continue to meet patients where they are, providing guidance and care that truly fits their needs.\u201d<\/p>\n United St. Johns Way<\/strong><\/p>\n St. Johns County Commissioner Sarah Arnold<\/strong> is stepping up her community service as she\u2019s joining the Board of Directors for the United Way of Florida<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Arnold, who holds the District 2 Commission seat, announced she\u2019s now helping to run the charity on the state level.<\/p>\n \u201cI am humbled by the extraordinary opportunity to represent Northeast Florida, specifically, St. Johns County,\u201d said Arnold. \u201cHaving grown up volunteering with United Way, working as an employee for United Way of St. Johns County, and now this \u2018full circle\u2019 moment of serving on the Board of Governors, I am so grateful to be afforded this pathway to make a difference throughout the state of Florida.\u201d<\/p>\n Arnold moves into the statewide network, which is the umbrella for 28 local United Way organizations that serve Florida\u2019s 67 counties.<\/p>\n The United Way of Florida welcomed Arnold into the fold.<\/p>\n \u201cThe heart that Sarah Arnold brings to the work of United Way is palpable,\u201d said Melissa Nelson<\/strong>, President and CEO of United Way of Florida. \u201cBut it isn\u2019t just her passion; it is the commitment and insights she brings to serve Florida residents who struggle financially or when responding to challenges in life.\u201d<\/p>\n Palm Coast is fire<\/strong><\/p>\n Palm Coast is putting on the finishing touches on the last elements of a new fire station in the coastal community.<\/p>\n The city literally topped off its latest Fire Station 22 at Palm Coast Parkway Northeast and Colbert Lane. City officials announced the final beam was placed on the top of the station by contractor Wharton-Smith and design team Schenkel Shultz.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/dean-black-march-28-24-1-640x427.webp.webp\")
<\/a>Dean Black hosts prominent Republicans like John Rutherford and Clay Yarborough for his re-election fundraiser.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/renner-gop-duval-640x537.jpeg\")
<\/a>Gubernatorial hopeful Paul Renner speaks to Duval County Republicans, complicating the race against Byron Donalds.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PMI_IIA_Static_600x400_V1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/donna-deegan-copy-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>Donna Deegan gains key support from public safety union leaders Kelly Dobson and Randy Reeves.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Shemiah-Rutledge-image-via-campaign-copy-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>Navy veteran Shemiah Rutledge launches her campaign for Angie Nixon\u2019s House District 13 seat. Image provided.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/wolfson.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/desantis-slavery-comments_feat-1600x1200-1-640x480.jpg\")
<\/a>Ron DeSantis appoints Benjamin Rich and Randall Daugustinis to judicial vacancies on area court benches.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Rawson-copy-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>Former Congressman Ted Yoho endorses Marshall Rawson for the Florida House over opponent Chase Brannan.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mousa-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>Nick Mousa, son of the late Sam Mousa, launches his new consultancy, Bold City Nexus. Image via Nick Mousa.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/shamari-lewis-copy-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>Shamari Lewis announces a campaign for Jacksonville City Council against incumbent Tyrona Clark-Murray.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/manufacturing--640x361.jpg\")
<\/a>Manufacturers on the First Coast reported modest production expansion in August, according to a UNF survey.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image4-640x426.png\")
<\/a>Juan Pablo Acosta Magana joins JAXPORT\u2019s commercial team to oversee Latin American cargo shipments. Image via JAXPORT.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>UNF President Moez Limayem announces a free artificial intelligence certificate program open to the public.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sarah-C.-Sanders-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>Sarah C. Sanders joins the Baptist Health executive team to lead marketing and digital strategy. Image via Baptist Health.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sarah-Arnold-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>St. Johns County\u2019s Sarah Arnold joins the Board of Directors for the United Way of Florida. Image via St. Johns County.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image7-640x480.jpg\")
<\/a>Palm Coast officials celebrate construction progress on the new Fire Station 22 on Colbert Lane. Image via City of Palm Coast.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/The-Jacksonville-Jaguars-trade-running-back-Tank-Bigsby-to-the-Philadelphia-Eagles-for-draft-picks-6.jpeg\")
<\/a>The Jacksonville Jaguars trade running back Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles for draft picks. Image via AP\/Gerald Herbert.<\/p>\n