Brandon hopes to succeed fellow Republican Michael Boylan<\/strong><\/a> on the Jacksonville City Council<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Boylan will be term-limited out of the Southside seat in 2027, and Brandon is thus far the first candidate to file. He says he\u2019s \u201crunning to restore common sense to City Hall and protect our quality of life in District 6.\u201d<\/p>\n Based Bean<\/strong><\/p>\n U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean<\/strong> has issues with mold in military housing.<\/p>\n As The Floridian<\/strong><\/a> reports, the Fernandina Beach Republican wants \u201ca full review of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative (MHPI) amid numerous reports of unsafe housing conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n He spotlights a family\u2019s example at an Alabama installation.<\/p>\n \u201cMold, toxins, and neglect have no place in military housing. Congress must act swiftly to hold bad actors accountable and restore dignity to the families who serve alongside our troops. This is about readiness, responsibility, and doing right by those who sacrifice for us every day.\u201d<\/p>\n Who\u2019s there?<\/strong><\/p>\n Deportation Depot is up and running in Baker County.<\/p>\n But questions remain as to who exactly is incarcerated at the state prison being used for immigration detention.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is \u2018working with the state of Florida,\u2019 according to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson, inmates at the facility cannot be found on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement\u2019s Online Detainee Locator System because it is a state-run facility,\u201d reports the Tallahassee Democrat<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Whereas \u201cAlligator Alcatraz\u201d was the basis for several legal challenges in recent weeks, the Northeast Florida facility doesn\u2019t have the same issues, such as environmental concerns.<\/p>\n However, there are still logistical questions to be answered.<\/p>\n Trying again<\/strong><\/p>\n A bill meant to eliminate any question about whether someone can violently resist arrest is back for 2026 after failing inches from the finish line last Session, and its sponsor is confident it will see far less friction this time.<\/p>\n Jacksonville Republican Rep. Jessica Baker <\/strong>has refiled the measure (HB 17<\/strong><\/a>), which cleared both chambers of the Legislature earlier this year before dying<\/strong><\/a> due to disagreements over arguably negligible language differences and procedural rules<\/strong><\/a> that limited the number of times it could cross the rotunda.<\/p>\n If passed, the bill would mandate life sentences without parole for defendants convicted of manslaughter in the death of a police officer.<\/p>\n HB 17, like its unsuccessful legislative predecessors, is titled the \u201cOfficer Jason Raynor Act<\/strong><\/a>\u201d after a Daytona Beach Police officer who was fatally shot in 2021 by a man who resisted arrest.<\/p>\n In June, an appeals court affirmed the 30-year sentence<\/strong><\/a> of Raynor\u2019s killer, Othal Wallace<\/strong>.<\/p>\n But Wallace\u2019s punishment wasn\u2019t enough, according to Baker and Ormond Beach Republican Sen. Tom Leek<\/strong>. The two carried versions of the legislation last Session and are teaming up to do so again, despite their differences that doomed the proposal earlier this year.<\/p>\n HB 17, which Baker filed Monday, appears to be an amalgam of her and Leek\u2019s 2025 bills. That\u2019s no coincidence, Baker told Florida Politics.<\/p>\n \u201cI had a great conversation with Sen. Leek over the Summer, and we are committed to uniting our efforts to get the Jason Raynor Act across the finish line this Session,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s important to us to work together and do what\u2019s right for Floridians by ensuring this important bill becomes law.\u201d<\/p>\n Aside from increasing sentencing levels to ensure harsher penalties for violent acts against officers, HB 17 clarifies that individuals can\u2019t use force to resist an officer during an arrest. It also expands the definition of who qualifies as a protected officer to include correctional, probation and auxiliary officers. It raises the offense severity for crimes such as assault, battery, aggravated assault and aggravated battery when the victim is an officer.<\/p>\n Room for improvement<\/strong><\/p>\n Jacksonville\u2019s Kids Hope Alliance needs to tighten up its contract management, according to the city\u2019s Inspector General.<\/p>\n Regarding a group of vendors, including The Jax Gents Inc., Fresh Word Ministries Inc., A Life For A Life International Inc., Tiphne Darshay Hollis Foundation Inc., Visionary Dreamers of Today Foundation Inc. and Made A Way Foundation Inc., the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) found that contractors did not abide by requirements to maintain and show maintenance of insurance.<\/p>\n According to the Jacksonville Daily Record<\/strong><\/a>, \u201cInvestigators also said KHA and the contractors amended contracts without the contractors having the required insurance coverage via COIs. Additionally, contractors were unable to secure the necessary insurance coverage or provide the scope of services specified in the contracts and RFPs. KHA did not take any action to suspend or terminate the contracts.\u201d<\/p>\n Telework trouble<\/strong><\/p>\n A report released by Jacksonville OIG<\/strong><\/a> urges Mayor Donna Deegan\u2019s Office<\/strong><\/a> to define better what is and isn\u2019t allowed for remote workers.<\/p>\n The investigation was frustrated to some degree, as it was \u201cinitiated but not completed,\u201d partially due to a lack of unilateral adherence to the policy by the city of Jacksonville Departments and \u201cthat some departments had their own policy.\u201d<\/p>\n Yet improvements are on the way, as \u201cthe Mayor\u2019s Office was aware of the confusion surrounding this policy and had taken steps to draft a new policy that would provide a framework for employees to telecommute.\u201d<\/p>\n The OIG notes that remote permission should be dedicated for \u201cshort-term work under circumstances such as an employee being unable to travel to work due to a mobility issue, which may include medical reasons,\u201d and that it should be reserved for two weeks at a time. However, extension is possible \u201con an intermittent basis for the benefit of the city.\u201d<\/p>\n However, executive branch employees deviated in some cases from the intent, with 11 known examples spotlighted in the report.<\/p>\n Public Works Director Nina Sickler<\/strong> had five employees in work-from-home status. Per the OIG report, she \u201cdid not respond to repeated requests for information,\u201d and OIG doesn\u2019t \u201cknow if Public Works is complying with the HR Directive.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Jacksonville Ethics Code, Part 3, Section 602.303(H) requires all city officials to provide records upon request to the OIG. Since we chose to curtail this review, we did not seek to compel Director Sickler to provide the requested information.\u201d<\/p>\n Finance Director Anna Brosche<\/strong> could only \u201cprovide one signed agreement for an employee who had a medical reason for intermittent telework,\u201d and she was able to telework herself since November 2024, despite not having a formal agreement since Deegan allowed her to do so for family reasons.<\/p>\n The report states she did so from South Carolina and Virginia.<\/p>\n Guns a-go<\/strong><\/p>\n Yet another Northeast Florida Sheriff is saying that a recent appellate ruling striking down a Florida law is a green light for gun rights.<\/p>\n \u201cOn Sept. 10, 2025, the 1st District Court of Appeal, State of Florida, struck down Florida\u2019s general ban on the open carrying of firearms, declaring Section 790.053, Florida Statutes, unconstitutional \u2026 Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier<\/strong> supports the decision and is not expected to appeal. Essentially, this decision will become final once the deadline for filing an appeal expires, which will be in the next 30 days,\u201d says St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick<\/strong> on social media.<\/p>\n Hardwick then outlined the rights and restrictions under his interpretation of the court decision.<\/p>\n \u201cSJSO Deputies have been informed of the court decision and will no longer consider the open carrying of a firearm unlawful in most circumstances. Other statutory restrictions concerning improper exhibition of a firearm and prohibiting the possession of firearms in certain locations remain in effect, including courthouses, other government buildings and schools (complete list attached). Additionally, private business owners still have the right to prohibit firearms on their property.\u201d<\/p>\n Hardwick promises \u201cfirst-class customer service to our citizens and visitors as we transition to an open-carry state, along with 46 other states that currently allow open-carry in some form.\u201d<\/p>\n He also urges locals to \u201cbe patient and understanding of residents and visitors who may not understand or have knowledge of this court decision, as we must help educate and protect constitutional rights during a time that may be confusing for some.\u201d<\/p>\n Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters<\/strong><\/a> issued a similar statement this week, and most sheriffs in Florida who have opined stand behind the AG\u2019s reading of the ruling.<\/p>\n Museum movement<\/strong><\/p>\n Lawmakers and other dignitaries will convene next week to mark important milestones in St. Johns County\u2019s successful quest to host the Florida Museum of Black History in St. Augustine<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday at the Collier-Blocker-Puryear Park Complex to \u201ccelebrate the $1 million state allocation<\/strong><\/a> for Phase I planning and design of the Florida Museum of Black History to be administered through the Florida Department of State,\u201d per a press release from the county.<\/p>\n The funding request came from The Foundation for the Museum of Black History Executive Director Alesia Wilbekin<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Legislators responsible for bringing home the money will be on hand, including Sen. Tom Leek<\/strong> and Rep. Kiyan Michael<\/strong>. Additionally, County Commissioner Sarah Arnold<\/strong> will offer remarks at the ceremony.<\/p>\n The task force chose the location outside St. Augustine because it was the site of Fort Mose, the first Black settlement in the state of Florida. Other places in contention included Eatonville and Opa-locka.<\/p>\n The museum plans to use the money for several purposes, including field trips for students, research opportunities and other educational efforts.<\/p>\n \u201cExhibits will provide the opportunity for citizens to learn about Florida\u2019s rich history as it relates to African Americans,\u201d the project request stated.<\/p>\n A prominent Jacksonville law firm is adding several veteran lawyers to its roster who will focus on transportation litigation.<\/p>\n Maritime mavens<\/strong><\/p>\n GrayRobinson<\/strong><\/a> expanded its stable of legal eagles, especially in the areas of global maritime and transportation practice. The lawyers hired by the firm have extensive careers.<\/p>\n The bevy of new legal practitioners joining Gray Robinson includes James \u201cJim\u201d Moseley Jr.<\/strong><\/a>, Shea M. Moser<\/strong><\/a>, Joni Poitier<\/strong><\/a>, Phillip A. \u201cPhil\u201d Buhler<\/strong><\/a>, Robert B. \u201cBob\u201d Parrish<\/strong><\/a>, Charles M. \u201cCharlie\u201d Trippe Jr.<\/strong><\/a> and Carson E. Proctor<\/strong><\/a>. Mosely will take the firm\u2019s leadership role in admiralty and maritime law.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are excited to expand our maritime and transportation practices with the addition of this superb team of attorneys,\u201d said GrayRobinson President and CEO Dean Cannon<\/strong><\/a>. \u201cUnder the guidance of Jim Moseley, this team is internationally known for its deep knowledge and proven capabilities in the admiralty and maritime industries. We are thrilled to have them at GrayRobinson and look forward to the expanded value they will bring to our clients in Florida and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n Moseley is a grizzled and well-versed litigator in the law surrounding admiralty and maritime issues. He\u2019s certified by the Florida Bar<\/strong><\/a> in admiralty and maritime law and has some 40 years of courtroom experience. He\u2019s also the former President of the Jacksonville Bar Association<\/strong><\/a> and is an active member of the Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute<\/strong><\/a>. He was also noted in Best Lawyers in America<\/strong><\/a> for admiralty and maritime law.<\/p>\n Coastal Cleanup<\/strong><\/p>\n Those who care for the coast in Duval County will have their chance to pitch in this weekend and make sure it remains in pristine condition.<\/p>\n The city of Jacksonville is holding its leg of the International Coastal Cleanup<\/strong><\/a> day on Saturday at local beaches. It\u2019s part of the Keep Jacksonville Beautiful<\/strong><\/a> campaign locally but extends to the world\u2019s largest volunteer event to protect oceans, rivers and lakes.<\/p>\n In Jacksonville, the Coastal Cleanup takes place at oceanfront locations Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Jacksonville Beach public beach accesses at Eighth Avenue North, 16th Avenue South, Beach Boulevard and Seagate and 20th Avenue South. There\u2019ll also be a public beach cleanup at Atlantic Boulevard bordering both Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach.<\/p>\n Inland, parks will be the point of cleanups between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. at Boone Park South, Burnett Park, Charles Reese Park, Fishweir Park, Five Points, Hollybrook Park, Klutho Park, Abess Park, McCue Park and Boat Ramp, North Mandarin Park, Murray Hill Playground, Riverside Arts Market, Riverside Park, Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park, T.K. Stokes Boat Ramp, Westbrook Center & Park and Willow Branch Park.<\/p>\n Other parks set for cleanups at various times include: Fort Caroline National Memorial from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Atlantic Beach Lonnie Wurn Boat Ramp from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., Reddie Point Preserve from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Riverview Community Senior Center & Park from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.<\/p>\n Books are still best<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s an old-school privilege that provides access to tactile reading and St. Johns County is out to remind residents of the value of having a library card.<\/p>\n \u201cLibrary Card Sign-up Month\u201d is being celebrated by the St. Johns County Public Library System<\/strong><\/a> this month. The system will offer special discounts at local businesses across the county in an effort to encourage more people to obtain their library cards and check out more books from the library centers.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are endless possibilities with a library card,\u201d said Debra Rhodes Gibson<\/strong>, Director of the St. Johns library system. \u201cWhether you\u2019re a student or a business owner, our library staff can help you. We aim to build community and sustain relationships by keeping our patrons\u2019 needs top of mind. We have something for everyone at every branch or through our online services. And your library card can unlock all of it.\u201d<\/p>\n Some 34 \u201cpartners\u201d and more than 60 businesses are offering discounts to customers who show their library cards throughout the rest of the month. Just show your card and save money, and the list of those partners and deals can be seen at the library\u2019s website<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image1-Medium.jpg\")
<\/a>Adam Brandon\u2019s City Council campaign event features support from Wyman Duggan, Lenny Curry and TK Waters.<\/p>\n<\/a>Aaron Bean is demanding a full review of the MHPI amid unsafe conditions.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Questions surround Baker County\u2019s new state-run immigration detention facility, with no public inmate locator available. Image via Fresh Take Florida.<\/p>\n<\/a>Jessica Baker and Tom Leek refile the Officer Jason Raynor Act to increase penalties for resisting arrest.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Jacksonville\u2019s Kids Hope Alliance needs to improve contract management, according to a recent Inspector General report. Image via WJCT.<\/p>\n<\/a>An Inspector General report urges Donna Deegan\u2019s office to clarify the city\u2019s inconsistent telework policies.<\/p>\n<\/a>St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick says deputies will honor a court ruling allowing open-carry firearms.<\/p>\n<\/a>Tom Leek, Kiyan Michael, and Sarah Arnold celebrate funding for the Florida Museum of Black History.<\/p>\n<\/a>The GrayRobinson law firm expands its maritime practice, led by veteran attorney James \u201cJim\u201d Moseley Jr.<\/p>\n<\/a>Jacksonville\u2019s leg of the International Coastal Cleanup invites volunteers to beautify local beaches and parks.<\/p>\n<\/a>Debra Rhodes Gibson promotes St. Johns County\u2019s Library Card Sign-up Month with local business discounts. Image via St. Johns County.<\/p>\n