Florida Homeowners May Finally Get Relief — And Local Governments Are Panicking
Florida is the state that gave the world hanging chads, the Burmese python invasion, and the guy who got arrested for throwing an alligator through a Wendy’s drive-through window. There is even a small section of Key West called the Conch Republic that officially seceded from the United States (although no one has yet noticed, […]
Nat Ford: Tetelestai
It is finished. Nat Ford is out as CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority. The announcement came around 3 o’clock on a Friday afternoon just before a holiday weekend. In a “deeply personal” statement, Ford said his decision to resign two years before his contract expires came after “deep reflection and profound gratitude.” Ford stated, […]
Turn Off the Propaganda. America Is Still Standing.
America is turning 250, and I want to say something directly from my heart: Be encouraged. Not a little encouraged. Deeply encouraged. I say this because I’ve had many people in my circle tell me they are worried, upset, and concerned about the news they are hearing. And here’s what I have to say about […]
City needs to rethink tax handouts
More evidence that the city government needs to revisit its policy for attracting business comes with the proposed conversion of a plan to help finance an apartment complex on the Southbank. The Artea, 944 Broadcast Place, would get a pile of cash instead of a tax rebate under a proposal before the City Council. The […]
America Turns 250: Let’s Look Around and Be Thankful
July 4th is always a special day in America. But this year feels different. As our nation begins celebrating its 250th anniversary, we have a unique opportunity to pause, look around, and remember what an incredible blessing it is to be Americans. Sometimes we forget. We get caught up in the politics, the problems, the […]
JEA’s Big Idea: Raise the Rates Again
We noticed the JEA board is meeting Tuesday to discuss raising electric, water and sewer rates. Go figure. This seems to be the only move any government-related entity knows how to make anymore: raise them up – rates, taxes, fees, whatever can get raised – gets raised! JEA says it needs the increase to cover […]
Florida’s CFO Isn’t Talking Politics — He’s Talking Jacksonville Taxpayer Money
Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia is not talking politics here. He is talking about something much simpler: using taxpayer money well. In this short video, Ingoglia points to the kind of government spending increases that should get every taxpayer’s attention. Jacksonville should be paying attention, too. For years, taxpayers have been told that bigger budgets, higher […]
Expensive, maybe unnecessary – let’s do it!
In decades of covering politics, I’ve heard a lot of baloney. But I don’t think I’ve ever heard as much as I have on the subject of septic tanks. The narrative goes like this: because proponents of consolidation promised to eliminate septic tanks throughout the consolidated city, but didn’t, taxpayers today must pay billions to […]
Two Jacksonvilles: Best-Run City or Financial Sinkhole?
Jacksonville residents were recently treated to a headline that many civic leaders were quick to celebrate. According to a WalletHub study, Jacksonville was named the “Best-Run City in Florida” and ranked 18th nationally among America’s largest cities. City leaders pointed to efficient budgeting, strong public services, and a growing economy as evidence that Jacksonville is […]
JEA Investigation Is Starting to Look More Like a Witch Hunt Than Oversight
I have found myself on opposite sides of issues with Councilman Matt Carlucci more than once. But on the ongoing investigation of JEA CEO Vickie Cavey, I find myself agreeing with him. What we are witnessing increasingly looks less like responsible oversight and more like a political spectacle. The stated purpose of the investigation was […]