Necessary data on infrastructure spending in Jacksonville slowly is coming to light
Finally, a special City Council committee that is eyeing increased spending on infrastructure is beginning to collect some useful data. Knowing where you are before you start a trip always is useful. The committee is setting out to ensure spending is equitable throughout the city. At the committee’s first meeting last week it was clear […]
An empty lot now stands where Jacksonville’s long-sought redevelopment dream once stood
The bare earth at the foot of Laura Street in downtown Jacksonville serves as a metaphor for the old adage “you can’t fight City Hall.” Just 30 years ago, the Jacksonville Landing was an almost new building housing shops and restaurants – intended to replicate Baltimore’s famous Harborplace, and built by the same company. The […]
Schools: Raise our taxes or raise questions – it’s your choice.
One former School Board member is challenging those supporting a new tax to build schools to take a straight approach that addresses all concerns while trying to sell the idea to the public. Seven of the district’s 160 school buildings, all elementary schools, are more than a century old. Scott Shine said new schools are […]
School Board needs $1.95 billion and doesn’t have it. Oh No – what’s the impact on us?
Public schools in Jacksonville are aging and many need to be replaced. But politicians don’t sock away money for contingencies. If they have money, they spend it. So, the School Board needs $1.95 billion and doesn’t have it. Options are few. They boil down to impact fees or bond issues approved by the public. Fortunately […]
“Oldest school buildings in Florida?” That sounds like a tax increase.
We just saw a posting from the Duval County School Board. The headline caught our attention. They are claiming the school buildings are the oldest in Florida. Hummmm Maybe they are. We don’t know. But one thing is certain. That’s a warning that your School Taxes may go up. They are planning community meetings and […]
JEA customers: Read & Share ’cause something is Stinking at JEA and it’s not sewage
In a recent letter by JEA’s Interim CEO Aaron Zahn (a supporter of Mayor Curry) addressed to the JEA board and city officials he believes…the BULK of the proceeds from a $18.5 million land sale should be DONATED to the City. Donated? Yes you read that right. Donated instead of paying back JEA (that would […]
Spitting coffee over JEA and Anna Brosche. She’s doing her job, gentlemen!
As I read the news today, I was drinking my coffee and relaxing on my outdoor patio. Good thing because I spit coffee when I read that Fred Newbill, a JEA board member, accused City Council President Anna Brosche of using the JEA as a political tool for a possible run against Mayor Curry. Let […]
City Council feeds the Gorilla millions of your tax dollars. And then what happened?
The 800 lb gorilla has been revealed to actually be approximately a 3000 lb 19 headed monster and it is formally known as Jacksonville City Council. For decades this monster has used the hard earned dollars of Duval taxpayers to ease financial burdens to developers and corporations. This monster offers tax breaks, grants, and […]
AMAZING: Jax Developer can build a big development without taxpayer money!
The Downtown Investment Agency could learn a lot from a deal that just happened with abandoned property in the Baymeadows area of Jacksonville. It is exciting to see that a developer has gone through the long suffering process of being a developer in Jacksonville. Joyce Development Group LLC of Jacksonville and property owner D. R. […]
Mayor’s Administration: Talking Trash & Raising Fees? Pushing little guys out?
Maybe the City Council should have a rule that any proposed bill must include a reason WHY the bill is needed. A new fee is being considered for local trash haulers. All it does on its face is heap new costs on local residents when they call one of about 300 local haulers to take […]