Andrew Pantazi - The Tributary
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Circuit Judge J. Layne Smith ordered the state to adopt a map that maintains an east-to-west version of Jacksonville’s 5th Congressional District, stretching from Duval to Gadsden counties. Gov. Ron DeSantis had called that idea racial gerrymandering.
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Civil rights groups allege that the map approved by City Council reduces Black voting power by illegally packing those residents into a few districts.
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Sheppard, an attorney, waged a nearly six-decade fight to transform Jacksonville and Florida.
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Jacksonville City Council’s redistricting proposal will split 47 neighborhoods across multiple districts, worrying those who believe it will continue difficulties receiving adequate representation for their communities.
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Jacksonville City Council members used race as a decisive factor in drawing new district lines — but did so without ever determining their actions were necessary to protect Black voters.