Andrew Pantazi - The Tributary

Judge strikes down congressional map for reducing Black voting power

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.

First Coast

The Tributary: Jacksonville sued over redistricting map

Andrew Pantazi - The Tributary

Civil rights groups allege that the map approved by City Council reduces Black voting power by illegally packing those residents into a few districts.

First Coast

Civil rights legend Bill Sheppard dies

Andrew Pantazi - The Tributary

Sheppard, an attorney, waged a nearly six-decade fight to transform Jacksonville and Florida.

First Coast

The Tributary: Jacksonville redistricting plan splits dozens of neighborhoods

Andrew Pantazi - The Tributary

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.

First Coast

The Tributary: Jacksonville’s redistricting plan risks racial gerrymandering claims, experts say

Andrew Pantazi - The Tributary

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.