Voters are already casting ballots to decide the next mayor of Jacksonville as a new poll from St. Pete Polls gives a first glimpse of which candidates are favored.
Leading the pack of seven candidates listed in the poll is Democrat Donna Deegan, who pulled nearly twice as much support as any other candidate at 35%. Former Democratic State Sen. Audrey Gibson pulled 10.2% of the support.
In the Republican camp, Daniel Davis and Councilmember LeAnna Cumber have multimillion-dollar war chests at their disposal, but they’re polling at just 17.5% and 4.1% respectively. Councilmember Al Ferraro polled at 10.6%.
Only two candidates can advance to the May election, assuming no candidate wins outright with more than 50% of the vote in the March unitary election.
Other stories making headlines this week:
- Florida’s rejection of an African American studies course continued to draw criticism as Black lawmakers, religious leaders and civil rights leader Al Sharpton led a march to the Capitol.
- Duval County Public Schools is in the market for “parents and community members” who want a hand in reviewing instructional materials used in the county’s classrooms.
- Jacksonville City Council has enacted an anti-panhandling law, despite concerns that it’s the wrong move to stop desperate people from asking for cash along roads.
- A white paper that’s circulating within Mayor Lenny Curry’s office suggests there could be “extreme financial impacts” if pension reform were to be reversed.
- The Jacksonville City Council has voted to rezone an area near Pumpkin Hill Preserve, paving the way for development, despite opposition from concerned residents.
Winterland V
Winterland V, the free two-day music festival, returns to Riverfront Plaza in Downtown Jacksonville next weekend. All proceeds from on-site purchases will be used to support Winterland’s future endeavors.
This year’s lineup features internationally touring headliners, including '90s rock icons The Dandy Warhols, legendary Brazilian band Os Mutantes and emerging artists with huge followings like Sudan Archives, Sasami, The Nude Party, Jacuzzi Boys and more.
