Jacksonville Bold for 4.15.26: After Nixon, now what?

A Jacksonville Democrat’s political comeback continues, but new competition may complicate Rep. Angie Nixon’s previously unopposed run for a soon-to-be-open state House seat.

Former Senate Democratic Leader Audrey Gibson picked up the fundraising pace in the first three months of the year in her bid to replace departing Nixon in HD 13, raising $4,754, a marked improvement over the $50 posted for the last quarter of 2025.

Donors familiar to readers include former U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, Tallahassee attorney and lobbyist Sean Pittman, and Jacksonville NAACP President Isaiah Rumlin.

Gibson left the Senate in 2022. She subsequently ran for Jacksonville Mayor, then for Chair of the Florida Democratic Party after leaving the administration of eventual Mayor Donna Deegan, but ultimately fell short in her bid to replace Nikki Fried.

Despite her political legacy, Gibson may face a Primary opponent. First time Brandon Groover filed to run last week.

Groover, an Eastside native and former owner of a home health care company who was involved behind the scenes in local politics for many years, promises to run a “clean race” against Gibson. If elected, he said he’ll focus on infrastructure and affordable housing, among other quality-of-life issues.

He told Florida Politics that he has historically been a “bridge between the Black and white communities,” with a history of dialogue with Republican leaders and a promise to work across the aisle if elected. He also said he was instrumental in helping Corrine Brown pay for representation during her federal trial related to her One Door for Education charity.

Groover says he will spare no expense in running, including robocalls, canvassers, and a ground game. He also plans to qualify by petition by the end of the month, to show donors that he has grassroots support.

When asked if he was a serious candidate, he said: “Serious as a heart attack.” He says he’s invested roughly $7,000 in assessing the race and building a team.

Whoever wins the Primary likely wins the seat, given the Democratic registration edge in the Duval County District discourages Republicans from running.

In the last General Election, Nixon defeated a no-party candidate with 99.7% of the vote, after getting more than 81% in the Primary.

DIY

Randy White, the term-limited Republican City Council member running to be Duval County Tax Collector, continues to stretch his lead over his filed Democratic opponent.

And he’s putting his money where his mouth is.

During the first three months of 2026, he recorded $28,000 in new money, good for his best quarter so far.

He put in $25,000 of his own funds, and real estate developers and City Council colleague Matt Carlucci donated the rest.

Democrat Zachary Hightower has less than $100 in the bank.

White, a former fire chief who served a year as City Council President, is respected by both parties for his equity and civility. It’s hard to imagine an opponent getting traction.

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Anchors away

The race to succeed term-limited moderate Republican Matt Carlucci on the Jacksonville City Council is beginning to take shape.

An incumbent Democrat and a political newcomer are running neck-and-neck in the fundraising race in at-large Group 4.

Jimmy Peluso, who currently represents District 7 in Jacksonville’s Urban Core and some Westside neighborhoods, raised more than $87,000 in his first fundraising report of the 2027 cycle.

“In just three short weeks, we’ve reached out to stakeholders and leaders across our community, and their choice is clear: they’re ready for strong, effective leadership that delivers results for Jacksonville. The incredible early support we’ve received is a powerful testament to that momentum. And we’re just getting started,” said the Navy veteran and lobbyist for the VyStar Credit Union.

Tampa Bay Rays owner Patrick Zalupski, the Sleiman Group, lawyer Wayne Hogan, and the Friends of Carlos Guillermo Smith political committee were among the 135 donors this cycle.

Close behind with $86,000 raised is Matt McCullough, a former Navy pilot who flew during the global war on terror in Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Active Endeavor. McCullough has received two Air Medals, Navy Commendation Medals, a Meritorious Service Medal, and recognition as both Combat Aircrew of the Year and Pilot of the Year.

Among his donors: a political committee associated with Rep. Dean Black; current Council member Joe Carlucci, Matt Carlucci and Terrance Freeman; a political committee associated with Council member Rory Diamond; former Rep. Jay Fant; and former City Council members Greg Anderson and Bill Gulliford.

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Tax talk

The Duval County School Board is making a case to the Jacksonville City Council for a property tax extension that would ultimately need to be placed on the November ballot.

The Board seeks a 1-mill extra tax to boost teacher pay, extending a levy first approved in 2022, when the general counsel said state law compelled the City Council to put the tax hike on the ballot.

The money is also used for turf fields and other amenities.

This will be the third school tax referendum in recent years. A 2020 referendum to approve a new half-cent sales tax for school improvements in Duval County passed, but not without delay.

A push for that referendum in 2019 failed because charter schools weren’t guaranteed their per-pupil share. But once that obstacle was removed by state law demanding a charter carve-out, the school tax sailed to approval, with 67% of the vote in November of that year.

During extended remarks, Superintendent Chris Bernier discussed a “teacher crisis” leading to a shortfall of instructors, saying “compensation matters” as the District competes for a dwindling pool of instructors across the state.

While the District has decreased vacancies in recent years, he argued the referendum can help more. It would “supplement” teacher incomes and allow them to buy gas and pay their mortgages, he said.

“Our millage is a big piece in keeping our teachers,” Bernier said, and allowing the District to maintain its 91% retention rate.

“We’re not asking you to approve a tax,” he added. “We’re asking you to take formal action necessary under the law so our voters, who we’re all accountable to, can make the decision as we make our case.”

Republican Vice President Nick Howland got Bernier to clarify that the Council is simply a “pass-through to put it to the voters.”

“That’s what’s great about this state,” Bernier said, saying the impact on homeowners is small but the collective benefit is great.

If voters don’t reauthorize the tax, Bernier warned of salary reductions or even firings, given that there is no other permanent fund from which the Board can get money to pay its teachers.

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Money matters

In other news of the intersection between the School District and finances, this week will see students from Raines, Ribault, Riverside, Jackson and First Coast High Schools participate in Team Duval’s first-ever Financial Literacy Summit at Ribault on Friday.

“The event is based on ‘The Talk (about money)’ by certified financial planner Dale Alexander and will include a Special Session featuring the author, who will share practical money strategies to guide students as they prepare for adulthood,” the District announces.

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Continental call

Continental Strategy is expanding its Jacksonville footprint by adding Ivan Rodriguez-Seda, the former Chief of Staff at the Jacksonville Transportation Authority and a former senior staffer in the Puerto Rico House of Representatives.

The firm announced Monday that Rodriguez-Seda will join as a partner in the Jacksonville office, where he will lead government relations and strategic advisory work.

Before joining Continental Strategy, Rodriguez-Seda founded boutique consulting firm La Fortaleza Partners. He previously spent 12 years at JTA, including the last three as Chief of Staff, where he focused heavily on government and industry affairs with an emphasis on state and federal relations.

During his tenure at the transportation authority, Rodriguez-Seda helped secure more than $400 million in discretionary funding, including allocations through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Passenger Ferry Grant program, Capital Investment Grants and BUILD funding.

Continental Strategy President and founder Carlos Trujillo said Rodriguez-Seda “has a proven record of delivering results on complex issues” and that the firm is “proud to welcome him to the team.”

Former U.S. Deputy Housing and Urban Development Secretary Pam Pateneude added, “Ivan brings a deep understanding of how to navigate complex policy and funding, along with a proven record to deliver. That is the kind of experience that is crucial in this role, and it will set him up for success in this next chapter.”

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Baker’s better

North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) officials are highlighting a substantial conservation property acquisition brokered in Baker County.

The effort will preserve 1,685 acres of land in the Thayendanegea Timberland region. Several nonprofit and governmental organizations collaborated to close the conservation deal.

NFLT officials say they involved the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP), the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Regional Conservation Partnership Program, and other organizations in purchasing the $3.7 million land easement.

Allison DeFoor, President and CEO of NFLT, said he enlisted Fernandina Beach Republican U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean to help finalize the agreements.

“Sometimes projects like these need a little help from a friend, so I reached out to Congressman Aaron Bean to ask for assistance,” DeFoor said. “Congressman Bean and his team were able to help us move this project forward, and now there are 1,685 acres that will remain protected forever. We appreciate Congressman Bean stepping in to help and his commitment to what we do, because it is now or never.”

Much of the property is used for land management and controlled growth. Wetlands dot the landscape, as do wildlife management efforts that feature species such as deer, turkey, doves and waterfowl.

The designated conservation tract is nestled within the Ocala to Osceola (O2O) Wildlife Corridor, which spans about 1.6 million acres of public and private property across approximately 100 miles through the Ocala and Osceola National Forests.

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Hot home sales

Home sales for the six-county North Florida region jumped notably in March.

The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (NEFAR) released housing market figures this week, and there were 1,507 closed home sales last month in the area. That’s up both in year-over-year and monthly comparisons.

The latest figure is an 11.1% increase from March 2025’s 1,357 sales. It’s a sizable 29.2% hike over the February tally of 1,166.

“March’s numbers show a market that is gaining momentum as we move into the spring season. Sales activity is up, more sellers are entering the market, and buyers are continuing to engage even as affordability remains a factor,” said NEFAR President Kim Knapp. “This is a positive sign as we head into the spring, with the market finding a stronger and more sustainable rhythm.”

The median home sales price on the First Coast was mixed. That figure came in at $388,990, a 0.3% drop from March 2025, but a 5.1% uptick from the February sales tag of $369,945. Active inventory of homes on the market declined to 6,328, a 16.7% decrease from March 2025 and a 1.3% slide from February.

Duval County, home to Jacksonville and the region’s largest market, saw 766 closed sales last month, a 6.7% increase from a year ago and a 25.8% increase from February. The median sales price was $325,995, a 1.5% decline from March 2025 and a 4.5% increase over February.

St. Johns County, one of Florida’s fastest-growing counties, had robust home sales with 400 closings in March. That’s a 23.1% hike over a year ago and a 39.9% jump over February. The median sales price in St. Johns was $543,500, a 1% decline from a year ago and 1.6% drop from February.

Clay County reported 201 homes sold in March, an 8.6% increase in both the year-over-year and monthly comparisons. The median sales price was $350,000, a 0.8% drop from a year ago and a 4.9% slide from February.

Nassau County posted one of the strongest sales results, with 95 homes sold in March, up 8% from March 2025 and a staggering 79.2% increase from February. The median sales price was $485,000, which is 5.4% higher than in March 2025 and 11.5% higher than in February.

Putnam and Baker counties, the First Coast’s most rural counties, were relatively solid with 33 closed sales reported in Putnam, a 6.5% increase from March 2025 and a 43.5% uptick over February. Baker County saw 12 sales, which is 20% more than the annual and monthly figures.

UNF swoops donation

University of North Florida (UNF) officials are flying high after raking in more than $1.7 million as part of the school’s annual Giving Day that took place April 8.

There were 5,884 donors who contributed funds to UNF on the single day of giving. The contributions came from students, faculty, staff, alumni and corporate partners. The funds will go to more than 120 funding projects on the Southside campus. Athletics programs received the most contributions. Academic and student affairs, along with club sports and Greek organizations.

“Your generosity strengthens quality programs, supports the exemplary work of our faculty, creates opportunities for our students and helps contribute to UNF’s upward momentum,” said UNF Interim President Angela Garcia Falconetti. “Together, we are helping fuel the future of the University of North Florida.”

While UNF officials are boasting about this year’s Giving Day, it didn’t quite raise as much as last year’s event, which pulled in about $2.4 million.

Trying triathlon

A big triathlon is on its way to St. Johns County, geared to younger athletes.

The St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department is organizing the 2026 Just Tri It! Kids Triathlon April 26. The event is an effort to encourage young people aged 5 to 14 to get healthier. The triathlon begins with registration at 7:15 a.m., and the running and athletic events start at 8 a.m. at the Solomon Calhoun Community Center, 1300 Duval St. in St. Augustine.

The event is a real competition, and the triathlon events will be timed. There are age divisions for 5- to 8-year-olds, 9- to 11-year-olds, and 12- to 14-year-olds. Participants get T-shirts and medals for finishing.

“Parks and Recreation is thrilled to continue growing the Just Tri It! Kids Triathlon and to introduce our new parent-child division this year,” said Tess Simpson, community program manager. “It’s a fun, supportive way for kids to build confidence, stay active, and even share the experience with their parents. Thanks to the generous support of the St. Johns County Parks Foundation and our sponsors, we’re able to make this event accessible and memorable for so many local families.”

Sporting JAX looks to clinch home playoff game

In the first season as a professional soccer team, the Sporting JAX women’s team has already clinched a spot in the Gainbridge Super League playoffs.

This weekend, the team can secure a home playoff game.

Sporting JAX travels across the country to face Spokane Zephyr FC (7 p.m. ET on Sunday, Peacock). If Sporting JAX wins and Carolina Ascent FC loses at Dallas Trinity FC, Jacksonville will host at least one playoff game next month.

The club has already set a league record for wins in a season (14) after a 4-1 victory at Fort Lauderdale on Saturday. The team has scored more goals than any other team in the league and has outscored the opposition by 24 goals in 23 regular-season games.

Since a 4-2 loss at Lexington SC on Halloween, Sporting JAX has outscored the opposition 31-5 over 14 games. In that stretch, the team has recorded nine clean sheets and has not allowed an opponent to score more than one goal in any game.

Sporting JAX leads the league by seven points ahead of second-place Lexington SC and is unbeaten in the last seven games. In that stretch, the team won six, with the only blemish a 1-1 draw against Spokane on March 28.

The Gainbridge Super League statistical leaderboards are dotted with Sporting JAX players. Midfielder Ashlyn Puerta is second in the league for goals with 11, one ahead of teammate Paige Kenton. Forward Baylee DeSmit is one goal from joining Puerta and Kenton as double-digit scorers.

“I’m not one to focus on the stats, but it’s cool to know that I’m approaching a milestone,” said DeSmit. “I think for the rest of our season, though, we just want to keep the consistency and play how we know we need to play, which is something we do well.”

Puerta, Kenton and wingback Meg Hughes are tied atop the league’s assist charts with seven each. Brooklyn’s Sam Kroeger also has seven assists. Sporting JAX goalkeeper Kaitlyn Parks has set a league record with 10 clean sheets. Defenders Georgia Brown, Grace Phillpotts and midfielder Sophia Boman all rank in the top 10 in the league in passes, while Boman, Hughes and Phillpotts are all among the top 10 in crosses.

After Sunday’s match, the team returns to Jacksonville to face Lexington on April 25. The game is part of a doubleheader that includes the Sporting JAX men playing Miami FC on the same day.

“We are not thinking about the playoffs at this point,” said Sporting JAX head coach Stacey Balaam. “We set a target to make it there at the end of the season, and we can proudly acknowledge that achievement. However, there is still so much to play for, and staying at the top is the next goal for us.”

If Sporting JAX clinches hosting a playoff game, the league semifinal will be held on Sunday, May 24.