Jacksonville Bold for 6.17.26: Housekeeping

With candidate qualifying now complete for Northeast Florida’s Senate and House races, voters in Nassau, Duval, and Clay counties finally know who will appear on their ballots this August and November.

House District 12 is now an open seat, as Rep. Wyman Duggan reaches his term limit. That sets up a November contest between two well-known local political figures.

Jacksonville City Council member Terrance Freeman is the sole Republican candidate. He has raised roughly $445,000 between his campaign and Committee accounts.

Ben Sandlin, who challenged Duggan in 2024, is back on the ballot as the Democratic candidate.

The District, which includes much of southern Duval County, continues to favor Republicans in voter registration.

In HD 13, two Democrats are qualified in the race to replace departing Angie Nixon.

Former Senate Democratic Leader Audrey Gibson and former state House hopeful Leslie Scott Jean-Bart will face off in August, with two other Democrats ultimately failing to qualify.

Gibson has about $15,000 on hand, with big-name donors including former state Sen. Tony Hill and Adam Hollingsworth, the former Chief of Staff for Rick Scott when he was Governor and John Peyton when he was Jacksonville Mayor.

Write-in candidate Brice Galliard has also qualified, which means the August Primary is open only to Democratic voters.

HD 14 incumbent Kimberly Daniels will face Rhian Tutson, a former Florida Highway Patrol trooper, a DCPS Technical Manager, and an appointed Commissioner on the Jacksonville Housing and Community Development Commission.

Daniels, a minister by trade, has more than $40,000 in the bank. She lent her campaign $25,000 this cycle and historically self-finances as needed.

In House District 15, Rep. Dean Black faces no Republican challenger for renomination. Two other candidates, former state House hopeful Lloyd Caulker and Chadd Charland, have entered the race as NPAs.

Black enters the race with about $170,000 on hand in a District designed to favor Republican candidates.

In HD 17, Democrat Jacob Guerrero faces former prosecutor and two-term incumbent Jessica Baker. The southern Duval County seat is drawn for a GOP outcome. She has roughly $80,000 banked against the political newcomer.

Further downstate, two Democrats, Heather Smith and Art Stresing, are challenging Rep. Kim Kendall in HD 18. Kendall, who has more than $110,000 on hand, also has a Primary challenger in Diana Jordan-Baldwin.

Democrats Suzanne Pavelle and Lee Butler are challenging Reps. Sam Greco and Judson Sapp in HD 19. Both races are expected to favor the Republican incumbents.

Meanwhile, some incumbents don’t have to campaign this year.

In SD 4, HD 11 and HD 16, Republican Sen. Clay Yarborough, House Speaker-designate Sam Garrison and Rep. Kiyan Michael were re-elected without opposition.

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At-large faceoff

Those voting in Duval County’s August Primary will also be casting a ballot in a Jacksonville City Council race, as term-limited Freeman announced plans to step down amid a House bid.

The city typically holds its municipal elections in odd-numbered years for most offices, but a Special Election was called to fill the seat left by outgoing Freeman.

Freeman joined the City Council by appointment in 2018, then won elections in 2019 and 2023. He says his resignation will take effect either in August or on Nov. 2, depending on when voters choose his successor.

Freeman is seeking to succeed term-limited Republican Duggan in House District 12.

Because Freeman holds one of five at-large Council seats, the August Special Election will be open to all Duval County voters, regardless of party affiliation. If a candidate wins a majority, the race is over; if not, the top two finishers will advance to a November runoff.

At least three candidates have qualified, with another recently filing. With Duval County’s nearly even split between Democratic and Republican voters, a runoff in November appears likely.

Republican Deborah Wesley, a commander with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, has the backing of 10 current City Council members. She raised nearly $80,000 as of March and shifted her campaign from the 2027 cycle to the Special Election when the seat opened.

Democrat Moné Holder also shifted her campaign from the 2027 District 12 race to the Special Election. As of Friday morning, she remains listed as an active candidate. Holder serves as chief advocacy and political officer at Florida Rising and sits on the city’s Planning Commission, appointed by Mayor Donna Deegan.

Democratic attorney Isaac East has withdrawn, meanwhile.

Libertarian Addison Jade Patrick, who had planned to run for this seat in 2027, is now in the Special Election and has raised nearly $500. Libertarian candidates have occasionally outperformed their registration numbers in Jacksonville; in 2023, Eric Parker drew 35% of the vote against Freeman when no Democrat was on the ballot.

Judgement day

Florida’s Judicial Qualifications Commission says it has probable cause to investigate Circuit Court Judge Eric Roberson of the Florida 4th Judicial Circuit, citing various concerning statements he allegedly made on the bench.

Roberson, through an attorney, says he understands he went too far in some of the things he said in his official duties.

“Judge Roberson has proudly served his community for 11 years. He acknowledges and is remorseful that his conduct fell below the standard expected of judges. He will fully cooperate with the JQC through this process,” said Scott Richardson on Friday.

In the case of Zoe Wood v. Tatyana Ussin, Roberson, a judge appointed by Gov. Rick Scott and elected without opposition two years ago, allegedly said the following to the respondent.

“This is scary, there’s something seriously off with you … and it’s a shock that there haven’t been criminal charges for this. Part of me wants to ban you from ever coming back to our state and keep your issues up in Virginia.”

It remains unclear what legal authority a circuit judge would have to impose such a ban.

The ruling in that case was successfully appealed, and an order was issued to have the case heard by a different judge.

In the case of Taheshanoel Knight v. Matthew Kepp (Duval County Case No.: 25 DR 2386), the JQC says “Roberson found that the petitioner failed to show evidence supporting her allegation of the Respondent stalking her” and “made the following comments to the petitioner” alleging mental health issues and spotlighting Knight’s “unique name.”

In the case of Sylverter Greene v. Erika Greene-Raines, the JQC says Roberson called the petitioner an “entitled little snot.”

Roberson is further alleged to have made “comments … remarking on the Respondent’s lack of violence and encouraging additional violence between the Parties.”

The JQC says he “granted a permanent injunction against the Respondent and noted that it was only the third permanent injunction you had given out that year, with one of the priors having been granted due to the Respondent being a child molester. (Roberson) then compared the Respondent to a child molester.”

Roberson has 20 days from June 11 to respond in writing.

Growing pains

Candidate qualifying closed at noon Friday, setting the ballot for several key St. Johns County races. Once again, these contests will test how voters feel about growth and development in one of Florida’s fastest-growing counties.

Two years ago, candidates running on “slow the growth” platforms unseated incumbent County Commissioners whom they viewed as too favorable to developers. A third candidate with a similar message narrowly lost to incumbent Christian Whitehurst. Growth and development remain central issues in the 2026 Election.

Commissioner Sarah Arnold is not seeking re-election in District 2, leaving an open seat with four Republicans.

Former FBI agent Martin Pyszczymuka is running under the slogan “Slow the growth, stop the waste.” Consultant Wilson McMullan emphasizes balancing economic development with preservation, advocating “smarter planning” and supporting growth in manufacturing and aerospace jobs.

Retired St. Johns County Sheriff’s Capt. Tim Burres is also on the ballot. Endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, Burres cites overdevelopment as a primary campaign issue.

Citibank executive Heather Brofford entered the race shortly before the qualifying deadline. Her priorities include transportation, public safety, emergency services, and infrastructure to support population growth.

Fundraising reports through the end of May show Pyszczymuka leading with nearly $28,000, closely trailed by McMullan at about $27,000.

In District 4, first-term Commissioner Krista Joseph is facing two Republican challengers.

Joseph won her seat in 2022 by defeating incumbent Jeremiah Blocker in the Republican Primary, despite being heavily outspent. Since then, she has consistently opposed rapid growth but has also been a source of controversy. In December 2023, her fellow Commissioners formally censured her after she used the dais to urge voters to remove her colleagues from office.

Joseph later filed suit against the other four Commissioners but eventually dropped the case. She lost her position as Board Chair in late 2025 and has had public disagreements with Commissioner Clay Murphy, who was elected in 2024 on a slow-growth platform.

Retired law enforcement officer Sam Williams is focusing his campaign on growth management and infrastructure. Williams leads the fundraising race with more than $56,000, more than double Joseph’s total. Attorney James Galloway has also qualified, citing congestion and rapid growth as the county’s biggest challenges.

Historic choice

St. Augustine City Commissioner Cynthia Garris will become the city’s first Black Mayor, as she was the only candidate to qualify by Friday’s deadline.

Garris previously served as the city’s facilities coordinator before retiring and moving into elected office.

“Her community involvement includes 1st and 2nd Vice President positions with American Legion Auxiliary Alton Green Unit 194, former Board Member of the Betty Griffin Center, former member of the City’s Special Events Committee for over a decade, and former New Mt. Moriah Christian Ministry Welcome and New Member. Commissioner Garris delivers meals prepared by Victorious Covenant to older adults and participates in Pink Up the Pace breast cancer fundraising events,” reads her city biography.

School daze

Qualifying has ended, and the field is set for Duval County’s three School Board races, all of which are open this year.

In sprawling District 6, which runs from Riverside, Avondale, and Ortega out to the Baker County line, conservative Board Member Charlotte Joyce is term-limited.

The battle to replace her has become the most expensive local School Board race this cycle, with Duval County School Police Sergeant Clarence James raising $102,000 and real estate agent Lindsey Denmark raising $82,000 through the end of May.

Former Democratic City Council candidate Tammyette Thomas, paralegal Michelle Perry and former Naval officer Robert Stafford have also qualified.

Four candidates have also qualified in District 4 in northwest Jacksonville, where Board Member Darryl Willie is also term-limited. They are educator and entrepreneur Rhodesia Butler, nonprofit director Alfreda Denson-Butler, 25-year DCPS employee James “Coach” Jacobs, and retired assistant principal Gracie Kearse-McCastler, who is a write-in candidate.

District 2 Board Member April Carney announced in April she would not seek a second term and has endorsed conservative Christian Donovan Bradley as her successor. Bradley has so far outraised his opponents, educators Terence Myers and Donna Westrich, by a wide margin.

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Seeing straight

Johnson & Johnson officials say they’re going to add another $1 billion to bolster the company’s Vision Manufacturing facility in Jacksonville.

The company’s vision facility has been operating on Jacksonville’s Southside for years. Officials say they want to add on to the facility that produces vision products, packaging and oversees distribution.

According to a Johnson & Johnson press release, the new investment at the First Coast site will fund construction of an upgraded distribution facility. The company will also expand manufacturing and packaging technologies to meet rising demand for eye healthcare, serving an estimated 40 million patients in the U.S. and worldwide. Much of the Jacksonville plant’s production centers on contact lens technology.

“This investment reinforces our long-standing conviction that advanced manufacturing in the United States is essential to delivering innovative, high-quality healthcare solutions to patients at home and around the world,” said Joaquin Duato, Chair and CEO of Johnson & Johnson.

“By further strengthening our Vision operations in Jacksonville with next-generation manufacturing, packaging and distribution capabilities, we are enhancing the resilience of our U.S. supply chain while helping more people see better and live better. This commitment reflects the confidence we have in our people, our technology, and our more than 40-year legacy of advancing eye health globally.”

Company officials expect the new distribution facility to be up and running by 2028.

Jacksonville Mayor Deegan called the company’s investment a welcome boost for local economic development.

“Johnson & Johnson’s commitment is a strong vote of confidence in Jacksonville, our workforce, and our future,” Deegan said.

St. Augustine support

The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum is bringing in new leadership.

The organization overseeing the iconic lighthouse on the First Coast announced it’s bringing in a new Director of Curatorial Affairs. Joseph Kent has been named to the position.

Kent has experience in exhibit development, collections and public history. He was previously with the Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“We are excited to welcome Joe to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum,” said Jason Titcomb, Executive Director of the lighthouse museum. “His leadership experience in museums, including exhibits, collections, and public engagement, will strengthen our efforts as we continue to expand our educational programs, exhibitions, and research initiatives. Joseph’s passion for connecting people with history aligns perfectly with our mission.”

Kent said he’s looking forward to helping to maintain the prestige of the St. Augustine museum.

“I am honored to join the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum and become part of an institution with such a strong reputation for preservation, education and community engagement,” Kent said. “I look forward to working with the talented staff and volunteers to share the remarkable maritime stories that make this place so special.”

The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum oversees and publicizes the landmark that has stood and overlooked the Nation’s Oldest City for more than 150 years. It is also involved in maritime historical research.

Honor fest

A Pre-Fourth of July Celebration benefiting the Five Star Veterans Center is set for Friday, June 26, 2026, from noon until 5 p.m. The event will combine a benefit concert and a BBQ fundraiser to support the center’s mission and veterans in the community.

Organizers are inviting attendees to 40 Acme Street in Jacksonville, where guests can enjoy live music, food, and patriotic festivities ahead of Independence Day.

Musical entertainment will feature Madi Bost and Amadeus & Steve with 99.9 Gator Country. The National Anthem will be performed by Kela Chatman of the U.S. Army. BBQ plates will be available for $15, with the flyer promoting a traditional barbecue meal.

Attendees can also scan a QR code for additional information and opportunities to support the organization’s mission.

The event highlights support for local veterans and military families while serving as a community fundraiser. Sponsors listed include CSX, CB Hearts of Hope, and Helping Hands for Heroes.

The patriotic celebration is designed to bring together supporters, community members, and veterans for an afternoon of music, food, and fundraising ahead of the July 4 holiday.

Jacksonville’s World Cup connections

As the United States Men’s National Team continues to prepare for Friday’s match against Australia in group play in the FIFA World Cup, two individuals with Jacksonville connections are working to keep the squad fit and healthy.

Steve Fell, the Head of Performance for Sporting JAX, is working on his second World Cup with the USMNT. At the same time, Lauren Church, a graduate of the University of North Florida, serves as the team’s director of physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Fell has worked with U.S. Soccer since December 2018 and since March 2022 as a performance coach. He said that the World Cup being played on home soil has brought a different kind of energy. Standing in the stadium before the opener against Paraguay, Fell felt the patriotic energy of the national anthem.

“That was something for me that is always special, but the goosebumps and the emotion, taking in the match was something,” Fell said. “I went to a different space and just screamed at the top of my lungs at the end of it. I had colleagues looking at me smiling, because I don’t do that, but at the end of the day, I was so inspired by what was happening that it was, it was just an overwhelming emotion that just came out, and that’s something that I’ll certainly remember.”

The United States cruised to a 4-1 win, dominating especially in the first half. The result has the American squad confident they can make a deep run in this World Cup.

“In my time with the national team in the past four and a half years, that experience that we just had on Friday was something that I’ve never experienced with them before,” Fell said. “Speaking with a couple of the players who also shared the same sentiment. Christian (Pulisic) and Tyler (Adams) both said the same thing. When you have fans behind you, what that does for the group is something that you can’t train for. It seriously is an extra man for the team.”

Church told UNF.edu that seeing the team come together has her excited for what could happen this Summer.

“I know what this group is capable of, and I have watched our roster continue to grow stronger over the past few years,” she said. “I am excited to see us put everything together when it matters most, competing against some of the best players and countries in the world.”

The United States faces Australia at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, then wraps up group play on June 25 against Turkiye.

There’s another local connection in the World Cup: Ivory Coast star Yan Diomande spent time at Yulee High School before moving on in his soccer career. Ivory Coast opened group play with a 1-0 win over Ecuador.