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Most Talked About Florida Times-Union Stories

Mayor Alvin Brown brings in communications manager from Washington

jacksonville.com — The public outreach manager for the Washington, D.C., water and sewer authority has been hired as second-in-command in Jacksonville's public information office. Aleizha Batson will make $89,750 as public communications manager. Batson, 41, has more than 15 years of experience in public relations and community engagement.
Jax Mayor Alvin Brown brings in communications manager from Washington | http://t.co/zb3S4mZi #jaxpol

FAMU program to funnel funds not a secret to Senate president, budget chief

jacksonville.com — A "pass through" program used to help send millions of dollars to nonprofits with close ties to two state senators has at least been on the radar of two of the Senate's most powerful members: Senate President Mike Haridopolos and budget chief JD Alexander.
FAMU program to funnel funds not a secret to Senate president, budget chief | http://t.co/BkdBmmXh #sayfie #jaxpol

Florida Morning: 'Pass through' program not news to Senate's top 2; dueling Senate polls

jacksonville.com — By: Matt Dixon (matt.dixon@jacksonville.com , @Mdixon55) Florida Morning appears every weekday. Subscribe via e-mail . "PASS THROUGH" PROGRAM NO SECRET TO SEN'S TOP 2 A "pass through" program used to help send millions of dollars to nonprofits with close ties to two state senators has at least been on the radar of two of the Senate's most powerful members: Senate President Mike Haridopolos and budget chief JD Alexander.
Florida Morning: 'Pass through' program not news to Senate's top 2; dueling Senate polls | http://t.co/XWkAkEM4

Private Jacksonville school opens its own organic fish and produce farm

jacksonville.com — As grand openings go, every thing went swimmingly Tuesday as The Foundation Academy unveiled its Aquaponic Farm, which students hope will hook restaurants and residents on their organic fish and produce. Self-sustaining with solar power, the working aquaponic farm is the first of its kind in Northeast Florida on a school campus.
Interesting story from @teresastepz Private Jacksonville school opens its own organic fish and produce farm http://t.co/pD3WmsKG

Discussions on Justin Blackmon's contract have begun

jacksonville.com — Mentioned in a blog post earlier that the Jaguars had begun negotiations with their draft picks' agents on their contracts. Never fear, that includes first-round pick Justin Blackmon. Blackmon was the fifth overall selection in last month's draft.
#OKState RT @taniaganguli: Contract talks re: Justin Blackmon have commenced. Only 2 top-10 picks have deals so far. http://t.co/hdsTGka5
Contract talks re: Justin Blackmon have commenced. Only 2 top-10 picks have deals so far. http://t.co/9j45ZX0l #Jaguars

Why Mike Thomas likely isn't on the Jaguars bubble

jacksonville.com — The Jaguars updated their receiving corps massively this offseason, knocking last year's No. 1 receiver Mike Thomas at least two spots down the depth chart. That doesn't mean Thomas is in danger of landing on the roster bubble. Over the past three seasons, Thomas has been one of the more consistent receivers on a receiving corps that hasn't had much talent.
Team can afford cap hit RT @taniaganguli: #Jaguars committed lots to Mike Thomas, making it unlikely he's in danger http://t.co/tLwDEz26
The #Jaguars committed lots o' cash to Mike Thomas this year and next year, making it unlikely he's in danger http://t.co/nVVlQaMZ

NO-FLAC & the Florida Department of Educaton

jacksonville.com — Good afternoon, Jacksonville. The Northeast Florida Accountability Corporation wants you to join them in a town hall meeting. The topic: the quality of education provided to students in Duval County Public Schools. The group, also known as NO-FLAC, is slated to have officials with Florida's Department of Education at this town hall meeting.

Hastings man sentenced to life in prison for teenage rape

jacksonville.com — A 36-year-old Hastings man has been sentenced to life in prison on a charge of lewd or lascivious battery against a child under 16 after he pleaded no contest just before his trial, according to the State Attorneys Office in St.

Courthouse may open behind schedule

jacksonville.com — The new Duval County Courthouse may not be able to open on schedule next week because it cannot pass a series of safety tests, Fire Chief Martin Senterfitt said Wednesday.Systems that control fire alarms, smoke removal and sprinklers in the seven-story building aren't working in coordination, Senterfitt told reporters this afternoon.After more than a week of attempting to repair the problem, crews have made little progress, he said.
New courthouse may not open on time due to problems with systems that control fire alarms, smoke removal & sprinklers. http://t.co/ur78cA0C

Bear encounters increase as Florida considers management plan

jacksonville.com — Katherine Baker is one of thousands of Floridians annually who report encounters with bears to the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. In the past decade, sightings for the most part have increased year over year. In 2000, the state received about 1,100 calls. Last year there were more than 4,000.
Read my @jaxdotcom story about encounters with #Florida's largest land mammal, plus tips to keep black bears away http://t.co/NSntoNYV

Jaguars have made progress on second-round pick Andre Branch's contract

jacksonville.com — Through May 22, 168 draft picks from the 2012 draft have already been signed -- none of them are Jaguars draft picks. That could change soon. The Jaguars have begun negotiations with their draft picks. In fact, I'm told they've made progress on second-round pick Andre Branch's deal.
BIG NEWS! (actually not that big, but you guys have been asking) The #Jaguars have begun draft pick negotiations http://t.co/wqsyU1sT

The 21 sexiest men over 50

jacksonville.com — The AARP recently released a list of the 21 sexiest men over age 50. From George Clooney to Denzel Washington, you're sure to recognize the mugs in this slideshow. Click here for the list on aarp.org
AARP lists the 21 sexiest men over 50, and @nuinca built the slideshow all by himself - http://t.co/VBKTkfmP

Adam Putnam backs Aaron Bean's state Senate bid

jacksonville.com — Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam is backing the state Senate bid of Republican Aaron Bean. "I support Aaron Bean in his race for the Florida's Senate," Putnam said in a statement. "We need a strong conservative from Northeast Florida in the Senate who will focus on creating jobs and getting our state's economy back on track."

Reuters: Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg among defendants in IPO lawsuit

jacksonville.com — Facebook Inc and banks including Morgan Stanley were sued by the social networking leader's shareholders, who claimed the defendants hid Facebook's weakened growth forecasts ahead of its $16 billion initial public offering.
Reuters: Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg among defendants in IPO lawsuit http://t.co/uooH5L0q

Mike Mularkey is being careful to follow CBA restrictions on practice times

jacksonville.com — Yesterday, Jaguars running back Rashad Jennings was the last player to come off the field having gotten extra work in after practice with running backs coach Sylvester Croom. But as soon as head coach Mike Mularkey realized they were still on the field after 1 p.m., he rushed out to get them off it.
Mike Mularkey sticks carefully to CBA restrictions, creating some amusing imagery. http://t.co/qYa3EUom #Jaguars

Macon animal shelter overrun with roaches and mice, state officials say

jacksonville.com — MACON, GA. | Macon's animal control authorities are trying to find homes for dozens of animals as it fumigates its mice and roach-infested shelter.The Telegraph newspaper reports that homes must be found for 78 dogs and 11 cats for at least three days and perhaps as many as five while the facility is cleaned.
.@denisereagan Can't get away from the roaches talk: Macon animal shelter overrun with roaches & mice, officials say http://t.co/mlgjBF0W

Theft charges dropped against former manager of Jacksonville's Metro nightclub

m.jacksonville.com — Prosecutors have dropped theft charges against a Springfield community activist and former treasurer of two Jacksonville nonprofits who was accused of stealing money from a popular city nightclub while working as its night manager.The case against Adam Blair Halstead, 34, of West Fifth Street, was dropped Monday, according to court records.
RT @JimSchoettler: Theft charges dropped against former manager of Jacksonville's Metro nightclub http://t.co/XmmGvlxs

Florida Morning: LeMieux's sharp-elbows; foreclosure money being used for budget

jacksonville.com — By: Matt Dixon (matt.dixon@jacksonville.com , @Mdixon55) Florida Morning appears every weekday. Subscribe via e-mail . ' He was playing politics, and the rest of us weren't" George LeMieux is an old hand running political campaigns, but he wound up in the U.S. Senate by ferociously campaigning for just one vote: Gov.
Florida Morning: LeMieux's sharp-elbows; foreclosure money being used for budget | http://t.co/AOtIdVbr

Son won't let go after Navy father's surprise homecoming in Jacksonville

m.jacksonville.com — Wyatt Snyder wasn't going to let go of his dad. Not on this miraculous day.Wyatt wrapped him up, with his arms around Dad's shoulders, his legs around his waist, his head against his chest. He disentangled briefly so his sisters could get the hugs they craved too, then snaked his arms around Dad's waist again.
This story from Matt Soergel on Navy father's reunion with his kids made me tear up. http://t.co/oh0k1jrm (via @editormarilyn)

West Jacksonville man shoots at neighbor Tuesday night; SWAT responds

jacksonville.com — An elderly Westside man shot at his neighbor after an argument Tuesday night, leading to a SWAT situation that lasted well into the morning hours Wednesday.Police responded to the 900 block of Huron Street about 10:45 p.m. to a report of shots fired, according to Lt.

Son won't let go after his Navy father's surprise homecoming

m.jacksonville.com — Wyatt Snyder wasn't going to let go of his dad. Not on this miraculous day.Wyatt wrapped him up, with his arms around Dad's shoulders, his legs around his waist, his head against his chest. He disentangled briefly so his sisters could get the hugs they craved too, then snaked his arms around Dad's waist again.
Touching story from Matt Soergel on a Navy father surprising his three children who thought he was still overseas. http://t.co/n12PnaUN

Radio interview: Some background on the Wise/Siplin “pass through” story

jacksonville.com — TALLAHASSEE -- Over the past three years, Florida A&M has been used as what the university has called a "pass through" to send millions in taxpayer dollars to nonprofit groups with close ties to two term-limited state senators.
Radio interview: Some background on the Wise/Siplin “pass through” story | http://t.co/YjpEVuHV #sayfie #jaxpol

Martellus Bennett: Laurent Robinson proved he was a No. 1 last year

jacksonville.com — Giants tight end Martellus Bennett saw up close what Laurent Robinson could do last year when both were on the Cowboys. Bennett, whom I caught up with at Tom Coughlin's charity golf tournament for The Jay Fund yesterday, had nothing but praise for Robinson. Mostly. "I think Laurent is a No.
Giants new TE Martellus Bennett says Laurent Robinson proved he was a No. 1 WR last year. Also he likes NY. http://t.co/yivIbXeo #Jaguars

Rashean Mathis hopes to be ready for mandatory minicamp

jacksonville.com — Everybody responds to knee surgeries differently and Jaguars cornerback Rashean Mathis couldn't be happier with how his left knee is progressing after anterior cruciate ligament replacement surgery. "I've never had an ACL injury before, but the guys around me who have had it say that I am way ahead of schedule," Mathis said today.

Former U.S. Rep. Ric Keller backs Craig Miller's congressional bid

jacksonville.com — Former Republican U.S. Rep. Ric Keller is endorsing Craig Miller's run for Congress, the campaign announced in a news release. "I'm pleased to endorse Craig Miller," Keller said in the release "He's a conservative leader who knows how to create jobs and cut wasteful spending. He'll make a great Congressman.
Former U.S. Rep. Ric Keller backs Craig Miller's congressional bid | http://t.co/rmWjzT09 #sayfie #jaxpol

House leadership headlining Janet Adkins fundraiser

jacksonville.com — A trio of future House leaders are hosting a fundraiser for state Rep. Janet Adkins, R- Fernandina Beach. (See invite) The next three speakers of the House - Will Weatherford, R - Wesley Chapel, Chris Dorworth, R - Lake Mary, and Richard Corcoran, R - Trinity - will be at the University Club of Jacksonville for the June 12 event.

They like Mike (Weinstein)

jacksonville.com — State Rep. Mike Weinstein has been employing the slow-drip method for announcing those endorsing his state Senate bid. He has released one/a few a day over an extended period of time.

Mayor Alvin Brown's position on Jacksonville human rights ordinance could be tricky

jacksonville.com — The expansion of Jacksonville's human rights ordinance slated to be discussed at tonight's City Council meeting has an unusual coalition of support, including both liberal Democrats and members of the business community. Those two groups were also key to Mayor Alvin Brown winning the office he's occupied for 10 months - but the mayor has yet to commit to a position on the legislation.
Good read from @reportertim: Mayor Alvin Brown's stance on #Jacksonville gay rights ordinance could be tricky http://t.co/cXYbLwPn #jaxpol

Proposed cuts to military spending draws backlash from Jacksonville aerospace company

jacksonville.com — Kaman Aerostructure's workforce in Jacksonville has zoomed from about 80 a decade ago to roughly 470 today, and the company recently expanded its manufacturing space here with an eye toward hiring 200 more workers.But the prospect of deep cuts in military spending has company officials worried about winning future defense contracts.At best, Kaman would face a challenge just keeping the current number of workers if the Department of Defense cuts take place as required by budget law, Kaman Corp.
Proposed cuts to military spending draws backlash from Jacksonville aerospace company | http://t.co/JX3ZVaWY #sayfie #jaxpol

City general counsel: Duval court clerk can't run again because of court decision

jacksonville.com — Duval County's longtime clerk of court, Jim Fuller, can't run for re-election this year because of a recent Florida Supreme Court ruling, Jacksonville's head lawyer said Monday."It is my advice ... he does not qualify, and therefore cannot be placed on the ballot without a court order to that effect," General Counsel Cindy Laquidara wrote to county Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland.
City general counsel: Duval court clerk can't run again because of Supreme Court decision | http://t.co/CZOVe0nj #sayfie #jaxpol

Florida Morning: Governments spend big on lobbying; pay for university president high in Florida

jacksonville.com — By: Matt Dixon (matt.dixon@jacksonville.com , @Mdixon55) Florida Morning appears every weekday. Subscribe via e-mail . Howdy, it's Tuesday and this is Florida Morning, your daily digest of political news around the Sunshine State. Catching up with Katherine Harris, Mack's outrage, and winners and losers of the week in politics.
Florida Morning: Governments spend big on lobbying; pay for university president high in Florida | http://t.co/xiX3XgHI

Lead letter: There is no valid excuse for discrimination

jacksonville.com — Public discussion about equal rights and protections for non-heterosexual people often becomes a curtsy to ignorance disguised as holiness.Fear-based, literalist readings of the Bible were used to preserve the slavery and the injustice of segregation.Religion has been claimed to excuse genocide, female genital mutilation and the subjugation of women.
RT @jimvarian: Whoa, @julieinjax! "A curtsy to ignorance disguised as holiness"?!? The bar has been raised http://t.co/AC6tOcnB

Looking for incoming UNF freshmen

jacksonville.com — Good morning, Jacksonville. There are a few days or, at most, a week or two left in 2012 high school seniors' spring semester. Congratulations, guys. Some of you don't really know what's next in your life, but many of you seniors already know what college you'll be attending in the fall.
RT @AmericanGlow: My Monday morning education blog post titled "Looking for UNF freshmen" http://t.co/ULHfHgHX Read it; it's short. Pass ...
Getting ready to swoop as a #UNF Osprey? @AmericanGlow would like to talk to you for a story. Contact details @ http://t.co/dbc5HhKJ
My Monday morning education blog post, titled "Looking for incoming UNF freshmen" | http://t.co/ULHfHgHX via @jaxdotcom

SpaceX launch set for Tuesday morning after engine valve fails

jacksonville.com — LOS ANGELES -- Just days after aborting a rocket launch at the last second because of an engine problem, SpaceX is once again set to blast off from Cape Canaveral in hopes of becoming the first private company to visit the International Space Station.The launch is now set for 3:44 a.m.
Attention space geeks (@JeffBrumley and @TUMarkWoods) and insomniacs: SpaceX launch set for 3:44 a.m. Tuesday. http://t.co/6AZh3Ltq

Mayo Clinic Jacksonville plans $100 million expansion

jacksonville.com — Mayo Clinic Jacksonville is planning an nearly $100 million expansion that will include a 40 percent increase in beds and a separate primary care clinic.The expansion will come in two projects and is expected to result in 250 construction jobs and 400 permanent employees at the clinic.
.@MayoClinic's $100 million expansion in Jax features 2 stories being added to hospital & construction clinic. http://t.co/u40ZKmh4
.@MayoClinic's $100 expansion in Jax features 2 stories being added to hospital & construction of primary care clinic. http://t.co/u40ZKmh4

Congressional candidate Richard Clark touts his signature of "The Repeal Pledge"

jacksonville.com — GOP congressional candidate Richard Clark just sent out a release announcing he's the first in the 6th Congressional District race to sign a pledge to appeal health care reforms championed by President Barack Obama. "I believe we must repeal the recently enacted takeover of our nation's healthcare system by the federal government.
Congressional candidate Richard Clark touts his signature of "The Repeal Pledge" | http://t.co/hj3aAf4m #sayfie #jaxpol

Karl Rove coming to Jax to help raise cash for state GOP

jacksonville.com — The private event is being held Tuesday at Signature Flight Support, an area of Jacksonville International Airport that serves private jets. It is being hosted by Republican Party of Florida chairman Lenny Curry and A.K. Desai, chair of the party's finance committee. Follow Matt Dixon on Twitter.

FreedomWorks endorses in crowded CD 6 GOP primary

jacksonville.com — Washington-based conservative advocacy group FreedomWorks is taking sides in the GOP primary for the newly drawn 6th Congressional District. The group has backed attorney Ron DeSantis. ""Ron DeSantis is the perfect example of a constitutionally-limited government candidate.

Conservative talker Joyce Kaufman backs Craig Miller in CD6 race

jacksonville.com — Florida conservative talk radio host Joyce Kaufman has backed U.S. Senate candidate Craig Miller. "Washington is broken and needs real reform minded socially and fiscally conservative leaders," Kaufman said in a news release. "Issues like Obamacare, the economy, and protection of the unborn need a bold leader who will stand up to the radical agenda espoused by the current occupant of the White House.

Best Friends Animal Society congratulates Jacksonville in adoption event efforts

jacksonville.com — A national animal nonprofit has a message for you: "Jacksonville, you rock!" That was the title of a news release to announce the Best Friends Animal Society's weekend adoption event exceeded its goal to find homes for 200 pets.
RT @jaxpets: @BFAS has a message for the First Coast: "Jacksonville, you rock!" Find out why @ http://t.co/y6nKXXGh

Council will look at whether too few lobbyists is hurting Jacksonville

jacksonville.com — Less than two years after Jacksonville cut its $430,000-a-year budget for Capitol lobbyists, a difference of opinion is developing between some lawmakers and the mayor's office about the city's ability to get things done in Tallahassee.Mayor Alvin Brown is happy with one, in-house lobbyist.

Jacksonville crabber: Don't get pinched by crabbing laws

jacksonville.com — When Raymond King cruises onto the St. Johns River to check on any of his 600 crab traps, he knows he may not find all of his gear.Many boaters aren't aware that crab traps are protected under law and that they aren't suppose to be tampered with, he says.
FL crabber warns boaters: Don't think of traps as a free seafood dispenser. Messing with a trap is a felony. http://t.co/blSc6MMG

Fictional program created at FAMU to funnel millions for 2 senators' nonprofits

jacksonville.com — TALLAHASSEE -- Over the past three years, Florida A&M has been used as what the university has called a "pass through" to send millions in taxpayer dollars to nonprofit groups with close ties to two term-limited state senators.
RT @LillyRockwell: Good story by @MDixon55 about fictional program at FAMU used to funnel millions to non-profits: http://t.co/AEQE1ttf

Mitt Romney continues his Florida campaign in Jacksonville

jacksonville.com — Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney continues his Florida campaig today in Jacksonville with attacks on President Barack Obama's record of job creation.The former Massachusetts governor said if he's elected, his leadership would reinvigorate America's sense of "can-do entrepreneurship.""This president doesn't understand that," Romney said at a fundraiser at the Epping Forest Yacht Club.