Politics

Duval County Public Schools Launches “Read it Forward Jax”

Submitted by Rachel Leitao, First Coast News Staff

Tuesday, June 7th, 2011, 2:26pm

Duval County Public Schools Launches “Read it Forward Jax”

Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) is proud to announce a comprehensive reading initiative aimed at raising the literacy rate of every student inside Duval County public schools. The “Read it Forward Jax” campaign will partner city, business, faith based and non-profit leaders throughout the community to share in helping teach Jacksonville’s children about the importance of reading.

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Residents, Lawmakers Sound Off About Bill Requiring Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients

Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Wednesday, June 1st, 2011, 12:09am

Residents, Lawmakers Sound Off About Bill Requiring Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Governor Rick Scott signed a bill Tuesday that will require people who receive government assistance to take a drug test in order to receive benefits.

"The goal of this is to make sure the taxpayers aren't paying for someone to take illegal drugs," Scott said.

The law requires every person who applies for the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program to pay for the drug test. If the test comes back negative, then the state will pick up the cost. If it's positive, the person loses benefits for one year.

"In some ways I think it's a good thing," agreed 36-year-old Jacksonville resident Casandra Greene.

Greene depends on public assistance to feed her eight children. She said she understands some people abuse the system and she hopes the law will make them think twice.

But Greene thinks it's too bad those people have to hurt parents like her who are trying to do right by their kids.

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Scott Approval Rate Hits New Low

Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011, 8:13am

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida Gov. Rick Scott's approval rating has dropped to a new low, although he's been on the job for less than five months.

A poll released Wednesday shows Florida voters disapproved of the way Scott's been doing that job by a 57 percent to 29 percent margin.

The Quinnipiac University poll, though, shows the Republican governor has plenty of company. Voters rated the GOP-controlled Florida Legislature about the same. They disapproved of lawmakers' work 56 percent to 27 percent.

Scott and the Legislature each are down from 35 percent approval ratings they got in a similar poll released April 6. Pollsters called 1,196 registered voters on cell and land lines May 17 through 23. The poll has an error rate of plus or minus 2.8 percentage points.

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Support Children's Health in Duval County, Keep PE in Our Schools

Submitted by Katie Seay, Communications Director, American Heart Association

Thursday, May 19th, 2011, 12:56pm

Support Children's Health in Duval County, Keep PE in Our Schools

On Wednesday, May 18, 2011, the Duval County Public School Board began making recommendations to Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals for the 2011-2012 budget. The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association understands the school board is working with the best intentions and is in an unfortunate financial situation.

However, the American Heart Association is concerned increasing the class size in art, music, and PE would greatly reduce the quality of instruction. In addition, it is possible afterschool sports and activities might be reduced or even eliminated and without afterschool transportation many students with working parents would be unable to participate. Students in the lowest family income brackets would be disproportionately impacted and we know these families are often vulnerable to both high rates of obesity and high dropout rates.

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Alvin Brown Supporters Celebrate Impending Victory

Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Thursday, May 19th, 2011, 12:06am

Alvin Brown Supporters Celebrate Impending Victory

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- After watching the votes tally up in Alvin Brown's favor for hours, supporters and campaign staff celebrated the Democrat's impending victory right inside the Supervisor of Elections center.

"I'm happy to be a part of history. I'm happy to be a part of African American history, this city's history. This is a momentous, momentous occasion right now," said one campaign worker.

Through tears, supporters who have been with Brown from the start talked about what his victory meant to them. "We have a vision now to work towards, a vision to make Jacksonville the greatest city in Florida," said Travis Bridges, Duval County Democratic Chair.

And for people in Alvin Brown's corner, that mission begins tonight.

"We're going to follow, and he's going to lead. We're so proud of Alvin Brown," said Bridges

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Brown Leads Hogan in Mayor Race | SLIDESHOW

Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Tuesday, May 17th, 2011, 11:33pm

Brown Leads Hogan in Mayor Race | SLIDESHOW

MORE: Full spring election 2011 coverage

MORE: Election results

SLIDESHOW: THE CANDIDATES' HEADQUARTERS

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- With all 256 precincts reporting, Democrat Alvin Brown leads Republican Mike Hogan by 603 votes in the race for mayor.

With 190,557 votes cast for mayor, Brown captured 50.16 percent to Hogan's 49.84 percent, well within the margin for an automatic recount.

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Before the Vote: Mayoral Candidates Campaign

Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Tuesday, May 17th, 2011, 12:11am

Before the Vote: Mayoral Candidates Campaign

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Voters have just hours to decide who they want to be their next mayor in Jacksonville.

"If you're on the fence, it's time to make a decision," said Duval County Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland.

Before the polls open both Republican Mike Hogan and Democrat Alvin Brown are trying to capture those undecided voters who could tip the scale in this election.

"Typically you have a wider split. Right now Democrats are leading by about 700 votes more than Republicans, which indicates it's going to be a very close race," said Holland.

Hoping to get a leg up, both candidates are pounded the pavement Monday tonight.

"I'm going to campaign, I'm going to campaign 24/7. Working, connecting with the voters, I'm not going to sleep," said Alvin Brown.

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