Folio Vol.35/Issue 13 by Folio Weekly

11.17

2021

Lenny Curry, Aaron Zahn, Brian Hughes, Sam Mousa Susan Clark Armstrong

Philadelphia Kasey Batchelor

Phillip Hess eloquently writes about life changes,

P. 30

Bartender of the Month

obsolete routines and driving to feel that fleeting sense of freedom while the sun sets in the rearview, all in a

P. 12 P. 13 storytelling-like manner.

VOL. 35, ISSUE 13

P. 11

Horrorscopes Isa Barrientos

JOHN M. PHILLIPS, ESQ. publisher

Ready for Take-Off!

TERESA SPENCER general manager

Casey Craig

Duval’s secret aviation fare will have your head ROB NICHOLSON sales director

in the clouds.

P. 14

5 Points Taco Showdown

Isa Barrientos

RAIN HENDERSON creative director

Street League Skating Rolls into Town Vincent Dalessio

Susan Clark Armstrong When Lenny Curry decided to sell the JEA to the highest bidder, the process of the sale turned the utility and City

P. 16

Hall into a full-blown circus.

In This Climate?!

P. 25

P. 31 P. 33

Grom Paradise Rain Henderson

A defining moment for scrapbooks and lightly painted walls

P. 26

Foar From Home Vincent Dalessio

Paddling a rowboat across the Atlantic Ocean might seem like an impossible task to some not to the four men of Foar From Home.

KERRY SPECKMAN copy editor // staff writer ISA BARRIENTOS staff writer VINCENT DALESSIO staff writer // sales JOHN LAWLESS audio/video CASEY CRAIG contributor MOLLY BRITT contributor SHELTON HULL contributor KASEY BATCHELOR post-punk intern (unf) ARIEL RADEMEYER contributor

of freckled pre-teens.

P. 36

(Sequential) Coffee Talk Shelton Hull

Inside the outside of Riverside’s newest conveyors of caffeine.

TERRY & SHARI JAYMES contributors EM SPITLER illustrator DAVE EWING contributor HOLLADAY HARPER contributor

YOU’RE ALREADY HERE. POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS ARE, TOO.

With a reach of over 200,000 people each issue, Folio puts your business all over town.

TERESA@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM 4

“Jacksonville really showed up and showed out for us. All the skaters showed out but I think Jacksonville actually won it. As far as the crowds go, they were supportive the whole time and I loved the energy. This is sparking so many people right now,” she said. “So many little girls are getting sparked up. I've met so many little kids already that are just super hyped, and this made them even more hype, so I think it's gonna explode everything.” -Samarria Brevard

THE

MAIL

Ok... who created the logo for this [Best of Jax] and who approved it? Looks suspiciously... adult-ish... get my "vibe"?

For God & Country, Zane "Wiccan" Koonce Vice Chairman - American Legion Riders, 5th District Past Chaplain - American Legion Post 137 Past Director - American Legion Riders Chapter 137

BRICKBATS + BOUQUETS BOUQUET TO VISIT JACKSONVILLE

BRICKBAT TO THE NASSAU COUNTY STENCH

We’re still not sure if it’s “easier” here, but Jax is definitely cheaper during Kids

A nasty odor has the residents in Nassau County holding their breath, literally and

Free November. As part of the promotion, kids under 12 get in free all month long

figuratively. A petition on change.org has obtained over 600 signatures from those

at some of the city’s top attractions including the Jacksonville Zoo, Autobahn Indoor

who believe the stench comes from the JEA wastewater treatment facility. Although

Speedway, Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, MOSH and Catty Shack Ranch

this theory has been debunked by JEA, residents say the smell has lingered for

Wildlife Sanctuary.

years and is only getting worse.

BOUQUET TO SHOEBOXES OF LOVE

BRICKBAT TO THE MANDARIN CAR THIEVES

The City Rescue Mission’s annual toiletry drive provides essential hygiene and other

Mandarin residents claim their cars we burglarized in the night. From credit cards

small personal items, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, razors,

to glove compartment items, these Mandarin Car Thieves have not given this act

shampoo and blankets, for homeless individuals who arrive at the shelter with little

of stealing a rest. According to our Jacksonville Shieffif’s Office, they say they have

to nothing. For a list of items needed and drop-off information, visit crmjax.org.

tallied up over 39 reported burglaries over the past few months. When will these car thieves finally stop their act?

VOTE ON FOLIOWEEKLY.COM 7

GRAND PRIZE VALUED AT $10,000

7 7

EVENTS Florida Historic Coast

NOV. 20–JAN. 31

NOV. 27

Nights of Lights

Jacksonville Light Boat Parade

Downtown St. Augustine Named one of the top 10 holiday light displays in the world by National Geographic, Nights of Lights features millions of tiny white lights blanketing the historic district from the buildings to the palm trees to the horse-drawn carriages to the Bridge of Lions. The free event, celebrating its 28th year, kicks off with Light-Up! Night Nov. 20.

Northbank and Southbank Boat owners deck their hulls with bows of holly for one of the city’s most popular holiday traditions. Visible from both sides of the river, the sparkling sailboats, festive fishing boats and dazzling dinghies create a truly Jacksonville holiday experience. And stick around for the post-parade fireworks featuring a waterfall on the Main Street and Acosta Bridge.

nightsoflights.com

jaxlightboatparade.com

US Navy Photo Jacksonville Broadway

DEC. 7-12

DEC. 7 Jimmy Buffet

Come From Away

Veterans Memorial Arena

Times-Union Center

If you live in Florida and don’t know who Jimmy Buffett is, do you really live in

The only thing more interesting than the plot itself—38 planes carrying 7,000

Florida? The king of “Gulf country” music and his Coral Reefer Band return to

passengers from all over the world being diverted to a small town in Canada

the motherland with a big ol’ bag of … hits including “Margaritaville,” “Come

on 9/11—is that the Tony-nominated musical is based on a true story. If you find

Monday” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” Hawaiian shirts, flip-flops and island

yourself in need of “a gale of goodwill” (The New York Times), come to here.

attitude preferred but not required.

fscjartistseries.com

jaxevents.com

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR EVEN MORE EVENTS.

More Than Just Their Final Moments Non-profit works to bring awareness to homicide cases gone cold Molly Britt

Jacksonville resident Ryan Backmann has witnessed firsthand the grief that comes from

the tragic death of a loved one. Fortunately, he was able to take his experience and turn it into something that could help others with their own grieving process.

PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITIES

TOGETHER REPORT HATE CRIMES

Following his father’s murder in 2009, Backmann was told the case had gone cold rather

quickly. It has remained that way for the last 12 years. After attempting to find answers and getting none, he fell into a “bad place” and ended up losing his job. He started attending support groups for families of homicide victims and realized there were others who experienced similar tragedies but were still able to work hard to provide for their families. Inspired by their stories and wanting to stop feeling depressed and angry himself, Backmann decided to “do something good and…help other people.”

In 2015, Backmann founded Project Cold Case, a non-profit for survivors of unsolved

homicide cases across the country. He currently serves as the group’s executive director.

Using his own personal experience as a homicide survivor and his knowledge of the

system, Backmann helps individuals and families going through similar circumstances. According to Backmann, the Project Cold Case’s relationships with law enforcement agencies enable them to “educate [the] families on the process of investigations and prosecutions, while also educating law enforcement on the traumatic impact of losing a loved one to violence and then having no answers and constantly wondering what happened.”

It took a decade to build relationships with law enforcement agencies, Backmann said,

but doing so has led to officers taking the time to meet with families and offer any information they have that may have been missed. The law enforcement agencies also refer survivors to Project Cold Case as a result.

The main focus of this organization is to raise awareness for cold cases, homicides,

specifically. Whether it’s a 3-year-old case or a 50-year-old case, Project Cold Case works to put them in the public eye. Every week their website spotlights victims and their lives, which is also shared across social media.

“They are not forgotten. They are still thought about, and we do still want justice for their

case, and this awareness campaign allows us the ability to do that,” said Backmann.

According to Backmann, Project Cold Case is multi-layered. They work to bring awareness

to the victims and their lives, which, in return, allows the families to put their words out there and know people out there care. They make an effort to define the victims life and relationships, not just their last moments. The organization also offers more resources, allowing a wider audience. This is done in hopes that the spotlight can reach at least one person with new information. The non-profit offers support groups to families of unsolved homicide victims, making their mental health and grieving process one of their top priorities.

Project Cold Case wants to be able to provide support to all families they are serving,

including peer-led and professionally-facilitated counseling. They recognize their clients’ need to heal from these situations they are coming from, becoming a major focus for the organization.

“We’ve recognized a huge need within mental health and people we serve…You just don’t

get over it. You don’t get over your loved one being murdered and taken by the hands of another human being and then not having any answers or resolution in it,” said Backmann. Visit projectcoldcase.org for more information.

1-800-CALL-FBI tips.fbi.gov

LISTEN LOCALLY Highlighting some hometown heroes who meticulously curate playlists for people who will listen to the same song for 10 days when given nothing different.

Public Holiday Spinakker Radio 95.5 FM & Soundcloud Public Holiday, a weekly radio show produced by UNF’s student-run Spinnaker radio 95.5 FM and airing Friday evenings from 5-6, consists of 60 minutes of mostly rock music and all its appendages. There is one rule, nothing after ‘98. With minimal interruptions, the show brings holiday cheer for all. —Holladay Harper

Fresh Squeeze by Jacksonville Music Experience Spotify & wjct.org/jaxmusic Some seriously musically talented people (and one not as talented) sorting through all the noise to hand pick music just for you? Yeah, it's great. I can't explain it better than the website itself: "JME contributors pick the juiciest noise emanating from Northeast Florida and beyond for our monthly Fresh Squeeze playlist. Featuring a few dozen new tunes from local, regional, national and international artists, there are no rules or genre restrictions; just songs we thought were worth a share." —Rain Henderson

Moment of Peace by PEACEKEEPER Spotify To put it simply, Peacekeeper is just another playlist series in the modern Spotify world we live in that is saturated with an abundance of user-generated and AI playlists. Instead of focusing on the well sought after "vibes" our current culture seeks, Peacekeeper is designed to be a mindset and lifestyle for music-loving individuals who are fluid in their musical taste and seek meaning in the songs that fill their days. Peacekeeper’s latest playlist, "A Moment of Peace," is nostalgia driven. Familiar indie songs from primarily the ’80s and ’90s sandwiched between current releases promoting similar subject matters. Acknowledging where your life might be at this time and finding the little things that bring you meaning. All you have to do is sit back and have a moment of peace. —Dave Ewing

HOROSCOPES Isa Barrientos Illustrations Em Spitler

SCORPIO You’ve come to feel comfortable in who you are, though you still identify as formless. It might seem that your partner is a loose cannon – remain as solid as you are. Supplement with affection and long conversations.

SAGITTARIUS You will deal with everything going on beneath the surface. The aim to better yourself could be stifled by something in the workplace, if not by your hostile selftalk. Lean on your words and your money.

TAURUS Pick your poison: love or work? There’s nothing to sacrifice but something to give. A new page will turn in your relationship. You’re bringing the turbulence. Your partner will provide stable ground for you to walk on. Be sweet.

GEMINI Your backed-up responsibilities will spill out in front of you to trigger a dark spot in your mind. Take care of the mess and your health to get your head together. Expect harsh words in the workplace. Fire back with a snide remark.

CAPRICORN With a look in the mirror, you’ll find that you are more beautiful than ever. Your social life will come to the forefront, and you will receive downloads in conversation on building a better world. Pursue your leisure time aggressively.

CANCER Financial opportunities begin to open up when you do what you love. The turmoil in your friend group might go right over your head – you’ll be too busy experiencing pure joy and reading love letters addressed to you.

AQUARIUS A new height in your career will have you floating on a cloud on top of the world. Mayhem in your home life will bring you back to earth. Keep it confidential. It’s a good time to make plans for the future as you are thinking big but playing it safe.

LEO Your day-to-day tasks will soon be bubbling with pleasure. Family takes on a new meaning for you, though it might be at odds with your position in the world. Balance it all on the awareness of the life you want to live.

PISCES Don’t be scared to ask for what you deserve. On your quest for meaning, your dreams keep getting bigger, your actions more intentional. A broken car and imaginary limitations can’t stop you from getting there.

VIRGO You’ll romanticize your life and the darkness within it. A different commute will lead the way to the life you always wanted. Find virtue in small talk with friendly neighbors. To philosophize is too much.

ARIES Numbers are on your mind, the ones in your pocket, the ones that you wish to have. Create a budget to avoid overspending, make room for fun with friends. Your natural charm on the job could bring you new opportunities for growth.

LIBRA You’ve found your wishing well, it’s dripping with gold. Each reflection that your eye catches creates a new vision, every glimmer has healing powers. Don’t get ahead of yourself when it comes to investments.

Philadelphia

Photo Luke Delguidece & Words Kasey Batchelor

Philadelphia is a band started by Jacksonville multi-instrumentalist Phillip Hess.

“For recording, I like to get out the basic ideas in Garage Band with a drum

Hess, also the bassist of the local band Bobby Kid, eloquently writes about life

machine, some simple parts, some vocal harmonies and other riffs. Then bring

changes, obsolete routines and driving to feel that fleeting sense of freedom while

that idea to the band and see how they interpret it,” explained Hess. “It’s a pretty

the sun sets in the rearview, all in a storytelling-like manner. The band was started

cool experience to hear how everyone adds to the song in their own way,”

about a year and a half ago and is the first project for Hess that is entirely his own. The songwriting process for Hess is one full of experimentation and spontaneity, “The name Philadelphia comes from the character Philadelphia Collins in Trailer

where a song will write itself through his process of playing with different methods

Park Boys. I thought Philadelphia as a first name was pretty great, and it might

and sounds until he figures out what he likes.

be fitting since it has such a close ring to mine,” said Hess, who sings and plays guitar in the band.

“It’s usually me picking up a guitar or sitting down at the piano and jamming on something until I come up with a riff or me playing something wrong but it actually

Philadelphia also includes Hess’s good friends Mason Jenkins (bass), Brian Lester

sounding cool. I try and write some scratch lyrics on the spot and then tweak them

(drums) and Caleb Hollan (guitar and keys) with Landon Gay contributing on pedal

as I figure out what kind of story I’m going for,” said Hess.

steel. Some notable bands and artists that have heavily inspired Philadelphia include Great Grandpa, Faye Webster, Owen and Slaughter Beach, Dog.

Growing up surrounded by an eclectic array of music including Herbie Hancock, Led Zeppelin, Phoebe Bridgers and Thundercat, Hess learned to appreciate the

The band’s first single, “Avon Park,” was released about six months ago. It is

artistic representation of a record as a whole.

a lovely tune that will make you want to get in your car and drive without any destination in mind. Soulful and mellow, “Avon Park” is full of beautiful melodies,

“The music, ... the album artwork and an interesting story surrounding a song

riffs, keys and pedal steel lines that work to accompany Hess’ heartfelt vocals

or album—that’s what I’m trying to accomplish with this band, and I’m excited to

and lyricism.

share it with anyone who wants to listen,” said Hess, who hopes to release the new EP in early 2022.

“The track was written after me and Mason, our bassist, drove out to Avon Park to pick up something for my car. The space was really big and spread out. The

“As far as the future goes for the band, it’s my first time really pursuing a musical

scenery and general feel of the place inspired the song to be about driving some

project as a front man and finding out the best way to share it with people,” Hess

place and having time to think on things and how freeing that experience can be.

said. “I would love to release this EP and play some shows around it. Also getting

I hope when people listen, they can capture what kind of image I’m trying to get

to travel and meet other musicians is one of the neatest aspects of playing shows

across,” explained Hess.

and touring.”

Currently, the band is working on an EP and recording at Pine Studios in

Philadelphia’s future is promising, and Hess, learning and growing himself, is

Jacksonville with the help of Taylor Neal (also a member of Bobby Kid and Teal

excited to share this project. The band’s authentic lyricism and warm, melodious

Peel). They recorded the single “Avon Park” at Jacksonville University.

sound work to distinguish the band. This project from Hess is definitely one to keep an eye on and is ever-deserving of all the support and praise it receives.

Ready for Take-Off!

Duval’s secret aviation fare will have your head in the clouds Casey Craig

Since the 1960s, a hidden gem, 12 miles west of Downtown, has been taking

earn their wings, he lends beginners this takeaway: “I tell people flying is just like

aviation mavens and thrill-seeking Jacksonvillians to new heights. Should you

learning to play a musical instrument: When you first try to do it, you’re awful. To

find yourself on the Westside, aerial adventures, including light sport aircraft and

learn how to play a musical instrument or fly, you’ve got to take lessons with a

skydiving, are awaiting you at Herlong Recreational Airport.

good instructor.”

Herlong is home to many flight organizations, including North Florida Soaring

Coming from someone with many years of experience, learning to fly may initially

Society and a chapter of The Ninety-Nines, an international organization of female

sound daunting to aspiring pilots, but Dickman offers some reassurance. “It takes

pilots. You’ll also find airline pilots from across the globe taking out their Cessna

you longer to be good at an instrument than it does to fly. But you’re always

planes and crop-dusters in their down time. Anticipating takeoff, one can observe

learning. The best musicians and pilots that I’ve known have been the most

the parachutes blossoming from hundreds of feet above—and flight students

humble.”

eagerly logging their latest set of hours upon landing. Planes trailing banners and the revving of ascending engines also decorate the open sky. Perhaps one

Becoming a pilot takes hundreds of hours of studying and flight training followed

of the most daring pursuits waits there on the grass, ready to take flight: taking

by a written test, similar to one taken to obtain a driver license. The good news,

the high skies in a glider.

however, is you don’t have to train to be a pilot to get a taste of the aviation lifestyle.

Gliders, which are quite popular in Europe and featured regularly in airsports, haven’t garnered as much fanfare stateside—yet. A glider is a fixed-wing aircraft

Herlong offers glider flights to the public Friday through Sunday. As part of the

that doesn’t rely on an engine; rather, it’s tethered to a single-engine plane which

experience, the pilot will prepare you for your flight, including a familiarization

pulls it into the sky until it reaches a certain altitude, typically around 3,000 feet.

with the parts of the two-person glider and safety guidelines. Then it’s off to the

Upon reaching that altitude, the pilot of the glider will pull a lever that detaches it

wild blue yonder where you’ll enjoy a 20-minute sight-seeing flight at about 3,000

from the plane allowing the glider to “fly”—with the assistance of air currents and

feet. While in the air, you’ll have plenty of photo ops, including secret ponds on

drafts—for about 30 minutes before having to touch down.

the Westside, incredible views of Downtown and a closer look at some of the additional traffic in the airspace.

If you’re lucky, you’ll spend an afternoon in the clouds with pilot and flight instructor

As to be expected, gliding over Duval is a true thrill ride with views of the city that

Marc Dickman who conducts many of the glider flights at Herlong.

can only be experienced with a trip into a troposphere.

The son of a former Cessna dealership owner, Dickman grew up putting together

As Dickman put it, “It’s the best kept secret in Jacksonville.”

model planes. After majoring in music in college, he decided to make his childhood passion of flight a reality.

For more information on gliding and the North Florida Soaring Society, visit nfsoaring.org

“I had been doing some remote control airplane stuff, and I decided that [getting my pilot’s license] was not going to be any cheaper, and I was not going to get any younger... so I found the North Florida Soaring Society and started comparing costs,” he said. “Economically, it’s much less expensive to fly gliders, to train in them and get your license. So, I got my glider license.” Since then, Dickman has logged many hours flying toward becoming an instructor, training pilots and introducing them to the joys of glider flight. “For me, flying is a hobby: I don’t play golf,” he mused. Aside from flying, Dickman works as an associate professor in UNF’s acclaimed jazz studies program teaching applied low brass and ensemble. His senior students benefit from his extracurricular activities, too, as they have the opportunity to be taken on a half-hour power-plane flight to Palm Coast for lunch, which is famously known among pilots as “the $100 hamburger.” Between being a musician and pilot, he notes a great deal of intersection between

NFSS photos

these interests and their practice and principle. For those who are wishing to

Isa Barrientos

Points Taco Showdow 14

3/5CORNER TACO

5/5TAQUERIA CINCO

The food-truck-turned-brick-and-mortar opened its doors on Post

Taqueria Cinco quickly became one of the city’s most beloved

Street in 5 Points in 2014 and has been a Riverside staple ever

restaurants since its opening in 2019. It’s seen great success

since. The taco shop is known for its chef-driven mission, quality

despite the shutdowns of the early pandemic and the seemingly

locally-sourced ingredients, and vegan and gluten-free options.

endless construction on Lomax Street.

The chalk paint on the glass front of the establishment tells its

The restaurant has an open kitchen upon entry with counter

age, reading “Semi-Swanky Street Food” and “Only the Swankiest

service for lunch and casual dining for dinner.

Ingredients” in a font straight out of a hipster handbook. So which is it? Semi-swanky or the swankiest? Inside, the lighting is dim

Even on the busiest shifts, the staff is always in good spirits, and

and the dad-rock music is just a little too loud. Staying true to its

you’re sure to be greeted with a smile. The menu is eclectic, but

Airstream travel trailer origins, Corner Taco’s got a minimalist DIY

stays true to authentic Mexican cuisine. The interior is gorgeous—

industrial ambiance: exposed metal, dark blue walls, a newspaper

florals, cacti, plants, and decor, but the back patio is really where

roll, string lights hanging from the ceiling. The dried-out greenery

it’s at, with a lush garden and ample seating to enjoy the weather

on the little bouquets at each table and the indoor plants’ dead

with your meal. They normally play some sexy lo-fi hip-hop music.

leaves make a compelling point on decay. I’m sure a depressed

Everything about the spot is fresh, comfortable and appetizing.

person with 2010s nostalgia would find it really epic. An horchata (the best drink I’ve ever had) and three tacos came I ordered three tacos and a Mexican Coke at the counter, which

out to $14.51.

came out to $14.99.

AIR: 3/5

Dijon buttermilk fried chicken taco placed on a bed of red cabbage and topped with sweet sauce and a cilantro sprig The popcorn chicken was the ideal texture, though, the taco itself

AIR: 5/5

Chicken tinga taco topped with onions, cilantro, pickled red onion and a creamy green salsa The shredded chicken had a beautiful, well-incorporated flavor with just a touch of spice. The quality of the tortilla comes through.

was painfully bland. Perhaps a bit more sauce would have helped.

LAND: Cumin/5

Housemade chorizo taco topped with a cilantro sprig

LAND: 5/5

Chorizo taco topped with cilantro and salsa verde It was as greasy and flavorful as chorizo should be. The tortilla

This taco was curiously cold by the time I got to it about three

was filled to the brim with meat, which made a bit of a mess, but

minutes into the meal. It’s made in-house, so the seasoning might

I had my fork in hand to pick up the pieces. 5/5

differ day to day, but on this particular occasion, it seems that the

SEA: 5/5

whole bag of cumin made it into the mix.

SEA: 1/5

Blackened mahi taco served on a bed of red cabbage with— you guessed it—a whole sprig of cilantro on top The mahi was salty and the seasoning came through more bitter than blackened.

Camarones taco topped with onion, cabbage, cilantro and a creamy pink sauce The shrimp was a little tough, and the taco had a chunky mouth-feel. The toppings made up for the shrimp, and it was still really good. This is hands-down my favorite taco spot in the city, and could

All in all, I think I’m too young to enjoy the ambiance of this place, and I much prefer a taco truck parked outside of a liquor store to this “swanky” fare. The Mex-clectic concept tries too hard and doesn’t deliver. The selections are reasonably-priced, though, and it’s a great location just out of the way from the madness of the 5 Points strip.

very well be the best on this side of the Mississippi. It’s bursting with good energy and quality food, and the owners are frequently seen walking through the restaurant and behind the counter. Every business owner should take notes. ATMOSPHERE: 5/5 FOOD: 5/5

ATMOSPHERE: 3/5 FOOD: 2/5 OVERALL: 3/5 PERFECT FOR: people looking for an intimate corner to share a meal in hiding, those who love the vibe of gentrification.

OVERALL: 5/5 PERFECT FOR: date night, taco Tuesday, convincing people from out-of-town that Jacksonville is actually a really cool city.

3/5904 TACOS

Universal PIctures

904 Tacos opened last year on the corner of Park and Margaret streets at the former site of Derby on Park. It’s the most recent venture by Blanca and Jesus Valencia, who own Salsa’s and Anejo Mexican restaurants across the state. Staying true to its prior form, the interior has diner seating with some added tiling for a traditional Mexican touch. They play old salsa and cumbia tunes, and the staff can be seen speaking Spanish among each other. The main outdoor seating area has a painted mural of a lady in sugar skull makeup holding a gun, a vaquero and Frida Kahlo, which can be seen from anywhere on that side of the strip. It’s refreshing how authentic the atmosphere is when Mexican food has been Americanized beyond recognition.

Thanks for the Laughs

Sweet pre-holiday entertainment from John Candy

It’s packed most every night of the week. Three tacos and an horchata came out to $18.56, though, they

Turkey fryers are flying off the shelves, and SiriusXM launched 19 holiday-themed

forgot to charge me the $5 for the drink.

channels three days into November. The holidays are officially here, y’all!

AIR: 3/5

But before you get inundated with shopping, cleaning, decorating, cooking,

Chicken taco topped with onions and cilantro

wrapping and re-wrapping because you forgot what’s in the box you just

The chicken was rather unsavory, but the hot sauce and big limes

wrapped, may we suggest stuffing your belly full of giggles with some of our

on the side saved the day. The corn tortilla was floppy and dry. 3/5

favorite ’80s flicks starring John Candy?

LAND: 2/5

Chorizo taco topped with onions and cilantro The flavor was good at best, but it had a peculiar crunchiness and chewiness to it that told me it was reheated and burnt. Grease level 0.

SEA: 4/5

Mahi taco topped with cabbage, tomato, cheese and an orange sauce This was an excellent taco, made with quality fish and toppings

Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) Candy and Steve Martin are truly a match made in comedy heaven as a series of misfortunes causes the two complete strangers to travel together and make it home in time for Thanksgiving. It’s basically a holiday miracle. parental advisory: Martin drops the F-bomb 16 times in the car rental scene. Uncle Buck (1989) Candy plays a bachelor who gets stuck babysitting his brother’s kids. Heartwarming and uncomfortable scenes all wrapped up into one funny flick.

that made the perfect complements. fun fact: Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson and John Travolta were also considered It’s a standard Mexican restaurant. The food is just okay and a little

for the role of Uncle Buck.

overpriced, but maybe with a few margaritas and some friends it would be better. Something about 904 Tacos feels unfinished

The Great Outdoors (1988)

and out of place, like it should be in Brooklyn and not Five Points.

Dan Aykroyd and Candy give new meaning to slapstick in this hilarious vacation-

I would go there on Cinco de Mayo.

themed movie featuring ursine acting legend Bart the Bear as Bald-Headed Bear.

ATMOSPHERE: 4/5

Amazing movie coincidence: Candy’s character Chett has a son named … Buck!

FOOD: 3/5 OVERALL: 3/5

Spaceballs (1987)

PERFECT FOR: diners seeking a true cultural experience, those

Directed by Mel Brooks, who also stars, this space opera parody mainly targets

who require compulsory chips and salsa at a Mexican joint.

Star Wars but also pokes fun at Star Trek, Alien and The Wizard of Oz. Candy plays Barf, a mawg (part-human, part-dog) who is way cuter than Chewbaca. Delightfully goofy. did you know? The term “space opera” was first used in the early ’40s, as a take-off on soap operas and horse operas, none of which involves arias or cadenzas.

Susan Clark Armstrong

BEFORE THE SHOW Acquaintances of Lenny Curry said he had always eyed the political big-time. In 2007, Curry became a regular at the Duval County GOP meetings. He was eventually elected chairman of the Duval GOP and in early 2011, after a concentrated political effort, the 41-year-old was elected Vice Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF). As vice chairman, Curry began spending time in Tallahassee, which is where he forged a close friendship with 42-year-old Brian Hughes. At the time, Hughes was working for Florida Sen. Jeff Atwater. He said he had been in the Air Force, taught at colleges and universities in New York, New Jersey and Oregon, and it was rumored he had a few minutes of a film and writing career. Disclaimer: The following account is told with a number of resources: interviews

In 2009, Hughes became a lobbyist and political consultant, and within a couple of

and information from brave sources on both sides of the political aisle, the Report

years, he gained a reputation as a scorched-earth-do-anything-to-win consultant/

of the Jacksonville City Council’s Special Investigatory Committee on JEA Matters

lobbyist. Some said Hughes had a “quick wit,” while others characterized it as a

conducted and written by attorneys Steve Busey and Kevin Blodgett (Smith Hulsey

“short fuse to a bad temper.”

& Busey,) media accounts, public records obtained by The Florida Times-Union and public records obtained by Folio.

When Hughes introduced Curry to Tim Baker, the duo became a trio. At 27, Baker was handsome, more polished and a lot less caustic than Hughes. Baker claimed

Elephant poo is a big deal at the circus…behind the scenes. Since the big beasts

to be from an “old California political family” in the San Francisco Bay Area. He

usually leave about 30 pounds of poop a pop, it takes a heap of planning and

said he got his undergraduate degree from Arizona State, did a short stint in the

effort to keep those who stepped-right-up from seeing it, smelling it and stepping-

Marines and went to Tallahassee for law school.

right-in-it. To manage the poo, some workers carry buckets in an effort to catch the plops and protect the patrons. The circus also has its shovelers, who try to make

If Hughes’ consulting style was scorched earth, Baker’s was Apocalyptic…complete

the poo disappear or at least keep it out of sight. Regardless of the effort, at times

destruction. Those who knew the two said Hughes and Baker delved deep into

the poop gets so plentiful that everybody needs to join in to contain it. But some

the lives of their candidates and stored information to be used either for those

from the circus clan, now and again, saunter right through the muck and pretend

they represented or against them. The two were a formidable force and became

they don’t see it, even when their turd tracks follow them.

very successful in Tallahassee and in other parts of Florida.

The Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) is one of the largest public utilities in

Those who knew Curry, Hughes and Baker said the three had grand plans. Curry

America. It is a not-for-profit that exists solely to provide clean, safe, efficient

would be the mayor of Jacksonville, then governor of Florida, and who knew

and affordable electricity, water and sewer to folks in the area. As a public utility,

how far after that. But, as mayor, Curry would need a colossal cannon to catapult

it’s governed by strict rules, regulations, laws and oversight agencies. These

him to the governor’s chair. This, sources said, was when the plan to sell the JEA

safeguards were put in place to protect the public from the greedy. It is also the

was hatched.

City of Jacksonville’s most valuable asset and contributes an average of $100 million a year to help pay the city’s bills.

Jacksonville is a vast city with considerable debt. Insiders said Curry planned to take billions from the JEA sale, pay off some of the city’s debts, give funds to

When Lenny Curry decided to sell the JEA to the highest bidder, the process of

city council supporters for projects in their districts and roll out a few pork-barrel

the sale turned the utility and City Hall into a full-blown circus. It wasn’t long before

projects that would bear Curry’s name. The mayor would be a hero after lowering

the elephants had made a mess, the shovelers were trying to hide the mess or at

the city’s debt. Sources said by the time the money was spent and the city realized

least convince all of Jacksonville to embrace the ordure.

they couldn’t afford to pay their bills without JEA’s yearly contributions, Curry could be in the governor’s mansion.

In the past, some mayors have toyed with the idea of selling JEA to a private company. But after a little research and a lot of public opposition, they decided

To make the plan a reality, the trio would need a lot of shovelers and those who

against it. Mayor Curry, however, decided to trudge right on through. And as

looked the other way. Any from a bucket brigade would need to be squashed.

with most circuses, there are several acts going on at one time. The audience’s

In 2011, Mayor John Peyton term-limited out and Democrat Alvin Brown ran for

attention is directed this way and that depending on what the Ringmaster wants

mayor against Republican Mike Hogan. In what was then the closest mayoral race

them to see and more importantly what he doesn’t want them to see.

in the history of Jacksonville, Brown barely defeated Hogan to become the first African-American mayor and the first Democrat to hold the position since 1991.

Some around Jacksonville say the mayor was a witness rather than a participant

Dave Bittner, Chairman of the RPOF was diagnosed with ALS, so Curry assumed

in the JEA scandal. But then, some folks from the front row up to the cheap seats

his duties. Hogan’s supporters said Curry, acting as chairman of the RPOF, got

say the mayor must have known what was going on, unless he had been in a

stingy with both funds and support during the campaign. They said Curry’s

coma…for three years.

direction was to purposely withhold funds and support because he thought Brown

would be easier to beat come 2015, when Curry planned to become the mayor of

It seemed Petway’s announcement was a sudden light bulb moment for the mayor.

Jacksonville. Hogan’s supporters still haven’t forgotten the slight.

A few hours later, Mayor Curry announced that Petway might be right…maybe

On June 3, 2014, Curry announced he was running for mayor of Jacksonville

it was time to take “a serious look” at JEA. He said he would work with the city

and Baker and Hughes got to work. The two said early in Curry’s campaign, they

council to begin the process to “explore the value of their public assets and how

became known as “The Boys” with the “…old guard Jacksonville people.” Those

utility customers in our city can best be served.” By all evidence the mayor was

interviewed from the “old guard” said they had never heard the nickname. They

way past the looking and well into the doing.

did, however, have other names for Hughes and Baker. On Dec. 5, the mayor announced Michael Weinstein, the city’s chief financial Some of Curry’s supporters were uncomfortable with Hughes and Baker’s hostile

officer and Melissa Dykes, JEA’s chief financial officer, would lead the effort “to

attack ads against Brown. Those who watched the race said it seemed Baker

move forward with Mr. Petway’s recommendation” to seek an “evaluation” of JEA.

and Hughes not only wanted to defeat Brown, but they wanted to destroy him.

The next day, Curry named Brian Hughes as his chief of staff.

Watchers said the close victory sent a message; if you want to win at all costs, Baker and Hughes are your guys. And they had plenty of takers.

The push for an evaluation moved quickly. The city’s financial management advisers, Public Financial Management (PFM), were directed to search for

When Curry took office as mayor on July 1, 2015, Hughes and Baker had ring-side

companies to assess JEA. On Dec. 20, 2017, PFM sent notices to companies that

seats. It was apparent they planned to help run the show. Curry hired Sam Mousa

would be tasked to study all aspects of the utility and determine its future.

as his chief administration officer and Baker’s wife as his second-in-command

Interestingly, the next day one of the mayor’s consultants (aka one of The Boys)

in intergovernmental affairs. Baker moved his office within spittin’ distance of

Tim Baker, signed a contract with Florida Power & Light (FP&L) through his

City Hall and Hughes eventually followed. Employees said, from the day Curry

lobbying/consultant company BCSP.

was sworn in, Baker and Hughes were regular visitors. And Baker was not just visiting his wife. When Curry wanted to pass a sales tax, “The Boys” helped lobby,

Since it would take several election cycles to put council members in place who

campaign and git ’er done.

were favorable to the sale, Hughes and Baker had begun vetting and representing individuals when Curry was elected. Baker, with a silent nod from Hughes, was

THE PL AYBILL

continuing the quest. Some council members represented by Hughes and Baker said one of the questions asked by the consultants was their position on the sale

The first step in the plan to get Curry into the governor’s chair would be to

of JEA. This was followed by consistent suggestions that JEA needed to be sold

secure an “amen” for the sale of JEA from its board of directors, the top tier

to ensure Jacksonville’s future.

of management. Board members were unpaid and appointed by the mayor for three-year terms.

THE BUCKET BRIGADE

The second hurdle to clear would be support from Chief Executive Officer

The city council’s auditor, Kyle Billy, was the first in the Bucket Brigade for the

Paul McElroy. Employees of JEA said McElroy was a learned, low-key and wise

folks of Jacksonville. Billy notified City Council President Anna Brosche, who was

grandfatherly type, who seemed genuinely devoted to the concept of JEA’s role

running against Curry for mayor at the time, that something hinky had gone on

as a public, not-for-profit entity. McElroy had been instrumental in guiding JEA to

with the search for companies who would evaluate JEA. It seems someone on

consistent profitability and under his guidance, JEA was named the No. 1 public

Curry’s staff had directed PFM (Public Financial Management) to bypass the city’s

utility in the U.S. out of 98 other utilities. (Mr. McElroy was not interviewed for

normal procurement process and instead directed the search to go through the

this piece.)

city’s treasury.

The third step in pulling off the sale would require help from JEA’s third tier, the

When Billy suggested the city needed to go through the proper procedures, Curry,

Senior Leadership Team (SLT). The SLT was composed of paid upper-management

Weinstein and some on the mayor’s staff were displeased with Billy. Curry wrote

who provided oversight, expertise and management at JEA.

that Billy had made an “erroneous assumption,” then Billy got an “…I’m extremely disappointed in you” email from Weinstein. (All of Kyle Billy’s information was

Once the approval from all at JEA was received, 51% of the Jacksonville City

obtained through Busey’s report.)

Council would have to vote for the sale. The council’s approval would seal the deal.

The reason for the dodge appeared to be an attempt to hide the directions that were given to PFM. They were not directed to find a consultant to “evaluate” JEA

SHOWTIME

but to find one who would coordinate “privatization of unspecified assets.” And the city wanted it done immediately. Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley

In what seemed an apparent effort to set the plan in motion, Curry fired JEA’s

were chosen to search for companies to evaluate JEA. Investigative reports show

entire board of directors and replaced them with those who appeared to be his

the investment banks understood they were looking for buyers, not evaluators.

loyalists. This had never been done before.

Records also revealed a not-too-well-kept secret in certain circles within the city. Although the search for a buyer for JEA was proceeding at exorbitant costs,

Tom Petway was a big-time contributor to the mayor’s campaign and was known

NextEra, FP&L’s parent company, had allegedly been christened the buyer. This

as Curry’s “confidant.” In 2015, Curry appointed Petway to the board of directors.

was the same FP&L that Baker, one of The Boys, signed a consulting contract with

On Nov. 28, 2017, as his last official act on the board, Petway announced that JEA

through his company BCSP in 2017.

was near its’ “peak performance,” and the City of Jacksonville should consider the benefits of the “privatization of JEA.”

City Council Member Garrett Dennis also became one of the mayor’s least favorites. Dennis told Action News Jax, “It is definitely the mayor’s agenda, and

Privatization then became the code word for “sale.” 18

I think as the process unveils itself, it’ll be apparent that the mayor is behind the

sale for JEA.” The mayor sent a “Well! I never!” kind-of-letter to the JEA employees

Undeterred, Curry’s chief of staff seemed to make good on his threats. Mayor

via the board.

Curry’s budget had set aside $8.4 million for infrastructure next to a university. One of the JCC members felt this was a worthwhile endeavor and was the face of

City Council President Anna Brosche, a certified public accountant, created a

the effort publicly. The city revoked the money and allocated it to another project.

committee to “understand all aspects and implications” of a potential JEA sale.

Reportedly, Hughes also tried to get a member of the group fired. The JCC got

The Bucket Brigade line was getting longer, and those who wanted more

a good laugh at that one. Members of the group began to hear unpleasant and

safeguards over the process were at work. Council Member John Crescimbeni

false rumors about themselves that came from Baker. “They did everything they

added another layer of compliance. He called for legislation to amend the charter,

could to stop us,” said a source. “It didn’t work. They didn’t understand they

which would require the voters to vote “yes” on the sale. It passed. This added

couldn’t leverage us.”

more time and more levels of approval needed to proceed with any sale. Insiders said this caused The Boys to bunch-up for a tent meeting.

SHAKING THINGS UP

THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

April 6, 2018, Paul McElroy, JEA’s then-CEO, resigned. This was good news to Zahn who immediately resigned from JEA’s board and applied to be the new CEO. Some

On Feb. 28, 2018 Mayor Lenny Curry appointed his biggest elephant, Aaron Zahn,

were shocked when the mayor gave the nod to appoint Zahn as interim CEO. Zahn

to the JEA board of directors. In March of 2018, the JEA board held a workshop

had been on the board a little over a month and had virtually no experience in

to discuss “Privatization.” It was Zahn’s first board of directors meeting. He took

utilities. Employees at JEA thought Melissa Dykes, the chief financial officer, would

the spotlight and became the whole show. Zahn presented a host of projections,

be named interim CEO and eventually named the next CEO. She had extensive

trends and liabilities about the company, which made JEA appear to be a big fat

and impressive credentials. However, Curry said he was confident in Zahn’s ability

loser in a “death spiral.”

to oversee JEA. Zahn was named interim CEO, and Dykes was named president and chief operating officer, a position created solely for her.

After Zahn’s show, CEO McElroy gave the opposite…a positive financial outlook for JEA. And to add to the mayor’s disappointment, Auditor Billy issued a financial

Folks at JEA had varying opinions and descriptions of their new CEO. A culmination

report that showed the JEA was in good financial shape. Their contribution to the

of all was: Mr. Zahn was a good-looking, arrogant, power-hungry, spiffy dresser

city for the 2017/2018 fiscal year was almost $117 million.

with a bad temper which often caused him to yell at people and use his favorite expletive meaning “to fornicate” or “fornicating” as different parts of speech.

Billy advised that once the city spent their allowance from the sale of JEA, they would have no way to replace JEA’s subsidy. He also

Employees said Zahn would play “All I Do is Win” by DJ Khaled at full-blast, “while he got down and sang and rapped along…sometimes in the hallway.”

pointed out that in the event JEA was damaged by a hurricane, a private owner would not be a candidate

While Zahn was rapping in the halls of the JEA, Curry’s Circus was running amok.

for FEMA funds. Utility rates would likely go up to pay

Fortunately, Jacksonville’s champions were manning the Bucket Brigade. The

for any damages.

Florida Times-Union (TU) was nosing around about the sale of JEA. Brosche’s

The feuding about the sale of JEA was starting to

committee was looking into Curry’s part in the sale, and the JCC was checking

get foul inside and outside city hall. A well-known

out everything. Employees and their union were fired up and protesting the sale.

Jacksonville group was paying attention. The group

With public sentiment against the sale, and the re-election campaign in full swing,

was the Jacksonville Civic Council (JCC). The Boys had

Curry announced he was no longer moving forward with his privatization plans.

met their match.

He blamed “a few special interests and politicians with an agenda.” On May 15, 2018, the board met and made a motion to put privatizations talks on “hold.”

The Jacksonville Civic Council, a group of well-

However, materials from Busey’s investigation showed Curry’s announcement

respected CEOs from different political affiliations and

was just a “smoke screen.”

diverse business interests, offered information and support to Brosche’s efforts. In good faith, they also

JUMPING THROUGH HOOPS

attempted to share the same information with the city via Brian Hughes. They had little success with Hughes.

To get to the governor’s mansion, Curry had a big hurdle to jump…and he needed

It appeared Hughes was closely monitoring the

the money from the sale to do it. The mayor’s team had touted the half-cent sales

Brosche campaign and discovered a CEO from the

tax to the public as a way for the city to pay off their portion of the unfunded Police

Jacksonville Civic Council donated money to Brosche’s bid for mayor. In true

and Firefighters Pension Fund. Only the tax wasn’t accomplishing Curry’s pledge

scorched-earth fashion, Hughes called a representative of the JCC and threatened

and he was getting anxious.

the donating CEO, as well as the whole group. Fortunately, Hughes and Zahn were ex-officio members of JAX Chamber, “I’m telling you, there will be consequences to his actions,” he warned. Hughes

Jacksonville’s Chamber of Commerce, and they attended meetings regularly.

was reminded that some members of the JCC had contributed to Mayor Curry’s

Investigative reports suggested Chamber President and CEO Daniel Davis

campaign as well.

whipped out his shovel, and maybe a little soap, to help Zahn and Mayor Curry produce a “Summit” meeting for JEA. The meeting seemed to be an attempt to

“I DON’T CARE!” Hughes yelled, “I’M TELLING YOU, THERE WILL BE

discourage union workers from their protests and to encourage a warm-up to

CONSEQUENCES!”

the sale.

The organization contacted an attorney. Since there was nothing “actionable” to

Davis’ Chamber formed Alliance of Florida, Inc. (AFI), a non-profit, on July 11,

the threat, there was no legal remedy for Hughes’ threat.

2018. Calendars show Davis had lunch with Zahn and Zahn’s secret business 19

partner, Deno Hicks, several weeks later. Davis’ non-

regulations, so the group needed someone on the inside to provide legal advice.

profit paid $300,000 to sponsor the JEA Summit, as well

In April, Zahn made Herschel Vinyard, one of JEA’s attorneys from Foley & Lardner,

as a $25,000 consulting fee for Hicks to help with the

an offer. Reports contend that Vinyard would get a large salary from JEA plus

meeting. AFI then sent invoices for both the sponsor

millions from the PUP when JEA was sold. Vinyard accepted.

fee and the consulting fee to Zahn, and Zahn used JEA funds to pay the chamber’s non-profit $325,000. When

The sale of JEA was back in the center ring. The new board of directors was in

questioned, Davis couldn’t remember all the details of

place, and now it appeared that senior management (the SLT) was on board for

these transactions.

the sale. Curry, Zahn and his SLT intensified their efforts to make JEA look like it was in the death spiral to the city council and JEA’s board.

Front line employees said they were paid to attend the Summit or what they called the “Aaron Zahn” show.

Curry was re-elected mayor on March 19, 2019 and was now term-limited. As soon

Both the mayor and Zahn gave presentations during

as the election was over, Curry’s employees at City Hall began switching hats. It

the Summit. Curry spoke first and said he wanted to

appeared Mousa wanted to follow the money, Hughes wanted to follow the power

give employees the straight scoop about privatization. He blamed the TU for

and Mayor Curry was tired and just wanted to follow the Jaguars and go to the

misinformation about privatization. Attendees said the CEO attempted to “dress

gym. After all of the shuffling, Mousa retired to start his own consulting firm and

down” by losing his tie and that he “ran around the stage with an earpiece.” Zahn

Hughes was named Curry’s chief Administrative officer.

nor Curry told employees that if JEA were sold, approximately 40% of them would be terminated.

It looked like The Boys had secured almost enough votes on the council to sell JEA. They needed two more. Baker was representing City council candidates

Not many were surprised when Aaron Zahn was officially hired as JEA’s CEO on

Randy DeFoor and Rose Conry, and it appeared they would both win. Only Baker

Nov. 27, 2018. Interestingly, Zahn didn’t finalize his employment contract with the

had an unpleasant surprise on Election Day. On March 19, 2019, Conry lost.

JEA for six months. Instead, he retained a legal firm to develop and negotiate his

Afterward, things appeared to go from bad to worse, as media reports showed

contract. He also used the services of several of JEA’s firms and the Office of the

DeFoor didn’t want to sell JEA’s water and began questioning everything about

General Counsel, the legal firm for the City of Jacksonville and JEA, to perfect

the sale.

the contract.

ZAHN’S SPINNING PL ATES THE JUGGLING ACT On May 16, 2019, Zahn finally had the contract he wanted. After negotiating Come January 2019, Curry’s city reeked of conflicts to all except those doing the

for a higher salary, Zahn finally accepted the same salary that 16-year veteran,

conflicting. City Council members said Hughes and Baker were working together

McElroy, was paid … $520,392 a year. He also received $3,100 a month for fringe

in the mayor’s campaign. Baker was consulting on several council members’

benefits, a half-million dollars for life insurance, healthcare and a yearly bonus of

campaigns, while both were actively waging war against Council President Anna

approximately $30,000. The most baffling benefit of all was that Zahn’s contract

Brosche. Hughes could not legally be working on a council member’s campaign,

was forever. Legal and employment experts said they had never heard of a forever

and there was no hard evidence he was…but insiders said he was actively working

contract.

behind the scenes on several campaigns. There is plenty of evidence he was working against Brosche.

Nevertheless, it seemed the CEO didn’t plan to stay forever. Apparently, Zahn’s attorneys considered the sale of JEA in the contract and not only negotiated

And Baker’s hands were full. He was working as a lobbyist/consultant for the city,

a golden parachute for Zahn’s departure, but they also negotiated a very soft

who was trying to sell JEA. Baker was also a lobbyist/consultant for JEA’s sale and

landing. If JEA was sold or if Zahn decided to move on, he would leave with an

a consultant for FP&L, the likely buyer of the JEA.

amount between $840,000 and $1.1 million.

When Zahn became interim CEO, his senior leadership team was initially not too

Investigative reports show Zahn went on a shopping spree with JEA’s money.

keen on their new boss, but over the course of 2018 and 2019, their opinions

He hired legal firms to represent JEA for the sale and the services of the Dalton

seemed to change. The SLT began sneaking around to undisclosed pricey

Agency, a public relations firm, to help sell the sale of the utility. The agency “co-

locations for meetings, hiding financial reports, creating separate sets of financial

authored or revised editorials” to appear in the media to support “privatization.”

information which did not add up, and hiding public records.

The PR firm created “talking points” for the sale. The agency also did on-camera leadership training and taught the senior leadership how to spin the negatives of

Zahn quickly steered the leadership team to negotiate a “golden parachute” for

the sale and the termination of employees into positives. JEA paid them $25,000

separating from JEA. He presented the SLT’s contracts, worth millions, and got

a month.

them passed with the board. But the team was keeping an even bigger secret for their boss. Back in 2018, while still interim CEO, Zahn began creating a plan

At the June board of directors meeting, Zahn recommended the board approve

that would give him millions when JEA was sold. In what appeared to be an

a lease for a new Downtown headquarters. He didn’t tell them a new Downtown

effort to buy their silence and their cooperation, Zahn made the SLT members

building would put JEA in a financial bind, unless JEA was sold. The board

beneficiaries as well.

approved it. The media reported Baker was retained to help acquire land for JEA’s new Downtown headquarters.

Zahn’s package was called a Performance Unit Plan or PUP for short. The CEO

had tasked Ryan Wannemacher, his chief financial officer, to create the formula

Somewhere in the midst of this circus, Zahn forged a close ally. Lynne Rhode, who

for the PUP. The PUP would have to navigate strict public utility oversight and

had worked for his former company, BCR Environmental, was now an attorney at

the Office of the General Counsel. Rhode was carrying legal water for Zahn. She

A week later, Zahn sent FP&L employee Baker confidential financial information

worked with Zahn’s other legal firms to attempt to bring the PUP in line with Florida

regarding JEA…when no other bidder, reportedly, received the information.

Law for public utilities. Rhode too was added as a beneficiary of the PUP by Zahn.

However, not everything was show ready. Behind the Big Top of the Club

But there were some speed bumps. Elizabeth Columbo from Nixon Peabody in

Continental, things were getting muddy. According to investigative material,

New York, another one of JEA’s legal firms, sent Wannemacher (JEA CFO) and

Michael Munz of the Dalton Agency told Zahn at the meeting that the PUP was a

Vinyard (JEA legal counsel) an email on May 20, saying their firm had determined

“stupid” idea, and Zahn threatened to cancel the agency’s lucrative contract. A

the PUP was not legal under Florida law. The memo was given to Rhode, a new

member of the senior leadership, who was a beneficiary of the PUP, told him the

member of the PUP. It appears she shared it only with Zahn and Dykes.

PUP looked bad from a “PR perspective.” Vinyard, also a beneficiary, told him not to go forward with the PUP.

On June 17, 2019, attorneys from Rhode’s firm, the Office of General Counsel, issued a memo giving a conditional okay for the PUP, but identified specific laws

CHARMING SNAKES

the plan must comply with before it could proceed. Rhode received the memo, and shared it with the same four leadership members.

On July 23, after a short presentation, the board of directors signed a resolution to sell JEA.

On the same day, Aaron Zahn, Melissa Dykes, Ryan Wannemacher and Herschel Vinyard took a secret trip to New York City. They met with the law firm of Pillsbury

By July 31, Zahn had hired a horde of lawyers, numerous consultants, a public

Winthrop Shaw Pittman. Stephen Amdur, Zahn’s college buddy, was an attorney

relations firm and a few investment banks. They all met for a strategy session. It

with Pillsbury. Also at the meeting were two of the investment banks that had been

appeared the attendees knew NextEra-FP&L would likely be the buyers. Listed

chosen to help with the sale of JEA, J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley. Although the

under “considerations/questions” on the agenda was “Is the clear buyer for JEA

sale of JEA was not authorized, the purpose of the trip was to discuss the sale.

NextEra (FP&L)?” The same day, Baker terminated his contract with FP&L, leaving

Back in Jacksonville, Zahn and his team were busy. They met with the JEA board of

his legacy to Mousa.

directors’ compensation committee. The committee was responsible for employee benefits at JEA. They presented the PUP as a “long-term compensation plan” to

Curry was crowing, Zahn was rapping, and the SLT was counting their money.

keep valuable employees. Rhode and the SLT failed to mention Nixon Peabody’s

Meanwhile, Zahn was sucking up JEA’s money like a vampire loose in a blood

legal objections or the Office of the General Counsel’s conditions to the plan.

bank. The mayor and his herd kept up the sinking ship reference about the

The board of directors committee blindly agreed to present the plan to the full

JEA, oftentimes going to amusing extremes. City Council Member Matt Carlucci

board for approval.

questioned the sale in a tweet, and Zahn called him at home and used his angry voice. Auditor Billy was regularly bombarding JEA with 22 questions about the

The spinning continued. On June 25, after their meeting with the compensation

PUP but getting no answers. And reporters at the TU were relentlessly giving the

committee, the SLT met with the full board. Zahn, Dykes and Wannemacher

mayor and his team no reason to like them.

gave yet another exaggerated presentation of JEA’s demise. Since the sale was, supposedly, not an option anymore, the senior leadership put together alternate

To further increase the secrecy, Zahn’s team began the process of hiring an

scenarios which, they said, might help JEA to survive. It wasn’t clear if their

outside company to pay out the PUP, when it became available. Presumably,

scenarios came from their PR firm or were created in drunken binges. In any

this would shield the massive payments that would be coming to Zahn and his

case, some of the information they presented was pure fantasy.

designees from front line employees, the public and the press. The company was to “piggy-back” the PUP payroll on another client’s

JEA’s board was concerned and asked them to come back to their July meeting

payroll that had no relationship to JEA

with more information. Several days later, the board agreed to begin negotiations

for “privatization” and to engage Pillsbury to act as JEA’s attorneys for the sale.

OGC’s attorney Rhode was shoveling fast. Instead of

Zahn’s buddy and Pillsbury attorney, Stephen Amdur, signed the “engagement

asking Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office if the

letter.” The date was June 27, 2019, but Pillsbury’s contract was backdated to be

PUP was legal, she wrote to the AG and asked that

retroactive on Jan. 1, 2019. Turns out, Pillsbury would also get an elephant-sized

she “confirm that the PUP is not subject to” Florida

“success bonus” if JEA was sold.

Statutes. When one legal firm identified several problems with the plan, Rhode challenged the firm

BULL-HANDLERS

saying the PUP had been evaluated by “four subject matter expert attorneys…” It is not clear if Rhode

Events that should have taken months to prepare, whooshed along in weeks.

knew that “evaluated” and “approved” were defined

A big-ticket meeting was set up for July 10 and 11 at the Club Continental in Orange

differently.

Park. The purpose of the meeting was to begin preparations to send invitations to companies to negotiate for the purchase of the utility…even though FP&L’s parent

Since there were still some Jacksonville firms that Zahn hadn’t hired for JEA, he

company NextEra had allegedly been christened the buyer.

hired more: Carlton Fields, The Radley Firm, and Hopping Green & Sams. He also hired Milam Howard Nicandri & Gilliam to “confirm” Rhode’s work.

Baker was in attendance and made a presentation to the group advising them how to progress with the sale—while still employed at FP&L.

In September, someone in Zahn’s group directed their attorneys at the Office of the General Counsel to institute a Cone of Silence around all aspects of the JEA,

The day after the Club Continental meeting, FP&L hired Mousa, formally the chief

which included their PUP. The Cone required anyone who was involved in any

administrative officer for Mayor Curry, as their lobbyist/consultant for a “base fee”

way with JEA to remain silent. The utility warned employees their pay would be

of $90,000 a year.

docked if they “made unauthorized statements…” Shortly afterward, the OGC

Carla Miller, attorney and the City of Jacksonville’s ethics expert, determined it

also silenced the heads of the Jacksonville City Council…they were no longer

was not ethical for Zahn’s SLT to be negotiating with bidders for the sale of JEA,

permitted to utter anything pertaining to JEA’s sale.

since they would directly benefit from a sale. Rhode disagreed. Miller suggested they all go to the State Ethics Commission for an opinion.

The poo was deep and stinky around the circus. Council members told Folio that they were warned it would be “political suicide” to oppose Curry, Hughes and

According to Busey’s special investigative report ,the Jacksonville Civic Council

Baker. Some did, they said, and were punished. Sources did not want their names

were still very much out in force. They had hired their own attorneys, accountants,

used, or the illegal and frightening events that happened to them mentioned, but

utility experts and consultants, and were the first to publicly announce the

the message was clear… bad things happened if you opposed the sale of JEA.

process to sell JEA was flawed.

The elephants, shovelers and those who looked the other way thought they had won. But Curry’s people grossly underestimated the Bucket Brigade.

OurJAX was working as diligently behind the scenes, as well, to shine some light on Curry’s Circus.

NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES Eventually, attorneys with the Office of the General Counsel and Foley & Lardner A series of fortunate events would change the course of the JEA sale. A

met with Zahn, Vinyard and Rhode. Pillsbury’s attorneys joined by telephone.

prominent Jacksonville citizen called in some powerful forces to fight back

OGC’s Jason Gabriel told the group the PUP was illegal under Florida statutes.

against Curry’s minions. Influential people from Tallahassee and Orlando were

After the meeting, Zahn quickly sent Gabriel a letter saying JEA senior leadership

assembled, along with distinguished Jacksonville citizens who were aware of the

“has decided to postpone indefinitely the implementation” of the PUP. However,

egregious acts of greed surrounding the sale and didn’t like bullies. The group,

billing statements show the CEO continued to have JEA attorneys work on the

later called OurJax, gathered information and boldly challenged the sale and

PUP. The team also continued to work with their private payroll company to

Curry’s premise that JEA was heading in a downward spiral.

hide the PUP payout.

The good deed of another local citizen further weakened Zahn’s hold on the

Judging by Busey’s report, the council’s auditors had a whiff that Zahn was

JEA. The media’s public records requests regarding the sale of JEA were being

moving forward with the PUP anyway.

ignored and/or colossal charges were imposed to obtain records. This citizen had a close professional relationship with attorney Barbara Peterson, president

The city’s auditors weren’t deterred and on Nov. 18, city auditor Billy issued a

of the First Amendment Foundation in Tallahassee. Peterson and her foundation

memo which detailed disturbing facts about the PUP: The plan was specifically

quickly and quietly had some teachable moments with JEA and a few with the

tied to the sale of the JEA. Zahn had the PUP structured so the JEA would also

city. Public records began to flow.

have to pay specific taxes on the millions Zahn and his team would receive. The CEO could give a piece of the PUP to anybody he wanted. Billy’s memo went

Zahn and Vinyard were now nervous. They advised JEA

on and on with bad news.

attorneys to stop sending emails outbound because they could be “potential public records.” But that didn’t stop the

Rhode obviously didn’t appear keen on going to the state’s ethics commission

attorneys from emailing members of their own firm. Busey’s

regarding the probable conflict of the negotiating team. Not willing to give up

report detailed emails between two of Zahn’s attorneys. One

yet, emails show Zahn and Hughes, with the mayor’s approval, chose a new

said the PUP payout could be a billion dollars. “I was on a

team. They were Stephanie Burch, Hughes’ second in command at the city, City

call with two rational men Friday afternoon…They were talking

Treasurer Randall Barnes and City Engineer Robin Smith. Nonetheless, Zahn’s

about the need for a grand jury in light of the (PUP),” said one

SLT would still manage the new team, defining themselves as “subject matter

attorney. “Pigs v hogs,” replied the other.

experts.”

Council Member Garrett Dennis had another unpleasant

A workshop was held by the City Council on Nov. 25. Mayor Curry spoke before

surprise for the keepers of the sale. On Sept. 24, Dennis made a motion to hire

the council with all the emotion he could muster, just short of crying. He called

independent attorneys to investigate JEA’s process to negotiate with buyers for

JEA in its present form a “government-run monopoly” and warned of “increasing

the sale and the PUP. The council approved the motion.

rates…declining revenues… shrinking employee base.” The mayor punctuated his passionate homily with “I will oppose any effort to stop the planning process

On Oct. 4, 10 days before JEA would select the final bidders to buy the utility,

because of baseless conspiracy theories and unprecedented negative onslaught

Baker and Mousa chartered a jet to take a group to an Atlanta Braves Game.

from a small segment of the media…”

Mayor Lenny Curry, Aaron Zahn, City Council President Scott Wilson and Brian Hughes were invited to jet to the game. Everyone on the plane was playing a

The next day Council Member Randy DeFoor officially put Aaron Zahn’s PUP-py

part in the sale.

to sleep. She proposed a resolution to terminate the PUP. Matt Carlucci and Joyce Morgan co-sponsored the resolution and the council passed it. The PUP

Florida statutes ban lobbyists from giving and city officials from getting gifts of

was dead.

more than $100. Mousa and Baker were flouting Florida law: They were both lobbyist/consultants for Curry’s city. Baker was advising and lobbying for JEA.

By the first of December, Zahn should have changed his Khaled-themed win-

Mousa was lobbying/consulting for FP&L, who was allegedly the buyer of JEA,

song to Dire Strait’s Money for Nothing. At last count, Zahn and the mayor’s

and also being paid by Foley & Lardner to lobby for JEA.

circus had hired at least 24 consultants and/or attorneys and racked up over $10 million dollars in fees, with invoices still rocketing in. In return, so far, the good folks around Jacksonville had gotten…nothing.

THE SHOW MUST GO ON

approved the plan, Rhode said she understood the OGC had given “authority”

In what appeared to be an attempt to keep the sale negotiations from the public

for the plan to move forward.

and the press, the final meetings to select the buyer of JEA were set to take place in Foley & Lardner’s Atlanta office.

TIME TO TAKE A BOW

Carla Miller wasn’t backing down. She believed that negotiations for such a

The JEA board of directors met on Dec. 17, 2019.

monumental sale should meet all ethical mandates. To ensure this, she wanted to have a seat at the table during the process in Atlanta. Rhode did not agree…

Board Chairperson April Green made a motion to officially terminate the PUP. She

strongly. Nevertheless, Miller was approved to go to Georgia.

also made a motion to terminate their CEO. And Zahn’s golden parachute was not going to fly with Green. She insisted on firing him “with cause” and had a list

When Miller arrived at Foley & Lardner’s office, she literally had no seat at the

of the causes. Green might have had another good reason to be perturbed. The

long massive meeting room table. Instead, she found a small chair, sat by the

board’s blind acceptance of Zahn’s plans made them look like a bunch of clowns.

window, using her lap and the floor as desks and the window sill for her coffee

Aaron Zahn did not win. He was fired “with cause.” Melissa Dykes was at the

cup.

meeting. Although she had played a large part in Curry’s Circus, she was made interim CEO. “We have work to do to restore trust with the community,” Dykes

Miller had concerns that some of the “shade” negotiations should have been

said with a straight face.

public. The ethics attorney began emailing OGC’s Jason Gabriel, with concerns. She copied Rhode on the emails, which made Rhode’s face turn red. Rhode

On Christmas Eve morning, Chairwoman Green called the board for an

emailed Gabriel saying the ethics attorney’s assumptions were “plain wrong”

emergency meeting “based on the recommendation of Mayor Curry… .” The

and based on “a personal and political agenda rather than any legal basis.”

board cancelled the sale of JEA. The meeting was called, affectionately by some

It was a ho-hum moment for all, except the other bidders, when NextEra-FP&L

and bitterly by others, “The Christmas Eve Massacre.”

was finally named the successful bidder for the sale of the JEA. Lenny Curry’s Circus sale was over.

THE FINALE The City of Jacksonville, with Mayor Curry and pseudo-mayor Hughes, was no Mayor Curry seemed a little desperate. On Dec. 12, Curry sent a letter to

longer a welcome place for those who held the buckets for the people of the

JEA’s board recapping the false narrative of the utility’s death spiral. His letter

Jacksonville area. Kyle Billy and Carla Miller retired. Members of the council

insinuated most of the folks in Jacksonville weren’t smart enough to know what

who publicly battled the sale and Curry felt they would face Baker and Hughes’

was going on with JEA’s business and, thus, should not be commenting. Although

wrath, come re-election time. Some say they won’t run because they don’t want

the sale of JEA was under the city charter and had to go through the city council,

to put their family or themselves through “malicious, and/or false allegations and

Curry advised the Board to “tell senior leaders and their advisors to conclude”

rumors.” They point to Council President Scott Wilson’s race for Duval County

the sale by the end of January.

Clerk as an example. Wilson opposed the sale. Ironically, the Braves photo, with Wilson sitting with Baker, Curry, Mousa and Hughes, was used to vilify Wilson

On Dec. 16, City Council Member Rory Diamond called the Circus together. Most

during the election. He lost.

all of the stars showed up, except the Ringmaster himself, Mayor Lenny Curry. The big bulging elephant in the room was Aaron Zahn. Wannemacher, Vinyard

As interim CEO, Melissa Dykes fired Ryan Wannemacher who had helped Zahn

and Rhode appeared, but Dykes was conspicuously absent. Many from the

create the PUP. She fired him by email and “with cause.” He took nothing with

Bucket Brigade were there, too. But this time they were not catching anything;

him.

instead, they were hurling it back during the comments section of the meeting. And the TU was there to tell the people of Jacksonville all about it.

Every member of the Curry-appointed JEA board of directors left voluntarily, citing reasons nobody believed. The rules for nominating JEA’s board were

Many of the council members had hard questions for Zahn, his SLT and some

changed, allowing city council to appoint board members.

board members. But Zahn and his team seemed to have memory issues. When JEA’s new board took over, they fired Dykes…in person. Dykes and the Final records show that NextEra-FP&L’s $11.05 billion bid for JEA would have

remainder of the senior leadership were terminated “without cause.” They were

allowed Zahn and his team to divvy up the payout of approximately $1.1 billion.

able to keep the lucrative employment package Zahn had arranged for them.

Yet, Zahn didn’t remember who started the PUP, who got the PUP or how much

Paul McElroy came back as interim CEO. The new board of directors offered

they would get. He said he didn’t know he was the person who would divide

him his job back. He resolutely declined but agreed to stay until a new CEO

up the PUP to anyone he wanted. He also failed to recall there was no cap on

could be hired.

payouts. Lynne Rhode anticipated things were not going her way and resigned. On her Materials from Busey’s firm proved Zahn had tasked Wannemacher with creating

way out, she hurled some allegations at General Counsel Jason Gabriel, and

the formula. Spreadsheet calculations were found in Wannemacher’s possession

he flung them back.

and he had modified them, but he had PUP-amnesia as well. Council members and eminent citizens in Jacksonville have called for Hughes Two JEA board members said they voted for the PUP because Lynne Rhode

to be removed as Curry’s mayor-man. Curry just looked the other way. Baker

confirmed that her Office of the General Counsel approved its legality. Yet, the

and Hughes still roam the halls of the city.

OGC had not approved it. When asked about her statement that the OGC had 23

There were others who either willfully or unwittingly boarded Curry’s Circus train. Their names were left out of this account, not because they were innocent, but for lack of space. The Investigatory Committee officially began work on January 20, 2020. Steve Busey and Kevin Blodgett spent over a year investigating the sale of JEA and the PUP. They interviewed 47 people and gathered 600,000 documents before issuing the Report of the Special Investigatory Committee on JEA Matters for the City Council. The first page of the report is bright white paper with a single quote in bold script in the center of the page. The quote is by Michael Ward, former CEO of CSX Railroad. “Government without transparency is a breeding ground for mischief.” The attorneys found lots of mischief and little transparency in the city government and JEA during the ill-fated sale of the utility. The reports revealed “evidence of coordination” among the Curry administration and FP&L regarding the attempt to sell JEA. It also revealed that Aaron Zahn had lied during the process. The sale was fraught with conflicts of interests. In his book Crusader’s Cross, James Lee Burke wrote, “Our undoing is in our collective willingness to trust those who we shouldn’t.” Indeed, Jacksonville’s undoing was their willingness to trust those in Mayor Lenny Curry’s Circus. But then, in the battle of good versus evil, the redemption came from the heroes, the Bucket Brigade, who fought the untrustworthy—and won—and are still standing watch. Now it’s up to the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Federal Grand Jury to sort it all out.

The State of the River vs. The State of My Mind Rain Henderson

It’s Thursday, I wake up late, the sun hasn’t been rising as early these days, and

The French Dispatch soundtrack mimes the horns honking on the street below

it’s pounding rain for the first time in a month. I’m cold, I throw on pants and slide

my office window where I see rain flying in all strange directions. Is it snowing?!

into the computer seat awaiting the pop of my bagel. Burned, I eat it anyway. The vegan butter seeps through the paper towel onto the desk. An email reads:

I'm left with this:

”October has been nearly record-setting in terms of tornado activity across the United States and more severe weather is forecasted on Thursday for areas from

“In summary, the future outlook of the health of the Lower Saint Johns River Bed

South Florida to the Carolinas.”

(LSJRB) wetlands depends upon detailed, accurate, consolidated recordkeeping of wetland impacts, the cumulative impact of parcel-by-parcel loss of wetland

Brakes squeaking worse than normal, I pull into the gas station in my Isuzu Rodeo

ecosystem functions and services, and the success of wetlands enhanced,

with its cow print interior. The $1,500 gas-eater was a quick fix for my previously

created, or restored,” the report read. “Given the continued trend of mitigation

flooded Nissan Versa. Droplets bouncing off my jacket at a slow pace, I thank the

via purchase of mitigation credits and off-site conservation areas in place of

clouds for holding it in while I complete the dreaded task of filling my tires with air.

on-site mitigation and the implication of sea-level rise in combination with the

Crouched and staring into the nothingness, I gain consciousness and notice the

development occurring in the LSJRB, the outlook for local wetlands in the LSJRB

sewer. It’s about to overflow. Feeling lucky my parking spot Downtown is raised,

does not look promising.”

memories start pouring in. Riverside is notorious for flooding. For several years now, trash blocking the flow

Read the full report at sjrr.domains.unf.edu.

of stormwater paired with unworthy pipes, more severe weather and the river’s high tide floods the streets, totals cars and remodels living rooms with about five minutes of heavy rainfall. In September of this year, city officials announced plans to spend $1 million to improve drainage in the northwest section, west of Riverside High School, increasing pipe size from 36 to 48 inches to accommodate rushing waters. But the project is only in its design phase. The State of the River Report was published last month. It’s Friday, a week later. I read through the heavy, 363-page document that contains years of research and findings on water quality, wildlife, contaminants and the state of our wetlands. The report gives wetlands an unsatisfactory red arrow, meaning conditions are worsening. Many low-budget, elementary school field trips to the St. Johns River taught me this is bad news. Wetlands help minimize flooding, a threat that rising sea levels poses to our peninsula. Urbanization is a key factor in the degradation of the wetlands. Though permits have been put in place, they seem to reflect the capitalist nature of our government and look something like this: 1) permit-seekers should first try to avoid wetlands; 2) if wetlands cannot be avoided, then permit-seekers should try to minimize impacts; and 3) if wetland impacts cannot be avoided or minimized, then permit-seekers must compensate for the losses. Wetland mitigation banks have become a popular way to “compensate for unavoidable impacts that occur as a result of federal or state permitting processes'' (National Resources Commission, 2001). That’s nice but does compensation ever really fix the problem? Brain-fried and hog-tied by anxiety and words I should’ve remembered from college, I scroll to the end of the laborious River Report in search of positivity.

Foar From Home Vincent Dalessio

Paddling a rowboat across the Atlantic Ocean might seem like an impossible task to some, but to Billy Cimino, Paul Lore, Cam Hansen and A.M. “Hupp” Huppman (aka team Foar From Home), it’s the perfect vehicle to bring awareness to their message: 22 military veterans die by suicide every day, and resources need to be more accessible to those struggling with PTSD and other mental health issues. The Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge is a 3,000 mile race wherein 30-40 teams or solo racers paddle unsupported from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean. The world record time is 29 days, but most teams finish in around 50 days, which is Foar From Home’s goal. Each team must pack everything they need to survive and navigate during the race, leaving minimal room for comfort. The race has been described as one of the hardest mental challenges on Earth. Cimino, Lore, Hansen and Huppman’s collective journey started years ago when the Amelia Island residents met at a live music performance Hupp put on at their favorite watering hole, Pajama Dave’s Beer Garden. “Veterans tend to seek each other out when you're in a crowd of people, whether it's through your T-shirt or your hat,” Lore said. The four men hail from varying military backgrounds, yet found common ground in their interest in mental health issues, among other things like their love for the ocean and the healing energy it provides. Inspired by a crew of veterans from Colorado who raced in 2018, they decided to use the race as a tool to bring mental health issues of veterans into the spotlight. Although this movement started with four, it’s become an entire community. Or as the team likes to say, “It takes an island to cross an ocean.” The authenticity of this crew has made it able for them to connect with the community. They have described the community's response as one of

A lot of mental health issues experienced by service members stem from

the greatest grassroots movements they’ve ever heard of. What started

the military’s reductive ideology on how soldiers should be: hardened

as a small group of donors from Amelia Island has grown to donors from

and strong. This can be helpful in combat but can cause problems once

all over the nation. Foar From Home have found themselves as a leading

service members return home.

light for veterans everywhere. “The military grinds into you that you're only as strong as your weakest The impact of post-military service mental health issues is not as

link, and nobody wants to be that weak link. So to admit that you have

uncommon as one would hope. Communities carry the weight of lost

some sort of chink in the armor is admitting that you're the who could

veterans, but it is the family members and fellow service members who

potentially be that weak link,” Lore explained. “I think that's something

carry the heaviest burden. When veterans hear about one of their own

that every branch is taught. And you just rub dirt [on it] and keep

dying by suicide, regardless of whether they personally knew them or

moving on, right? There's no pain, there's no time for that. You just keep

not, they grieve as they were all part of that big unit serving the country.

pressing on.”

“I recently read something that talked about when you go in the military,

This team is working to change the stigma of mental illness and show

one of the first things you [have to] do is be willing to give up your life

there is strength in showing vulnerability, and the community has

for something greater than yourself,” Lore explained. “It’s considered

responded in a big way: Foar From Home has already raised nearly

honorable to give up your life for your country, and .... [some veterans]

$600,000 to create scholarship endowments for veterans looking to

still hold that value of, well, if I give up my life, I'm doing it for something

further their education or change vocations because sometimes, Lore

important or something honorable, But there has to be a switch that turns

said, “a career change in life can make all the difference.”

off when you walk away. That's not the path.”

Prepping the boat for the route to Africa

They also plan to use funds to support local resources for veterans who

Aside from major donors, Foar From Home’s Sponsor a Mile program has

are struggling, like Firewatch, a phone hotline that connects callers with

been its main source of fundraising. With a donation of $100, supporters

veterans trained for intervention, and K9s for Warriors, which pairs at-risk

can dedicate one mile of the team’s paddle to a person or cause they

veterans with service animals rescued from kill shelters. K9s for Warriors

want to recognize. Donors are notified directly by the land crew when

has a 99% success rate through 10 years of the program but currently

the mile is crossed.

has a waitlist filled for the next few years. The team is looking to help expand the kennel facility, increasing availability of dogs to those in need.

To learn more about the team, the race and ways to support the movement, visit foarfromhome.com. If you or someone you know needs

While on the water, the team will run on a 24-hour cycle: two men row

immediate help, call 911 or the National Suicide Hotline at (800) 273-

for two hours, then spend two hours sleeping, relaxing and preparing

8255.

for their next shift while the other two men row. The boats are incredibly compact, and each team member has about 5 feet of space for sleeping and essentials. The crew has packed enough food for each person to consume around 5,000 calories a day even though they are expecting to burn about 9,000. They explained that this paddle is a small sacrifice for the cause. Their mental fortitude can easily be accredited to their military experience.

BOM: BIRDIES /

COURTNEY BAT

YKEFER

Tell me about your self. What do you do for fun outside of work? I’m currently a ful l-time student stu dying Midwifery an d that is where my heart truly is. I am obsessed with women’s rights an d providing the best possible care for families and ex pecting birthing pe ople. When I’m not fully immerse d in learning abou t babies and pregn ancy – I have fun just spending time with my friend s and family, going to shows and exhibits, spendin g time outside, an d longboarding. I’m a big fan of staying home and lighting candles an d watching tv or rea ding books – gotta have that time to decompres s. You started barte nding when Birdie s reopened under new ownership last year. What wa s It like to be at the heart of the team that brought it back? It was exhilarating! We all worked dilige ntly to bring Birdie s back. The crew is a mixture of old and new – wh ich is so unique. I wa s intimidated but the neighborho od was welcoming . The buzz was a cool thing to be a part of. You’ve worked in the service indus try for years, but bartending is relatively new to you. What was the learning curve lik e when you were studying the ins and outs of the bar world? My learning curve existed on the pla ne of me just being new behind a bar—learning the art of shaking, mi xing, and being in the spotlight 24/7. I did some ha rdcore studying of mixology and too k Bar Smarts to close the gap of knowledge. Co dy Mashni and Ta ylor McMahan were my teachers and that was really the key to me co nquering the learning curve.

You’re studying to

between that and

be a birth doula. Ha

bartending?

ve you drawn any

connections

I’ve noticed that ultimately people just want to be he ard and taken care of properly.

What do you love

places you’ve wo

I love the history

about Birdies? Wh

rked?

at makes it stand

out from other

of Birdies. The bu ilding it’s in holds significance and has many stories to tell. Birdies sta nds out to me be cause it is the perfect mixture of dive bar, dance clu b, and craft cocktai ls. The people watching is also prime in the heart of 5points. You’re in such close quarters with oth er bars and restau rants that you rea lly get a sense of community.

What makes a gr eat bartender? Wh at’s the best part of the job? Being able to read your guests, comm unicate effectively , be engaging, and be knowledge able. To be a great bartender I truly be lieve you have to care about the guest experience. The best part is the flexible hours, small crew that ha s become family, great hours if you’r e a night owl, sustainable incom e, representing Ja cksonville for locals and visitors. What’s the crazie st thing you’ve se en in your time the re? The after hours blo ck parties on the we ekends. Go to Park St after 2am and you’ll see wh at I mean. How do you balan ce your cocktail knowledge with serving simple mixed drinks on busy nights? Do you prefer a busy night or a slow night where you can put more atten tion into what yo u’re making? Repetition is key when balancing cocktail knowled ge and serving simple drinks. I lik e to brush up on my cocktail knowledge and discuss specs with others in the industry. Yo u never forget ho w to make the simple drinks. I pre fer a busy night be cause you get to cro ss over into the speed aspect of bartending but let it be known tha t a leisurely night can be just as entic ing when you get to showcase your skills and get to know your gues ts. 30

Street League Skating Rolls into Town Photos & Words Vincent Dalessio

When Lenny Curry stood at the podium in Riverfront Plaza last June announcing Street League Skateboarding’s Super Crown Championship stop in Downtown, the skateboarding community stood divided. This weekend proved the Super Crown to be a uniting force that Jacksonville needed. Downtown buzzed with energy as herds of skaters pushed through the streets to the park, a sight rarely seen these days. The crowd was dominated by the youth, but people of all ages experienced skaters and kooks and non-skaters scattered the stands. The 4,000 seats were filled, and the standing room was packed to the gills. Although the opposition still showed face in the form of “Skateboarding is a Crime” t-shirts and skaters choosing to skate the curb out front of the makeshift arena rather than watch the event, they still were there, showing up to represent Jacksonville. SLS skater, Enjoi Pro and Thrasher’s January cover subject, Samarria Brevard, talked about her appreciation for this city. “Jacksonville really showed up and showed out for us. All the skaters showed out but I think Jacksonville actually won it. As far as the crowds go, they were supportive the whole time and I loved the energy. This is sparking so many people right now,” she said. “So many little girls are getting sparked up. I've met so many little kids already that are just super hyped, and this made them even more hype, so I think it's gonna explode everything.” SLS holding the Super Crown in Jacksonville will have a lasting impact on this community. The world’s top representation of skateboarding went down in an area of Jax that needed it most, the Urban Core. Skateboarding is an incredible outlet for kids and this event has made the skate community more visible to the rest of the Jacksonville population and showed the attendees its value as an outlet for kids looking for a path in life. The photo gallery below is a testament to Jacksonville unity.

“SLS is really giving Jacksonville skaters the opportunity to view skateboarding as something more than just a sport or more than something that's not gonna take them anywhere. This shows you can do something with your skating if you focus, if you dream big. And I think that Jacksonville can be a destination skate spot, if we really start to embrace the industry and embrace what skateboarding can do for our people.” Maranda Spinweber, a local resident involved with helping curate the alternative culture in Florida

Grom Paradise Photos & Words Rain Henderson

After 15 years in San Diego, Super Girl Surf Pro stopped in Jacksonville Beach, making it the first professional women's surfing competition to be held in our city. And Super Girl it was. Big names like Carissa Moore, 2020 Olympic champion and five-time WSL Women's World Tour Champion, and Caroline Marks, the youngest woman (and Floridian) to compete in WSL, amped up the scene. After every heat the Sharpies and cellphones ran to the water's edge to capture big memories for small girls. Conversations from the crowd bounced from math homework to board lengths to where to stand to see longboarder Jazmine Dean walk on water. Inspiration was ripping and tears were flowing. This was no place for anti-tour free-surfers, only competition and idolization. The weekend seemed to be a defining moment for scrapbooks and lightly painted walls of freckled pre-teens.

Sign up Your local weekday newsletter for news and ways to get involved in Northeast Florida. HERE’S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING... “I read my first official new letter this morning and felt like you were spot on. Looking forward to reading many more articles from you. Keep up the amazing work.” - Raychael in Arlington “Just wanted to say I just signed up and am so encouraged by what I am seeing with this platform. Local journalism is the foundation of democracy! Best of luck with this endeavor.” - Ron in Avondale “Thank you for offering our community an informed, in-depth resource. I am grateful.” - Carol on the Southside

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(Sequential) Coffee Talk

Inside the outside of Riverside’s newest conveyors of caffeine Shelton Hull

The orange-and-white trailer pops in the morning sun. It catches the eye from

Sequential is all about the coffee, but at the same time, it’s not really about coffee

blocks away. A lot of folks have wondered what’s going on there, so here’s the

at all. The business model reflects the owner’s own strongly progressive views

deal: For most of the past year, Sequential Coffee has operated out of what had

about the product, and those who produce it share his vision. Everyone is paid

been a vacant lot near the corner of Park and James streets in Riverside. “Before

the same, including the owner, and the employees are treated essentially as

that, we were out at the Town Center, for a few months” says Ezell, “but it just

stakeholders in their ever-growing brand.

failed out there, because people wanted their Starbucks drive-thru. So we pulled in over here, and on the first day, we started to break even.”

"This place now pays for itself and the staff, and it’s basically a billboard,” says Ezell. It has also helped contribute to the neighborhood. Poet Lenny Thiessen, who

Ezell is a veteran of the city’s cultural scene, having not only worked as a bartender

used to own the flower shop in Avondale, is now out there selling vintage vinyl on

in a number of local establishments, but also performed at many of the same

Tuesdays. Ezell even commissioned a wooden sign that stands at the corner of

places, in a variety of local bands. All the while,he was always looking for the next

Park and King, promoting not only his company, but all of the businesses selling

step in his evolution, and opportunity arose in the most unlikely form: a broken

coffee in the area, including local favorites like Cool Moose and Southern Roots.

back. That took him out to California, where he quickly fell in with the booming

“I picked the location because it’s three blocks from my house,” says Ezell. “I used

coffee culture in that area.

to manage the comic book shop across the street, and I’ve been eating hot dogs from the Hot Dog Lady since I was in high school. I used to go to school right over

“I got involved with that by accident,” he says. He took a job with Boot Coffee

there, at West Riverside Elementary. So this is home, for me, and I want it to feel

Consultin, which he found on Craigslist, and between his quick mind and relentless

like home for everyone.”

work ethic, immediately found himself learning the business from top to bottom, from soil to sip. One thing he quickly learned while watching the industry from

As the staff has grown, that has freed up time for Ezell to focus on other aspects

the inside, was how much the coffee business really depends on the workers--not

of the business, like roasting the coffee beans and bagging up the product for

just baristas, but especially the people who grow and collect the coffee, which

retail sale. Plans for expansion are already well underway. There will be a brick-

typically grows best at higher elevations in the Southern Hemisphere. As is too

and-mortar version open in Springfield early next year, with a number of related

often the case, workers in that region are ruthlessly exploited, and they rarely end

projects also in the works. Ezell and Salvat plan on starting an open coffee lab

up pulling a fair share of the massive profits generated by their labor.

on King Street. He and his colleagues are working to bring the area’s coffee

“One of the things I really loved about working at Starbucks, back in ‘99,” he says,

producers and retailers together to share resources, materials and expertise with

“was the customer interaction, which is why I got into bartending--it pays better.

each other. Sequential has also begun collaborating with Folio, serving up free

But it’s different with coffee, because everyone is kind of waking up, instead of

coffee and mocktails at our monthly rooftop gatherings during Artwalk. “I don’t

winding down, so you get to see a different side of people, including our friends.”

need to see money from any of this stuff,” he says. “I need to see the community

The transition from decades spent up late to being among the earliest of risers

growing.”

was, for him, not nearly as difficult as it might be for most. Entrepreneurship has its own stimulant effect, but let’s be honest: Ezell has never really needed coffee to

“To be honest with you, this is a capitalist front for a socialist agenda,” Ezell says.

keep his energy levels up. But this story is not all about him, as Ezell emphasized

“It’s a front for joy.” The name “Sequential Coffee” directly references the concept

repeatedly during our interview. “It’s not about me, it’s about us,” he says of his

of “sequential art”, aka comics. Their logo features a capybara, which is known

colleagues, whom he affectionately refers to as “comrades”.

for being one of the friendliest animals. Steve Ezell is a pretty friendly animal, too, but there is a method to his lack of madness. “Why try to get people to work for

Just as he learned the business, each employee is trained in all aspects of the

you,” he says, “when you can work with them?”

craft, giving them valuable experience and a skill-set they can carry with them, wherever life takes them in the future. “I didn’t expect much from it, at first,” says Molly Walsh, who is essentially the co-pilot of this particular ship, and who is also nonbinary. “But we really created kind of a family here. We’re super supportive of each other, and we hear each other out, which is very important to me. As an AFAB person, I’ve never really been heard before, and that means a lot to me. We don’t make assumptions here. We see people for who they are, and that’s pretty rad.” Ezell partnered with his friend like Jon Shepard to brew the business, which is now in its second year of operation. The real MVP, though, has been JP Salvat, the coowner of Southern Roots, who runs his own thriving coffee roasting business when he’s not busy playing percussion in the salsa band LPT. Paco’s Coffee, located right down the street, has been indispensable in this process. (Full disclosure: Shepard directed LPT’s video for “Los Bravos”. Their first album, the award-winning “Sin Parar”, was released on Bold City Records, which the author is a co-owner of. Their second album, “Se Quema El Mundo” was just released, on a different label, and it’s fantastic.) 37

We’re launching back into Best of Jax. From retail and dining to civics, BOJ 2021 is going to be stellar.

NOMINATION

Starts Monday, November 1 & ends Wednesday November 17. Top fives nominees advance to the voting ballot. No write-in canidates.

NOMINATION

Begins Thursday, November 18th & ends Friday, December 17th

WINNERS

Announced Wednesday, January 19th 2022

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untold stories an oral storytelling event on the theme of

ebbs and flows original stories told by

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of the 2021-2022 season

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NOVEMBER 27, 2021 AT 8:00PM THE FLORIDA THEATRE

BUY TICKETS AT THE BOX OFFICE, FLORIDATHEATRE.COM OR CALL 904.355.ARTS (2787) Poster-Ebbs and Flows w/ storytellers & photos2.indd 1

39 10/8/21 11:59 AM

FOLIO CROSSWORD 1

18 20

29 34 39

26 31

36 41

Solve this puzzle like a regular sudoku, but instead of using numbers, use the letters C-U-M-BE-R (for Jax City Councilor LeAnna Cumber) to fill each row, column and 2x3 block.

M C

U R

32 38

55 59

E U

E B

FOLIO-KU

46 51

CLUES

I N B E D

F A V E

C A S A S L U R T A P E E N O P R A O R G X I I I U R B S L I D

T O H E U R D S S H S H O S U A N P P O W N A A O R M N M E I E T S

G A A D B A N G E T I R W O F E L A N F D A T O W H S B Y E R O T A M A N

F S I K N I T N A I E T S M E S A G S

W A R T

A G E D N U T O

E N I G M A T I C

U B N E O N M O N T E

A R I A L

I N D E X

E M B U C R

U R C B E M

M B U E R C

R C E M B U

B U R C M E

C E M R U B

24 Toyota model 25 Pho, e.g. 26 Shakespeare's "___ Night" 30 QVC rival 31 Cod piece 32 Comedy Zone bit 34 Footnote abbr. 37 Puzzling 38 Athlete's rep 40 GI's address 41 Hubbubs 42 "Uh-uh!" 46 Phillips & Hunt, e.g. 48 Mike Buresh weather word DOWN 49 "Whatever you 1 Pensacola winter want!" hrs. 50 Scot's denial 2 Fla. neighbor 52 Upscale Honda 3 CW17's comic book- 53 Sophia of "Two based show starring Women" Melissa Benoist 54 Sleeping, say 4 O'Connell Center, 57 "Who's there?" reply e.g. 59 Top choice, for 5 As a result short 6 "___ the ramparts..." 60 Binary digits 7 Yak 61 Muffin stuff 8 Slow, in music 63 ___ Kippur 9 Droops 64 JIA posting 10 Witch's blemish 66 Card game cry 11 Type type 67 Cooper of Electric 12 ___ Carlo President 13 Textbook section 19 Foam ball maker 21 Some AL batters 23 Tic-tac-toe loser

L O R E N

51 New homophone 52 Ring master 55 Oohs and ___ 56 Intend 58 Toe the line 61 Software test 62 Jags coach 65 Well-worn pencil 68 "Canterbury Tales" character 69 JU frat letter 70 Not yours 71 Peru peaks 72 IRS guy 73 UNF bus. class

A C U R A

ACROSS 1 Home to Ponce de Leon 5 Roman robe 9 Wise guy 14 Drunk's tipoff 15 Kind of hunter 16 Jax city councilor Bowman 17 Scotch ___ 18 Jags coach's favorite Jax coffee shop (or favorite bar activity)? 20 Some Seminoles linemen 22 Develop in the womb 23 She has her OWN network 25 Recipe word 27 Luthor of "Superman" 28 Com kin 29 Attention seekers 33 Vnlvcky nvmber? 35 Take to Duval County Court 36 Blue-and-yellow megastore visible from I-295 39 Jags coach's pregame Xs and Os? 43 Docking spot 44 Rx watchdog 45 Did something knotty? 47 Jax city center

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ADULT ADVICE SHARI AND TERRY JAYMES

My Dearest of Dumbs, I’m a 26-year-old woman who fell deeply in love with a man almost twice my age. It would take all day to share all of his amazing qualities with you both. This is an issue, though, and I was hoping you could shed a little light on it for me. I have a great job as a pharmaceutical sales rep and I get paid very well. More than his current salary. He has a great job too and he’s a very hard worker. But he’s constantly saying, “You’re going to leave me for someone who makes more money.” Or “a doctor will eventually sweep you off your feet.” Or “your parents don’t think I’m good enough for you.” Stuff like that. I do my best to show him how much he means to me. But I have to admit his low self-esteem is turning into a turnoff. Help a sister out. Malory PVB, FL TERRY: Well, well, well. Look what we have here. Another guy who needs to be told he’s loved and worthy every six minutes. SHARI: I love you, Terry. You’re the best ever. TERRY: Another classic Shari joke. SHARI: Seriously, Malory, you’ve got a guy who is intimidated by you and for good reason it sounds like. But that’s not what you want in a mate. I don’t get guys that have to make more money than their female romantic partners. Honestly, no one goes around with a sign on them saying how much money they make, so no one is going to know. Which means you two are the only ones to know. It appears to me that he thinks he’s been emasculated somehow. TERRY: And you’re kind of making it worse by telling him what he wants to hear. It’s time to tell him what he needs to hear. He needs a big dose of reality. The reality is that he has to know this is getting old and it’s making him unattractive. SHARI: Agreed. Tell him it’s a turnoff! Tell him if he continues, it will be a self-fulfilled prophecy. TERRY: I know this sounds cold, Malory. Be calm, kind and firm when you talk to him. He will get his feelings hurt, but you have to remain strong. Tell him “one last time” that you want to be with him and that the ball is in his court when it comes to how this will all play out. SHARI: I do feel for the guy. It sounds like he’s crazy about you, but he does need to hear how you’re feeling about this. TERRY: You have to ask yourself, do you want to spend the rest of your life making sure his feelings aren’t hurt. Wait until you have a road sales trip. Wait until you’re 30 minutes late from work. There is an art to dating someone younger. The people that are able to make it work are the people who are confident and supportive. I have faith that he can dig deep and find both of those qualities within him. But I wouldn’t give him much time to figure it out.