by Fred Seely
Editorial Director
Jacksonville welcomed its new mayor Tuesday evening.
A full house at the T-U Center — and, with live television, thousands more — saw John Peyton sworn in and heard him offer pledges to keep the city growing by being “innovative and progressive” and not raise taxes along the way.
Peyton’s 15-minute speech was interrupted by applause 21 times as he promises to work for more businesses, more jobs and better education.
Peyton’s upbeat speech included an angle rarely mentioned in the campaign: the search for new businesses.
“I’m going to lead a jobs crusade across America,” he said after picking up a frequent theme: “I see a city that represents the best America has to offer.”
Peyton’s day was a long one, starting early with a religious service and continuing until late with a post-inaugural party outside the T-U Center.
The ceremonies are now over; he officially reports for work today.
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The skyboxes, as the Moran Theater’s loges are irreverently called, went to key Republicans including the party leadership and state legislators. A few Navy brass shared one box.
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The ceremony was scripted for television and came out perfectly. It started at exactly 7 p.m. and the final piano chord of Symphony conductor Fabio Mechetti and wife Aida Ribeiro sounded at 7:55, just right for the local stations to wind up and hit the 8 o’clock sitcoms.
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The five former mayors present — Hans Tanzler couldn’t make it — were gathered with Peyton after the ceremony for photos and one reporter’s digital camera stalled.
“Hurry up,” said Jake Godbold, “it’s past (76-year-old Lou) Ritter’s bedtime.”
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There was a lot of applause. In addition to the 15 ovations before, during and after Peyton’s speech, there were another 21 times. The biggest? Peyton’s introduction of former sheriff (and the man he defeated in a runoff) Nat Glover.
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The stage was packed with elected officials and one was late and another didn’t make it. Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist snuck in 15 minutes late; Rep. Ander Crenshaw was a no-show.