by Fred Seely
Editorial Director
It was the annual Jacksonville Day in Tallahassee this week to lobby for programs which affect the Northeast Florida area.
It was the 17th year the City and the Chamber co-sponsored the visit, which was co-chaired by Blue Cross lobbyist Mike Hightower, who also serves as chair of the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee, and Mayor John Peyton.
“I think we have built a reputation that our day is the best,” said Hightower. “Many cities do it, but no one shows the strength that we do. Just about everyone of our political and business leaders comes for Jacksonville Day.”
The list started with Peyton and included Chamber chair Barry Allred of Elkins Constructors and the chair-elect, Bob Helms of Wachovia, at least 10 City Council members, including President Lad Daniels, State Attorney Harry Shorstein, School Superintendent John Fryer and almost all of the School Board members, college presidents John Delaney (UNF) and Steve Wallace (FCCJ) and lobbyists such as Marty Fiorentino, Tom Slade, John Thrasher and Janet Owen.
The day‚ extended over two days and started Wednesday with a VIP reception in State Senate president Jim King’s chambers. A reception for all attendees in the old capitol building was held Wednesday evening.
There were two major presentations during the Wednesday reception:
• An oversized gavel and a humorous “proclamation” from Peyton described King as a “parliamentary tactician and veritable legislative genius in spite of his quiet, demure and retiring personality,” and lauded the senator for his work in getting “a fair share for North Florida.”
• A gift to City Special Events Director Theresa O’Donnell Price for her work over the years, presented by Chamber chair Barry Allred.
A Thursday morning breakfast gave the visitors a chance to mix with the Duval Legislative Delegation and then everyone headed for the Senate chambers to be formally welcomed by King.
After that, the Jacksonville contingent went around to offices and committee meetings to lobby legislators on North Florida issues. A barbecue in the Capitol courtyard concluded the event.
Most of the state’s large cities have a day‚ to impress state officials.
Jacksonville’s is considered the best attended, but others also leave good impressions, for instance, Miami features its Cuban heritage with a big paella buffet, and the Panhandle cities combine for a big seafood spread.
“I think people here are impressed that so many people come over from Jacksonville,” said King. “Strength can be in numbers. It shows that we’re serious about this.”
The trip also had its social time. The old capitol reception cleared quickly after Hightower, Allred and Peyton spoke and many headed to the stretch of taverns along nearby South Adams Street to enjoy a warm evening and outside seating.
Peyton hosted a dinner for the trip sponsors at the North Tallahassee restaurant.