JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – At a Tuesday afternoon meeting, members of Jacksonville’s City Council voted for Kevin Carrico to serve as the next president, replacing current president Randy White, who has concluded his year in the position.
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At-Large council member Nick Howland was selected to become the council’s next vice president.
Carrico’s promotion comes after serving as the council’s vice president for the last year, following the trend of council vice presidents going on to become presidents.
Both Carrico and Howland are Republicans, and among the 14 with positions on the city council. There are five Democrats.
The new leaders are now tasked with beginning the process of setting a city budget, which starts in mid-July once Mayor Donna Deegan presents her budget proposal and will end in September.
Other issues Carrico and Howland will contend with in the next year are the city’s plans to replace the aging Duval County Jail, and addressing the recent gun registry controversy, the latter of which came to light about one month ago.
City councilman Ron Salem had asked the now former council president, Randy White, to create a special investigative committee. However, the state attorney’s office, which is currently investigating the matter, asked the city council to wait before proceeding with its own investigation.
Carrico and Howland will begin their new leadership roles on July 1.
The meeting can be watched in its entirety below.