Public corruption is once again rearing its ugly head in Jacksonville. In the headlines are two public officials under
indictment and one former public official suspected of unethical if not illegal behavior.
Under investigation by the FBI and local authorities for the past two years, former Port Authority Chairman Tony Nelson,
pleaded not guilty Monday to 44 counts of bribery, mail fraud, money laundering, lying to the FBI and conspiracy to commit
all of the above.
Nelson, who came to fame as Executive Director of the Florida Black Business Investment Corporation(FBBIC) in the 1980s, found himself accused after using bullying tactics against a major Port Authority vendor. His actions set the
FBI on the trail of his other business interests. The Florida Times Union has dedicated weekly headlines on Nelson’s
exploits since 2008.
Across the street from the Federal Courthouse is Jacksonville City Hall. There, retired naval officer, former Beaches Mayor
and newly elected City Councilman John Meserve awaits his trial. Meserve is accused by new State Attorney Angela Corey of practicing real estate without a license, netting him $105,000 in profits in Mayport, Florida during the time he was Mayor.
Meserve’s attorney is attempting to dismiss a third-degree felony charge against him. Governor Charlie Crist has suspended Meserve from office.
In the same city council chambers there is the appearance of unethical behavior by a lawyer-councilman involved with the controversy
over selling advertising onJacksonville Transportation Authority(JTA) bus stops. Councilman Jack Webb, who has chaired a council committee to determine if bus stops would be allowed to be advertising
venues, supported the idea being proposed by the JTA. After pressure from anti sign advocates, Webb recently revealed that
JTA is a client of his through his law firm Brennan, Manna and Diamond.
This is not the first time that Webb has been caught in the light of unethical behavior. During the Trail Ridge landfill issue in 2009, Webb took on as a client, the opponent of the company Mayor John Peyton selected to run the landfill. Again,
an issue in which the councilman would have a vote.
In neither case has Councilman Webb issued a declaration of conflict of interest before voting on the matter. Nor has he
excused himself from voting..
