Council President Flies on Billionaire's Jet | Jacksonville News

Jacksonville City Council President Nick Howland took a private jet ride with billionaire Tampa Bay Rays owner Patrick Zalupski to a baseball game in St. Petersburg — a trip that raises eyebrows amid Zalupski’s deep ties to Jacksonville’s political and business scene. While Florida law bans gifts over $100 from lobbyists, political committees can legally cover lavish travel expenses by valuing them at commercial ticket prices. Zalupski, who also sits on UF’s Board of Trustees, hasn’t commented, but former council member Matt Schellenberg called the arrangement suspicious and lacking transparency — sparking fresh debate over ethics and accountability in local politics. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/aaea115481385b95