Councilmember Nick announces bid for Jacksonville City Council vice president; colleagues offer endorsements

Councilmember Nick formally announced his candidacy for Jacksonville City Council vice president at a council meeting, saying he is “honored and humbled” to seek the role and asking for colleagues’ support. “I called this meeting to formally announce my candidacy for, city council vice president,” he said, and outlined priorities he has emphasized during three years on the council: public safety, job creation, infrastructure and fiscal responsibility.

Nick described his council work and committee experience, saying he has served “as chair of rules, as chair of finance, as chair of waterways,” and that he has been a liaison to JSO, the Police, Fire and Pension Fund, and the Jacksonville Housing Finance Authority. He also said he will soon be liaison to the Jacksonville Aviation Authority. On veterans’ issues, Nick said he runs a suicide-prevention initiative that collaborates with the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs and collects data to target programming.

In his announcement, Nick said he would work collaboratively with the council president if elected vice president and pledged to ensure every council member’s voice is heard: “I won't take a vote until everyone has had a chance to talk. I won't adjourn a meeting until everyone's had a chance to add their input after we've gone through the agenda,” he said.

Council members responded with public endorsements and offers to sign a pledge of support. Several colleagues praised Nick’s meeting management, communication, and fiscal experience in finance and rules committees, and highlighted his veteran advocacy. Some speakers also noted the need for council leadership to defend municipal authority against state and federal encroachment and to focus council attention on city-level priorities.

No formal leadership vote or appointment occurred at the meeting; the gathering was an announcement and solicitation of endorsements. Councilmembers repeatedly said they would sign Nick’s endorsement pledge and expressed confidence in his ability to serve alongside the expected council president, though the announcement did not include any formal motion or recorded vote.

The meeting concluded after roughly 28 minutes of remarks and responses, with multiple councilmembers offering brief personal recollections of working with Nick and affirming their support. The council did not adopt any new policy or take formal action during the announcement.