NewsCreative Loafing TampaSeptember 4, 2026Hillsborough
Jacksonville City Council President Nick Howland used private jet owned by developer for travel to Tampa Bay Rays game
Jacksonville City Council President Nick Howland traveled to a Tampa Bay Rays game at Tropicana Field via a private jet owned by real-estate developer Patrick Zalupski. Howland stated the trip was related to his political committee activities.
Read the full story at Creative Loafing TampaWhy It Matters
The incident involves the intersection of private travel, real-estate development interests, and local activity, raising questions regarding transparency and ethics in local government.
Key Facts
Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.
Who's Mentioned
personRon DeSantis“Appointed Zalupski to the UF Board of Trustees.”personJordan Elsbury“Registered lobbyist.”organizationFlorida Freedom PAC“Howland's political committee used to justify the travel expense.”organizationCreative Loafing Tampa“Publisher of the article”locationTropicana Field“Location of the baseball game”personNick Howland“Traveled on a private jet to a baseball game for a political fundraiser.”personMatt Schellenberg“Criticized the optics of the private jet travel.”personPatrick Zalupski“Owner of the private jet and appointee to the University of Florida Board of Tru”personLenny Curry“Reportedly present at the game; registered lobbyist.”organizationDream Finders Homes“Real estate company with multiple registered lobbyists in Jacksonville.”organizationTampa Bay Rays“Professional baseball team”organizationFlorida Trib“News outlet that questioned Howland”