NewsCreative Loafing Tampa BaySeptember 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 Tampa BayWhy It Matters
The incident highlights the intersection of private travel and activity involving a local elected official and a real-estate developer.
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 University of Florida Board of Trustees.”personJordan Elsbury“Registered lobbyist.”organizationFlorida Freedom PAC“The committee used by Howland to justify the travel as a fundraiser.”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 fundraiser.”personMatt Schellenberg“Criticized the optics of the travel arrangement.”personPatrick Zalupski“Provided private jet travel for a city official.”personLenny Curry“Reportedly present at the game and registered as a lobbyist.”organizationDream Finders Homes“Company founded by Zalupski that employs lobbyists registered with Jacksonville ”organizationTampa Bay Rays“Professional baseball team”organizationFlorida Trib“News outlet that questioned Howland”