C
ity Council member Ron Salem's demand for Gateway Jax to disclose all individual investors in its firms sparked a debate with fellow council members about his own past investment in JWB Real Estate Capital, which backs Gateway Jax. Salem had up to $1 million invested in JWB before divesting last year and claims he has no conflict of interest in voting on related matters.

    Salem's request for full disclosure was met with skepticism by Cyndy Trimmer, attorney for Gateway Jax, who called it an "irregular" and "inappropriate" request. Trimmer suggested that if council members want to know about potential connections between investors and the land swap, Gateway Jax can research this through email under the state's Sunshine Law.

    Council member Chris Miller agreed with Salem on full disclosure, while Tyrona Clark-Murray expressed surprise at Salem's demand, noting his past investment in JWB. Salem maintained he had divested from JWB months ago and has no conflict of interest.

    The debate centered around a proposed land swap between the city and Gateway Jax for a two-story office building needed by the University of Florida for its downtown graduate campus. The city can either pay cash or exchange it for a Riverfront Plaza parcel, where Gateway plans to build a 17-story tower. Salem prefers a straight cash purchase, citing concerns about separating the UF project from Riverfront Plaza development.