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To reflect on the news of the day, Jacksonville Today seeks to include a diverse set of perspectives. These opinion columnists are independent contractors who are paid for their contributions and are not involved in news decisions.
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Featured image for “Sunburn Cannabis opens this weekend in busy Five Points”
News

Sunburn Cannabis opens this weekend in busy Five Points

Sunburn Cannabis is opening in the shuttered MedMen medical marijuana store at 1059 Park St.…

Featured image for “JaxPort adds fifth MSC Mediterranean container service”
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JaxPort adds fifth MSC Mediterranean container service

MSC’s biweekly North European rotation services food and beverage, auto parts and forest products.…

Featured image for “Massive expansion of school vouchers sent to governor”
News

Massive expansion of school vouchers sent to governor

The Republican-controlled Senate passed the measure Thursday amid warnings from Democrats like Sen. Tracie Davis of Jacksonville.…

Featured image for “Details emerge about arrest of Douglas Anderson music teacher”
News

Details emerge about arrest of Douglas Anderson music teacher

Jeffrey Payne Clayton professed his romantic feelings for a student and kissed her, according to an arrest warrant released Thursday.…

Featured image for “DeSantis spotlights civics education in Orange Park visit”
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DeSantis spotlights civics education in Orange Park visit

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Education Commissioner Manny Diaz awarded seven Clay County teachers $3,000 checks for completing a Civics Seal…

Featured image for “Clay County jail is packed; a new one may be necessary”
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Clay County jail is packed; a new one may be necessary

Sheriff Michelle Cook and county commissioners are discussing an enlarged law enforcement campus for the growing county.…

Featured image for “Analysis: Where Davis and Deegan got their votes”
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Analysis: Where Davis and Deegan got their votes

Mayoral candidate Donna Deegan got support across the city in Tuesday’s election. Daniel Davis won on the Westside, Ortega, Mandarin…

Featured image for “Arts Picks | Mar. 24-26”
Arts Picks

Arts Picks | Mar. 24-26

Jacksonville Today Arts and Culture Editor Matt Shaw shares his top 3 arts and culture picks for the weekend. Friday  Beaches…

Featured image for “LeAnna Cumber investigation forwarded to Ethics Commission”
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LeAnna Cumber investigation forwarded to Ethics Commission

A special City Council committee investigated LeAnna Cumber’s role in the failed sale of JEA — and whether she was…

Featured image for “Jacksonville lawmaker gets support for drag show crackdown”
News

Jacksonville lawmaker gets support for drag show crackdown

As the governor’s office cracks down drag show performances, a Senate panel approved a bill sponsored by a Jacksonville lawmaker…

Featured image for “Douglas Anderson teacher accused of lewd conduct with student”
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Douglas Anderson teacher accused of lewd conduct with student

Jeffrey Clayton, department head at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, was arrested on charges of lewd and lascivious conduct…

Featured image for “Baptist Health opens Heart Rhythm Center”
News

Baptist Health opens Heart Rhythm Center

The demand for heart rhythm care has exploded with the growing and aging population in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia,…

Featured image for “Hotel revenue hit all-time high for February”
News

Hotel revenue hit all-time high for February

Jacksonville hotels reported that demand for rooms in February was even higher than before the pandemic.…

Featured image for “PHOTO ESSAY | March 2023 Duval Elections”
Photo Essays

PHOTO ESSAY | March 2023 Duval Elections

Voters share why they participated in the March 2023 Jacksonville elections, which had just 25.6% turnout.…

Featured image for “City Council: 6 incumbents and 3 new members elected as 6 races go to runoffs 
”
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City Council: 6 incumbents and 3 new members elected as 6 races go to runoffs

With voter turnout of 25.5%, here are the results of the March 2023 Jacksonville City Council races.…

Featured image for “Property appraiser race goes to runoff in May”
News

Property appraiser race goes to runoff in May

Democrat Joyce Morgan, a City Council member, and Republican Jason Fischer, a former state representative, were the top finishers in…

Featured image for “Deegan and Davis will face off for Jacksonville mayor”
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Deegan and Davis will face off for Jacksonville mayor

Democrat Donna Deegan and Republican Daniel Davis finished first and second in Jacksonville’s mayoral election Tuesday, sending them to a…

Featured image for “High school tip leads to guns and four arrests”
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High school tip leads to guns and four arrests

Operation Safety Net seized six guns, including three assault rifles, after a tip about an armed person at Westside High…

Featured image for “BJ’s to hire 150 for North Jacksonville warehouse club”
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BJ’s to hire 150 for North Jacksonville warehouse club

BJ’s intends to open its fourth Northeast Florida store at River City Marketplace, replacing the Regal cinema.…

Featured image for “St. Augustine’s city manager retiring after 25 years”
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St. Augustine’s city manager retiring after 25 years

St. Augustine City Manager John Regan submitted his resignation Monday, effective June 2.…

Featured image for “It’s Election Day. Have you cast your ballot?”
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It’s Election Day. Have you cast your ballot?

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Anyone who is registered can vote, regardless of party affiliation.…

Featured image for “Clay crimefighters get a view from above”
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Clay crimefighters get a view from above

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has new eyes in the sky. Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook says the county has…

Featured image for “Hear what’s new at Jumbo Shrimp games”
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Hear what’s new at Jumbo Shrimp games

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp will have a Virtual Town Hall from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to share the team’s…

Featured image for “Apartment construction set to begin at One Riverside”
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Apartment construction set to begin at One Riverside

The city issued permits last week that allow construction on the former site of the Florida Times-Union, on the Northbank…

Featured image for “Mayoral candidates split on Confederate monuments”
News

Mayoral candidates split on Confederate monuments

Like voters themselves, Democrats favor removal of Confederate monuments, and Republicans would leave the monuments in place.…

Featured image for “Apartment and retail complex taking shape near VyStar arena”
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Apartment and retail complex taking shape near VyStar arena

RISE: Doro will include a 247-unit apartment building with retail space, rooftop amenities and a seven-level parking deck.…

Featured image for “House passes major school voucher expansion”
News

House passes major school voucher expansion

The bill would make every Florida student eligible for taxpayer-backed school vouchers — a priority of House Speaker Paul Renner…

Featured image for “Hardwick riverfront high-rise hits delays”
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Hardwick riverfront high-rise hits delays

The developer of The Hardwick is considering adding a hotel to the project at the former Duval County Courthouse site.…

Featured image for “Sheriff turns up the spotlight on cold cases”
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Sheriff turns up the spotlight on cold cases

A new Cold Case Spotlight from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office seeks new tips to solve an old homicide — the…

Featured image for “No more breaks: You could be fined for giving money to panhandlers”
News

No more breaks: You could be fined for giving money to panhandlers

With the grace period over, police can now enforce a new Jacksonville ordinance designed to stop panhandling along roadways.…

Featured image for “Teachers union challenges rules on classroom books”
News

Teachers union challenges rules on classroom books

The administrative legal challenge seeks to force the Florida Department of Education to roll back its media specialist training.…

Featured image for “Armada and JAXUSL jockey in Jacksonville soccer landscape”
News

Armada and JAXUSL jockey in Jacksonville soccer landscape

The Jacksonville Armada soccer team plans to build a stadium on the Eastside, just north of the existing Sports and…

Featured image for “People feel safe in Jax, but approval of JSO is declining”
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People feel safe in Jax, but approval of JSO is declining

A public opinion poll by the University of North Florida found that 87% of people feel safe in their neighborhoods.…

Featured image for “#AskJAXTDY: Are these traffic lights in Jax Beach ever turning on? ”
#AskJAXTDY

#AskJAXTDY: Are these traffic lights in Jax Beach ever turning on? 

Traffic lights have been installed but not turned on in Jacksonville Beach. Why the months-long delay?…

Featured image for “Entertainment venues spreading along Bay Street”
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Entertainment venues spreading along Bay Street

The Downtown Investment Authority board approved $1.655 million to renovate Live Bar, Myth Nightclub and Element Bistro + Bar.…

Featured image for “Shad Khan’s company seeks foundation permit for Four Seasons”
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Shad Khan’s company seeks foundation permit for Four Seasons

Iguana Investments Florida LLC must start vertical construction by Sept. 1 for the proposed Four Seasons Hotel & Residences near…

Featured image for “Removing Confederate monuments could become illegal”
News

Removing Confederate monuments could become illegal

A proposed Florida law would block cities like Jacksonville from removing historic monuments from public locations, and cities could be…

Featured image for “What would you like to see in a Northside public library?”
News

What would you like to see in a Northside public library?

Community input is being sought at public meetings April 4 and 5 about a new library planned for New Berlin…

Featured image for “Arts Picks | Mar. 17-19”
Arts Picks

Arts Picks | Mar. 17-19

Jacksonville Today Arts and Culture Editor Matt Shaw shares his top 3 arts and culture picks for the weekend. Friday, Saturday,…

Featured image for “Local senator’s bill tightens home defect lawsuits”
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Local senator’s bill tightens home defect lawsuits

The Senate passed a bill filed by Sen. Travis Hutson, R-St. Augustine, that shortens the time for residents to sue…

Featured image for “#AskJAXTDY: Will local mosquito spraying kill pollinators?”
#AskJAXTDY

#AskJAXTDY: Will local mosquito spraying kill pollinators?

Will spraying for mosquitoes kill beneficial pollinators in Jacksonville, a reader asks.…

Featured image for “Mixed Fillings Pie Shop is on the move”
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Mixed Fillings Pie Shop is on the move

Mixed Fillings Pie Shop will move from its original location in Riverside to a larger storefront in the heart of…

Featured image for “Diamonds, cars and more: Sheriff auctions seized property”
News

Diamonds, cars and more: Sheriff auctions seized property

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is auctioning jewelry, a Ford Mustang, a Land Rover and a boat trailer to pay for…

Featured image for “Jacksonville approves $20 million for new UF campus”
News

Jacksonville approves $20 million for new UF campus

City Council voted 16-1 to kick in the first $20 million toward a health and financial technology campus Downtown.…

Featured image for “Suspect pleads guilty to killing 7-week-old girl”
News

Suspect pleads guilty to killing 7-week-old girl

Steven Michael Strahm, 30, was accused of throwing Baby Scarlet against a wall.…

Featured image for “Controversial Narcan machines installed in Putnam County”
News

Controversial Narcan machines installed in Putnam County

The vending machines are intended to fight drug overdoses, but some people say they enable addicts.…

Featured image for “Historic Independent Life Building approved for renovation”
News

Historic Independent Life Building approved for renovation

Augustine Development Group of St. Augustine plans to convert the 19-story building into housing and commercial space.…

Featured image for “U.S. 301 south of Baldwin puts drivers on new FDOT test road”
News

U.S. 301 south of Baldwin puts drivers on new FDOT test road

A 4-mile stretch of U.S. 301 south of Baldwin is a test site for new concrete road designs — and…

Featured image for “Second cop on DEA task force faces drug charges”
News

Second cop on DEA task force faces drug charges

Former Nassau County sheriff’s Sgt. Darrell Hickox has been charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.…

Featured image for “Total Wine expanding into space next door”
News

Total Wine expanding into space next door

Total Wine will take over the space vacated by Loop Pizza Grill at St. Johns Town Center North.…

Featured image for “One week until Election Day; 8% have already voted”
News

One week until Election Day; 8% have already voted

Almost 53,000 people had voted in Duval County’s election as of Tuesday morning.…

Featured image for “Duval Schools pushes back against DeSantis on schoolbooks”
News

Duval Schools pushes back against DeSantis on schoolbooks

The district disputes the governor’s contention that it tried to make the state look bad by pulling books from shelves.…

Featured image for “Oaxaca Club will open March 20 in Jacksonville Beach”
News

Oaxaca Club will open March 20 in Jacksonville Beach

Partners in Southern Grounds & Co. and other concepts developed The Oaxaca Club, a new restaurant focused on Latin cuisine.…

Featured image for “Jacksonville jobs growing in almost all sectors”
News

Jacksonville jobs growing in almost all sectors

Jacksonville’s unemployment rate rose slightly in January, but that’s normal when businesses let holiday workers go.…

Featured image for “Veteran state trooper arrested on drug charges”
News

Veteran state trooper arrested on drug charges

Investigators say Trooper Joshua Earrey became addicted to oxycodone for back pain and bought drugs from an undercover informant.…

Featured image for “Suspended driver’s license? Get it back with Operation Green Light”
News

Suspended driver’s license? Get it back with Operation Green Light

Drivers can avoid some fees through Operation Green Light in Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. John’s counties.…

Featured image for “Restaurant and lounge proposed for Five Points”
News

Restaurant and lounge proposed for Five Points

The founders of Roost Restaurants LLC, which opened The Local in Miramar and Neptune Beach, are proposing what is called…

Featured image for “Surprise: Home sales are rising in Northeast Florida”
News

Surprise: Home sales are rising in Northeast Florida

The increase indicates that buyers are confident despite high prices and a relative shortage of homes on the market.…

Featured image for “Victory Park saved after residents discover deed”
News

Victory Park saved after residents discover deed

Arlington residents discovered a 32-year-old deed that blocks plans for a child learning center on the property — plans the…

Featured image for “In Jacksonville, far-right groups look to seize the moment”
News

In Jacksonville, far-right groups look to seize the moment

A group has been projecting hate symbols onto Downtown Jacksonville buildings, aiming to capitalize on what they see as a…

Featured image for “Shooter pleads guilty in slaying of Nassau County deputy”
News

Shooter pleads guilty in slaying of Nassau County deputy

Patrick Rene McDowell faces a death sentence after Deputy Joshua Moyers was shot to death during a traffic stop in…

Featured image for “Daily’s in LaVilla gets initial design approval”
News

Daily’s in LaVilla gets initial design approval

Bold City Brewery plans to move its Downtown operations to the Daily’s site and add a restaurant.…

Featured image for “Boeing breaks ground on new component operations facility at Cecil Airport”
News

Boeing breaks ground on new component operations facility at Cecil Airport

Boeing is already recruiting maintenance and support positions and anticipates creating more than 300 new jobs as the new facility…

Featured image for “UNF poll: DeSantis ahead in Florida for Republican presidential primary”
News

UNF poll: DeSantis ahead in Florida for Republican presidential primary

A new poll says Ron DeSantis is more popular than Donald Trump among registered Florida Republicans in an imaginary primary.…

Featured image for “Jax launches registry to help in searches of endangered people”
News

Jax launches registry to help in searches of endangered people

The alert came out early on March 3: A 2-year-old child was missing from a home on Avenger Lane. It…

Featured image for “Arts Picks | Mar. 10-12”
Arts Picks

Arts Picks | Mar. 10-12

Two Downtown Jacksonville events and an immersive art exhibit in St. Augustine are this weekend’s Arts Picks.…

Featured image for “3 takeaways from the Jacksonville mayoral debate”
Features

3 takeaways from the Jacksonville mayoral debate

Here’s what the candidates had to say about infrastructure needs, their Downtown plan, and the importance of the St. Johns…

Featured image for “Duval Schools book-review supervisor, who called gay characters ‘contrary to the design of humanity,’ is resigning”
Features

Duval Schools book-review supervisor, who called gay characters ‘contrary to the design of humanity,’ is resigning

The supervisor’s departure comes as Duval Schools has received national scrutiny for its book review process.…

Featured image for “OneJax separates from UNF as state deters diversity programs”
News

OneJax separates from UNF as state deters diversity programs

OneJax, a nonprofit dedicated to diversity, says it cannot let Florida’s political climate restrain its efforts in the community.…

Featured image for “FPL rate hikes approved starting in April”
News

FPL rate hikes approved starting in April

Florida Power & Light Co. will increase rates in its northwest territories by 8.3% and in the peninsula by 10.3%.…

Featured image for “City Council members line up behind UF campus in Jacksonville”
News

City Council members line up behind UF campus in Jacksonville

Thirteen of 19 City Council members have cast votes in committees this week in favor of a new University of…

Featured image for “Jack in the Box could return to Jax”
News

Jack in the Box could return to Jax

Jack in the Box left Florida in 1980. Now it has signed a deal in Orlando and seeks franchisees in…

Featured image for “Popular e-scooters are spreading in Jacksonville”
News

Popular e-scooters are spreading in Jacksonville

You’ll soon be able to snag a Bird or Lime scooter across Downtown, Brooklyn, the SouthBank and the Sports and…

Featured image for “Players Championship fan guide: What to know before you go”
News

Players Championship fan guide: What to know before you go

Here’s the information you need about Players Championship tickets, tee times, parking, food and more.…

Featured image for “Jax Beach residents fight proposal for taller building”
News

Jax Beach residents fight proposal for taller building

Some residents are up in arms over a proposed development (south of the beachfront Latham Plaza park) of a mixed-use…

Featured image for “Vicious Biscuit plans to ‘bring the fun back’ into brunch”
News

Vicious Biscuit plans to ‘bring the fun back’ into brunch

Vicious Biscuit, based in Charleston, South Carolina, is opening a restaurant in Neptune Beach, its first in Florida.…

Featured image for “Corner Lot buys Beach Road Fish House property”
News

Corner Lot buys Beach Road Fish House property

Corner Lot, a developer based in Jacksonville, paid $1.9 million for the Beach Road Fish House site, which is zoned…

Featured image for “Palatka rep proposes lower age to buy guns in Florida”
News

Palatka rep proposes lower age to buy guns in Florida

Republican Bobby Payne was one of two legislators proposing to lower the minimum age from 21 to 18 to buy…

Featured image for “UF Jacksonville campus clears first committee on 7-1 vote”
News

UF Jacksonville campus clears first committee on 7-1 vote

The legislation would commit Jacksonville to up to $20 million as the first installment of $50 million over three years.…

Featured image for “Jacksonville gives a boost to Black and Hispanic businesses”
News

Jacksonville gives a boost to Black and Hispanic businesses

Nearly a dozen Black and Hispanic-owned companies in Jacksonville will be enrolled in a program aimed at helping small businesses…

Featured image for “Another Broken Egg coming to Mandarin Landing”
News

Another Broken Egg coming to Mandarin Landing

Landlord Regency Centers Corp. is reconfiguring the shopping center along San Jose Boulevard, north of Interstate 295 in Jacksonville.…

Featured image for “Michael Kors is closing at St. Johns Town Center”
News

Michael Kors is closing at St. Johns Town Center

Michael Kors and Chico’s will be replaced at St. Johns Town Center by a larger Lululemon, which is moving from…

Featured image for “Record crowd fills The Amelia concours d’elegance”
News

Record crowd fills The Amelia concours d’elegance

Spectators gazed at 260 classics, race cars and other four-wheeled motorcars at the 28th annual The Amelia classic car event.…

Featured image for “Gary Rossington, Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist, dead at 71”
News

Gary Rossington, Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist, dead at 71

Rossington, who had a history of heart problems, was the last living founder of the Jacksonville-based rock band.…

Featured image for “Unlike GOP donor Kent Stermon, most of JSO’s ‘Sheriff’s Circle’ barely used special access ”
Features

Unlike GOP donor Kent Stermon, most of JSO’s ‘Sheriff’s Circle’ barely used special access 

All used the special badge access far less frequently than Kent Stermon — the influential Republican donor who died last…

Featured image for “Protesters feel threatened over Confederate monuments”
News

Protesters feel threatened over Confederate monuments

Take ‘Em Down Jax, which is fighting Confederate monuments on public property, held its weekly picket line Friday despite threats…

Featured image for “Jacksonville identifies industries ripe for growth”
News

Jacksonville identifies industries ripe for growth

The Jax Chamber’s economic development arm has established a five-year regional plan focused on agribusiness, biomedical research and corporate operations.…

Featured image for “One more time: Sugar Factory delays opening”
News

One more time: Sugar Factory delays opening

The restaurant blamed permitting delays for its seventh rescheduled opening. Sugar Factory originally said it would open Dec. 26.…

Featured image for “Twin Peaks begins work on East Arlington restaurant”
News

Twin Peaks begins work on East Arlington restaurant

Twin Peaks, based in Dallas, is opening its first sports bar in Northeast Florida, in the former Cinco de Mayo…

Featured image for “Early voting starts Monday in Duval County”
News

Early voting starts Monday in Duval County

All registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, will be able to vote for mayor, property appraiser and at-large City Council…

Featured image for “Arlington Expressway in line for resurfacing”
News

Arlington Expressway in line for resurfacing

The public can get details about the Arlington Expressway resurfacing during an open house on Thursday.…

Featured image for “UNF students soundly oppose slashing diversity programs”
News

UNF students soundly oppose slashing diversity programs

A student government poll found that the vast majority of students oppose Gov. Ron DeSantis’ efforts to eliminate diversity, equity…

Featured image for “New task force combats trafficking and child sex exploitation”
News

New task force combats trafficking and child sex exploitation

Local sheriffs joined the FDLE and Department of Homeland Security to announce a new public-private partnership called INTERCEPT.…

Featured image for “Clay County considers new policy on schoolbooks”
News

Clay County considers new policy on schoolbooks

The Clay County School District could soon have a new policy for reviewing books and other materials, in response to…

Featured image for “Retired NFL player bringing Slim Chickens to town”
News

Retired NFL player bringing Slim Chickens to town

Former linebacker Angelo Crowell and his wife, Kimberly, bought property for the Slim Chickens franchise in Glen Kernan Park.…

Featured image for “V Steak restaurant on hold in Ponte Vedra Beach”
News

V Steak restaurant on hold in Ponte Vedra Beach

V Pizza owners said they could not reach a deal to buy the former Lulu’s Waterfront Grille.…

Featured image for “NASCAR great Jeff Gordon roars into The Amelia”
News

NASCAR great Jeff Gordon roars into The Amelia

Multiple charities will benefit from the 28th annual classic car event held this weekend at and around the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia…

Featured image for “Dozens of roads closing for Gate River Run”
News

Dozens of roads closing for Gate River Run

Thousands of runners will hit the roads Saturday when the Gate River Run winds through Downtown and into parts of…

Featured image for “FPL proposes lower fuel costs that could trim electric bill hikes”
News

FPL proposes lower fuel costs that could trim electric bill hikes

FPL filed a petition at the state Public Service Commission that would trim increases proposed to take effect in April.…