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Jacksonville Today seeks to include a diverse set of perspectives that add context or unique insight to the news of the day. Regular opinion columnists are independent contractors who are not involved in news decisions. Want to submit your own column on a matter of public interest? Email pitches to jessica@jaxtoday.org.
Featured image for “NCAA picks Jacksonville for 3 championships”
October 3, 2024

NCAA picks Jacksonville for 3 championships

The NCAA has awarded Jacksonville three championships in track and volleyball in 2027 and 2028.…

Featured image for “Two accused of shooting 18 times at undercover detectives”
October 3, 2024

Two accused of shooting 18 times at undercover detectives

The detectives were unharmed in the shooting at Florida Avenue and East 22nd Street.…

Featured image for “Duval Schools settles 2 more claims at Douglas Anderson”
October 3, 2024

Duval Schools settles 2 more claims at Douglas Anderson

Duval County Public Schools has settled two additional claims of sexual harassment and abuse at Douglas Anderson School of the…

Featured image for “Ellen Glasser withdraws from Atlantic Beach mayoral race”
October 3, 2024

Ellen Glasser withdraws from Atlantic Beach mayoral race

Glasser, a former Atlantic Beach mayor, said she does not have the stamina to continue in the race or govern.…

Featured image for “Here are 4 ways to help Hurricane Helene victims”
October 3, 2024

Here are 4 ways to help Hurricane Helene victims

As cleanup efforts continue around the state, Helene victims are starting to gain some forward momentum in recovery efforts.…

Featured image for “Remembering the racial killing of Johnnie Mae Chappell”
October 2, 2024

Remembering the racial killing of Johnnie Mae Chappell

A historic marker will honor a Jacksonville mother who was gunned down in 1964 by white men out to kill…

Featured image for “Hastings, Florida’s Potato Capital, aims to become a weekend getaway destination”
October 2, 2024

Hastings, Florida’s Potato Capital, aims to become a weekend getaway destination

Hastings was once a roaring hub for agriculture in Florida. Now, local efforts are underway to get it noticed again.…

Featured image for “Duval School Board clears path toward closing 18 schools”
October 2, 2024

Duval School Board clears path toward closing 18 schools

The board approved a five-year plan that suggests closing schools, but more votes and meetings would be required.…

Featured image for “‘Stop WOKE’ lawsuit could cost Florida $750,000”
October 2, 2024

‘Stop WOKE’ lawsuit could cost Florida $750,000

Businesses that successfully challenged the Stop WOKE Act want the state to reimburse their legal bills.…

Featured image for “AdventHealth plans expansion into St. Johns County”
October 2, 2024

AdventHealth plans expansion into St. Johns County

AdventHealth, one of the largest faith-based health systems in the U.S., plans a freestanding emergency room southwest of St. Augustine.…

Featured image for “ARTS PICKS | Oct. 5-7”
October 2, 2024

ARTS PICKS | Oct. 5-7

An artist-led tour in St. Augustine, hip-hop festival in LaVilla and Brazilian music at Jacksonville Beach are this weekend’s Arts…

Featured image for “Jacksonville Longshoremen demonstrate amid national work stoppage”
October 1, 2024

Jacksonville Longshoremen demonstrate amid national work stoppage

More than 1,800 people are demonstrating as the International Longshoremen’s Association strikes across the Eastern Seaboard.…

Featured image for “Duval’s domestic violence homicides hit 8-year low”
October 1, 2024

Duval’s domestic violence homicides hit 8-year low

Advocates say much work remains as they kicked off Domestic Violence Awareness Month on Tuesday.…

Featured image for “Jacksonville kicks in $50M for new MOSH on Northbank”
October 1, 2024

Jacksonville kicks in $50M for new MOSH on Northbank

MOSH will receive the money over three years to move from the Southbank, its home since 1969.…

Featured image for “Jacksonville Surf Park planned at eTown on Southside”
October 1, 2024

Jacksonville Surf Park planned at eTown on Southside

The 55-acre surf park will be used for surfing instruction, fitness training, physical therapy and more.…

Featured image for “Deadline to register to vote is just a week away”
October 1, 2024

Deadline to register to vote is just a week away

Eligible Florida voters must be registered with their county’s supervisor of elections by Oct. 7.…

Featured image for “Firefighters aid homeless as anti-camping law takes effect”
October 1, 2024

Firefighters aid homeless as anti-camping law takes effect

A new Florida law bars local governments from allowing homeless people to sleep or camp in public.…

Featured image for “Thousands of Baptist Health patients will keep coverage under Florida Blue deal”
October 1, 2024

Thousands of Baptist Health patients will keep coverage under Florida Blue deal

With just hours to spare, Baptist Health and Florida Blue reached an agreement early Tuesday over health care reimbursements.…

Featured image for “Hybrid fire truck flushes flames in test at fire academy”
September 30, 2024

Hybrid fire truck flushes flames in test at fire academy

Jacksonsville is testing the diesel-electric fire truck as part of an effort to reduce emissions from city vehicles.…

Featured image for “Are hurricanes and tropical storms hitting Gulf more often?”
September 30, 2024

Are hurricanes and tropical storms hitting Gulf more often?

After three years of hurricanes barreling up the Gulf of Mexico, battered North Florida residents may feel they are living…

Featured image for “JEA crews tackle remaining power outages”
September 30, 2024

JEA crews tackle remaining power outages

Fewer than 400 customers remain without power four days after Hurricane Helene.…

Featured image for “Garbage changes begin in Clay County. Do you know your pickup day?”
September 30, 2024

Garbage changes begin in Clay County. Do you know your pickup day?

Many residents remain confused about their garbage pickup day as FCC Environmental Services takes over.…

Featured image for “Duval’s 15-year school closure plan up for a vote Tuesday”
September 29, 2024

Duval’s 15-year school closure plan up for a vote Tuesday

Duval Schools’ proposal to close more than schools over the next 15 years is up for a board vote on…

Featured image for “Mayport naval ship intercepts missiles in Middle East”
September 27, 2024

Mayport naval ship intercepts missiles in Middle East

The USS Indianapolis, based at Naval Station Mayport, was one of three ships involved with Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, CNN reported.…

Featured image for “Nonprofits boost homeownership through Ameris redlining settlement”
September 27, 2024

Nonprofits boost homeownership through Ameris redlining settlement

LISC Jacksonville and LIFT Jax are using a settlement with Ameris Bank to help foster homeownership in predominantly Black neighborhoods.…

Featured image for “Investors eyeing Jax for WNBA team, report says”
September 27, 2024

Investors eyeing Jax for WNBA team, report says

Donna Orender, former president of the WNBA, reportedly thinks Jacksonville would be a good site for an expansion team.…

Featured image for “Helene cleanup continues; Jacksonville mayor urges patience”
September 27, 2024

Helene cleanup continues; Jacksonville mayor urges patience

More than 257,000 customers in Northeast Florida had no power Friday after Hurricane Helene came ashore late Thursday.…

Featured image for “Rescue efforts underway on Gulf Coast; 2 people dead”
September 27, 2024

Rescue efforts underway on Gulf Coast; 2 people dead

Many people did not evacuate, remaining in areas hit by storm surge as Helene moved north.…

Featured image for “Jacksonville city offices remain closed after Hurricane Helene”
September 27, 2024

Jacksonville city offices remain closed after Hurricane Helene

Roads flooded, trees toppled and power lines fell around the city. People were encouraged to stay home as crews cleaned…

Featured image for “Kmart is gone in Mandarin; Home Depot is coming”
September 26, 2024

Kmart is gone in Mandarin; Home Depot is coming

The Kmart at 9600 San Jose Blvd. has been demolished. It closed in 2016.…

Featured image for “UPDATE: Hurricane Helene grows to 120 mph winds”
September 26, 2024

UPDATE: Hurricane Helene grows to 120 mph winds

Helene is one of the biggest hurricanes on record, with effects spreading hundreds of miles toward Jacksonville.…

Featured image for “These new laws will take effect Oct. 1 in Florida”
September 26, 2024

These new laws will take effect Oct. 1 in Florida

Nearly three dozen new laws will go into effect on Tuesday, including a contentious measure that will limit where homeless…

Featured image for “#AskJAXTDY | Is The Lomax restaurant ever opening in Five Points?”
September 26, 2024

#AskJAXTDY | Is The Lomax restaurant ever opening in Five Points?

Q: What’s happening with The Lomax restaurant under construction in Five Points? A: The project is behind schedule…