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To reflect on the news of the day, Jacksonville Today seeks to include a diverse set of perspectives that add context or unique insight. Regular opinion columnists are independent contractors who are paid for their contribution and are not involved in news decisions. We also welcome guest contributors to submit on matters of public interest. Email column pitches to Editor Jessica Palombo at jessica@jaxtoday.org.
Featured image for “#AskJAXTDY | Who makes the colorful critters at the Beaches?”
March 15, 2024

#AskJAXTDY | Who makes the colorful critters at the Beaches?

A reader asks who’s putting little works of animal art with big expressive eyes on trees and lawns at the…

Featured image for “Tips for getting to the Players Championship this weekend”
March 15, 2024

Tips for getting to the Players Championship this weekend

Parking is sold out for Friday and Saturday, but passes could still be available on the Players’ resale site. Or…

Featured image for “First residents move into new LaVilla townhomes”
March 15, 2024

First residents move into new LaVilla townhomes

The arrival of homeowners to Johnson Commons at LaVilla marks a milestone in the revitalization of the historic neighborhood.…

Featured image for “What to know with hurricane season a few months away”
March 15, 2024

What to know with hurricane season a few months away

The countdown to hurricane season has begun, and Florida emergency management offices are sharing safety tips.…

Featured image for “One jury reaches verdict in JEA conspiracy trial”
March 14, 2024

One jury reaches verdict in JEA conspiracy trial

The jury deciding the case of former CEO Aaron Zahn reached a verdict, but it will remain secret until the…

Featured image for “Nassau deputy’s killer argues he can’t get fair sentence”
March 14, 2024

Nassau deputy’s killer argues he can’t get fair sentence

Patrick Rene McDowell, who admitted shooting Nassau County Deputy Joshua Moyers, wants his sentencing moved outside Northeast Florida.…

Featured image for “Mickler’s Landing closure starts Monday”
March 14, 2024

Mickler’s Landing closure starts Monday

Closures start Monday at Mickler’s Landing as part of St. Johns County’s $40 million beach renourishment project.…

Featured image for “‘Beyond Monet’ show brings paintings to life”
March 14, 2024

‘Beyond Monet’ show brings paintings to life

The immersive experience showcases the work of impressionist painter Claude Monet in a whole new way. The exhibit opens Friday at…

Featured image for “M Shack closing at Town Center; Shake Shack to come”
March 14, 2024

M Shack closing at Town Center; Shake Shack to come

M Shack is scheduled to close at St. Johns Town Center at end of business Sunday. Shake Shack will take…

Featured image for “Survey shows manufacturing expanding in Jacksonville”
March 14, 2024

Survey shows manufacturing expanding in Jacksonville

The University of North Florida’s Local Economic Indicators Project suggests a brighter outlook for Jacksonville than the rest of the…

Featured image for “Former Public Defender Matt Shirk disbarred”
March 14, 2024

Former Public Defender Matt Shirk disbarred

Shirk, the subject of repeated ethics investigations, was disbarred for praticing law after his license had been suspended.…

Featured image for “#AskJAXTDY | Why vote in the Florida primary? ”
March 13, 2024

#AskJAXTDY | Why vote in the Florida primary? 

Jacksonville Today reader Ellen H. wants to know how much Florida Republicans’ votes matter in the presidential primary.…

Featured image for “Jaguars’ stadium timeline could be released by May”
March 13, 2024

Jaguars’ stadium timeline could be released by May

The team and city are negotiating how long renovations will take and whether the team will stay in Jacksonville during…

Featured image for “World Golf Village IMAX to remain open”
March 13, 2024

World Golf Village IMAX to remain open

Despite concerns that it would close, St. Johns County confirmed the IMAX theater at World Golf Village will remain open…

Featured image for “Community invests in Westside students with new football field”
March 13, 2024

Community invests in Westside students with new football field

A new football field and track at KIPP Jacksonville could help students reach for their dreams.…

Featured image for “Jacksonville History Center gets $2.02 million from city”
March 13, 2024

Jacksonville History Center gets $2.02 million from city

The money will be used to transform the Florida Casket Co. into a music and general history museum with archive…

Featured image for “Volunteers needed for St. Johns River Celebration”
March 13, 2024

Volunteers needed for St. Johns River Celebration

Volunteers are needed Saturday to clean up Jacksonville’s parks, boat ramps, waterways and neighborhoods.…

Featured image for “#AskJAXTDY | Will Jax Beach explain its ‘cybersecurity event’?”
March 13, 2024

#AskJAXTDY | Will Jax Beach explain its ‘cybersecurity event’?

A Jacksonville Today reader wonders whether Jacksonville Beach is still experiencing the effects of an possible cyberattack in late January.…

Featured image for “ARTS PICKS | March 15-17”
March 13, 2024

ARTS PICKS | March 15-17

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

Featured image for “No knives, no guns, no shock absorbers: TSA warns travelers”
March 12, 2024

No knives, no guns, no shock absorbers: TSA warns travelers

Spring break and the Players Championship are packing flyers into Jacksonville International Airport. People with prohibited items can slow security…

Featured image for “Former Jaguars employee gets 6½ years for embezzlement”
March 12, 2024

Former Jaguars employee gets 6½ years for embezzlement

Amit Patel admitted to stealing more than $22 milllion from the team over three years. Prosecutors say he spent the…

Featured image for “Settlement reached over Florida’s parental rights law”
March 12, 2024

Settlement reached over Florida’s parental rights law

The state settled a lawsuit over a law that critics call “Don’t Say Gay.” The settlement allows LGBTQ+ references in…

Featured image for “Ethics officials worry new law will tie their hands”
March 12, 2024

Ethics officials worry new law will tie their hands

The Jacksonville Ethics Commission says new restrictions on ethics complaints could foster misconduct by public officials.…

Featured image for “JEA fraud trial could go to jury soon”
March 12, 2024

JEA fraud trial could go to jury soon

Federal prosecutors rested their case Monday in the criminal trial of former JEA executives Aaron Zahn and Ryan Wannemacher…

Featured image for “Emerald Trail project to receive $147 million in federal money”
March 12, 2024

Emerald Trail project to receive $147 million in federal money

U.S. Reps. Aaron Bean and John Rutherford say the trail has the potential to be a catalyst for economic development.…

Featured image for “Randy White appears a lock for council president as Carrico, Boylan vie for VP”
March 11, 2024

Randy White appears a lock for council president as Carrico, Boylan vie for VP

Randy White appears set to take the reins as the president of the government body this summer. The race for…

Featured image for “Berkman II property to be auctioned March 25”
March 11, 2024

Berkman II property to be auctioned March 25

A court ordered the auction if debts aren’t paid on the riverfront property where a condo tower was imploded in…

Featured image for “Artwork coming to busy St. Augustine traffic circle”
March 11, 2024

Artwork coming to busy St. Augustine traffic circle

The city is on the hunt for an artist or a team of artists to create an outdoor installation at…

Featured image for “Karma opens ‘ultra-luxury’ EV dealership in Jacksonville”
March 11, 2024

Karma opens ‘ultra-luxury’ EV dealership in Jacksonville

Karma Automotive picked Jacksonville for its fourth location in Florida. It is the second all-electric vehicle dealership in town.…

Featured image for “Downtown’s time has come, developers say”
March 11, 2024

Downtown’s time has come, developers say

Some of Jacksonville’s biggest developers say Downtown is nearing a tipping point and you won’t recognize it in a few…

Featured image for “Stranded sperm whale dies off Venice Beach”
March 11, 2024

Stranded sperm whale dies off Venice Beach

Marine experts say the death of a sperm whale off the Venice coast will help them learn about an endangered…

Featured image for “Homebuying heats up in Northeast Florida”
March 11, 2024

Homebuying heats up in Northeast Florida

Increased activity in February is more typical of the spring buying season, according to the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors.…

Featured image for “Protesters call on DeSantis to veto vaping regulations”
March 11, 2024

Protesters call on DeSantis to veto vaping regulations

Opponents say a bill prohibiting the sale of flavored e-cigarettes would be damaging for businesses.…