Casmira Harrison

Casmira Harrison is a Jacksonville Today reporter focusing on local government in Duval County and surrounding areas.

Harrison has a wide range of experience in more than 20 years in newspapers across Central Florida. From her beginnings as an ad designer at the Citrus County Chronicle to county government reporting at the Daytona Beach News-Journal and, most recently, as the editor for the Palatka Daily News, she enjoys all aspects of covering a community.

When she isn’t knee-deep in meeting agendas, Harrison enjoys playing guitar, riding motorcycles, traveling and seeking out truly outstanding restaurants. Harrison can be reached at casmira@jaxtoday.org. You can also reach her on Facebook or on Twitter @CasmiraInJax.

Featured image for “Jacksonville approves plan to stop Brentwood liquor store”
November 29, 2023

Jacksonville approves plan to stop Brentwood liquor store

The city plans to buy land in Brentwood that was set to become a liquor store next to a school — plans that neighbors have protested for months.

Read More
Featured image for “Liquor store issue could go to City Council on Tuesday”
November 26, 2023

Liquor store issue could go to City Council on Tuesday

Several committees voted in favor of the purchase, which would keep a liquor store from opening across from a charter school in Brentwood.

Read More
Featured image for “#AskJAXTDY l What does the Florida-UK trade pact actually do?”
November 17, 2023

#AskJAXTDY l What does the Florida-UK trade pact actually do?

A reader asked us to better explain what states can and can’t do when it comes to a trade deal with a foreign country.

Read More
Featured image for “Mayor stands her ground on contract with lobbying firm”
November 8, 2023

Mayor stands her ground on contract with lobbying firm

Mayor Donna Deegan says she won’t comply with requests to withdraw a lobbying contract awarded without seeking bids.

Read More
Featured image for “Jacksonville sues PACE home loan agency”
October 27, 2023

Jacksonville sues PACE home loan agency

City attorneys say a program that finances home improvements has no right to issue loans in the city without following local rules and laws.

Read More
Featured image for “Michael Fackler recommended as Jacksonville’s top attorney”
October 26, 2023

Michael Fackler recommended as Jacksonville’s top attorney

The General Counsel Qualification Review Committee endorsed Fackler’s hiring as general counsel. City Council still must approve the appointment.

Read More
Featured image for “More Jacksonville tenants are signing out-of-reach leases, case workers say”
October 17, 2023

More Jacksonville tenants are signing out-of-reach leases, case workers say

Local rental-aid and social service  organizations are seeing worrying trends as the number of eviction notices climbs in the Duval County court system.

Read More
Featured image for “Jacksonville unveils long-term resiliency plan to prepare for climate change, growth and more”
October 13, 2023

Jacksonville unveils long-term resiliency plan to prepare for climate change, growth and more

Mayor Donna Deegan and the city’s Chief Resiliency Officer Anne Coglianese unveiled a master plan Friday for Jacksonville’s long-term resiliency.

Read More
Featured image for “City Council approves potential PACE lending lawsuit”
October 11, 2023

City Council approves potential PACE lending lawsuit

The Jacksonville City Council has moved to fight ‘predatory’ PACE home loans.

Read More
Featured image for “To keep affordable housing affordable, a public-private partnership for Jax?”
October 9, 2023

To keep affordable housing affordable, a public-private partnership for Jax?

A proposed mix of public and private money to leverage tax credits could yield $160M to build affordable housing.

Read More