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 “Proposed food and beverage tax sparks early debate”
September 14, 2023

Proposed food and beverage tax sparks early debate

A proposed 1% tax on food and drinks would fund anti-homelessness programs in Jacksonville.

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Featured image for “Deegan nominee DeFoor withdraws name from Jacksonville top attorney consideration”
September 13, 2023

Deegan nominee DeFoor withdraws name from Jacksonville top attorney consideration

Randy DeFoor, the former Jacksonville City Council member who Mayor Donna Deegan nominated to lead the city’s Office of General Council, withdrew her name from consideration.

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Featured image for “Proposed fuel farm in Jacksonville faces opposition, as does similar project in Ormond Beach”
September 10, 2023

Proposed fuel farm in Jacksonville faces opposition, as does similar project in Ormond Beach

Northside Jacksonville residents are organizing in opposition to a fuel storage facility.

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Featured image for “Council to vote on top attorney before ethics board decision”
September 5, 2023

Council to vote on top attorney before ethics board decision

The Jacksonville City Council will vote this month on the appointment of former Councilwoman Randy DeFoor to head up the general counsel’s office.

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Featured image for “Homelessness program gets boost from council president”
September 1, 2023

Homelessness program gets boost from council president

Council President Ron Salem has invested $13,000 toward a Changing Homelessness pilot program that will help those on the brink of losing their housing.

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Featured image for “Mayor and finance board spar over diversity chief funding”
August 25, 2023

Mayor and finance board spar over diversity chief funding

The Finance Committee recommended slicing a portion of the mayor’s budget that would have paid for a chief of diversity.

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Featured image for “Mayor decries ‘smear campaign’ over top attorney’s appointment”
August 23, 2023

Mayor decries ‘smear campaign’ over top attorney’s appointment

City Council voted Tuesday to send a second request to the Florida ethics commission about Randy DeFoor’s ability to take the position of general counsel.

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Featured image for “Study finds no firm source of Murray Hill odors”
August 22, 2023

Study finds no firm source of Murray Hill odors

Thousands of complaints about foul odors were filed around the Murray Hill area of Jacksonville between 2020 and 2021.

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Featured image for “Homelessness panel lays a plan — and looks for ways to fund it”
August 17, 2023

Homelessness panel lays a plan — and looks for ways to fund it

Jacksonville’s homelessness subcommittee must make recommendations to Mayor Donna Deegan by Sept. 5.

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Featured image for “Mayor announces seven more appointments, including Randy DeFoor as general counsel”
August 10, 2023

Mayor announces seven more appointments, including Randy DeFoor as general counsel

Mayor Donna Deegan said she’s building a “rockstar team of difference-makers and innovators and collaborators.”

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