Ric Anderson Newsletter Writer / Engagement Editor

Ric Anderson got his first job in a newsroom as a teenager in the 1980s, and he's been in the news business virtually ever since as a news and sports reporter, news editor and opinion editor. A native Kansan, he came to Jacksonville Today after 11 years as an editor at the Las Vegas Sun.

Featured image for “Downtown Investment Authority board selects Baltimore’s Colin Tarbert as new CEO”
Colin Tarbert, president and CEO of the Baltimore Development Corp., has been selected to be the next CEO of the Jacksonville Downtown Investment Authority | Jacksonville Daily Record
June 10, 2025

Downtown Investment Authority board selects Baltimore’s Colin Tarbert as new CEO

Colin Tarbert, the longtime Maryland development executive picked to be the Downtown Investment Authority’s new CEO said the Jacksonville job…

Featured image for “Pearl Square in Downtown Jacksonville evolves, expands”
Pearl Square looking at the building in Block N4, now called 425 Beaver St. The building will include 286 multifamily units, nearly 20,000 square feet of retail space and on-site parking. Gateway Jax broke ground on the project May 29. | Jacksonville Daily Record
June 9, 2025

Pearl Square in Downtown Jacksonville evolves, expands

Developer Gateway Jax says its Pearl Square project, now encompassing nine properties, will provide “everything an individual may need on…

Featured image for “Council member Joe Carlucci: Developer has abandoned plan for San Jose YMCA campus”
The duPont YMCA Youth Development Campus at 7373 Old Kings Road S. | Google Maps
September 18, 2024

Council member Joe Carlucci: Developer has abandoned plan for San Jose YMCA campus

A contested plan to replace the duPont YMCA Youth Development Campus in San Jose with an affordable housing development is…

Featured image for “First Baptist responds to concerns about LGBTQ stance”
Congregants fill First Baptist Church Jacksonville during a worship service.
January 30, 2023

First Baptist responds to concerns about LGBTQ stance

The church is requiring its members to sign a statement agreeing that marriage is between a man and a woman.…

Featured image for “#AskJAXTDY | More details on ADUs, please”
An ADU garage apartment can be seen behind this home in the San Marco area | Jessica Palombo, Jacksonville Today
November 21, 2022

#AskJAXTDY | More details on ADUs, please

Q. After reading that the Jax City Council had extended the area where local homeowners can build and rent “accessory…

Featured image for “Northeast Florida Republicans carry the day in state Legislature”
November 8, 2022

Northeast Florida Republicans carry the day in state Legislature

As with their fellow Republicans farther up the ballot, GOP candidates for seats in the state Legislature dominated yesterday’s midterm…

Featured image for “#AskJAXTDY | Where can recyclables be dropped off?”
Duval residents can drop off recyclables at 7000 Imeson Road | Google Maps
November 3, 2022

#AskJAXTDY | Where can recyclables be dropped off?

Q: Jacksonville Today reader Marla P. has a problem when it comes to her household recyclable items: Her condo building…

Featured image for “National RSV surge hits Jacksonville”
October 28, 2022

National RSV surge hits Jacksonville

Respiratory syncytial virus — RSV — is surging across the U.S., and Jacksonville kids aren’t being spared. Dr. Mobeen Rathore,…

Featured image for “Ian victims get help in St. Johns and Putnam counties”
October 3, 2022

Ian victims get help in St. Johns and Putnam counties

St. Johns and Putnam counties have been added to the list of counties where residents and businesses affected by Tropical…

Featured image for “What’s next for the vacant MedMen in Five Points?”
Photo: Ric Anderson, Jacksonville Today
September 8, 2022

What’s next for the vacant MedMen in Five Points?

The vacant MedMen building in Five Points could be on the verge of sparking back to life, ending years of…

Featured image for “Jax councilmen defeated in bids for Legislature, as House and Senate races all but decided in several local districts”
Several local House district races were essentially settled in Tuesday's primary or before.
August 23, 2022

Jax councilmen defeated in bids for Legislature, as House and Senate races all but decided in several local districts

Two Jacksonville City Council members fell short in their bids to springboard to seats in the state Legislature in Tuesday’s…

Featured image for “PHOTO ESSAY | Hauling It”
May 3, 2022

PHOTO ESSAY | Hauling It

A driver shortage in Jacksonville triggered missed garbage pickups by the thousands. Through it all, the men and women who…