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 “OPINION | The citizens who stopped, exposed the JEA scheme”
3 hours ago

OPINION | The citizens who stopped, exposed the JEA scheme

Before we close the book on the JEA scandal, let’s celebrate those who stopped the behind-the-scenes sale effort and revealed…

Featured image for “OPINION | Why the Deegan-Biden dynamic matters to Jacksonville this November”
Mayor Deegan greets Vice President Kamala Harris in Jacksonville in July of 2023.
March 25, 2024

OPINION | Why the Deegan-Biden dynamic matters to Jacksonville this November

Mayor Deegan – who often talks about working across party lines – is going to be incentivized to be a…

Featured image for “REVIEW | Jacksonville Zoo monkeys with menu to some fans’ displeasure”
March 24, 2024

REVIEW | Jacksonville Zoo monkeys with menu to some fans’ displeasure

The Jacksonville Zoo says it took food “in a different direction that would allow us to maximize our mission through…

Featured image for “SPORTS | More work left for Jaguars after free agency haul”
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrates a hit on Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the Super Bowl on Feb. 11, 2024 | AP Photo/Ashley Landis
March 24, 2024

SPORTS | More work left for Jaguars after free agency haul

The Jacksonville Jaguars signed eight veterans from other teams during free agency, so here are their needs heading into the…

Featured image for “OPINION | Can’t get it out of my mind”
Ex-JEA CEO Aaron Zahn leaves federal court after his guity verdict on March 15, 2024. | Will Brown, Jacksonville Today
March 21, 2024

OPINION | Can’t get it out of my mind

With the federal conviction last week of JEA’s former CEO, our local morality tale about extreme self-interest at the public’s…

Featured image for “OPINION | Affordable housing in Northern St. Johns faces familiar opposition”
A rendering of the proposed Preserve at Wards Creek | St. Johns Planning and Zoning Agency
March 18, 2024

OPINION | Affordable housing in Northern St. Johns faces familiar opposition

This affordable housing project is being used as a scapegoat for the previous sins in St. Johns County. …

Featured image for “OPINION | The playground is the battleground ”
March 13, 2024

OPINION | The playground is the battleground 

We’re giving over the health, safety and the sanctity of public education to those who only have their own power…

Featured image for “SPORTS | Jaguars’ free agency start: activity or progress?”
FILE - Buffalo Bills center Mitch Morse (60) looks on during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Dec. 23, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. The Bills' salary cap-related purge of players cut deep into the team's core with veteran safety Jordan Poyer and center Morse being among five players the team announced it released Wednesday, March 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong, File)
March 11, 2024

SPORTS | Jaguars’ free agency start: activity or progress?

Despite talking about the need for a more physical offensive line, the Jaguars are keeping most of their starters.…

Featured image for “SPORTS | As NFL combine approaches, Jaguars’ needs are many”
Jaguars receiver Calvin Ridley, left, celebrates his second touchdown catch with Christian Kirk, right, during the third quarter of an AFC South contest against the Tennessee Titans. The Jaguars improved to 7-3 following a 34-14 win over the Tennessee Titans at EverBank Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. | Will Brown, Jacksonville Today
February 26, 2024

SPORTS | As NFL combine approaches, Jaguars’ needs are many

The NFL draft combine kicks off this Thursday in Indianapolis. What should the Jaguars focus on?…

Featured image for “OPINION | The reality of divided government”
Ron Salem and Donna Deegan at her 2023 budget presentation
February 25, 2024

OPINION | The reality of divided government

For Mayor Donna Deegan and this City Council, it will take negotiation and the time-honored principle of “getting to yes”…

Featured image for “OPINION | Southbank storage units are a bad deal”
February 20, 2024

OPINION | Southbank storage units are a bad deal

After repeated attempts, against significant community opposition, a self-storage proposal for a prime corner in Downtown’s Southbank is back.…

Featured image for “‘X’ marks the spot where the Alphabet Challenge can go awry for Jacksonville diners”
A visit to Doro in Neptune Beach was Alphabet Challenge taker Rachel Monaco's 'D' pick | Rachel Monaco
February 19, 2024

‘X’ marks the spot where the Alphabet Challenge can go awry for Jacksonville diners

There are no rules for the Alphabet Challenge, except players can’t skip a letter. And in Jacksonville, it’s hard to…

Featured image for “SPORTS | Key offseason decisions loom for Jaguars”
Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen celebrates a turnover during the first quarter of an Aug. 12, 2022 preseason game against the Cleveland Browns. The Jaguars led 13-0 when both teams removed their starters. | Will Brown, Jacksonville Today
February 18, 2024

SPORTS | Key offseason decisions loom for Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars face several key decisions in the offseason after a disastrous second-half collapse.…

Featured image for “OPINION | Joy is not an afterthought”
Beyonce performs in Cleveland, Ohio, on Nov. 4, 2016. | AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File
February 14, 2024

OPINION | Joy is not an afterthought

I write a lot about the ongoing injuries to Black people to connect the dots of history to this present…

Featured image for “OPINION | Did white supremacists kill the Confederate monument bill?”
February 11, 2024

OPINION | Did white supremacists kill the Confederate monument bill?

If the bill is dead, thank the loud-mouthed racists who got it through the Senate’s head what monument-protection bills are…

Featured image for “OPINION | Jacksonville Classical Academy changes course after learning lessons”
February 7, 2024

OPINION | Jacksonville Classical Academy changes course after learning lessons

Jacksonville Classical Academy charter school has pivoted in its approach in the three years since founder John Rood opened it…

Featured image for “OPINION | Talking back to your betters: The difficulty of commenting at Council, School Board meetings”
January 31, 2024

OPINION | Talking back to your betters: The difficulty of commenting at Council, School Board meetings

City Council needs to stop shielding its members from direct criticism. It also needs to provide more opportunities to receive…

Featured image for “OPINION | James Weldon Johnson Park redesign must be informed by Bryant Park’s success”
January 30, 2024

OPINION | James Weldon Johnson Park redesign must be informed by Bryant Park’s success

We risk backing ourselves into another 50-year corner if we don’t learn from our past and our peers and again…

Featured image for “OPINION | Will Donald Trump unite Jacksonville Republicans?”
Former President Donald Trump stands on stage at the Republican Party of Florida Freedom Summit, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
January 29, 2024

OPINION | Will Donald Trump unite Jacksonville Republicans?

Republicans, led by the chair of the Duval County party, are being compelled to unite behind Trump weeks before the…

Featured image for “SPORTS | A disconnect with Jaguars leadership?”
Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke watches as players warm up before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
January 28, 2024

SPORTS | A disconnect with Jaguars leadership?

Two men continue to be in the crosshairs of disgruntled Jags fans: offensive coordinator Press Taylor and general manager Trent…

Featured image for “OPINION | Changing the urban landscape in 2024”
January 16, 2024

OPINION | Changing the urban landscape in 2024

In 2024, here are four trends that could permanently change urban Jacksonville for the better.…

Featured image for “OPINION | Where is the stadium deal?”
January 15, 2024

OPINION | Where is the stadium deal?

The set-up couldn’t have been better for stadium negotiations. Now, it’s the same old Jagwires, bumbling on the field and making…

Featured image for “OPINION | American fiction ”
Neighborhood Shooting Philadelphia
January 10, 2024

OPINION | American fiction 

Opinion writer Nikesha Elise Williams reflects on an encounter with a police officer in Murray Hill Friday night.…

Featured image for “REVIEW | Salumeria 104”
January 8, 2024

REVIEW | Salumeria 104

Salumeria 104 offers warm and knowledgeable service, a cheery atmosphere, moreish pasta dishes, and swanky cocktails.…