August 3, 2026
Here’s what it’s like to attend the mayor’s budget address, which kicks off the Jacksonville budget process, and how you…
Perspectives is home to opinion writing that adds context and unique viewpoints on local issues. These columns are separate from our newsroom reporting but contribute to the civic conversation in Jacksonville. We welcome ideas and submissions from community members who want to share their voices. Want to submit your own column on a matter of public interest? Email pitches to jessica@jaxtoday.org.
August 2, 2026
OPINION | How the US Senate race could shape local elections
Angie Nixon is the overwhelming choice of Democrats in Northeast Florida. Could her U.S. Senate run help others on the…
July 19, 2026
OPINION | Jacksonville’s budget showdown begins
Jacksonville faces a budget fight over the next couple of months.…
July 16, 2026
REVIEW | The Roost at Congaree and Penn
Amongst a stirringly pastoral setting, our critic found Congaree and Penn’s new foray into casual dining both subtle and a…
July 16, 2026
THE JAXSON | Let’s get back to the basics at JTA
JTA CEO Nat Ford’s departure is an opportunity to rethink what works and retire what doesn’t.…
July 5, 2026
OPINION | Children are the future of representative government
Opinion columnist A.G. Gancarski argues that Gov. Ron DeSantis should not have vetoed a bill that would have allowed teens…
June 24, 2026
THE JAXSON | Jacksonville’s 4 disasters (and recoveries)
This is the story of Jacksonville’s recovery from four major disasters. In James Weldon Johnson’s lifetime, Jacksonville suffered three major…
June 21, 2026
OPINION | What is the Jacksonville City Council presidency for, really?
Cleanup will be required after the Kevin Carrico era, opinion columnist A.G. Gancarski writes of the Jacksonville City Council presidency.…
June 7, 2026
OPINION | No local taxation, no local representation
Local government isn’t perfect. But starving the beast will only erode home rule, opinion columnist A.G. Gancarski argues.…
May 31, 2026
THE FOOD SECTION | Public incentives for Downtown Jax restaurants, bars pick up
A dedicated “retail enhancement” fund is increasingly propping up restaurants that choose to open in Downtown Jacksonville.…
May 24, 2026
OPINION | The art of the viral moment: Angie Nixon’s lesson for the political establishment
If you’re looking for structural critique from a legislator, Angie Nixon provides it. But will she go in on her…
May 10, 2026
OPINION | The ‘race-neutral’ myth and Jacksonville City Council redistricting
A “race-neutral” redistricting could chop up districts intended to allow Black candidates to be elected.…
April 28, 2026
REVIEW | Black Pearl: A ‘disappointing’ take on Italian-Japanese fusion
“Typically, the hallmarks of itameshi are sophisticated cooking techniques, esteem for seasonality and an emphasis on umami-rich ingredients,” writes reviewer…
April 26, 2026
OPINION | What does the Florida House get out of the special session?
After two years of adversarial positioning, does Florida House Speaker Perez simply fold? Or does the House push back against…
April 12, 2026
OPINION | The case for elected JEA and JTA boards
The public deserves a say in how its assets are run, but JEA’s and JTA’s boards are currently appointed.…
March 31, 2026
REVIEW | PopUp Bagels
PopUp Bagels’ most significant contribution to bagel culture is that it’s poised to reshape the nation’s relationship with cream cheese.…
March 29, 2026
OPINION | Do special elections signal good year for Jacksonville Dems?
Last week saw a couple of surprise results in special elections downstate. Democrats believe that taking these seats suggests that…
March 18, 2026
THE JAXSON | Ranking the 6 Skyway alternatives, from best to worst
As Jacksonville revisits the future of its Skyway, this moment presents a broader opportunity to consider how the Skyway fits…
March 14, 2026
OPINION | Taxation contradiction: Making sense of muddled money messaging
When it comes to local taxation, Republican policy makers want to convince voters that it’s day and night at the…
March 2, 2026
THE FOOD SECTION | Forget New York vs. Detroit. Jax enters its global pizza era
In Jacksonville, there are excellent examples of the global pizza canon.…
March 1, 2026
OPINION | Shot in the dark: The end of vaccine politics in Florida
The rise and fall of “medical freedom” is almost complete, as anti-vaccine fervor is falling out of favor in Tallahassee.…
February 25, 2026
THE JAXSON | Defending Black History Month
Black History Month predates contemporary political terminology and was conceived during the Jim Crow era as a scholarly initiative, not…
February 15, 2026
OPINION | 2027: The ‘lawfare’ Jacksonville mayor’s race?
The controversy over Mayor Donna Deegan’s Hispanic outreach coordinator could last through next year’s Jacksonville mayor’s race.…
February 1, 2026
OPINION | The politics of last call: Should Downtown bars serve ’til 3?
Should Downtown bars be allowed to serve alcohol for an extra hour?…