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

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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 interests at heart. 

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Featured image for “SPORTS | Jaguars’ free agency start: activity or progress?”
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.

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Featured image for “SPORTS | As NFL combine approaches, Jaguars’ needs are many”
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?

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Featured image for “OPINION | The reality of divided government”
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” to take a toxic discourse and make it productive. 

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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.

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Featured image for “‘X’ marks the spot where the Alphabet Challenge can go awry for Jacksonville diners”
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 hit the ‘X’ spot.

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Featured image for “SPORTS | Key offseason decisions loom for Jaguars”
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.

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Featured image for “OPINION | Joy is not an afterthought”
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 moment. But in life I lean heavily into joy.

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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 really all about. 

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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 with big plans.

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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 public input.

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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 overdesign James Weldon Johnson Park.

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Featured image for “OPINION | Will Donald Trump unite Jacksonville Republicans?”
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 primary.

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Featured image for “SPORTS | A disconnect with Jaguars leadership?”
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 Baalke.

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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.

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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 unwelcome news off of it.

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

OPINION | American fiction 

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

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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.

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Featured image for “SPORTS | Jaguars’ freefall ends outside of playoffs”
January 7, 2024

SPORTS | Jaguars’ freefall ends outside of playoffs

The biggest collapse in Jaguars history is complete, ending with a 28-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

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Featured image for “OPINION | The monument is gone! What happens next?”
January 3, 2024

OPINION | The monument is gone! What happens next?

After Mayor Donna Deegan’s removal of the Springfield Park Confederate monument, it’s clear there will be political ramifications for years to come. 

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Featured image for “SPORTS | Familiar scenario for Jaguars’ regular season finale”
January 1, 2024

SPORTS | Familiar scenario for Jaguars’ regular season finale

The Jaguars will face the Tennessee Titans this Sunday, the final week of the season, needing a win to clinch the AFC South.

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Featured image for “OPINION | Rail funding is coming – is Jacksonville paying attention? ”
December 19, 2023

OPINION | Rail funding is coming – is Jacksonville paying attention? 

Jacksonville’s entry into the federal rail corridor program is a chance for the city to seize its transportation future. Local leaders must get on board.

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Featured image for “OPINION | Donna Deegan needs a political machine”
December 18, 2023

OPINION | Donna Deegan needs a political machine

With three-and-a-half years to go in Deegan’s administration, it’s apparent that she could use more political cover on the City Council, but it’s simply not coming.

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