7 hours ago
The annual Battle of Olustee reenactment and festivities are Feb. 14 through 16.…
Mike Clark devoted about 47 years to Jacksonville's two daily newspapers. He retired in 2020 after 15 years as editorial page editor at The Florida Times-Union, where he and his staff won local, state, regional and national journalism awards.
He is the author of the new book, “Civil War Survivor: Incredible True Story of a Union Private.”
January 26, 2025
OPINION | The city suffers while Jaguars owner stumbles
The city needs a respected, independent evaluation of future finances, the equivalent of a financial counseling session — tough love.…
September 10, 2024
OPINION | The Mathews Bridge needs a name that reflects all of Jacksonville
The bridge’s namesake, John E. Mathews, was quoted in 1920 as saying: “This is a white man’s country and government.”…
July 8, 2024
OPINION | Sorry, sheriff, Duval is Florida’s murder capital
Jaguars fans like to chant “Duuuval” for their pro football team. But when it comes to the murder rate, sheriffs…
June 4, 2024
OPINION | A city of tokenism, except for the Jaguars
Jacksonville is a low-tax town that skimps on major priorities. Except for the Jaguars.…
April 15, 2024
OPINION | Jim Crow is enshrined in Florida law
This Friday, April 26, the state of Florida will celebrate Confederate Memorial Day, one of three official Confederate anniversaries that…
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. …
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…
November 29, 2023
OPINION | Next steps in city’s affordable housing efforts?
In Duval County, the property appraiser estimates that 25% of all single-family homes are owned by investors.…
October 16, 2023
OPINION | City needs bold action to solve affordable housing crisis
About 147,000 Jacksonville households are on a wait list for affordable housing. That would fill EverBank Stadium twice.…
October 2, 2023
OPINION | The Florida Legislature raided $2.6B in affordable housing funds
For every $100 available for affordable housing, the Florida Legislature took $46. But recent reforms offer hope.…
September 20, 2023
OPINION | Jacksonville should act to reverse the legacy of racist housing policies
The U.S. government created ghettoes. Government action produced racially segregated communities in the U.S., including in Jacksonville. This was no…
September 11, 2023
OPINION | What St. Johns County teaches us about affordable housing
Even with proven, successful ways to provide affordable housing, funding at the state and local levels is not nearly strong…
July 5, 2023
OPINION | Better late than never for Duval Schools + City budget bewilderment
Mike Clark reacts to progress in school administration and also what doesn’t make sense to him about this time of…
June 20, 2023
OPINION | Will Jacksonville give the Jags a blank check?
Money talks. So what does $76 million over 30 years say? If that’s not a blank check, it’s mighty close.…
June 15, 2023
OPINION | One position is missing from Deegan’s appointments, but she has a solid staff
Besides choosing good people, Donna Deegan found people who can co-exist with a Democratic mayor and Republican City Council.…
June 12, 2023
OPINION | 4 questions the city should ask before paying for stadium upgrades
Jacksonville residents should be asking these four questions as we evaluate the Jaguars’ proposal to split the cost of stadium…
May 23, 2023
OPINION | How to pay for Jaguars stadium renovations
Jacksonville, an underdog, needs something bold and creative to win public buy-in for stadium financing. Here is one idea that…
May 22, 2023
OPINION | Jacksonville needs another near miracle to keep the Jaguars
Figuring out a way to pay for major renovations to the Jaguars’ TIAA Bank Field would be like pulling off…