PerspectivesMike Clark Jacksonville Today Contributor

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 currently writing a book and producing a podcast based on the letters that his great-great-grandfather, Edgar W. Clark, a Union private, sent to his wife during the Civil War. More information at civilwarsurvivor.com.
Featured image for “OPINION | The Mathews Bridge needs a name that reflects all of Jacksonville”
The Mathews Bridge as seen from Talleyrand on Sept. 9, 2024. | Will Brown, Jacksonville Today
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.”…

Featured image for “OPINION | Sorry, sheriff, Duval is Florida’s murder capital”
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters talks about a deadly mass shooting at a Dollar General store on Aug. 27, 2023. | Will Brown, Jacksonville Today
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…

Featured image for “OPINION | A city of tokenism, except for the Jaguars”
The JAX Chamber is supporting the renovation of EverBank Stadium into "the Stadium of the Future." City of Jacksonville
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.…

Featured image for “OPINION | Jim Crow is enshrined in Florida law”
Speakers walk through the metal detector at Jacksonville City Hall on Dec. 13, 2022. | Will Brown, Jacksonville Today
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…

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 | 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 | Next steps in city’s affordable housing efforts?”
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.…

Featured image for “OPINION | City needs bold action to solve affordable housing crisis”
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.…

Featured image for “OPINION | The Florida Legislature raided $2.6B in affordable housing funds”
The Florida Capitol Complex is viewed, Tuesday, March 29, 2022, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
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.…

Featured image for “OPINION | Jacksonville should act to reverse the legacy of racist housing policies”
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…

Featured image for “OPINION | What St. Johns County teaches us about affordable housing”
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…

Featured image for “OPINION | Better late than never for Duval Schools + City budget bewilderment ”
Duval Schools HQ
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…

Featured image for “OPINION | Will Jacksonville give the Jags a blank check?”
Jacksonville Jaguars President Mark Lamping outlines the proposed renovation of EverBank Stadium during a "community huddle" on June 12, 2023. | Will Brown, Jacksonville Today
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.…

Featured image for “OPINION | One position is missing from Deegan’s appointments, but she has a solid staff ”
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.…

Featured image for “OPINION | 4 questions the city should ask before paying for stadium upgrades”
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…

Featured image for “OPINION | How to pay for Jaguars stadium renovations ”
Workers prep TIAA Bank Field on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, for the 78th TaxSlayer Gator Bowl.
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…

Featured image for “OPINION | Jacksonville needs another near miracle to keep the Jaguars”
The Jaguars overcame a 27-point deficit to beat the Los Angeles Chargers 31-30 in the AFC wild card playoffs on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. | Will Brown, Jacksonville Today
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…