July 19, 2023
The prevailing narrative of Florida’s new social studies standards, and in our country writ large, is that Black Americans are…
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.
July 18, 2023
OPINION | The Downtown jail fallacy
It’s possible to create a much more active and vibrant Downtown Jacksonville even without moving the jail.…
July 11, 2023
OPINION | Downtown revival: Crafting a plan for city-owned properties
Here’s a look at a few key Downtown properties that, with a little vision, could serve as catalysts to boost…
July 10, 2023
OPINION | Covering Deegan: News media will face special challenge in covering a friendly face
Donna Deegan presents a unique challenge for local media, many of whom have known her as a friend for a…
July 9, 2023
SPORTS | More complexity emerging in Jaguars’ temporary stadium question
Where will the Jaguars play while their stadium is renovated? Here are some pros and cons of the various options.…
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 25, 2023
OPINION | End of an era: Lenny Curry exits stage right
The Curry era, unlike any other in Jacksonville history, was one in which partisan Republicanism prevailed.…
June 20, 2023
OPINION | Jags’ plans present an opportunity to revitalize the Eastside
A. Philip Randolph could become a commercial district complementary to the proposed stadium district, with a 1-mile stretch of continuous…
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 19, 2023
SPORTS | An unlikely US Open winner and uncertainty for pro golf
The dramatic duel between a LIV golfer like Dustin Johnson or Cam Smith and the PGA Tour’s most outspoken defender,…
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 14, 2023
OPINION | Invest in safety, not police
We cannot police ourselves out of crime. The JSO budget has been at or above half-a-billion dollars for years, and…
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…
June 11, 2023
OPINION | ‘DeSantismander’ deserves a legal challenge
Florida’s congressional district map is a fraud, and the most glaring example is my district. No offense to Aaron Bean,…
June 6, 2023
OPINION | 4 common-sense ways to revitalize Downtown Jacksonville
Here are four proven, relatively simple, common-sense suggestions to spark revival without relying on huge budgets and massive new developments.…
June 5, 2023
OPINION | Trevor Lawrence is growing as a leader and as quarterback
Trevor Lawrence admits that if had not taken a major step forward last year as a player, his voice as…
May 29, 2023
OPINION | Transition volition: Why Donna Deegan needs a fast start
Mayor Deegan will deal with a GOP supermajority City Council. She is going to have to score early victories before…
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 23, 2023
THE JAXSON | Downtown Jacksonville’s most endangered buildings
Here are 10 overlooked buildings in Jacksonville that in danger of being demolished if more attention isn’t given to their…
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…
May 21, 2023
OPINION | The 5 biggest questions facing the Jaguars as offseason practices begin
For the Jaguars to make a deep playoff run, they’ll have to answer these 5 questions.…
May 17, 2023
OPINION | On the come up
I criticize this bold new city of the South consistently, but I’m not above applauding when ovation is due. And,…
May 16, 2023
OPINION | ‘Love over fear’: An epilogue for the 2023 election
Donna Deegan met the negativity from Daniel Davis’ campaign with a positive vision, managing to rebuff insipid and dishonest attacks.…
May 15, 2023
OPINION | The campaign we deserved? Looking back on the 2023 Jax mayor election
What the Donna Deegan vs. Daniel Davis’ race says about Jacksonville voters and what kind of politics people here really…