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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.
Featured image for “Judge dismisses lawsuit over paid parking in Fernandina”
January 2, 2026

Judge dismisses lawsuit over paid parking in Fernandina

The City Commission will vote Tuesday on whether to institute paid parking in the downtown area.…

Featured image for “Tourism inches up in Florida even as Canadians stay away”
January 2, 2026

Tourism inches up in Florida even as Canadians stay away

Tourism in the third quarter was the highest since 2022, when Florida was trying to attract visitors during the pandemic.…

Featured image for “Prosecutors see no criminal intent in City Hall gun registry”
January 2, 2026

Prosecutors see no criminal intent in City Hall gun registry

The person behind the idea did not know it was illegal to keep a list of gun owners, an investigation…

Featured image for “Clay School Board member assailed over racial remarks”
December 31, 2025

Clay School Board member assailed over racial remarks

More community leaders spoke out Wednesday against racial comments by School Board member Robert Alvero.…

Featured image for “Former Duval teachers union president pays back $1.3M”
December 31, 2025

Former Duval teachers union president pays back $1.3M

Teresa Brady, former president of Duval Teachers United, transferred $1.3 million to a government account in December.…

Featured image for “8,000 pregnant women get disabled parking permits”
December 31, 2025

8,000 pregnant women get disabled parking permits

Disabled advocates are suing over a Florida law that allows pregnant women to use disabled parking spaces.…

Featured image for “These 5 Florida laws will take effect on New Year’s Day”
December 31, 2025

These 5 Florida laws will take effect on New Year’s Day

The new laws cover animal cruelty, breast cancer and condo regulation, among other issues.…

Featured image for “52 black bears killed in Florida’s controversial hunt”
December 31, 2025

52 black bears killed in Florida’s controversial hunt

The number of bears killed was fewer than expected, partly because the hunt’s opponents bought up permits.…

Featured image for “Sheriff’s lieutenant won’t be charged for firing at trucker”
December 30, 2025

Sheriff’s lieutenant won’t be charged for firing at trucker

Prosecutors said they could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the lieutenant was unjustified.…

Featured image for “Jacksonville police officer kills man during struggle”
December 30, 2025

Jacksonville police officer kills man during struggle

The Sheriff’s Office said Officer Zackery Jennings shot a suspect who pulled a gun on him during an arrest.…

Featured image for “The Hub Brooklyn expected to open within weeks”
December 30, 2025

The Hub Brooklyn expected to open within weeks

The Hub, housing three restaurants, is tenatively scheduled to open Jan. 19 at Riverside Avenue and Forest Street.…

Featured image for “Proposed Florida law widens vaccination debate”
December 30, 2025

Proposed Florida law widens vaccination debate

A bill in the Legislature would prevent discrimination based on a person’s vaccination status.…

Featured image for “What exactly is a freeze watch? Here’s a guide to winter alerts”
December 30, 2025

What exactly is a freeze watch? Here’s a guide to winter alerts

During the colder months of winter, the National Weather Service can issue a range of alerts across Florida.…

Featured image for “10 legal issues to watch in Florida in 2026”
December 29, 2025

10 legal issues to watch in Florida in 2026

A long list of legal issues remain unresolved in Florida: immigration, guns, marijuana, transgender laws and more.…

Featured image for “Starbucks gets permit to build in Bank of America Tower”
December 29, 2025

Starbucks gets permit to build in Bank of America Tower

The city issued a permit for Starbucks to build on the ground floor of the building’s southeast corner.…

Featured image for “Sandalwood grad Antonio Clary caps off collegiate career with Gator Bowl win”
December 29, 2025

Sandalwood grad Antonio Clary caps off collegiate career with Gator Bowl win

The Jacksonville native helped the University of Virginia win the 2025 Gator Bowl in his final collegiate game.…

Featured image for “Winter will slap Florida with a cold goodbye to 2025”
December 29, 2025

Winter will slap Florida with a cold goodbye to 2025

Many people, including those in North Florida, will wake up to one of the coldest air masses of the season…

Featured image for “Fleming senator files bill to regulate drinking straws”
December 24, 2025

Fleming senator files bill to regulate drinking straws

The legislation from Sen. Jennifer Bradley would set rules for the materials used in straws and stirrers.…

Featured image for “AI ‘Bill of Rights’ proposed in Florida Senate”
December 24, 2025

AI ‘Bill of Rights’ proposed in Florida Senate

The AI proposal comes as President Trump tries to limit state regulation of artificial intelligence.…

Featured image for “Bestbet sues to stop poker room in Hamilton County”
December 24, 2025

Bestbet sues to stop poker room in Hamilton County

Bestbet argues that Hamilton Downs should not be allowed to operate a card room on adjacent land.…

Featured image for “Are any stores open on Christmas Day?”
December 24, 2025

Are any stores open on Christmas Day?

Most stores are closed on Christmas, but a handful of businesses will be open during the holiday.…

Featured image for “Christmas weather in Florida: A bit of everything in recent years”
December 24, 2025

Christmas weather in Florida: A bit of everything in recent years

We’re going to have a typically warm Christmas this year, but a cool-down is coming for New Year’s.…

Featured image for “Only Merrill Road Elementary, Fort Caroline Middle eyed as Schools of Hope ”
December 23, 2025

Only Merrill Road Elementary, Fort Caroline Middle eyed as Schools of Hope 

Mater Academy has narrowed its list of 25 buildings to two intended for Schools of Hope in Duval.…

Featured image for “Former UF President Ben Sasse has pancreatic cancer”
December 23, 2025

Former UF President Ben Sasse has pancreatic cancer

Sasse posted on social media that he has been diagnosed with metastasized, Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.…

Featured image for “Florida Legislature may eliminate license plate stickers”
December 23, 2025

Florida Legislature may eliminate license plate stickers

Motorists would still need to register their cars, but the yellow stickers would no longer be required.…

Featured image for “The ‘hanging judge’: Jim Crow legacy looms over Jacksonville death row case”
December 23, 2025

The ‘hanging judge’: Jim Crow legacy looms over Jacksonville death row case

The late Judge R. Hudson Olliff was known for a harsh approach to crime and questionable remarks about Black people.…

Featured image for “White House rebuffs Florida bishops on immigration”
December 23, 2025

White House rebuffs Florida bishops on immigration

Catholic bishops appealed to President Trump to pause immigration enforcement during the holidays.…

Featured image for “Thieves steal $200K in technology from private school”
December 23, 2025

Thieves steal $200K in technology from private school

Minds of the Future Academy is turning to the community for help replacing the lost technology.…

Featured image for “JTA wants to know what’s on your mind”
December 23, 2025

JTA wants to know what’s on your mind

JTA will have a series of meetings next month to explain plans and solicit feedback from the community.…

Featured image for “Jacksonville government and you | JAX TODAY GUIDE”
December 22, 2025

Jacksonville government and you | JAX TODAY GUIDE

Here’s how to get involved in Jacksonville government, whether making your voice heard in City Council, joining a Citizens Planning…

Featured image for “PHOTO ESSAY | Will Brown’s favorite images of 2025”
December 22, 2025

PHOTO ESSAY | Will Brown’s favorite images of 2025

Jacksonville Today’s Will Brown shares his favorite photos from Jacksonville in 2025.…

Featured image for “Clay School Board member takes heat for racial comments”
December 22, 2025

Clay School Board member takes heat for racial comments

The state education commissioner wants Robert Alvero to explain a racial post on social media.…

Featured image for “Proposed miniature golf course hits hurdle in St. Johns County”
December 22, 2025

Proposed miniature golf course hits hurdle in St. Johns County

The zoning agency recommended against a miniature golf course called Nothing Putt Fun & Games.…