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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 “Duval school bus drivers threaten strike, but more meetings planned”
2 days ago

Duval school bus drivers threaten strike, but more meetings planned

Durham School Services will meet with bus drivers this week in an attempt to avert a strike.…

Featured image for “St. Augustine Beach bans smoking and vaping at beaches and parks”
2 days ago

St. Augustine Beach bans smoking and vaping at beaches and parks

The action this week brings St. Augustine Beach into line with the county’s rules on smoking and vaping.…

Featured image for “Florida state parks grapple with maintenance backlog and not enough money”
2 days ago

Florida state parks grapple with maintenance backlog and not enough money

Park advocates say the current state budget falls far short of all of the maintenance and repairs needed.…

Featured image for “Clay County School Board challengers make their case on pay and spending”
2 days ago

Clay County School Board challengers make their case on pay and spending

Three current School Board members have competition in the election, but none attended a recent forum.…

Featured image for “The ‘perfect storm’ most people miss after a hurricane”
2 days ago

The ‘perfect storm’ most people miss after a hurricane

Landfall is not the only threat from a hurricane. The recovery time is often more dangerous.…

Featured image for “Duval raises school lunch prices again”
3 days ago

Duval raises school lunch prices again

Students will need a little more lunch money when school starts in Duval County next week.…

Featured image for “#AskJAXTDY | How can I donate supplies to Duval schools?”
3 days ago

#AskJAXTDY | How can I donate supplies to Duval schools?

Community members can call their local school to ask how to donate school supplies…

Featured image for “St. Johns County considers challenge to agricultural development law”
3 days ago

St. Johns County considers challenge to agricultural development law

County commissioners want to know if it would be worth the time and money to challenge the law in court.…

Featured image for “Judge orders Florida to rewrite ballot language for property tax amendment”
3 days ago

Judge orders Florida to rewrite ballot language for property tax amendment

A Leon County judge ruled that the ballot language on the property tax issue was not fair or neutral.…

Featured image for “Four Democrats face off in Duval School Board District 4 race. Who are they?”
August 4, 2026

Four Democrats face off in Duval School Board District 4 race. Who are they?

Alfreda Denson Butler, Rhodesia Butler, James Jacobs and Gracie Bell Kearse-McCastler have a competitive race ahead.…

Featured image for “More than 5,200 drivers caught passing Duval school buses illegally”
August 4, 2026

More than 5,200 drivers caught passing Duval school buses illegally

See where the most school bus violations occurred over two months — and what the drivers did wrong.…

Featured image for “Public safety groups sound alarm over property tax ballot issue”
August 4, 2026

Public safety groups sound alarm over property tax ballot issue

The Florida Sheriffs Association says it is “significantly concerned” about Amendment 3, which would cut property taxes.…

Featured image for “Meet the 3 candidates vying for Duval County School Board District 2 seat”
August 3, 2026

Meet the 3 candidates vying for Duval County School Board District 2 seat

Donovan Bradley, Terence Myers and Donna Westrich say they want to keep politics out of the classroom.…

Featured image for “Q&A | Rep. Byron Donalds takes questions on ‘First Coast Connect’”
August 3, 2026

Q&A | Rep. Byron Donalds takes questions on ‘First Coast Connect’

The Republican gubernatorial candidate discusses campaign finance, data centers, the environment and more.…

Featured image for “Bellwether restaurant will reopen Downtown with new owners”
August 3, 2026

Bellwether restaurant will reopen Downtown with new owners

Pearl Hospitality Group plans to add sushi and Asian dining to a refreshed Bellwether menu.…

Featured image for “Hurricane season enters peak months under growing El Niño influence”
August 3, 2026

Hurricane season enters peak months under growing El Niño influence

A strengthening El Niño is expected to suppress hurricane activity from August through October.…

Featured image for “Jacksonville Aviation Authority drops lawsuit threat against city”
August 3, 2026

Jacksonville Aviation Authority drops lawsuit threat against city

Airport and city officials signed a memorandum of understanding to work together and end lawsuit tensions.…

Featured image for “5 Westside candidates compete for District 6 Duval School Board seat”
August 2, 2026

5 Westside candidates compete for District 6 Duval School Board seat

School board candidates run non-partisan races, so the race could be decided in the primary election.…

Featured image for “Developer withdraws proposal for Daily’s gas station in Fruit Cove”
July 31, 2026

Developer withdraws proposal for Daily’s gas station in Fruit Cove

Daily’s parent company has put forth the plan three times, and residents have opposed it from the start.…

Featured image for “School Board candidates in St. Johns County spar over finances”
July 31, 2026

School Board candidates in St. Johns County spar over finances

Three candidates are running to represent District 4 on the St. Johns County School Board.…

Featured image for “Florida Fresh Access Bucks program pauses amid funding shortage”
July 31, 2026

Florida Fresh Access Bucks program pauses amid funding shortage

Fresh Access Bucks allowed SNAP users to extend their benefits at Florida-based farmers markets and retailers.…

Featured image for “Judge upholds development restrictions at World Golf Village”
July 31, 2026

Judge upholds development restrictions at World Golf Village

The World Golf Foundation had argued that land-use restrictions dating to 1996 were no longer valid.…

Featured image for “Jacksonville considers tighter e-bike rules as injuries rise and school nears”
July 31, 2026

Jacksonville considers tighter e-bike rules as injuries rise and school nears

A proposed ordinance would set a speed limit, traffic rules and a minimum age for e-bikers.…

Featured image for “Florida hurricanes: Where you live — and how — matters”
July 31, 2026

Florida hurricanes: Where you live — and how — matters

Hurricane vulnerability is shaped by more than landfall. It’s also the way people live — in high-rises and along waterways.…

Featured image for “Duval Schools rolls out 26 electric school buses for upcoming year”
July 30, 2026

Duval Schools rolls out 26 electric school buses for upcoming year

School district officials say the electric buses will save money over time for fuel and maintenance.…

Featured image for “Jacksonville Community Land Trust to create attainable housing in urban core”
July 30, 2026

Jacksonville Community Land Trust to create attainable housing in urban core

Roosevelt Commons will be a 124-unit attainable housing community on the Eastside.…

Featured image for “More Buckman Bridge closures this weekend. This time it’s northbound.”
July 30, 2026

More Buckman Bridge closures this weekend. This time it’s northbound.

Crews have spent months replacing steel joints on the bridge, a project that will continue until fall.…

Featured image for “Nassau County schools will require e-bikers to pass safety course”
July 30, 2026

Nassau County schools will require e-bikers to pass safety course

Students must become certified this year if they want to ride e-bikes or e-scooters to school.…

Featured image for “Compare Duval County candidates | AUG. 18 VOTER GUIDE”
July 30, 2026

Compare Duval County candidates | AUG. 18 VOTER GUIDE

Duval voters, compare the candidates who appear on your Aug. 18 Florida primary ballot with our Candidate Comparison Tool.…

Featured image for “Compare Nassau County candidates | AUG. 18 VOTER GUIDE”
July 30, 2026

Compare Nassau County candidates | AUG. 18 VOTER GUIDE

Nassau voters, compare the candidates who appear on your Aug. 18 Florida primary ballot with our Candidate Comparison Tool.…

Featured image for “Compare Clay County candidates | AUG. 18 VOTER GUIDE”
July 30, 2026

Compare Clay County candidates | AUG. 18 VOTER GUIDE

Clay voters, compare the candidates who appear on your Aug. 18 Florida primary ballot with our Candidate Comparison Tool.…

Featured image for “Compare St. Johns candidates | AUG. 18 VOTER GUIDE”
July 30, 2026

Compare St. Johns candidates | AUG. 18 VOTER GUIDE

St. Johns voters, compare the candidates who appear on your Aug. 18 Florida primary ballot with our Candidate Comparison Tool.…

Featured image for “Judge weighs challenge to ballot language for property tax amendment”
July 30, 2026

Judge weighs challenge to ballot language for property tax amendment

Lawsuits assert that the wording of the property tax issue is misleading and biased.…