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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 “St. Johns wants to challenge Florida’s agricultural enclave development law”
2 days ago

St. Johns wants to challenge Florida’s agricultural enclave development law

St. Johns County may go to court over a new law that eases development of agricultural lands.…

Featured image for “City Council president establishes special committee on drowning prevention”
2 days ago

City Council president establishes special committee on drowning prevention

The action comes after two children with autism drowned in Jacksonville ponds in August.…

Featured image for “Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams announces expansion to Five Points”
2 days ago

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams announces expansion to Five Points

The Ohio-based Jeni’s plans to open in the Five Points Theater, anchored by the FIVE entertainment venue.…

Featured image for “Otto Aerospace plans to start construction at Cecil Airport in 2028”
2 days ago

Otto Aerospace plans to start construction at Cecil Airport in 2028

Otto will make a new generation corporate jet at Cecil beginning in 2030, according to the Jacksonville Aviation Authority.…

Featured image for “Florida’s summer 2026: The heat and drought in the rearview”
2 days ago

Florida’s summer 2026: The heat and drought in the rearview

We look back at a summer marked by relentless heat and a striking lack of rain across the state.…

Featured image for “Donalds and Jolly call for Hope Florida reforms after scathing grand jury report”
2 days ago

Donalds and Jolly call for Hope Florida reforms after scathing grand jury report

Gubernatorial candidates Byron Donalds and David Jolly pledge to work with the Legislature on Hope Florida reforms.…

Featured image for “Tropical Storm Edouard forms in Gulf as hurricane season nears peak”
2 days ago

Tropical Storm Edouard forms in Gulf as hurricane season nears peak

Tropical Storm Edouard is moving toward Texas and Louisiana, and moisture from Dolly is targeting Florida.…

Featured image for “Florida awards $12M to FSCJ and Cecil Spaceport for aerospace and maritime training”
3 days ago

Florida awards $12M to FSCJ and Cecil Spaceport for aerospace and maritime training

The $7 million for FSCJ and $5 million for Cecil Spaceport are part of $23 million in job growth grants.…

Featured image for “Northeast Florida police halt Flock cameras under state order”
3 days ago

Northeast Florida police halt Flock cameras under state order

The Florida Department of Transportation said all cameras must be removed with 30 days.…

Featured image for “Beachside Seafood will cease restaurant operations in October”
August 31, 2026

Beachside Seafood will cease restaurant operations in October

Beachside owners plan to improve the market, add offerings and explore selling prepared food.…

Featured image for “Jacksonville airport expected to open Concourse B on Jan. 28”
August 31, 2026

Jacksonville airport expected to open Concourse B on Jan. 28

A ribbon-cutting for the new concourse is planned for Jan. 27, and American Airlines will start flights the next day.…

Featured image for “State expands bear hunt permits and adds private lands”
August 31, 2026

State expands bear hunt permits and adds private lands

The bear hunt is set for Dec. 5 to 27 in four areas, including Baker, Clay, Putnam and St. Johns…

Featured image for “Jacksonville Waves quelled in inaugural Upshot League Championship”
August 30, 2026

Jacksonville Waves quelled in inaugural Upshot League Championship

Charlotte was crowned the inaugural Upshot League champion with its 81-76 win over the Jacksonville Waves in Saturday night’s Upshot…

Featured image for “City approves demolition of Regency Square Mall’s east wing”
August 28, 2026

City approves demolition of Regency Square Mall’s east wing

Officials clear the way to demolish the portion 59-year-old Regency Square Mall between Impact Church and the shuttered JC Penney.…

Featured image for “JTA: ‘Everything is on the table’ regarding autonomous vehicles and gas tax plans”
August 28, 2026

JTA: ‘Everything is on the table’ regarding autonomous vehicles and gas tax plans

JTA’s interim CEO Cleveland Ferguson says he’s open to redirecting gas tax dollars planned for its autonomous vehicle program amid…

Featured image for “Jacksonville commemorates Axe Handle Saturday with Civil Rights Trail marker unveiling”
August 27, 2026

Jacksonville commemorates Axe Handle Saturday with Civil Rights Trail marker unveiling

The city of Jacksonville unveiled a historic marker in the corner of James Weldon Johnson Park on the 66th anniversary…

Featured image for “St. Johns Riverkeeper sues Keystone Terminal, alleging coal ash mismanagement”
August 27, 2026

St. Johns Riverkeeper sues Keystone Terminal, alleging coal ash mismanagement

Talleyrand residents have been complaining to Jacksonville’s Environmental Quality Division about dust since 2021.…

Featured image for “Tropical Storm Dolly forms in Atlantic but faces tough road ahead”
August 27, 2026

Tropical Storm Dolly forms in Atlantic but faces tough road ahead

Tropical Storm Dolly formed in the central Atlantic on Thursday but is expected to weaken due to strong wind shear…

Featured image for “Cleveland Ferguson III named interim JTA CEO”
August 27, 2026

Cleveland Ferguson III named interim JTA CEO

JTA’s second-in-command assumes the interim CEO spot as search kicks off to replace departing head Nat Ford.…

Featured image for “Leaked Hope Florida grand jury report: State ‘misappropriated’ funds”
August 26, 2026

Leaked Hope Florida grand jury report: State ‘misappropriated’ funds

A state grand jury report found Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration “misappropriated” funds by diverting Medicaid money to a nonprofit, eventually…

Featured image for “Carr, Gallion, Laguerre remembered on anniversary of racist Dollar General shooting”
August 26, 2026

Carr, Gallion, Laguerre remembered on anniversary of racist Dollar General shooting

Angela Carr, Jerrald Gallion and Anolt “A.J.” Laguerre Jr. were remembered on the third anniversary of their deaths at a…

Featured image for “WHAT TO DO | Theatre in the Park; ‘Cut the Fruit’; Clothed life drawing sessions”
August 26, 2026

WHAT TO DO | Theatre in the Park; ‘Cut the Fruit’; Clothed life drawing sessions

Theatre in the Park in Atlantic Beach, a new MOCA art exhibit Downtown, and drawing practice in St. Augustine are…

Featured image for “Jacksonville council member Peluso to push for new rules on Flock-style cameras”
August 26, 2026

Jacksonville council member Peluso to push for new rules on Flock-style cameras

Jimmy Peluso will hold a meeting Friday on his proposal to regulate Flock-style surveillance technology.…

Featured image for “Jacksonville City Council OKs veteran-hiring legislation”
August 26, 2026

Jacksonville City Council OKs veteran-hiring legislation

Companies receiving city incentives must make a “good faith effort” to hire veterans and will be given extra consideration for…

Featured image for “After retention pond deaths of 2 Jacksonville children this month, ‘time to take action’”
August 26, 2026

After retention pond deaths of 2 Jacksonville children this month, ‘time to take action’

Council member Reggie Gaffney Jr. gathered fellow lawmakers, parents developers and others to discuss how to prevent more deaths after…

Featured image for “UNF presidential search committee selects University of North Georgia president”
August 26, 2026

UNF presidential search committee selects University of North Georgia president

A UNF search committee has selected the University of North Georgia’s president as the Jacksonville school’s potential next leader.…

Featured image for “Republican governor candidate Byron Donalds picks Bryan Avila as running mate”
August 25, 2026

Republican governor candidate Byron Donalds picks Bryan Avila as running mate

Bryan Avila will become Florida lieutenant governor if Byron Donalds wins the general election in November.…

Featured image for “Local food banks see more need amid federal-assistance restrictions, rising prices”
August 25, 2026

Local food banks see more need amid federal-assistance restrictions, rising prices

Feeding Northeast Florida expects to surpass its 2025 record of 38.1 million pounds of food distributed from its food banks.…

Featured image for “Fernandina Beach paid parking to end Nov. 18”
August 25, 2026

Fernandina Beach paid parking to end Nov. 18

Fernandina Beach’s paid parking will end on Nov. 18.…

Featured image for “VyStar announces $5 million donation for UF graduate campus in LaVilla”
August 25, 2026

VyStar announces $5 million donation for UF graduate campus in LaVilla

The credit union will pay out the gift over five years, as UF prepares for its first students on the…

Featured image for “Atlantic Beach wants you to take a FlashVote survey instead of ranting on Facebook”
August 25, 2026

Atlantic Beach wants you to take a FlashVote survey instead of ranting on Facebook

The FlashVote platform is aimed at residents who can’t attend city meetings, with quick, anonymous surveys. Jacksonville and Atlantic Beaches…

Featured image for “Jacksonville weighing incentives for relaunch of Bellwether restaurant Downtown”
August 25, 2026

Jacksonville weighing incentives for relaunch of Bellwether restaurant Downtown

The new Bellwether owner are seeking a forgivable loan to help reopen the restaurant with changes to the menu and…

Featured image for “Florida seeks repeal of four required vaccines for schools”
August 24, 2026

Florida seeks repeal of four required vaccines for schools

The rule would remove Hepatitis B, chicken pox, influenza type b, and pneumococcal vaccines for public school attendance.…