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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 “City Council eyes funding for higher ed and job training”
December 5, 2025

City Council eyes funding for higher ed and job training

The University of North Florida would get $6 million for upgrades to Hodges Stadium and additional practice fields.…

Featured image for “Indiana developer says it’s buying Laura Street Trio”
December 5, 2025

Indiana developer says it’s buying Laura Street Trio

Becovic Management Group says it is buying the restored Barnett National Bank Building in addition to the Laura Street Trio.…

Featured image for “Eye surgeon envisions more medical tourism in Jacksonville”
December 4, 2025

Eye surgeon envisions more medical tourism in Jacksonville

Dr. Arun Gulani has served people from nearly 100 countries and believes medical tourism can benefit the region.…

Featured image for “Final littoral combat ship destined for Mayport”
December 4, 2025

Final littoral combat ship destined for Mayport

The U.S. Navy has accepted delivery of the USS Cleveland. The ship will homeport at Mayport Naval Station.…

Featured image for “Warm weather forecast for December and the holidays”
December 4, 2025

Warm weather forecast for December and the holidays

NOAA’s latest December outlook predicts the holidays will be drier and warmer than usual.…

Featured image for “Police officer cleared in shooting of unarmed boy”
December 4, 2025

Police officer cleared in shooting of unarmed boy

The police officer was justified in shooting the boy, but communication errors contributed, the state attorney says.…

Featured image for “WHAT TO DO | Tea and Tales; Deck the Chairs; Gullah Geechee Heritage Festival”
December 3, 2025

WHAT TO DO | Tea and Tales; Deck the Chairs; Gullah Geechee Heritage Festival

A cozy Christmas tale read aloud in Fernandina Beach, a beloved holiday tradition at Jacksonville Beach and the 12th annual…

Featured image for “State CFO touts immigration agenda in St. Johns County”
December 3, 2025

State CFO touts immigration agenda in St. Johns County

CFO Blaise Ingoglia came to the First Coast to discuss his immigration priorities in the upcoming legislative session.…

Featured image for “UNF gets $1.3M grant to develop STEM game”
December 3, 2025

UNF gets $1.3M grant to develop STEM game

The game, called Adventures with Emmy, will be similar to Dungeons and Dragons but with a STEM theme.…

Featured image for “Paid parking clears first vote in Fernandina Beach”
December 3, 2025

Paid parking clears first vote in Fernandina Beach

The City Commission will take a final parking vote on Jan. 6, but a lawsuit and referendum are pending.…

Featured image for “St. Johns deputies kill gunman who threatened coworker”
December 3, 2025

St. Johns deputies kill gunman who threatened coworker

The gunman led deputies on a chase down U.S. 1 and yelled “shoot me, shoot me,” the sheriff said.…

Featured image for “JetBlue adding flights from Jacksonville to Puerto Rico”
December 3, 2025

JetBlue adding flights from Jacksonville to Puerto Rico

JetBlue will begin flying between San Juan and Jacksonville International Airport on March 13.…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | 6 Historic North Riverside Photographs”
December 3, 2025

THE JAXSON | 6 Historic North Riverside Photographs

A photographic journey into the history of North Riverside, a neighborhood significantly affected by heavy industry and expressway construction.…

Featured image for “Florida’s fog season begins: What you need to know”
December 3, 2025

Florida’s fog season begins: What you need to know

Florida’s fog season typically runs from late fall through the early spring.…

Featured image for “A change to who reviews challenged books for Duval Schools”
December 2, 2025

A change to who reviews challenged books for Duval Schools

School board members will now each appoint a parent to the committee that reviews challenged books.…

Featured image for “St. Johns County adopts conservation fee on developers”
December 2, 2025

St. Johns County adopts conservation fee on developers

The impact fee, phased in over five years, will pay for acquiring sensitive conservation land.…

Featured image for “Ben & Jerry’s is coming to Five Points”
December 2, 2025

Ben & Jerry’s is coming to Five Points

The ice cream shop will be in the former space of Jane Doe Boutique, across from the Five Points Theatre…

Featured image for “St. Johns County bans smoking at parks and beaches”
December 2, 2025

St. Johns County bans smoking at parks and beaches

Students from Washington Classical Christian School had asked county officials to change smoking rules.…

Featured image for “Shakeup shuffles leadership on St. Johns County Commission”
December 2, 2025

Shakeup shuffles leadership on St. Johns County Commission

A surprise vote Tuesday dumped the leadership appointed just two weeks ago.…

Featured image for “Here’s a chance to keep a piece of Adventure Landing”
December 2, 2025

Here’s a chance to keep a piece of Adventure Landing

An online auction is selling memorabilia and equipment from the closed Adventure Landing entertainment center.…

Featured image for “2 more Duval elementary schools will close ”
December 2, 2025

2 more Duval elementary schools will close 

Over community objections, the Duval County School Board voted unanimously Monday to close two more elementary schools — but later…

Featured image for “Main Street Bridge could become a national landmark”
December 1, 2025

Main Street Bridge could become a national landmark

City lawmakers want to add the iconic Main Street Bridge to the National Register of Historic Places.…

Featured image for “Is another Harris Teeter planned in St. Johns County?”
December 1, 2025

Is another Harris Teeter planned in St. Johns County?

The county is reviewing plans for a second store that matches the Harris Teeter footprint.…

Featured image for “Appeals court revives securities lawsuit against FPL”
December 1, 2025

Appeals court revives securities lawsuit against FPL

The issues include improper influence on elections and FPL’s failed attempt to acquire JEA in Jacksonville.…

Featured image for “Vouchers are shifting funding away from traditional schools”
December 1, 2025

Vouchers are shifting funding away from traditional schools

Teachers say school vouchers are leading to fewer programs for kids, larger classes and inadequate teacher pay.…

Featured image for “‘$100M debt’? Duval superintendent paints rosier financial picture amid school closures”
November 30, 2025

‘$100M debt’? Duval superintendent paints rosier financial picture amid school closures

The way Bernier talks about the urgency of school closures has done something of a 180 — from needing to…

Featured image for “Riverfront Plaza second ‘destination’ Downtown park to open this month”
November 25, 2025

Riverfront Plaza second ‘destination’ Downtown park to open this month

City officials are debuting Riverfront Plaza and RiversEdge public parks on the Nothbank and Southbank, respectively.…

Featured image for “Duval Schools asks Jax Library to cut student access to book apps”
November 25, 2025

Duval Schools asks Jax Library to cut student access to book apps

The library access issue comes as the School Board will vote Monday on changes to its policy for reviewing challenged…

Featured image for “Lights and action usher in Jacksonville’s inaugural River Fest”
November 25, 2025

Lights and action usher in Jacksonville’s inaugural River Fest

Fireworks, a lighted boat parade and a sneak peek at Jacksonville new downtown park are all at Saturday’s River Fest.…

Featured image for “Developer to seek $48M in incentives for Publix-anchored project Downtown”
November 25, 2025

Developer to seek $48M in incentives for Publix-anchored project Downtown

Officials discussed Gateway Jax’s coming request Monday during a City Council committee on Downtown.…

Featured image for “St. Augustine lawmaker aims to curb last-minute land swaps”
November 24, 2025

St. Augustine lawmaker aims to curb last-minute land swaps

A St. Augustine representative is aiming to increase transparency surrounding land swaps like a controversial trade that nearly occurred earlier…

Featured image for “Mandarin Food Bank’s 35th Thanksgiving giveaway helps 450 families”
November 24, 2025

Mandarin Food Bank’s 35th Thanksgiving giveaway helps 450 families

The annual drive saw more need this year as the pause in SNAP benefits from the government shutdown ends.…

Featured image for “Disputed Chick-fil-A project in North Jacksonville lands permit”
November 24, 2025

Disputed Chick-fil-A project in North Jacksonville lands permit

The Chick-fil-A project, which faced concerns about traffic and safety from neighbors, is estimated to cost $1.6 million.…