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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 “Construction starts on Hogan-Spring Glen Elementary School”
1 day ago

Construction starts on Hogan-Spring Glen Elementary School

The new school, part of Duval County’s school consolidation plan, is scheduled to open in August 2027.…

Featured image for “Former youth pastor charged with sexual battery on teen”
1 day ago

Former youth pastor charged with sexual battery on teen

The girl said Joshua Allen Trent abused her for about five years beginning when she was 15.…

Featured image for “He died in a Northeast Florida jail. The company in charge should have sent him to the hospital, experts say.”
1 day ago

He died in a Northeast Florida jail. The company in charge should have sent him to the hospital, experts say.

Inmate Brian Tracey died in the St. Johns County jail after Armor Health failed to take him to a hospital.…

Featured image for “DeSantis unveils voting map that could help Republicans”
2 days ago

DeSantis unveils voting map that could help Republicans

Legislators will consider a new congressional map that could flip four districts from Democratic to Republican.…

Featured image for “Georgia fire grows; Glynn County homes evacuated”
2 days ago

Georgia fire grows; Glynn County homes evacuated

The Highway 82 fire remains 6% contained a week after it began. The fire has destroyed at least 87 homes.…

Featured image for “Phoenix Arts & Innovation District prepares for housing”
2 days ago

Phoenix Arts & Innovation District prepares for housing

The Phoenix project in North Springfield plans to break ground soon on its first new construction.…

Featured image for “How much rainfall is needed to end Florida’s drought?”
3 days ago

How much rainfall is needed to end Florida’s drought?

Even a hurricane might not bring enough rain to end the drought in Jacksonville and other parts of North Florida.…

Featured image for “State Rep. Angie Nixon qualifies for U.S. Senate run”
3 days ago

State Rep. Angie Nixon qualifies for U.S. Senate run

Nixon, a Democrat, will run for the seat held by Republican Ashley Moody, who was appointed last year.…

Featured image for “Florida’s special session: Redistricting, vaccines and AI rights”
April 25, 2026

Florida’s special session: Redistricting, vaccines and AI rights

Florida’s GOP lawmakers will bring new congressional maps into a nationwide redistricting battle next week.…

Featured image for “Volunteer firefighter dies while fighting Hilliard wildfire”
April 24, 2026

Volunteer firefighter dies while fighting Hilliard wildfire

Firefighter James Crews died after a medical emergency while battling a Hilliard wildfire, officials said.…

Featured image for “State education commissioner berates St. Johns County superintendent”
April 24, 2026

State education commissioner berates St. Johns County superintendent

Superintendent Brennan Asplen was upbraided for criticizing Florida’s private school voucher program.…

Featured image for “Clay-Putnam wildfire now 65% contained”
April 24, 2026

Clay-Putnam wildfire now 65% contained

The so-called Railroad wildfire spans 4,413 acres, but evacuated families have been allowed to return home.…

Featured image for “Whole Foods set to open May 21 in Brooklyn”
April 24, 2026

Whole Foods set to open May 21 in Brooklyn

Whole Foods will open in the One Riverside development, at the site of the demolished Florida Times-Union building.…

Featured image for “Beaches Habitat for Humanity opens townhomes”
April 24, 2026

Beaches Habitat for Humanity opens townhomes

The 44-unit townhome project will address a a need for attainable housing in the Beaches area.…

Featured image for “87 homes lost in Southeast Georgia wildfires”
April 24, 2026

87 homes lost in Southeast Georgia wildfires

The wildfire destroyed dozens of homes within hours of erupting Tuesday. It remains only 15% contained.…

Featured image for “Dozens of books removed from Duval Schools include ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ and Maya Angelou”
April 23, 2026

Dozens of books removed from Duval Schools include ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ and Maya Angelou

The district continues to remove books from its shelves because of a long-running internal review.…

Featured image for “Former preschool teacher gets 10 years for enticing child”
April 23, 2026

Former preschool teacher gets 10 years for enticing child

The former Nocatee teacher was accused of communicating with an FBI agent who was posing as a 13-year-old girl.…

Featured image for “Jacksonville Beach hosts annual Opening of the Beaches”
April 23, 2026

Jacksonville Beach hosts annual Opening of the Beaches

Opening of the Beaches represents the unofficial start of the summer season in Jacksonville Beach.…

Featured image for “Conservationists optimistic as sea turtle season ramps up”
April 23, 2026

Conservationists optimistic as sea turtle season ramps up

Community education and conservation have led to cautious optimism heading into sea turtle nesting season.…

Featured image for “St. Johns County adopts revised comprehensive plan”
April 23, 2026

St. Johns County adopts revised comprehensive plan

The county revised its plan to comply with state law that restricts development regulations.…

Featured image for “WHAT TO DO | ‘The Pillowman,’ Wild Wonders critter show; Celebrate Trails Day”
April 23, 2026

WHAT TO DO | ‘The Pillowman,’ Wild Wonders critter show; Celebrate Trails Day

A play in Downtown Jacksonville, a critter encounter in Atlantic Beach and a celebration of trails in LaVilla are What…

Featured image for “Florida outlaws diversity, equity and inclusion in public policy”
April 22, 2026

Florida outlaws diversity, equity and inclusion in public policy

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill Wednesday in Jacksonville that prohibits DEI in local governments.…

Featured image for “Southeast Toyota shows off huge new JAXPORT site”
April 22, 2026

Southeast Toyota shows off huge new JAXPORT site

The facility enables Southeast Toyota to process hundreds more vehicles per day to ship to dealers.…

Featured image for “Smoke blankets area as Railroad wildfire grows”
April 22, 2026

Smoke blankets area as Railroad wildfire grows

The wildfire grew slightly overnight, but firefighting efforts on the ground and air are helping to contain it.…

Featured image for “Potbelly sandwich shop coming to Jacksonville in May”
April 22, 2026

Potbelly sandwich shop coming to Jacksonville in May

Potbelly will open its first Northeast Florida location in the Deerwood Village shopping center.…

April 22, 2026

Reporter, Investigations

Jacksonville Today, a nonprofit media outlet delivering public-service journalism, is looking for a reporter to cover the policies and impact…

Featured image for “Wildfire destroys 47 homes in Southeast Georgia”
April 22, 2026

Wildfire destroys 47 homes in Southeast Georgia

Some families were evacuated with minutes to spare after the Brantley County wildfire exploded to 5,000 acres..…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | The Farris family: From grocers to meatpacking pioneers”
April 22, 2026

THE JAXSON | The Farris family: From grocers to meatpacking pioneers

In honor of National Arab American Heritage Month, The Jaxson highlights the Farris family and the rise of a Syrian…

Featured image for “Attorney general investigates ChatGPT in FSU shooting”
April 22, 2026

Attorney general investigates ChatGPT in FSU shooting

Prosecutors believe the chatbot advised the gunman about how to carry out the FSU shooting last April.…

Featured image for “Florida prepares for the day when taxicabs can fly”
April 22, 2026

Florida prepares for the day when taxicabs can fly

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill providing funding for vertiports, the hubs for small aerial taxicabs.…

Featured image for “Wildfire risks could grow over next 10 weeks, officials warn”
April 21, 2026

Wildfire risks could grow over next 10 weeks, officials warn

The danger of wildfires will persist as long as the drought continues, and little rain is forecast, fire officials say.…

Featured image for “How Duval Schools remains mindful of minority mental health”
April 21, 2026

How Duval Schools remains mindful of minority mental health

The district’s 2026 Student Mental Health Conference enabled students to get specific about their needs.…

Featured image for “BIT OF JOY | Celebrate Earth Day”
April 21, 2026

BIT OF JOY | Celebrate Earth Day

Here are a few ways to celebrate Earth Day in Northeast Florida.…