Mikes on Mic

Jacksonville’s budget battle is heating up — and the stakes are higher than ever. After 3 weeks, we sit sit down with veteran Times-Union reporter David Bauerlein to break down the political tug-of-war shaping the city’s financial future.  From proposed property tax cuts to controversial reductions in affordable housing and health services, this conversation dives deep into the growing divide betw...

Jacksonville is at a crossroads—tough decisions are being made about the city's future, and they all come with a price tag. From infrastructure and public safety to education and economic development, what should the city prioritize—and more importantly, how will it pay for it? This week on Mikes on Mic, we go over one of our Best Of the Best conversations where we sit down with former Mayor...

Today we are revisiting the intriguing world of Susie Wiles, the mastermind behind the success of key Republican campaigns. From her instrumental role in Ron DeSantis's 2018 victory to her critical contributions to Donald Trump's 2020 efforts, uncover how Wiles navigates the complex web of politics with finesse. Journalist Michael Kruse shares exclusive insights from his extensive resear...

In this captivating episode our guest, Nathaniel Glover, shares his powerful and inspirational story.  From a traumatic encounter with racism to becoming a sheriff, Nathaniel's journey is filled with resilience, forgiveness, and the pursuit of justice.  Tune in as he discusses his experiences with the criminal justice system, his path to law enforcement, and the pivotal moments that shaped hi...

This week Mikes on Mic sits down with Bryan Moll, the CEO of Gateway Jax. Brian has been at the forefront of transforming downtown Jacksonville into a thriving hub of culture, business, and community. His vision and leadership have been pivotal in revitalizing the area, making it a more vibrant and attractive place to live, work, and play. In this conversation, Brian shares his insights on the cha...

Do you love Jacksonville’s parks or wonder how our local green spaces survive under constant pressure from funding cuts and development?  Today we sit down with acclaimed Times Union columnist and author Mark Woods for a revealing conversation about the past, present, and future of our treasured parks. Together, they discuss the pivotal roles played by influential figures like Congressman Charlie...

It's said that Jacksonville is a "City on the Move! Well there's no better example of that than JTA's U2C project, a three-phase program revolutionizing public transportation in Jacksonville.  Launched on June 30th, the first phase of the project features autonomous shuttles running on Bay St. in downtown Jacksonville between the Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center and...

Welcome to Mikes On Mic — the podcast where Jacksonville talks politics, policy, and the people shaping our city. This week, we’re celebrating our 2nd anniversary with a deep dive into Mayor Donna Deegan’s proposed $2 billion city budget for 2025-26. Joining us is Mike Mendenhall, Associate Editor of JAXToday, to unpack where the money’s going — and what it means for you. We’re talking about the M...

Welcome to another exciting episode of Mikes on Mic. This week, Councilman Mike Gay. We discuss how he overcame strong opposition and a flood of attack ads to win his campaign. His strong values guided him through a tough race. Join the Mikes as they examine Gay’s lone 'no' vote on Jacksonville's massive $1.4 billion stadium deal. They explore his practical approach to fiscal conser...

This week, we chat with our dear friend, Dr. Rahman Johnson.  He’s a City Councilman, award-winning broadcaster, educator, and true Renaissance man. Dr. Johnson shares his journey from Jacksonville neighborhoods to becoming the first person of color and the first Democrat to represent District 14 since consolidation.  He discusses running for office during a messy redistricting and navigating poli...

Last week, we spoke with Mayor Donna Deegan. Today, we’ll break down that meeting. We’ll reflect on her leadership style, coalition building, and big wins. These include the stadium contract talks and impressive downtown growth. We’ll also discuss the often dynamic—and sometimes dramatic—relationship between the Mayor and the Republican-led city council. A new council president is ready to take ch...

The focus of Mikes on Mic has been on the city of Jacksonville. We follow the politics of the city and projects and events that affect our quality of life.  As we celebrate our 100th episode we again invited Mayor Donna Deegan to review with us all that's been done in her first two years of her administration and what she enters her third year. Join the celebration this week on Mikes on Mic....

The numbers go up and the numbers go down. And sometimes it's found that the most important issues are no longer what we've seen in the past. Joining the Mikes again this week is UNF Political Science and Public Administration professor Michael Binder. Dr. Binder is also the director of the highly respected Public Opinion Research Laboratory. The PORL has been tracking polling numbers fo...

This week the Mikes have a candid and often humorous conversation with Tim Deegan.  Tim discusses his 43 yrs at First Coast News, his relationships with other TV meteorologists in Jacksonville and a glimpse into the discussions with his wife, Donna, about her decision to run for mayor. Tune in to the show on your favorite Podcasting platform and on MikesOnMic.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.a...

Florida Times Union Reporter David Bauerlein joins the Mikes to discuss how the University of Florida may increase its presence in Jacksonville, thanks to major investments by both the City and private developers.  Bauerlein also weighs in on the controversial story emerging at City Hall concerning carrying firearms there.  Tune in to the show on your favorite Podcasting platform and on MikesOnMic...

We're seeing cranes all over downtown Jacksonville. Construction is thriving in every part of the 844 sq miles of the city. Our population has surpassed one million residents and the seven county region is approaching two million residents. Following all of this is 45 year business reporter Karen Mathis, Editor of the Jacksonville Daily Record. Karen takes us through the business history of J...

Former Jacksonville Council member, and former Neptune Beach Mayor Elaine Brown shares her thoughts and impressions on how politics have changed over the years of her extensive public service. There aren't many people who can claim to have spent eight years on the Jacksonville City Council, then eight years as Mayor of Neptune Beach, and now newly appointed board member of the Jacksonville Tr...

This week's guest on Mikes on Mic is Mary Kelli Palka, former executive editor of the Times Union. Mary Kelli joined the TU in 2003 as a staff reporter, later as Investigative Editor and finally as Executive Editor.  She talks about the challenges for a daily paper, the shrinking number of staff reporters, the changing ownership and the increasing role of online editions.  Mary Kelli's c...

The usually united Governor and the Republican dominated legislature forces the 2025 session into overtime or special session to iron out tax differences, including the bed taxes which partially fund Visit Jacksonville and other cities tourist marketing organizations to a standstill.  Visit Jacksonville's CEO Michael Corrigan joins the Mikes to discuss the ramifications if those tax dollars a...

UNF Professor Michael Binder returns to Mikes on Mic to share his thoughts on the current political climate in Tallahassee as the governor finds his influence on the legislature waning. Dr. Binder also gives his assessment of Democrat Mayor Deegan's first 22 months and her relationship with the super majority Republican City Council and her priorities for the next two years.  Tune in to the s...

Join Mike Miller, Mike Tolbert, and Mike Hightower as they sit down for an in-depth conversation with Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, broadcasting live from her office in City Hall. Mayor Deegan reflects on her first 22 months, since taking office in July 2023). They dive into crucial topics facing Jacksonville. Tune in to the show on your favorite Podcasting platform and on MikesOnMic.com Apple...

Mikes on Mic welcomes political strategist-turned-humanitarian Bruce Barcelo for a gripping, behind-the-scenes look at how one nonprofit transformed overnight when war broke out in Ukraine. When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Bruce—an American pollster with three decades of ties to the country—didn’t just watch the headlines. He answered the call. Alongside his team at P4 for Open De...

Jacksonville's Bruce Barcelo has had a personal relationship consulting the government of Ukraine since before the Russian invasion three years ago.  Bruce joins the Mikes this week and next with his observations about Ukraine's independence from the former Soviet Union and helping them in their democratization process and their elections.  Tune in to the show on your favorite Podcasting...

In 1991, Gino Mayhew, age 17, was kidnapped and murdered. Kenneth Hartley was convicted of kidnapping and murder and sentenced to die in the electric chair. But there were many questions about the case, particularly the testimony against Hartley coming from jailhouse informants.  Our guest this week is Tributary reporter Nichole Manna who investigated this case for seven months and published a 3-p...

Two very important issues we may be facing in the coming months; Eliminating property taxes as a source of local revenue, and Duval DOGE. Councilman Matt Carlucci again joins the Mikes to give us his take on both of these potential game changers. Join us on this week’s episode of Mikes on Mic. Tune in to the show on your favorite Podcasting platform and on MikesOnMic.com Apple Podcasts: https://po...