Mikes on Mic

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...

What’s the latest on downtown development?  Mikes on Mic this week again features Downtown Investment Authority CEO, Lori Boyer.  We’re seeing more cranes popping up downtown meaning more projects are breaking ground.  Where are we in residential and commercial development?  We discuss that and other issues with DIA CEO Lori Boyer this week on Mikes On Mic. Tune in to the show on your favorite Pod...

Mikes On Mic is holding a round table discussion of some of the most current issues facing NE Florida and the state.  They discuss the current rift between Mayor Deegan and former City Council president Ron Salem over how to negotiate the deal for the UF Grad School.  The Mikes also discuss the $3 billion deficit in the Police Pension Fund and ramping up the next governors' race which could e...

In 1993, the so-called Non-Group was formed at the time to tackle education issues in Jacksonville. In 2009, the organization of civic minded business leaders disbanded the Non Group and created the Jacksonville Civic Council.  While the group was still focusing on important issues facing the city, it broadened the issues they addressed including the proposed sale of the JEA, city pension reform,...

Jacksonville’s mayor and the City Council have recently faced some difficult and at times controversial decisions about current and future issues which share one thing in common; they all cost money?  What projects and programs should the city help finance and where will the money come from? Who better to ask than a former mayor who faced and dealt with many similar challenges during his two terms...

JaxPort is a major economic engine for NE Florida. How might tariffs and a change in ownership of the Panama Canal impact JaxPort?  Our guest this week on Mikes on Mic is Robert Peek, JaxPort’s Chief Commercial Officer.  We discuss how those two major international policies might impact business at the port.  Join us this week for an in depth discussion on this important topic.  Tune in to the sho...

This week, we're thrilled to welcome Nate Monroe, a distinguished columnist and newly appointed executive editor of the Tributary.  Join us as we explore Nate's illustrious career, his motivations for transitioning from the Florida Times Union and USA Today Network to the Tributary, and his vision for high-impact journalism in Jacksonville and beyond.  Listen in as Nate shares insights i...

Jacksonville’s resident trash collection fee hasn’t increased in nearly 15 years.  As a result the only way to meet the ever increasing service costs is to continue borrowing the deficit from the general fund.  Councilman Matt Carlucci has filed a bill to increase the fees for the service. Raising fees and taxes, however, is never easy and his challenge is even more difficult with the conservative...

The three Mikes this week give you their take on some potentially impactful state and national issues that would impact NE Florida.  How would Jaxport be affected if  the US tries to take re-control of the Panama Canal? Is the state trying to dictate to school systems regarding start times at state middle and high schools?  Locally, will we finally see a resolution to the development of the Laura...

Welcome to another episode of Mikes on Mic where we dive into conversations about politics, government, and the Jacksonville community.  Today we are joined by veteran journalist Jim Piggott.  With an impressive 39-year career in broadcast news, including decades at WJXT and WJKS, Jim shares insights into his extensive experience covering local government. We'll explore the evolution of local...

Mike Weinstein has served in numerous roles of city government and as an Asst. State Attorney.   He started as an interim Finance Dir. when the new administration began, headed the negotiations for the Stadium of the Future with the Jaguars, and now serves as the Mayor's Chief of Staff.   How is this administration different from others he's served in? Who had the most influence on him w...

Producer Scott Westerman serves as ringmaster this week as the Mikes pay tribute to former president Jimmy Carter.  Each of the Mikes has a personal history with Pres. Carter in the political arena, as well as, in the media.  Tune in and hear about the personal stories of the Mikes and their relationship with the 39th president of the United States.  Oh, and wait till you see the early photos of t...

Looking Ahead to 2025. The Mikes share a behind-the-scenes analysis of recent events impacting local Republican leadership, and look into the 2025 crystal ball, with predictions and insights about North Florida’s influence on both the State and National political stage. Tune in to the show on your favorite Podcasting platform and on MikesOnMic.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podc...

Jacksonville icon, Audrey Moran joins the Mikes to review a lifetime of public service, the people who have most inspired her and the powerful message she shared at the recent Leadership Jacksonville banquet.  A memorable conversation with an unforgettable personality. Tune in to the show on your favorite Podcasting platform and on MikesOnMic.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podca...

Welcome back to a new episode of Mikes On Mic! Today we're diving into the tangled web of Florida politics with special guest, Nate Monroe, a seasoned columnist from USA Today's network. Join us as we dissect the rumored reconciliation between Trump and DeSantis, question the political stratagems behind key appointments, and explore the dynamic political landscape of the Sunshine State....

On this week's episode of Mikes on Mic, our guest is Mischelle Grant, publisher of First Coast Senior Living, a monthly magazine featuring stories and highlighting services important to our seniors.  While Mikes on Mic is the cover story for their December issue, we were interested in finding out about the magazine along with the incredible background story leading Ms. Grant to begin this ven...

Reflecting on 2024 & Looking Ahead to 2025 In this special episode of Mikes on Mic, Mike Miller, Mike Hightower, and Mike Tolbert take a look back at the highs, lows, and surprises of 2024 while sharing their hopes for the year ahead. From the fallout of the Jacksonville Electric Authority sale to memorable guest appearances that lit up the show, the Mikes go all out. Whether you’re a local or...

Last April, Mikes on Mic interviewed Politico magazine's reporter Michael Kruse about his in-depth and comprehensive profile of Jacksonville political operative Susie Wiles on her extensive political experience and her role as co-chair of Donald Trump's campaign.  Now the election is over and Susie has been appointed as the incoming president's Chief of Staff.  We invited Michael Kr...

In today's special episode we sit down with the inspiring Rabbi Maya Glasser to explore the deep ties between community, faith, and personal growth in challenging times. From the Jewish principle of tikkun olam (Repairing the World) to living in the present, Rabbi Glasser shares profound wisdom on navigating loss, fostering healthy disagreements, and the role of community in Judaism—especiall...