Mikes on Mic - Mike Miller, Mike Tolbert, Mike Hightower

Latest Episodes:

Cracks in the GOP: State legislators and the Governor spar over tax cuts and tourism. May 05, 2025

Show notes

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 are no longer allowed to be used for tourist marketing.

Tune in to the show on your favorite Podcasting platform and on MikesOnMic.com
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Enjoy!

UNF’s Michael Binder Unpacks the Political Drama Dividing Florida—from Jacksonville's City Hall to Tallahassee Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

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.

Inside Jacksonville with Mayor Donna Deegan! Apr 21, 2025

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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.

From Polling to Frontlines: Bruce Barcelo’s Mission Shift in Ukraine’s Darkest Hour Apr 14, 2025

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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 Democracy, Bruce pivoted from democratic reform and polling to urgent, life-saving aid in one of the world’s most dangerous war zones.

In this episode, Bruce shares:

The moment he knew his mission had changed forever
How his team used Signal, Salesforce, and LinkedIn to build a war-time aid network
Why micro-solutions—like a cheesemaking kit or a beauty school—made the biggest impact
The challenges of sending relief into a live conflict zone under the radar
What this experience taught him about democracy, resilience, and human connection

This is not just a story about war. It’s about improvisation, humanity, and the radical power of showing up when institutions fail.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that matter.
👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments and share this story if it moved you.

#UkraineWar #HumanitarianRelief #BruceBarcelo #MikesOnMic #WarStories #DemocracyInAction #UkraineAid #PoliticalStrategy #CrisisResponse #PodcastInterview #P4forOpenDemocracy

Jacksonville political pollster's thoughts on his long relationship with Ukraine Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

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.

Was the murder trial of Kenneth Hartley a case of an innocent man wrongfully sentenced or perhaps railroaded prosecution? Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

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-part series called, "Cold-Blooded" and will join the Mikes this week to discuss her series.

Politics: Showmanship or Statesmanship? Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

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.

Following Up on Downtown Development Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

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.

Mixing it up with the Mikes Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

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 end up being a head to head contest between Pres.
Trump's preferred candidate Rep. Byron Donalds and Gov. DeSantis' wife, Casey.
Join us for a lively discussion on this week's Mikes On Mic.

The evolution of the Jacksonville Civic Council with CEO Dennis Whittle Mar 03, 2025

Show notes

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, the school facility tax, and most recently, the solid waste fee debate.
Dennis Whittle, President and CEO of the Civic Council joins the Mikes to discuss the new direction of the Council and what issues they see for the future.

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