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

Latest Episodes:

Examining City Council & Mayor Deegan's Budget Impact on Jacksonville with AG Gankarski Jul 26, 2024

Show notes

First, there's the upcoming debate in the city council over the Mayor’s $1.9 billion budget proposal.
Next, we're looking at the fight over the state ballot initiatives legalizing recreational marijuana and abortion rights.
We’ll talk about these topics and others with our guest columnist AG Gancarski.
Tune in for a closer look at the forces shaping Jacksonville and Florida politics and what's next for the Sunshine State.

Tune in to the show on your favorite Podcasting platform and on MikesOnMic.com
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mikes-on-mic/id1697258731
Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/show/1osbkLvqreSJPXmfaubY1M?si=yVwAAnw1TmSSzZnZ3vM8sA
Connect with us on Social:
Youtube Channel: http://youtube.com/@mikesonmic
Facebook Page link: http://facebook.com/mikesonmic
Enjoy!

Has Florida Politics Taken a Dark Turn? Discover the Shocking Truth About Eroding Ethics Laws! Jul 22, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back to Mikes On Mic.

We're dissecting the erosion of home rule and ethics laws, the concerning right-wing influence, and the limitations being placed on local ethics commissions.

We explore the chilling effect of requiring personal knowledge of ethics violations and the elimination of anonymous complaints, which hinder whistleblowers.

Tune in for a critical discussion on the future of local media, the loss of impactful journalists, and the shifting landscape of accountability in Florida's government.

We also touch on the potential implications of upcoming referendums on recreational marijuana and abortion rights, along with Governor DeSantis’ campaigns.

Don't miss our insights on the JEA scandal, taxpayer money misuse, and predictions for Aaron Zahn's sentencing.

Plus, get ready for future episodes where we breakdown Jacksonville's new budget.

It's a packed episode you won't want to miss!

One Year Anniversary with Dr. Alan Bliss Jul 15, 2024

Show notes

The Mikes celebrate the one year anniversary of Mikes on Mic with a look back at highlights from the past 51 episodes, including Sheriff Nat Glover, Michael Krause of Politico on the power and influence of political consultant Susie Wiles, memories of the early Jacksonville Jazz Festivals and UNF pollster Dr. Michael Bender on the changing political climate in Jacksonville.
The program originates from The Jacksonville History Center with special in-studio guest, Dr. Alan Bliss, CEO of the Jacksonville Historical Society.
Mike Tolbert, Mike Hightower and Mike Miller also look forward with thoughts about guests and issues on tap in the coming year.

Behind the Scenes with Mayor Deegan's Chief of Staff Darnell Smith Jul 08, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back to Mikes on Mic.

As we approach our one-year anniversary, today's episode features a special guest, Darnell Smith, the accomplished Chief of Staff for Mayor Deegan.

Darnell shares insider perspectives on his transition from Florida Blue to city government, his role in the historic $1.4 billion stadium renovation deal, and the complex dynamics of working with a predominantly Republican city council.

We also explore the challenges of funding significant city projects and the recent deliberations over the Lower Street Trio's renovation.

Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the city's most dedicated leaders as we keep our mics on and our minds open.

Revolutionizing Jacksonville: Inside the Jaguars' Stadium Overhaul with Mark Lamping Jun 22, 2024

Show notes

As we wrap up our 3-part series on the proposed stadium renovation and Community Benefit Agreement, our guest is Mark Lamping, president of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Mr. Lamping discusses the transformative vision behind the Jaguars Stadium renovation project.
With enthusiasm and strategic foresight, Lamping outlined how this ambitious initiative will not only redefine the game-day experience but also elevate Jacksonville's status as a premier sports destination.
From state-of-the-art amenities to enhanced fan engagement opportunities, the renovation project aims to cater to every facet of the fan experience, ensuring that every visitor feels a sense of pride and excitement when stepping into the revitalized stadium.
During the interview, Lamping emphasized that beyond the tangible upgrades the renovation project is a testament to the Jaguars' commitment to their community.
By creating new job opportunities, fostering economic growth, and promoting local businesses, the stadium overhaul is set to become a catalyst for positive change in Jacksonville.
With a clear vision for the future and a dedication to serving both fans and the city, Lamping and the Jaguars organization are poised to set a new standard in stadium innovation and community impact, solidifying their position as leaders in the realm of sports entertainment.

Debating Downtown Development and Public Safety with Dr. Michael Binder Jun 17, 2024

Show notes

Join us in today's episode. We will explore the latest polling results. They show positive job approval ratings for key city officials and unexpected public support for downtown development.
Dr. Michael Binder sheds light on critical issues like public safety, crime in Duval County, and the high-stakes decisions surrounding the stadium redevelopment project and the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA).
Could combining the CBA and Stadium bill into one package be a game-changer for our city?
Tune in to uncover these pivotal issues and what they mean for Jacksonville's future.
Don't miss out on the latest insights into infrastructure, education, and how your tax dollars might be spent!
Enjoy!
#JacksonvillePolitics #PublicSafety #StadiumRedevelopment #CommunityBenefitsAgreement #DuvalCounty #PublicOpinion #Infrastructure #Education #TaxDollarInvestments #MikesonMic

Proposed Jaguars Stadium, Funding and Community Benefits: David Bauerlein Breaks it Down Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

This is the first of three episodes focusing on the proposal to renovate the stadium.
In this first episode, our guest, Times Union reporter David Bauerlein, joins us to dissect the ongoing discussions about the proposed stadium deal and Community Benefits Agreement with the Jaguars.
We talk about the importance of transparency and engagement with the public, the significance of the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA), and lastly, potential opposition and amendments as the legislation makes its way through the City Council.
Timestamped Overview:
00:00 Borrowing money for stadium may affect projects.
03:31 Freed up borrowing capacity for stadium payment.
09:26 Law firm specialized in sports agreements expertise.
11:35 Complexity hindered adding understanding to stadium deal.
15:13 Largest NFL community benefits agreement faces delays.
19:29 Concerns about amending agreement with Jaguars, timeline.
23:12 Meetings with Jaguars, draft agreements, legislation pending.
25:14 NFL owners expect community benefits agreement for stadiums.
28:07 Negotiations were mostly cordial, despite some disagreement.
30:36 Council members face tough choice without CBA.
33:40 Upcoming discussions on CBA and stadium polling.

Public Opinion vs. Political Decisions: Jacksonville Stadium and Education Projects Jun 03, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Mikes on Mic!
Today we're tackling some hot-button topics, starting with the proposed $1.4 billion Jaguars stadium deal.
We'll also discuss Jacksonville's public school renovations, the concerns over transparency and the allocation of the half-penny sales tax, and the challenges facing our new superintendent.
Plus, we'll examine the city's downtown development, the efficacy of the Downtown Investment Authority, and what lies ahead with the new leadership in the city council.
From politics influencing education to the future of our city's infrastructure, this episode is packed with insightful discussions and expert opinions.
Stay tuned as we break it all down for you, right here on Mikes on Mic!
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mikes-on-mic/id1697258731
Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/show/1osbkLvqreSJPXmfaubY1M?si=yVwAAnw1TmSSzZnZ3vM8sA
Connect with us on Social:
Youtube Channel: http://youtube.com/@mikesonmic
Facebook Page link: http://facebook.com/mikesonmic

Exploring Jacksonville's Tourism: Insights from Michael Corrigan May 27, 2024

Show notes

Our dear friend Michael Corrigan shared valuable insights into the fascinating world of Jacksonville's tourism, its natural beauty, and the efforts to promote this vibrant city!

Michael, a former city council member and president, and a long-time observer of Jacksonville's political landscape, discussed the various aspects of Jacksonville's tourist appeal.

From the ease of getting around the city to its natural wonders like the oak trees, urban parks, beaches, and the majestic Saint John's River, he painted a vivid picture of what makes Jacksonville so special.

The conversation also dived into the challenges of promoting Jacksonville's diverse activities and the evolving role of visitor centers in the digital age.

Michael Corrigan highlighted the importance of metrics like occupancy, average room rate, and revenue per available room in measuring hotel performance and emphasized the positive impact of tourism on the community.

Additionally, we upon the Jacksonville Sports Foundation, initiatives like Children Are Champions to support local athletes, and the $775 million stadium renovation project.

The discussion shed light on the complexities of balancing community needs and private investments for the benefit of all.

Stay tuned for more engaging episodes where we dive deep into Jacksonville's rich culture, politics, and community initiatives.

Talk soon!
Tune in to the show in your favorite Podcasting Plaform.
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mikes-on-mic/id1697258731
Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/show/1osbkLvqreSJPXmfaubY1M?si=yVwAAnw1TmSSzZnZ3vM8sA
Connect with us on Social:
Youtube Channel: http://youtube.com/@mikesonmic
Facebook Page link: http://facebook.com/mikesonmic

How One Man's Vision Revitalized a Struggling Community Through Jazz and Unity May 20, 2024

Show notes

Discover the impact of moving the festival to Metropolitan Park, the passion and influence of key community figures in Washington and Tallahassee, and the unforgettable moments from a memorable 8-hour live telecast.
We'll discuss the festival's origins as an effort to revitalize Mayport, share anecdotes about early challenges like permit issues, and reflect on legendary performances by artists like Della Reese, Dizzy Gillespie, and Marcus Roberts.
Plus, get an inside look at the logistical feats, community involvement, and upcoming festival highlights.
Don't miss the engaging stories and insider perspectives that shaped one of Jacksonville's most beloved cultural events!
#JacksonvilleJazzFestival #MetropolitanPark #LiveTelecast #CommunityRevitalization #JazzLegends #EventLogistics #MayportAndAllThatJazz

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