(Stacey Bennett)

Budget season began in earnest last week, as the Jacksonville City Council began carving away at the mayor’s proposed budget. In addition to taking aim at some of her policy priorities, including spending on public health programs, the council Finance Committee also approved a ⅛-mill property tax rollback, a move the mayor dubbed “performative,” as it coincided with a contentious DOGE visit from the state’s chief financial officer. We ask the mayor about it all and take your calls and questions, in our monthly Ask the Mayor segment.

Guest:

• Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan.

Then, as arts organizations and nonprofits alike struggle in the face of new economic and funding realities, we talk to Northeast Florida's largest arts nonprofit organization about how the organization is adapting and evolving. This year, the Jacksonville Symphony is celebrating a $15 million anonymous donation that will help steer the 60-member orchestra through the coming season of nearly 100 concerts.

Guest:

• Steven B. Libman, president & CEO of the Jacksonville Symphony.

And, a community arts and farmers market kicks off the new school year with curiosity and creativity. The Riverside Arts Market's back-to-school celebration blends hands-on learning, youth entrepreneurship and interactive workshops from rug-making to science exploration. The event, held under the Fuller Warren Bridge, will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Guests:

• SJ Osborne, Riverside Arts Market manager.
• Melanie Maylon, Southern Style Bread Pudding owner. 
• MacKenzie Maylon, 6-year-old entrepreneur.