Mikes on Mic

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is facing a major financial crisis, marked by roughly $40 million in budget shortfalls, nearly 200 layoffs, service cuts, and suspended transit projects. 

In this episode of Mike’s On Mic, hosts Mike Miller, Mike Hightower, and Mike Tolbert sit down with Jax Today reporter Mike Mendenhall to break down the origins and fallout of JTA’s mounting turmoil. They examine how years of budgeting shortfalls, reserve drawdowns, and ambitious projects led to City Council and Florida Attorney General investigations, as well as a subpoena for former CEO Nat Ford. 

Key Topics Covered:

• The Root Causes: How inadequate budgeting, lagging sales tax revenue, executive fringe benefits, unadjusted fares, and expensive programs created a $40M deficit.
• Cuts & Halts: The impact of laying off 200 employees, reducing bus routes, and suspending the Skyway and autonomous vehicle initiatives (NAVI / U2C).
• Loans & Emergency Funds: How a $30M loan from the local option gas tax was shifted to pay off a high-interest line of credit and fund severance packages.
• Leadership & Oversight: Former CEO Nat Ford’s move to Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), pending subpoenas, and questions surrounding board oversight and past CFOs.
• Controversies & Conflicts: Calls for executive resignations by board member Daniel Vaillancourt, questions around contractor WSP, and the removal of former board member Megan Hayward.
• Political Fallout: What the crisis means for local governance, the 2027 mayoral race, and public trust across Jacksonville’s independent authorities.

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With Florida's midterm election just three weeks away, Mikes On Mike sits down with Bryan Desloge, chair of the statewide campaign Vote No on 3. Desloge—a longtime Republican, former Leon County Commissioner, and past president of both the Florida and National Associations of Counties—brings deep local governing experience to the discussion.

While Amendment 3 is marketed as property tax relief, Desloge warns that it functions as a "bait and switch" that would devastate local community budgets. In this conversation, Hosts Mike Miller, Mike Hightower, and Mike Tolbert explore how the amendment could force severe cuts to first responders, infrastructure, libraries, parks, and critical youth and social programs—while shifting costs onto renters and commercial property owners.

Show Notes & Key Takeaways

• Meet Bryan Desloge: Former Leon County Commissioner (14 years) and past president of the Florida Association of Counties and National Association of Counties. Though a conservative proponent of low taxes, Desloge came out of retirement to oppose Amendment 3.
• The "Bait and Switch": Why Amendment 3’s tax reduction pitch hides massive multi-billion-dollar recurring revenue losses for local governments.
• Impact on Public Safety & Services: First responders (police, fire, EMTs) account for roughly half of city and county budgets. Desloge addresses why first responder organizations oppose the amendment and how cuts lead to longer emergency response times.
• Local Control vs. State Preemption: Why local leaders—the ones you see at church, soccer games, and local stores—are best positioned to make spending decisions tailored to their unique community needs rather than a one-size-fits-all state directive.
• Unintended Consequences:
  • How non-homesteaded properties (renters, commercial spaces, apartment buildings) could see millage rate shifts to make up for shortfalls.
  • Threat to community-level initiatives, including before- and after-school programs, crossing guards, libraries, parks, and social services.
• Campaign Outlook: Desloge shares insights into the Vote No on 3 campaign strategy, the funding gap against Florida Realtors, voter education efforts, and his prediction for election day.

Resource Links & Connect

• Website: mikesonmike.com
• Listen & Subscribe: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Facebook, and YouTube.

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How does a city balance shiny new development with the preservation of its historic soul, and who is truly served by its public transportation? In this episode of Mikes on Mic, the Mikes sit down with Dr. Sherry Magill to dissect the pressing issues shaping Jacksonville's future. From saving iconic downtown architecture to demanding accountability from public agencies, Magill brings decades of institutional wisdom to the conversation.

• Saving the Hayden Burns Library: Discover how Magill championed the transformation of an abandoned building into "the Jessie," a shared center designed to stabilize rent and drive down operating costs for local nonprofits.
• The Loss of the Historic Core: Hear a passionate critique of Jacksonville's development priorities, mourning the demolition of the Greyhound bus station and Times-Union building while advocating for a master plan rooted in historic preservation.
• Filling the Civic Void: Learn why Magill launched the free Jax Lookout Substack newsletter to foster public dialogue and accountability following the decline of local print media and the collapse of JCCI.
• Transit and Taxpayer Priorities: Explore the ongoing struggles at JTA and JEA, including the moral outrage over Aaron Zahn's contract arbitration and the disconnect between subsidizing multi-million-dollar riverfront condos versus funding a functional mass transit system for working citizens.

Dr. Sherry Magill is a valued member of Jacksonville's civic leadership. After an extensive background in higher education and American studies, she led the Jessie Ball duPont Fund for 27 years before retiring in 2018. Today, she continues to advocate for the community by publishing Jax Lookout, a weekly opinion newsletter examining local government, downtown development, and public policy.

Thank you for tuning in. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and join us next time for more conversation about politics, government, and Jacksonville. 

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This week, it’s just the three Mikes around the table, and there’s plenty to talk about in Jacksonville politics.

Mike Miller, Mike Tolbert, and Mike Hightower look ahead to the 2027 city elections and ask one of the biggest questions in local politics: Who will step up to challenge Mayor Donna Deegan? They examine her early campaign strength, the potential Republican field, and what issues could ultimately define the mayoral race.

The conversation also turns to Jacksonville’s independent authorities, including the financial and political challenges facing JTA, the future of the Skyway, and the growing debate over Cecil Field’s potential as a major aerospace and spaceport development hub.

The Mikes assess new City Council President Nick Howland’s leadership style, the surprisingly cooperative budget process, and whether Jacksonville may finally be seeing more policy and less political theater.

Plus, longtime Republican leader Mike Hightower goes inside the current battle for control of the Duval County Republican Party, explains why he returned to active party politics, and offers his perspective on leadership, fundraising, loyalty, and the road to 2027.

No guest. No script. Just three veteran Jacksonville political observers talking candidly about where the city has been, where it’s going, and who may be leading the way.

Mikes on Mike. Politics, government, and Jacksonville from three men who have spent decades watching it all unfold.

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In Episode 140 of the Mikes on Mic Podcast, hosts Mike Tolbert, Mike Hightower, and Mike Miller sit down with veteran Jacksonville City Councilman Matt Carlucci for an extended, candid conversation.

Episode Highlights

• The State of Local Politics: Carlucci discusses how the Jacksonville City Council's culture has increasingly shifted toward personal attacks and intense partisanship over the last four years. He explains his recent decision to publicly speak out on Facebook against performative politics that damage public trust and hurt the families of local leaders.
• City Budget & Mayor Deegan: The councilman breaks down the current $2 billion city budget, specifically praising Mayor Deegan's recent presentation for effectively connecting city departments and demonstrating how various programs support one another. He also commends current Finance Chair Will Lannin for avoiding petty politics and protecting essential services, such as telehealth options and local clinics that provide families with critical alternatives to the Shands emergency room.
• Amendment 3 Concerns: Carlucci warns about the severe ripple effects Amendment 3 could have on municipal finances and vital services, including the Kids Hope Alliance and local after-school programs that working parents rely on.
• Recent Elections: Carlucci highlights the primary victory of Councilwoman Moné Holder, noting that her transparent messaging on affordable housing and Amendment 3 resonated with voters and seemingly brought a more respectful tone to the current finance committee.
• Personal Growth & Future Plans: Reflecting on nearly four decades in politics, Carlucci shares how losing elections ultimately made him a more grounded and empathetic public servant. He formally announces his upcoming book detailing these lessons, expected to release this November, and shares his post-council plans to retire from office and vacation with his wife, Karen.

About the Guest

• Matt Carlucci was first elected to the Jacksonville City Council in 1987 and is currently completing his fifth and final term representing At-Large Group 4.
• Over his 35 years of public service, he has been a steadfast advocate for government accountability, helping to create the Jacksonville Ethics Commission and serving as chair of the State Commission on Ethics.
• Outside of politics, he has run a local State Farm insurance agency for 45 years.

Listen & Subscribe Find more conversations about politics, government, and Jacksonville on your favorite podcasting platform, Facebook, and YouTube. Visit mikesonmic.com for more episodes and updates.

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In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome back Times Union reporter David Bauerlein to break down the latest news from city hall.

Episode Highlights

• The JEA Investigation: We kick things off by examining the recent city council committee questioning of JEA CEO Vickie Cavey. The Mikes and David discuss the highly unusual, deposition-style interrogation led by council secretary Jason Teal.
• Vickie Cavey's Future: The panel explores whether Cavey will return from her extended leave or choose to retire once again from her demanding role at the utility.
• Navigating the $2.02 Billion Budget: David provides behind-the-scenes insights into the city council finance committee's review of Mayor Donna Deegan's proposed $2.02 billion budget.
• Referendum Contingencies: Discover how the upcoming November property tax referendum is forcing the council to place about $7.1 million of public and cultural service grants "below the line," contingent on the election's outcome.
• City Development: We discuss Mayor Deegan's prioritization of downtown investments—including a continuous St. Johns River park system—and how that balances with funding for other local neighborhoods.

Jacksonville's Power Brokers

The conversation also highlights the key players influencing Jacksonville's current political and financial landscape:

Political Figure | Role & ImpactNick Howland & Will Lehnen | City Council President and Finance Committee Chairman leading a cautious review of the city's spending.

Lenny Curry & John Peyton | Former mayors who continue to exert background influence over local politics and potential swing votes.

Wyman Duggan | A potential future Republican mayoral candidate who voted to put the property tax referendum on the ballot.

A special thank you to our donors for keeping the lights on and the cameras rolling! You can find Mikes on Mike on your favorite podcasting platform, Facebook, and YouTube, or visit mikesonmike.com.

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

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In Episode 138 of Mike's On Mic, hosts Mike Miller, Mike Hightower, and Mike Tolbert sit down with Dr. Sean Freeder, UNF political science professor and director of the Public Opinion Research Lab. The team breaks down the latest July UNF poll numbers, exploring what they reveal about voter sentiment, shifting party advantages, and major upcoming races in Florida.

Key Discussion Topics & Highlights:

• Florida’s Political Landscape: Dr. Freeder analyzes why Republicans maintain a strong voter registration advantage, but why a narrower turnout differential could make the 2027/2028 election cycles much more competitive.
• The Affordability Crisis: A look at why affordability and housing costs dominate voter concerns across all political lines, and how candidates must move past generic platitudes to craft targeted messaging.
• The Homestead Exemption Amendment: Breaking down the legal challenges facing the property tax ballot language, how budget impact estimates drastically change voter support, and shifting stances from key interest groups and leadership.
• The Governor's Race: Examining the surprising polling numbers between Byron Donalds and David Jolly, the impact of national anti-incumbent sentiment, and Republican primary fallout.
• The U.S. Senate Primary & General Outlook: A close look at the Democratic primary race between Lieutenant Colonel Vindman and State Representative Angie Dixon, and how either candidate stacks up against incumbent Ashley Moody.

Tune in every two weeks for more insider political analysis and local insights from the Three Mikes and follow the program at MikesOnMic.com

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Step into the complex and ever-shifting landscape of Florida politics with renowned political reporter A.G. Gancarski. In this episode, we dissect the mechanical realities driving the Sunshine State's political future, exploring everything from looming constitutional property tax amendments to the early, high-stakes maneuvering of Jacksonville's 2027 mayoral race. 

In This Episode, We Discuss

• 🗳️ The Property Tax Amendment Paradox: We break down why the proposed constitutional amendment to eliminate property taxes is losing voter support. Support drastically drops when voters learn about the potential $11.8 billion budget shortfall affecting core local services. 
• 🌴 Florida's Gubernatorial Race: We take an early look at the upcoming race for governor, analyzing Representative Byron Donalds' massive campaign war chest. We also discuss why he might still face a surprisingly tight contest against Democrat David Jolly. 
• 🏛️ Jacksonville's 2027 Mayoral Matchup: We explore Mayor Donna Deegan's formidable $2.6 million fundraising momentum and her successful efforts to win over the Republican donor class. We also examine the crucial communication hurdles awaiting potential challenger Wyman Duggan. 
• ⚖️ Local Controversies Unpacked: We unpack the Jacksonville Aviation Authority's ongoing clashes with the City Council regarding Cecil Field's spaceport capabilities. Additionally, we provide the latest expectations regarding the state attorney's investigation into Kevin Carrico. 

About the Guest

A.G. Gancarski is an esteemed political reporter and columnist writing for Florida Politics, Jax Today, and dozens of other publications. He is widely recognized as one of the most plugged-in observers of day-to-day political mechanics, offering unparalleled insights into both statewide legislation and Jacksonville's local governance. 

About Mikes on Mic

Hosted by 50-year opinion leaders Mike Hightower and Mike Tolbert, alongside award-winning broadcaster Mike Miller, Mikes on Mic delivers incisive conversations about politics, government, and the city of Jacksonville. 

Links & Resources

Show Website: MikesOnMic.com 

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

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In this special episode marking the third anniversary of Mikes on Mic, hosts Mike Miller, Mike Hightower, and Mike Tolbert are back in the studio together to celebrate three years of insightful political conversation. Joining the celebration is investigative reporting legend and Executive Editor of The Tributary, Nate Monroe.

The Mikes dive deep with Nate into the latest political shockwaves rocking Jacksonville, from unredacted text scandals and public records battles to the changing guardrails of local government and the future of the city's independent authorities.

Key Topics Discussed

• The Kevin Carrico Text Scandal: Nate breaks down his recent reporting on former City Council President Kevin Carrico's "inartful" text messages regarding a Boys & Girls Club land deal and his flippant approach to public business.
• The Public Records Battle: A look behind the curtain at the considerable fight The Tributary and other news organizations faced to extract complete text messages from city council officials, raising serious transparency concerns.
• JEA & The Investigative Committee: The fallout of Carrico's accusations against JEA CEO Vicki Cavey and why the council seems ready to move past the drama.
• Scrutinizing the Unscrutinized (JSO): Nate discusses how the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office budget consumes a massive chunk of the general fund yet traditionally escapes rigorous council oversight.
• The Death of Local "Guardrails": A poignant look at how Jacksonville politics have nationalized into a permanent partisan campaign mode, shifting away from the traditional influence of local stakeholders with "skin in the game".
• Nat Ford’s JTA Legacy: With JTA CEO Nat Ford resigning effective January 2027 after 13 years, the team reflects on his knack for securing federal grants balanced against the controversial autonomous vehicle program and the fate of the Skyway.

Notable Quotes

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In this episode of Mikes on Mic, hosts Mike Miller, Mike Hightower, and Mike Tolbert sit down with Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan live from City Hall. As she begins the final year of her first term and launches her 2027 re-election campaign, Mayor Deegan reflects on her commitment to turning renderings into reality and keeping her administration's foot on the gas.

From downtown revival and neighborhood infrastructure to navigating local political drama and bracing for a major state-level tax battle, Mayor Deegan shares an inside look at the challenges and triumphs of leading one of Florida's fastest-growing cities.

Key Topics Discussed

• Jacksonville's Momentum: Mayor Deegan highlights the city's growth, including major investments in riverfront parks, healthcare, and pioneering local funding to address the affordable housing crisis.
• Neighborhood Infrastructure vs. Downtown Revival: Addressing critics, the Mayor details how downtown development brings a high return on investment that funds neighborhood projects. She highlights an increase from $15 million to $100 million for infrastructure in underserved areas, including vital septic tank removals.
• Public Safety & Prevention: A look at why violent crime numbers are down, the impact of literacy initiatives in partnership with former Mayor John Peyton, and the implementation of Journey Forward intervention programs.
• Navigating City Council Relations: Mayor Deegan discusses her working relationship with the new Council President, finding common ground on jobs and economic development despite differing views on what constitutes "core services".
• The Tallahassee Threat: A deep dive into the upcoming November homestead exemption referendum, which threatens a $300 million revenue hole for Jacksonville and strips local control over quality-of-life funding.
• Florida’s Best-Run City: Mayor Deegan reacts to WalletHub’s recent study naming Jacksonville the best-run city in Florida, contrasting the ranking with recent unspecific criticisms from the State CFO.

Notable Quotes

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