Florida is making meaningful progress in reducing childhood poverty, a key indicator of the state’s long-term economic health. According to new data highlighted by Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the number of children living in poverty statewide has dropped by hundreds of thousands over the past six years.

Wilson shared, “There’s about 711,000 kids in Florida in poverty. And while that’s a high number, it’s down a couple hundred thousand from about six years ago.” In Duval County alone, approximately 3,000 fewer children are living in poverty compared to previous reports, a positive sign that targeted efforts are working.

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Northeast Florida’s housing market is shifting into what builders call a “more normal” year — still strong, but shaped by higher interest rates, local fees, and the push-and-pull over growth.

NEFBA President Scott Brannock (Tidewater Homes) joins “This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition” to explain what the Northeast Florida Builders Association does, why workforce development is his biggest 2026 priority, and how local policies can either expand attainable housing—or make it harder to build.

Brannock discusses the region’s permit trends, the real cost drivers behind “affordability,” why impact fees are a top legislative issue in Tallahassee, and why “missing middle” options like duplexes and triplexes may be key to keeping Northeast Florida livable as it grows.

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Gateway Jax is leading a major redevelopment effort in downtown Jacksonville, aiming to reshape nearly 30 acres with a mix of residential, retail, and public spaces. Bryan Moll, CEO of Gateway Jax, spoke with This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition about the project’s progress and its potential impact on the region’s economic growth.

Moll brings experience from overseeing more than $6 billion in real estate projects across major markets including Tampa and Washington, D.C. He explained how lessons learned from those cities are influencing Gateway Jax’s approach in Jacksonville.

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In this episode of “This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition,” host Kent Justice talks with Revival 250 organizer Chris Widener and Bold City Church pastor Jason Masters about Revival 250—an upcoming faith-focused event scheduled for May 3 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville.

Widener explains that Revival 250 is timed to align with the United States’ 250th anniversary and is designed as a call for churches and believers to live out their faith beyond Sunday services.

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As Jacksonville grows, the big question isn’t simply how many people move here—it’s what kind of city they arrive to. Victor Dover, a nationally known town planner and urban designer and the keynote speaker at Scenic Jacksonville’s Sixth Annual Great Cities Symposium on Feb. 5, says the communities that win the next era of economic competition will be the ones that deliver a great day-to-day experience.

Dover’s message is straightforward: when a city recruits a company, it’s also recruiting that company’s employees and leaders. Places that feel good to live in—walkable streets, inviting public spaces, and mixed-use neighborhoods—gain a real edge in attracting talent.

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Dr. Kyle Mikals and Dr. Samantha Mikals, both military veterans and board-certified physicians, have launched Jacksonville Concierge Medicine, a boutique healthcare practice focused on personalized care.

Dr. Samantha Mikals credits her military experience for developing creativity and quick decision-making. “In the military, you have to be creative to get projects done, especially overseas,” she said. Dr. Kyle Mikals brings expertise in creating standardized policies from his time managing military clinics, which helps them scale their practice.

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In this episode of "This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition," host Kent Justice talks with Ryan Smith, founder of First Coast Metalworks and the Jacksonville Innovation Hub.

Smith, a Jacksonville entrepreneur with a background in FinTech and manufacturing, saw a gap in the local innovation ecosystem: “There’s no one place in Jacksonville you can go to get the space to work, to build, to create, to network.”

That insight led to the creation of the Jacksonville Innovation Hub, a new facility designed to provide entrepreneurs with access to workspace, cutting-edge equipment, and a network of resources and investors.

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Downtown Jacksonville continues strong growth as 2025 ends, says Jake Gordon, CEO of Downtown Vision, Inc., who has been leading the organization for nearly 11 years and joined the next episode of “This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition.”

“It’s wonderful. My kids have grown up here. The Jaguars are having an amazing year. Finally. And it’s gorgeous out, so what more could you ask?” Gordon said.

Downtown Vision releases an annual State of Downtown Report measuring progress. Gordon says most metrics are up, showing continued momentum, but also highlighting how much more growth is possible.

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Franchising is emerging as a powerful option for entrepreneurs in Jacksonville and the surrounding region, providing a proven business model that helps reduce risk and accelerate success. David Montanez, vice president of franchise development for Authority Brands, shared insights on the current franchise landscape in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia during a recent episode of ⁠This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition⁠.

Authority Brands represents 15 home service franchises, including well-known names like Ben Franklin Plumbing, One Hour Heating and Air, Mr. Sparky Electric, and Junkluggers. These brands focus on essential services that homeowners rely on year-round, from plumbing and HVAC to pet waste removal and pool maintenance.

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Jacksonville entrepreneur Matthew Chang is making waves both as CEO of Chang Robotics and as the author of the Amazon bestseller “Risk Taking is Biblical.” In a recent interview on “This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition”, Chang shared how his faith shapes his approach to business and leadership, and how Jacksonville is emerging as a center for robotics and automation innovation.

Chang explained that his faith-based company not only tithes profits but also encourages employees to give of themselves to other causes. “Everybody in the company is expected to serve in their community. Does it have to be a Christian service? No. You can serve soup to homeless people or build a house. But whatever it is, you need to get out there and do something,” he said.

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