Mikes On Mic

Mikes On Mic Join us on this enlightening journey and let's dive into politics, one episode at a time!

09/22/2025

In this week’s episode of Mikes on Mic, we sit down with Bryan Moll, CEO of Gateway Jax, the visionary developer behind one of the most ambitious urban revitalization efforts in Florida.

Bryan pulls back the curtain on how he and his team are reimagining downtown Jacksonville—turning overlooked blocks into a dynamic, inclusive destination where business, culture, and community thrive.

You'll hear:

The bold strategy behind Gateway Jax’s $500M+ investment in the urban core

How they're balancing growth with inclusivity and sustainability

The challenges of revitalization—and how to turn resistance into momentum

Why this isn’t just real estate—it’s a movement to reshape a city’s soul

Whether you're a civic leader, real estate enthusiast, or just passionate about what makes a city great—you’ll leave this conversation inspired and informed.

09/15/2025

Kay Ehas, CEO of Groundwork Jacksonville, is a driving force behind one of the city's most transformative urban renewal projects—the Emerald Trail.

With a deep commitment to environmental justice, equitable development, and community engagement, Ehas has led Groundwork Jacksonville in its mission to restore and reconnect the city's urban core through green infrastructure.

Under her leadership, the Emerald Trail is taking shape as a 30-mile network of trails, parks, and waterways that encircle downtown Jacksonville, weaving together neighborhoods long divided by highways and disinvestment.

At the heart of the Emerald Trail vision is a bold, yet practical goal: to create a safe, accessible, and sustainable alternative to car travel that links people to jobs, schools, and public spaces.

Kay Ehas envisions a city where walking and biking aren’t just options—they’re viable, vibrant ways of life. Through strong partnerships, community input, and a clear sense of purpose, Ehas and Groundwork Jacksonville are not only reshaping the physical landscape, but also advancing a more inclusive, connected future for all residents of Jacksonville.

09/08/2025

This is one show you won’t want to miss.

09/08/2025

Jacksonville’s budget battle is heating up — and the stakes are higher than ever.

After 3 weeks, we sit sit down with veteran Times-Union reporter David Bauerlein to break down the political tug-of-war shaping the city’s financial future.

From proposed property tax cuts to controversial reductions in affordable housing and health services, this conversation dives deep into the growing divide between the mayor's administration and the City Council's Finance Committee.

Is public safety being prioritized at the cost of community well-being?

Could budget cuts today create ripple effects that impact elections tomorrow?

And where are local organizations when it comes to protecting their interests?

If you care about Jacksonville’s future — or want to understand how local politics mirrors national polarization — this is a must-listen.

09/01/2025

Jacksonville is at a crossroads—tough decisions are being made about the city's future, and they all come with a price tag.

From infrastructure and public safety to education and economic development, what should the city prioritize—and more importantly, how will it pay for it?

This week on Mikes on Mic, we go over one of our Best Of the Best conversations where we sit down with former Mayor John Peyton, who led Jacksonville through his own era of high-stakes financial decisions. With two terms of experience and a deep understanding of municipal budgeting, Peyton shares candid insights on the current challenges and what it takes to balance vision with fiscal responsibility.

Whether you're a concerned citizen, city policymaker, or just passionate about the future of Jacksonville, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

08/25/2025

Today we are revisiting the intriguing world of Susie Wiles, the mastermind behind the success of key Republican campaigns.

From her instrumental role in Ron DeSantis's 2018 victory to her critical contributions to Donald Trump's 2020 efforts, uncover how Wiles navigates the complex web of politics with finesse.

Journalist Michael Kruse shares exclusive insights from his extensive research, revealing the highs and lows of Wiles's influential career.

We explore loyalty, power, and public perception in today's conversation.

Don't miss the intricate details of a political strategist's life behind the scenes.

Tune in now to grasp the full scope of Susie Wiles's impact on American politics.

08/18/2025

In this captivating episode our guest, Nathaniel Glover, shares his powerful and inspirational story.

From a traumatic encounter with racism to becoming a sheriff, Nathaniel's journey is filled with resilience, forgiveness, and the pursuit of justice.

Tune in as he discusses his experiences with the criminal justice system, his path to law enforcement, and the pivotal moments that shaped his life.

Join us as we delve into topics of racial inequality, personal growth, and the power of forgiveness.

Stay tuned for a thought-provoking conversation that will leave you inspired to confront challenges head-on.

Don't miss out on this incredible episode brought to you by the Jacksonville Historical Society.

08/11/2025

This week Mikes on Mic sits down with Bryan Moll, the CEO of Gateway Jax. Brian has been at the forefront of transforming downtown Jacksonville into a thriving hub of culture, business, and community. His vision and leadership have been pivotal in revitalizing the area, making it a more vibrant and attractive place to live, work, and play.

In this conversation, Brian shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities that come with urban development. He'll talk about the strategies being implemented to create a sustainable and inclusive downtown, and how these efforts are reshaping the city's future. Stay tuned for an inspiring discussion this week on Mikes on Mic.

08/04/2025

Do you love Jacksonville’s parks or wonder how our local green spaces survive under constant pressure from funding cuts and development?

Today we sit down with acclaimed Times Union columnist and author Mark Woods for a revealing conversation about the past, present, and future of our treasured parks.

Together, they discuss the pivotal roles played by influential figures like Congressman Charlie Bennett and passionate advocates Barbara Goodman and Mark Middlebrook.

Mark shares unique insights from his incredible journey exploring America’s National Parks, offering listeners a rare glimpse behind the scenes of efforts to protect these invaluable public spaces for future generations.

You’ll discover how citizen engagement has shaped Jacksonville’s park system and learn exactly what's needed to safeguard our community's natural heritage.

Whether you're passionate about nature, fascinated by local politics, or inspired by community activism, this episode will inform, entertain, and empower you to take action.

Tune in, get inspired, and join the movement to keep Jacksonville’s parks thriving!

07/28/2025

It's said that Jacksonville is a "City on the Move! Well there's no better example of that than JTA's U2C project, a three-phase program revolutionizing public transportation in Jacksonville.

Launched on June 30th, the first phase of the project features autonomous shuttles running on Bay St. in downtown Jacksonville between the Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center and the sports and entertainment district near the stadium. JTA's CEO, Nat Ford again joins the Mikes to discuss the multi-phased program as well as their leadership in the development of the Emerald Trail.

Don't miss this lively and informative conversation on this week's Mike on Mic.

07/21/2025

Welcome to Mikes On Mic — the podcast where Jacksonville talks politics, policy, and the people shaping our city.

This week, we’re celebrating our 2nd anniversary with a deep dive into Mayor Donna Deegan’s proposed $2 billion city budget for 2025-26. Joining us is Mike Mendenhall, Associate Editor of JAXToday, to unpack where the money’s going — and what it means for you.

We’re talking about the Mayor’s $10 million plan to address homelessness, ongoing efforts to remove septic tanks, and a $100 million-plus boost for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.Stick with us — it’s a budget breakdown you don’t want to miss.

07/14/2025

Welcome to another exciting episode of Mikes on Mic.

This week, Councilman Mike Gay.

We discuss how he overcame strong opposition and a flood of attack ads to win his campaign. His strong values guided him through a tough race.

Join the Mikes as they examine Gay’s lone 'no' vote on Jacksonville's massive $1.4 billion stadium deal.

They explore his practical approach to fiscal conservatism and the changes within the city’s Republican Party. Gay also sheds light on local infrastructure projects and building connections across the political spectrum.

Whether you’re a political fan or just curious about Jacksonville’s future, this conversation is full of honesty, insight, and a good dose of Mikes.

Dive in and enjoy!

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