Mikes on Mic

Jacksonville’s Turning Point with Ennis Davis

Is Downtown Jacksonville truly booming, or are we just chasing buzzwords? In this episode of Mikes on Mic, Mike Miller, Mike Hightower, and Mike Tolbert sit down with Ennis Davis—a certified planner, public historian, and sixth-generation Floridian—to peel back the layers of Jacksonville’s urban development, transportation struggles, and rich cultural heritage.  From the future of the Laura Street Trio to the deep Gullah Geechee roots of LaVilla, Ennis provides a master class on how history and density must work together to create a vibrant city.  Key Highlights from the Conversation: * The Reality of "Booming" Downtown: Ennis discusses why hitting the 10,000-resident milestone isn't a "magical pinnacle" for vibrancy and why the city must focus on "The Three Cs": Clustering, Complementing uses, and Compact settings. * Historic Preservation & The Laura Street Trio: A look at why projects like the Trio have struggled to cross the finish line and how the Ambassador Hotel's transition into a Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel serves as a model for adaptive reuse.  * LaVilla’s True Identity: Why Ennis corrects the "Harlem of the South" label, instead calling Harlem the "LaVilla of the North," and the neighborhood's role as the epicenter of Gullah Geechee culture in Jacksonville. * Transportation & The Navi System: A candid critique of JTA’s driverless vehicle system, the need to attract "choice riders," and why transit investments fail without supportive land-use policies.  * The Emerald Trail: Why this project is more than just a "wide sidewalk" and how it can serve as a tool for generational wealth in historically disenfranchised communities. * Jacksonville’s Gullah Geechee Heritage: Ennis discusses his new book and the $34 billion economic potential of cultural tourism, including the authentic history behind local staples like shrimp and grits and garlic crabs.  * Website: mikesonmic.com [http://mikesonmic.com] * Follow Us: Find us on your favorite podcast platform, Facebook, and YouTube. About the Guest: Ennis Davis is an author and urban planner with over 20 years of experience in architecture and development. He is the President of the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation and a leading voice on equitable development and mobility in Florida. Join the Conversation:  Special thanks to our generous donors for keeping the lights on and the cameras rolling. 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!

Mixing it Up with the Mikes (Episode 85 Re-run)

The three Mikes are taking a brief hiatus this week, but we’re digging into the vault to bring you a discussion that is just as relevant now as it was when it first aired in March 2025. Join Mike Miller, Mike Hightower, and Mike Tolbert for a deep dive into the political maneuvers and fiscal realities shaping Jacksonville. In This Episode: * The UF Land Swap: We break down the friction between Mayor Donna Deagan and Councilman Ron Salem over the proposed land swap to bring a University of Florida graduate school to downtown. * The $3 Billion Elephant in the Room: A sobering look at the city's $3 billion pension debt and the record-breaking $201 million annual payment hitting the general fund. * The Power of Local Journalism: We discuss the critical role of the Jacksonville Tributary in uncovering the health crisis at the Duval County Jail, leading to staffing increases and the lifting of the facility's probation. * 2026 Political Forecasts: From the Trump vs. DeSantis influence on the Florida Governor’s race to John Morgan’s potential third-party run, we look at the shifting tides of the GOP and independent voters. * Legislative Watch: A discussion on the $115.6 billion state budget, the erosion of Home Rule, and the future of property insurance in Florida. Connect with the Mikes: * Website: mikesonmic.com [http://mikesonmic.com/] * Platforms: Find us on your favorite podcast app, Facebook, and YouTube. > "Stay in your lane and look at the charter. The council is a legislative body meant to approve or deny—not to negotiate the mayor’s job." — Mike Tolbert. 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!

Mikes on Mic Episode 130: Accountability, Legacy, and the Future of Jacksonville

In this episode, the "Three Mikes"—Mike Miller, Mike Hightower, and Mike Tolbert—are joined by long-time political leader and 5th-term City Councilman Matt Carlucci. With a legacy stretching back to the dawn of Jacksonville’s consolidation, Carlucci offers a candid look at the friction currently defines City Hall. From the "cancer" of partisanship to the ongoing investigations surrounding JEA, this conversation cuts through the noise to ask: Is Jacksonville's government still working the way it was intended?. Inside the Episode * The Carlucci Legacy: Matt reflects on the lessons learned from his father, Joe Carlucci, a member of the first Consolidated Council known for his fierce independence. * A Crisis of Trust: The hosts discuss a recent UNF poll showing City Council approval ratings in the low twenties. Carlucci argues that trust is a politician's most valuable asset and, currently, it is being squandered by pettiness. * The JEA Controversy: The discussion dives into the State Attorney investigations and the "political problem" behind allegations of toxic workplace culture and billing failures. * Staying in the Lane: Mike Hightower and Matt Carlucci warn against the "chilling effect" of politicizing independent boards, noting the potential risks to Jacksonville’s credit ratings on Wall Street. * Downtown’s Momentum: Despite the political drama, Carlucci highlights the "noticeable" vertical growth in the city, including the University of Florida's presence, the new MOSH, and the Emerald Trail. Key Takeaways > "If you ever join a team on the council or a clique... that keeps you from the principles and your ability to serve the people as you should, then you have just compromised and stepped over the line." — Matt Carlucci. * Independence is Paramount: Carlucci stresses that council members must be independent thinkers rather than following "bad influencers". * The Danger of Partisanship: Modern political divisions are described as a "wall" that prevents the give-and-take necessary for sound policy-making. * Governance vs. Politics: The "Founding Fathers" of consolidation intentionally designed independent authorities like JEA to keep politics out—a guardrail Carlucci believes is currently under threat. Connect with Mikes on Mic Visit our website at mikesonmic.com to catch up on past episodes. You can also find us on Facebook, YouTube, and your favorite podcasting platform. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on the conversations shaping Jacksonville. 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!

JEA Under Fire — Toxic Culture, Ethics, and the Politics of Power

Jacksonville’s public utility is back in the headlines, and as the "Mikes" point out, it’s not for a billion-dollar deal or privatization efforts this time. In this episode, hosts Mike Miller,Mike Hightower, and Mike Tolbert sit down with David Bauerlein, the tireless investigative reporter for the Florida Times-Union, to peel back the layers of the latest controversies surrounding the Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA). From allegations of a "toxic workplace" and racism to uncollected fees and political quid pro quo, we dig into whether this is a legitimate reckoning or just another chapter in Jacksonville’s long-running political battles. Inside This Episode: * The Capacity Fee Blunder: David explains the undisputed error where JEA failed to collect additional "capacity fees" from large commercial customers who exceeded their initial usage estimates. * A "Toxic" Culture? We examine the testimony of former Chief of Staff Kurt Wilson regarding CEO Vicki Cavey’s leadership style and the ongoing outside review of the workplace environment. * The Racism Allegations: While a City Council special committee is investigating claims of racism, David clarifies what has actually been proven (or not) on the record so far. * Ethics and Insider Influence: We break down the reports involving Council President Kevin Carrico, potential equity stakes in private telehealth companies, and the optics of "transactional behavior" at City Hall. * The Wall Street Impact: Mike Hightower discusses how this constant turmoil affects JEA’s reputation with rating agencies and the morale of its workforce. Why It Matters As JEA faces a City Council investigation and a state attorney review, the fundamental question remains: Can an independent board maintain its fiduciary duty amidst intense partisan debate?. David Bauerlein offers his perspective on where the "cavalry" is headed and if this story will finally settle down six months from now. Stay Connected: * Visit our website: mikesonmic.com [http://mikesonmic.com/] * Follow us on Facebook and YouTube * Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform! The views and observations expressed by the Mikes or our guests are just ours—and probably not yours—but we’re glad you’re listening. 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!

The Real Power Fight Behind Jacksonville’s Biggest Asset

We’ve been watching Jacksonville politics for a long time… and I keep seeing the same pattern. Something happens. Tension builds. People point fingers. And then somehow, it all circles back to the same place. But this time feels different. There’s a message. A “favor.” And a series of moves that raise more questions than answers. The kind of questions most people don’t ask out loud. If you’ve ever felt like growth is slow… like decisions happen behind the scenes… like the real story never gets told… you’re going to want to hear this. Because what’s happening here isn’t just politics. It’s a mindset. And most people miss it. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why one simple message changed the entire conversation * The hidden pattern that keeps repeating in this system * How “control” shows up in ways most people overlook * The quiet tension between power and responsibility * Why the real issue might not be what everyone is arguing about Chapters: 00:00 – Opening and Disclaimer 03:15 – Why This Story Keeps Repeating 07:40 – The Text Message That Sparked It 12:10 – Rapid Events 16:45 – The “Big Favor” Question 21:20 – Conflict or Coincidence? 26:05 – Deflection or Strategy 30:30 – Inside the Investigation Push 35:15 – Control Over the Board 40:10 – What’s Happening Behind the Scenes 45:25 – The Bigger Risk No One Talks About 50:40 – Impact on Workers and Stability 55:15 – A System Built… or Broken? 59:30 – Final Thoughts and What Comes Next 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!