Mikes on Mic

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...

Why do city leaders say "no" so often—and what does it really cost them? Today we dive deep into the behind-the-scenes world of city council politics, revealing the often unseen pressures, personal dilemmas, and power dynamics that shape local decision-making. You’ll hear how political leaders juggle transparency, legal fears, and public interest—all while keeping their cool (and sometimes cracking a joke) in high-stakes environments. We also talk: • Why the fear of legal backlash shapes p...

We're throwing it back to one of our favorite milestone moments—the one-year anniversary of Mikes on Mic! In this special episode, originally recorded at The Jacksonville History Center, the Mikes reflect on highlights from the first 51 episodes that helped shape the conversation in and around Jacksonville. From Sheriff Nat Glover’s powerful stories, to Michael Krause of Politico on the influence of political strategist Susie Wiles, to early memories of the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, and ins...

On this episode of Mics on Mic, hosts Mike Miller and Mike Tolbert sit down with Leslie Jean-Bart—fifth-gen Jacksonville native, attorney, and activist—for a bold conversation on ethics, transparency, and power at City Hall. From Sunshine Law concerns to nonprofit funding tied to council members, Leslie brings legal insight and personal passion to the table. This one’s all about civic courage—don’t miss it. Tune in to the show on your favorite Podcasting platform and on MikesOnMic...

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 balan...

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...