Eye sends a Wink: Local Entrepreneur John Arwood’s Vision & National Celebrations for Waste & Recycling Workers
Across America, the folks who haul away our trash and recyclables keep our cities clean—yet until recently, they rarely received the spotlight they deserve. Thanks to John D. Arwood, a Jacksonville-born trailblazer, that’s changing. From Scrap Collector to Industry Innovator John Arwood—a lifelong “garbage man” and founder of Arwood Site Services and JDA Companies—started out […]
The Little Engine That Could But Shouldn’t
Problems with inappropriate books in school libraries apparently have spread to the public libraries. There is, of course, plenty of adult material in those libraries but they have infiltrated the children’s section, one mother found. Maleana Gay, wife of a city councilman, posted in Facebook: “Took my 7-year-old to the Jacksonville Public Library to check […]
June 14th No Kings Protestors: Don’t become a Crash Dummy
On June 14, “No Kings” protests are planned throughout the United States by an obscure organization — nokings.org. These protests are taking place June 14th and it appears street demonstrations will occur. In Florida, if participants stand or block traffic, they could face risks under the 2021 “anti-riot” bill (HB1). The bill shields drivers who feel threatened […]
From Toys to Tunes: How a Local Toymaker Turned a Song into a Mission to Rescue Veterans and Dogs
What do a toymaker and a veteran have in common? More than you might think—especially when you meet Mike Bowling and Daniel Bean. Mike Bowling, the creative force behind the wildly successful Pound Puppies, is no stranger to dreaming big. A local entrepreneur turned toymaking legend, Mike’s inventions have brought happiness and smiles to millions […]
Alert School Board member deserves a Wink
Kudos to April Carney, the School Board member who stopped the hiring of a very poor choice for public information chief of the government schools in Jacksonville. When Superintendent Chris Bernier sent an email announcing that he would recommend Dan Adams, current chief of public information in the Loudoun County, Va., schools, Carney’s alarm went […]
New bill about border invasion: Protecting People or Playing Politics?
With the federal government finally taking action to protect Americans from border invasions, responsible state and local government are following suit. Florida has passed a law concerning illegal immigration, and the city of Jacksonville has done the same. The City Council passed the Jacksonville Illegal Immigration Enforcement Act in March. That bill would give the […]
Courage Over Crown: North Florida Pageant Winner Refuses to Compromise on Definition of ‘Female’
In a bold stand that’s making national headlines, 2025 Miss North Florida winner Kayleigh Grace Bush has forfeited her title rather than sign a Miss America contract she says violates her values and the truth about womanhood. The 24-year-old University of Florida graduate and strong Christian conservative says she could not, in good conscience, agree […]
Andersen voted out. The people have spoken. Twice.
The reaction to City Council voting against Elizabeth Andersen’s nomination to the Jacksonville Public Library Board of Trustees wasn’t the most exciting moment of this week’s council meeting, but it sure was the most satisfying. Act IV: City Council chambers May 27 About 45 minutes into the meeting, members were given the chance to speak […]
Time to get moving on porn removal in our schools
It is likely that the process of removing inappropriate books from school libraries will accelerate soon. The school district is required by law to review all library books and remove or restrict those that are inappropriate. The 2022 law says certified media specialists must review all books in school media centers and classroom libraries. While […]
Florida Strikes Gold: DeSantis Signs Law Recognizing Silver and Gold as Legal Tender
Florida Politics ran a shiny story headlined, “Gov. DeSantis set to approve path to making silver and gold legal tender.” On Tuesday, Governor DeSantis will sign HB999, which “recognizes gold and silver coin as legal tender for payment of debts,” and mandates “additional requirements regarding privately ensuring deposits’ security, record keeping, and maintaining separate ledger […]