INSIDE THE UF MELTDOWN: DEI, Dirty Politics, and a $2M Blowup
I thought I’d update you on some news from my little hometown, which contains the state’s not-so-little University of Florida. Actually, it’s the Sunshine State’s biggest educational institution, and we love to brag about it, right alongside “Florida has the most lightning strikes per capita” and “our governor once wrestled an alligator, probably” (everybody has, […]
There must be 250 more, for the world’s sake
In a rational world, the 250th anniversary of the founding of America should be a cause for celebration from sea to shining sea. Sadly, it won’t be. The astounding feat of breaking away from a mother country that would not grant its greatest colony the freedom it deserved was followed by the even more incredible […]
The Reflecting Pool and a Culture That No Longer Publicly Shames
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was meant to mirror national memory. Instead, it’s becoming a mirror of something else: a country increasingly unsure how to respond when people openly disrespect shared public spaces. Recent incidents involving vandalism and interference at the Reflecting Pool have drawn federal attention and arrests. One case involving graffiti and damage […]
What FIFA Can Teach Us About Reading
A recent article, “FIFA Favors the Hard-Working,” explores how expanding opportunities can allow overlooked talent to rise and compete on the world stage. Read it here:https://forza.edreform.com/p/fifa-favors-the-hard-working While the article focuses on international soccer, it raises a much bigger question: How do we develop talent in the first place? The answer begins with reading. Every community […]
Pride Month Celebration at City Hall: What say you?
The City of Jacksonville has announced its annual Pride Month celebration, scheduled for June 26 at City Hall. The event, hosted by the City and the Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board, will feature speeches, presentations, and live performances as part of the city’s recognition of Pride Month. At Eye, we believe celebrations can be a wonderful […]
Time to stop talking
Finally, someone in the federal government is talking about resolving one of the biggest problems facing the nation. But we need more than talk. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., is calling for immediate fiscal reforms to save the Social Security checks millions of Americans receive each month. Everyone has known this is a serious problem, but […]
Question Everything: When Did Critical Thinking Become Controversial?
For the last several months, Americans have been bombarded with warnings about data centers. We’re told they will consume all the water, destroy communities, overwhelm power grids, and somehow become the next great threat to our way of life. Maybe some of those concerns deserve discussion. Maybe some don’t. But before we accept any narrative, […]
Americans Are Voting With Their Feet — And Florida Is Winning
If you think Florida is on track to replace California as America’s growth powerhouse, take a look at the numbers. A fascinating website called Vote With Your Feet tracks where Americans are moving and where they are leaving. The data tells a remarkable story. Between 2012 and 2023, Florida gained more than 1.7 million residents […]
Put money in one pocket, take it out of the other
As it stands, Jacksonville residents soon will get chances to vote both for higher taxes and lower taxes, on the same ballot. In November, they will decide upon whether to quintuple the homestead exemption for property taxes, which would mean a substantial savings for many homeowners. They also will decide whether to increase property taxes […]
Media has lost its curiosity
Years ago, if any politician had said the city budget couldn’t be cut the media would have taken it as a dare. Reporters would have pored over the budget, looking for items that did not seem to be absolutely necessary. But today? The Florida Legislature puts a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would grant […]