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It's the controversy creeping through several layers at City Hall and in local government, with JEA's board of directors at the center. The City Council President and JEA's Chief Executive, the current mayor and the most recent mayor, the board chair and vice chair. There's a lot to unpack after a text message stirred up suspicion and led to serious accusations.

Immigration enforcement, using the military in local communities or targeting countries and companies with tariffs. Today we're looking at the intersection of law and policy, regardless of the politics in an issue. Rick Mullaney lends his voice of experience as an attorney and the former General Counsel in the city of Jacksonville. Plus, she served as Florida's 12th Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Plus, Nikki Fried leads the Florida Democratic Party. She joins us On This Week in Jacksonville.

In this episode of This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition, host Kent Justice talks with Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, about the latest data showing a decline in childhood poverty across Florida. They discuss what this means for local businesses, the importance of targeting efforts at the zip code level, and how businesses can play a crucial role in breaking the cycle of generational poverty. Wilson shares insights on the Florida Prosperity Initiative and the power of community partnerships to create economic opportunity and safer neighborhoods. If you care about the future of Northeast Florida’s workforce and economy, this episode is a must-listen.

One side says the issue has been handled and nothing illegal happened. The other side says it's time for a legal challenge. This week, we examine the growing rift between the state government and the city of Jacksonville. Downtown growth has been a priority for years. But now, leaders are considering eliminating a key development tool and cutting back on incentives. Plus, mid-decade redistricting is on the governor's agenda. Now, he may have a court date, too. Chris Hand joins us to explain on This Week in Jacksonville.

NEFBA President Scott Brannock (Tidewater Homes) joins This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition to explain what the Northeast Florida Builders Association does, why workforce development is his biggest 2026 priority, and how local policies can either expand attainable housing—or make it harder to build.

Three weeks into the Legislative Session in Florida, where are the big moves happening? State Senator Tom Leek will join us to talk about the so-called "AI Bill of Rights." In Jacksonville, it's not quite budget time, but it's time to talk with citizens. Mayor Donna Deegan starts her town hall tour - to hear from people about their priorities - and to talk about hers.

In this episode of This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition, host Kent Justice sits down with Bryan Moll, CEO of GatewayJax, to discuss one of Northeast Florida’s most ambitious redevelopment projects. Moll shares insights from his experience overseeing $6 billion in real estate projects and explains how Pearl Square is poised to transform downtown Jacksonville with new housing, retail, parks, and a full-service Publix grocery store. Tune in to hear about the challenges, community engagement, and exciting progress shaping the future of Jacksonville’s urban core.

Vladimir Kara-Murza is the keynote speaker for the Florida Forum series. He is also a Pulitzer Prize winner, an author, and a former political prisoner in Russia for speaking out against Vladimir Putin and the war on Ukraine.

A school district is still celebrating but also taking on the challenges. Duval County's superintendent joins us today. What led to the district's best academic performance and how do educators make sure it keeps happening? We will also ask Dr. Christopher Bernier about the concerns of the community.

In this episode of “This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition,” host Kent Justice talks with Revival 250 organizer Chris Widener and Bold City Church pastor Jason Masters about Revival 250—an upcoming faith-focused event scheduled for May 3 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville.

Floridians are talking about affordability and so are the candidates. Jacksonville's Paul Renner says there are solutions, especially when it comes to utility bills and energy costs. We'll hear from the former Speaker of the Florida House. Economic success is at the heart of the mission for Jacksonville's Chamber of Commerce. Chief Executive Daniel Davis discusses the creative efforts to engage members and support businesses in our area. Plus, Secretary of Elder Affairs Michelle Branham, a local compassionate FORCE, serving the state of Florida. We'll explore the Operation Senior Shield and Florida's leadership in Aging Services. 

Victor Dover - co-founder and principal of Dover Kohl & Partners and keynote speaker for Scenic Jacksonville’s Sixth Annual Great Cities Symposium (Feb. 5) - joins Kent Justice to discuss how cities can grow in ways that strengthen quality of life and long-term economic competitiveness. Dover argues that communities aren’t just recruiting businesses; they’re recruiting people—and the experience “outside between buildings” can be a deciding factor for talent, investment, and lasting prosperity.

In this episode of This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition, host Kent Justice talks with Ryan Smith, founder of First Coast Metalworks and the Jacksonville Innovation Hub. Ryan shares his journey from local fabrication to creating a centralized innovation space that supports entrepreneurs with prototyping tools, workspace, and investor connections. Learn how the Innovation Hub aims to accelerate product development, foster collaboration, and build a stronger startup ecosystem in Northeast Florida.

As the new year begins, Tallahassee prepares to welcome the Florida Legislative Session. Sam Garrison represents Clay County and holds a leadership role at the state capitol. He's sharing his excitement about the University of Florida coming to Jacksonville and what's happening at UNF. Plus, his view on the proposals to repeal property tax. Then, a former lawmaker's view on property tax and the national debt. Congressman Ted Yoho joins us on This Week in Jacksonville.

In our final program of 2025, we're putting the magnifying glass on downtown Jacksonville. Who visits? And what draws them to the center of the city? Downtown Vision's Jake Gordon joins us with a year-over-year update and insights into the landscape.

Downtown Jacksonville continues strong growth as 2025 ends, says Jake Gordon, CEO of Downtown Vision, Inc., who has been leading the organization for nearly 11 years and joined the next episode of “This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition.”

As 2025 comes to a close, what lies ahead in 2026? We're looking at the issues and people most likely to make news in the new year. Plus, Will inflation and affordability ease, or will relief remain out of reach? Meanwhile, Florida lawmakers are gearing up for the Legislative Session immediately after the holidays. Can the governor secure approval for his budget priorities in his final year in office?

In this episode of This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition, Kent Justice talks with David Montanez, vice president of franchise development for Authority Brands, about the growing franchise opportunities in Northeast Florida and beyond. Montanez explains how franchising offers a proven business model that reduces risk and supports entrepreneurs, including many veterans transitioning from military service.

Matthew Chang, CEO of Chang Robotics and author of the Amazon bestseller Risk Taking is Biblical, joins Kent Justice to share his journey blending faith and entrepreneurship. He discusses how smart risk-taking, humility, and mentorship guide his leadership, and how Jacksonville is becoming a hub for robotics innovation.

Who are the candidates in Florida’s 2026 statewide races? We continue our coverage with Republican James Fishback joining us to discuss his run for governor. Is Jacksonville’s Main Street Bridge worthy of special recognition? There’s a local movement pushing for that honor. Plus, the city’s Chief Health Officer responds to accusations related to potential Medicaid and Medicare fraud.