The mayor’s affordable housing budget allocation was revived Tuesday night, along with many of the public service and cultural grants initially dinged by the City Council’s Finance Committee. We discuss what the final $2-plus-billion budget means for the Jacksonville community — as well as the mayor’s own political fortunes, as the March election cycle nears — in our monthly sit-down with attorney and government expert Chris Hand. We also ask him to read the political tea leaves after Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds scrubbed his website of any mentions of his longtime champion, Donald Trump, and what it means for voters now that it’s clear no major statewide races will feature debates between contenders. Have a question for Chris? Sign up for our weekday newsletter to submit comments or questions in advance.
Guest: Chris Hand, local government expert, attorney and co-author with the late Sen. Bob Graham of America, the Owner's Manual.
Jazz on the Ave
Jacksonville’s history of jazz goes well beyond the annual Jacksonville Jazz Fest stage, so it’s appropriate that local jazz appreciation occupies a broader footprint as well. This weekend, the Melanin Collaborative Group hosts the annual Jazz on the Ave festival, featuring artists, food and, of course, live music up and down A. Phillip Randolph Boulevard (still known as “Florida Avenue” to locals). The event celebrates jazz history and the community that birthed virtuoso jazz pianist and composer Marcus Roberts and master trumpeter Longineu Parsons II, as well as playing historic host to scores of legendary jazz performers at clubs in “the Harlem of the South,” LaVilla. This year’s event will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday at 822 A. Philip Randolph Blvd.
Guest: Dawn Curling, CEO, Melanin Collaborative Group
Sanctuary shindig
Since 1992, the 8th Street “Sanctuary” has served as a bridge between youngsters and a pool of artists and advocates working to improve educational, health and community outcomes through after-school, summer and youth development programs. Their annual “Shindig” fundraiser is key to maintaining the organization’s one-on-one tutoring, meals, field trips and cultural outings. This year’s theme is “Flashbacks,” with donor levels ranging from Princess Bride to Ferris Buller. We can’t attest to the film rankings, but we will ask the organizers what’s planned at the upcoming event (and other opportunities to support Sanctuary) with the current and former executive directors.
Guests:
- Rick Cartlidge Jr., executive director, Sanctuary on 8th Street
- Vicky Waltkins, former executive director, Sanctuary on 8th Street
Topics and guests subject to change.