The mayor’s affordable housing budget allocation was revived as City Council passed a final budget on Tuesday night, along with the public service grants initially dinged by the City Council’s Finance Committee. We discuss what the final $2 billion budget means for Jacksonville — 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, as it’s now clear that no debates will be held in major statewide races.
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. Philip Randolph Boulevard (still known as “Florida Avenue” to Eastside locals). The event celebrates jazz history and the city that birthed virtuoso jazz pianist and composer Marcus Roberts and master trumpeter Longineu Parsons II, and played 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.
Guests:
- Dawn Curling, CEO, Melanin Collaborative Group
- Nick Ackron, performer, Jazz on the Ave
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 their 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 Bueller. We can’t attest to the film rankings, but we ask the organizers how to support the Sanctuary at the event and beyond.
Guests:
- Rick Cartlidge Jr., executive director, Sanctuary on 8th Street
- Vicky Watkins, former executive director, Sanctuary on 8th Street