Welcome to a special year-end milestone episode of Mikes on Mic.

In this reflective wrap-up, the hosts come together with community leaders and longtime friends of the show to look back on more than two and a half years of meaningful conversations. With 125 episodes recorded, the podcast reflects on its journey exploring politics, government, and the evolving story of the Jacksonville community.

This episode revisits some of the most impactful discussions—from conversations with city leaders, business innovators, and local historians to candid exchanges with everyday residents. Together, these moments have shaped the podcast into a living archive of the city’s past, present, and future.

Listeners will hear reflections on how long-form, civil dialogue has contributed to civic pride and deeper understanding, along with favorite episodes and memorable moments that helped frame key issues and opportunities facing the community.

As the show heads into a brief holiday hiatus, this episode invites listeners to reminisce, celebrate progress, and look ahead to more thoughtful conversations in the year ahead. Whether you’ve been listening from the beginning or are just tuning in, this episode captures the heart, history, and optimism driving Jacksonville forward.

Settle in for a meaningful year-end conversation focused on gratitude, growth, and bold visions for what’s next.

Tune in to the show on your favorite Podcasting platform and on MikesOnMic.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mikes-on-mic/id1697258731

Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/show/1osbkLvqreSJPXmfaubY1M?si=yVwAAnw1TmSSzZnZ3vM8sA

Connect with us on Social:

Youtube Channel: http://youtube.com/@mikesonmic

Facebook Page link: http://facebook.com/mikesonmic

Enjoy!

Today we talk about something important happening in Jacksonville. A former mayor, Lenny Curry, just became a lobbyist for JEA—the city’s power and water company. This is surprising because, not long ago, he tried to sell JEA, which caused a lot of people to get upset and worry about the future of the city’s utilities.

We sit down with people who were part of the investigation into that attempted sale. We also talk with someone who reported the story and followed it closely.

Together, we ask questions like:
• What does this new job mean for JEA and the people who work there?
• Are the same people still making big decisions behind the scenes?
• Can the people of Jacksonville trust what’s happening?

We take a close look at how decisions made by leaders can leave a mark on a city, even years later. And we ask if lessons were really learned—or if history is about to repeat itself.

This is an honest talk about leadership, trust, and why it’s so important to pay attention to what’s happening in local government.

Tune in to the show on your favorite Podcasting platform and on MikesOnMic.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mikes-on-mic/id1697258731

Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/show/1osbkLvqreSJPXmfaubY1M?si=yVwAAnw1TmSSzZnZ3vM8sA

Connect with us on Social:

Youtube Channel: http://youtube.com/@mikesonmic

Facebook Page link: http://facebook.com/mikesonmic

Enjoy!

For this episode we sat down with Mayor Donna Deegan—right in her office—for an open, honest conversation about where Jacksonville’s headed.

Two and a half years into her first term, she’s had some big wins—downtown development, the riverfront parks, and real investment in neighborhoods that have been overlooked for years. But we also got into the tough stuff: the pushback, the politics, and the challenges that come with trying to do things differently at City Hall.

We talked city spending, the telehealth program that’s helping uninsured folks, and how her team’s working to keep Jacksonville growing without bloating government. No fluff—just straight talk.

Plus, with the next election not too far off, she shared what she’s focused on right now, what’s keeping her fired up, and why she thinks Jacksonville’s best days are still ahead.

If you live here, work here, or just care about how this city runs—this one’s worth a listen.

Let’s dive in.

Chapters:
00:00 City Progress and Cooperation Highlighted
06:00 "Bold Vision, Fast Action"
07:38 "Investing in Downtown for Growth"
10:50 City Growth Fuels Investment Stability
13:11 "Efficient Government Through Lean Processes"
17:57 Telehealth Lowers Healthcare Costs
19:43 "Investing in Prevention for Future"
23:55 "Building Pride and Progress"
25:51 Next Week's Conversation Preview

Tune in to the show on your favorite Podcasting platform and on MikesOnMic.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mikes-on-mic/id1697258731

Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/show/1osbkLvqreSJPXmfaubY1M?si=yVwAAnw1TmSSzZnZ3vM8sA

Connect with us on Social:

Youtube Channel: http://youtube.com/@mikesonmic

Facebook Page link: http://facebook.com/mikesonmic

Enjoy!