Mikes on Mic

The three Mikes are taking a brief hiatus this week, but we’re digging into the vault to bring you a discussion that is just as relevant now as it was when it first aired in March 2025. Join Mike Miller, Mike Hightower, and Mike Tolbert for a deep dive into the political maneuvers and fiscal realities shaping Jacksonville.
In This Episode:
The UF Land Swap: We break down the friction between Mayor Donna Deagan and Councilman Ron Salem over the proposed land swap to bring a University of Florida graduate school to downtown.
The $3 Billion Elephant in the Room: A sobering look at the city's $3 billion pension debt and the record-breaking $201 million annual payment hitting the general fund.
The Power of Local Journalism: We discuss the critical role of the Jacksonville Tributary in uncovering the health crisis at the Duval County Jail, leading to staffing increases and the lifting of the facility's probation.
2026 Political Forecasts: From the Trump vs. DeSantis influence on the Florida Governor’s race to John Morgan’s potential third-party run, we look at the shifting tides of the GOP and independent voters.
Legislative Watch: A discussion on the $115.6 billion state budget, the erosion of Home Rule, and the future of property insurance in Florida.
Connect with the Mikes:
Website: mikesonmic.com
Platforms: Find us on your favorite podcast app, Facebook, and YouTube.
"Stay in your lane and look at the charter. The council is a legislative body meant to approve or deny—not to negotiate the mayor’s job." — Mike Tolbert.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!

In this episode, the "Three Mikes"—Mike Miller, Mike Hightower, and Mike Tolbert—are joined by long-time political leader and 5th-term City Councilman Matt Carlucci. With a legacy stretching back to the dawn of Jacksonville’s consolidation, Carlucci offers a candid look at the friction currently defines City Hall.
From the "cancer" of partisanship to the ongoing investigations surrounding JEA, this conversation cuts through the noise to ask: Is Jacksonville's government still working the way it was intended?.
Inside the Episode
The Carlucci Legacy: Matt reflects on the lessons learned from his father, Joe Carlucci, a member of the first Consolidated Council known for his fierce independence.
A Crisis of Trust: The hosts discuss a recent UNF poll showing City Council approval ratings in the low twenties. Carlucci argues that trust is a politician's most valuable asset and, currently, it is being squandered by pettiness.
The JEA Controversy: The discussion dives into the State Attorney investigations and the "political problem" behind allegations of toxic workplace culture and billing failures.
Staying in the Lane: Mike Hightower and Matt Carlucci warn against the "chilling effect" of politicizing independent boards, noting the potential risks to Jacksonville’s credit ratings on Wall Street.
Downtown’s Momentum: Despite the political drama, Carlucci highlights the "noticeable" vertical growth in the city, including the University of Florida's presence, the new MOSH, and the Emerald Trail.
Key Takeaways
"If you ever join a team on the council or a clique... that keeps you from the principles and your ability to serve the people as you should, then you have just compromised and stepped over the line." — Matt Carlucci.Independence is Paramount: Carlucci stresses that council members must be independent thinkers rather than following "bad influencers".
The Danger of Partisanship: Modern political divisions are described as a "wall" that prevents the give-and-take necessary for sound policy-making.
Governance vs. Politics: The "Founding Fathers" of consolidation intentionally designed independent authorities like JEA to keep politics out—a guardrail Carlucci believes is currently under threat.
Connect with Mikes on Mic
Visit our website at mikesonmic.com to catch up on past episodes. You can also find us on Facebook, YouTube, and your favorite podcasting platform.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on the conversations shaping Jacksonville.
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!

Jacksonville’s public utility is back in the headlines, and as the "Mikes" point out, it’s not for a billion-dollar deal or privatization efforts this time. In this episode, hosts Mike Miller,Mike Hightower, and Mike Tolbert sit down with David Bauerlein, the tireless investigative reporter for the Florida Times-Union, to peel back the layers of the latest controversies surrounding the Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA).
From allegations of a "toxic workplace" and racism to uncollected fees and political quid pro quo, we dig into whether this is a legitimate reckoning or just another chapter in Jacksonville’s long-running political battles.
Inside This Episode:
The Capacity Fee Blunder: David explains the undisputed error where JEA failed to collect additional "capacity fees" from large commercial customers who exceeded their initial usage estimates.
A "Toxic" Culture? We examine the testimony of former Chief of Staff Kurt Wilson regarding CEO Vicki Cavey’s leadership style and the ongoing outside review of the workplace environment.
The Racism Allegations: While a City Council special committee is investigating claims of racism, David clarifies what has actually been proven (or not) on the record so far.
Ethics and Insider Influence: We break down the reports involving Council President Kevin Carrico, potential equity stakes in private telehealth companies, and the optics of "transactional behavior" at City Hall.
The Wall Street Impact: Mike Hightower discusses how this constant turmoil affects JEA’s reputation with rating agencies and the morale of its workforce.
Why It Matters
As JEA faces a City Council investigation and a state attorney review, the fundamental question remains: Can an independent board maintain its fiduciary duty amidst intense partisan debate?. David Bauerlein offers his perspective on where the "cavalry" is headed and if this story will finally settle down six months from now.
Stay Connected:
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Follow us on Facebook and YouTube
Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform!
The views and observations expressed by the Mikes or our guests are just ours—and probably not yours—but we’re glad you’re listening.
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

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Enjoy!

We’ve been watching Jacksonville politics for a long time… and I keep seeing the same pattern.
Something happens. Tension builds. People point fingers. And then somehow, it all circles back to the same place.
But this time feels different.
There’s a message. A “favor.” And a series of moves that raise more questions than answers. The kind of questions most people don’t ask out loud.
If you’ve ever felt like growth is slow… like decisions happen behind the scenes… like the real story never gets told… you’re going to want to hear this.
Because what’s happening here isn’t just politics. It’s a mindset. And most people miss it.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why one simple message changed the entire conversation
The hidden pattern that keeps repeating in this system
How “control” shows up in ways most people overlook
The quiet tension between power and responsibility
Why the real issue might not be what everyone is arguing about
Chapters:

00:00 – Opening and Disclaimer
03:15 – Why This Story Keeps Repeating
07:40 – The Text Message That Sparked It
12:10 – Rapid Events
16:45 – The “Big Favor” Question
21:20 – Conflict or Coincidence?
26:05 – Deflection or Strategy
30:30 – Inside the Investigation Push
35:15 – Control Over the Board
40:10 – What’s Happening Behind the Scenes
45:25 – The Bigger Risk No One Talks About
50:40 – Impact on Workers and Stability
55:15 – A System Built… or Broken?
59:30 – Final Thoughts and What Comes 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!

Back for a new season, and this time I’m getting right into the pressure points shaping Jacksonville and Florida politics.
A lot of people still believe party labels tell the whole story. They do not. Beneath the headlines, there are deeper problems driving voters, testing incumbents, and putting real pressure on local leadership.
In this episode, we dig into what may really decide the next big races, why some public approval numbers can fool people, and how one growing controversy could carry bigger consequences than many want to admit.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why one major Florida advantage may not be as strong as people think
What issue is hitting voters harder than the usual political talking points
Why Jacksonville’s local political fights may be helping the wrong side
What could make a mayor’s race feel safe one day and wide open the next
Why the latest JEA turmoil may be bigger than one headline or one investigation
Follow the show, share this episode, and stay with me as we break down the stories behind the public story.
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!