Mikes on Mic

This week, it’s just the three Mikes around the table, and there’s plenty to talk about in Jacksonville politics.
Mike Miller, Mike Tolbert, and Mike Hightower look ahead to the 2027 city elections and ask one of the biggest questions in local politics: Who will step up to challenge Mayor Donna Deegan? They examine her early campaign strength, the potential Republican field, and what issues could ultimately define the mayoral race.
The conversation also turns to Jacksonville’s independent authorities, including the financial and political challenges facing JTA, the future of the Skyway, and the growing debate over Cecil Field’s potential as a major aerospace and spaceport development hub.
The Mikes assess new City Council President Nick Howland’s leadership style, the surprisingly cooperative budget process, and whether Jacksonville may finally be seeing more policy and less political theater.
Plus, longtime Republican leader Mike Hightower goes inside the current battle for control of the Duval County Republican Party, explains why he returned to active party politics, and offers his perspective on leadership, fundraising, loyalty, and the road to 2027.
No guest. No script. Just three veteran Jacksonville political observers talking candidly about where the city has been, where it’s going, and who may be leading the way.
Mikes on Mike. Politics, government, and Jacksonville from three men who have spent decades watching it all unfold.
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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In Episode 140 of the Mikes on Mic Podcast, hosts Mike Tolbert, Mike Hightower, and Mike Miller sit down with veteran Jacksonville City Councilman Matt Carlucci for an extended, candid conversation.
Episode Highlights
The State of Local Politics: Carlucci discusses how the Jacksonville City Council's culture has increasingly shifted toward personal attacks and intense partisanship over the last four years. He explains his recent decision to publicly speak out on Facebook against performative politics that damage public trust and hurt the families of local leaders.
City Budget & Mayor Deegan: The councilman breaks down the current $2 billion city budget, specifically praising Mayor Deegan's recent presentation for effectively connecting city departments and demonstrating how various programs support one another. He also commends current Finance Chair Will Lannin for avoiding petty politics and protecting essential services, such as telehealth options and local clinics that provide families with critical alternatives to the Shands emergency room.
Amendment 3 Concerns: Carlucci warns about the severe ripple effects Amendment 3 could have on municipal finances and vital services, including the Kids Hope Alliance and local after-school programs that working parents rely on.
Recent Elections: Carlucci highlights the primary victory of Councilwoman Moné Holder, noting that her transparent messaging on affordable housing and Amendment 3 resonated with voters and seemingly brought a more respectful tone to the current finance committee.
Personal Growth & Future Plans: Reflecting on nearly four decades in politics, Carlucci shares how losing elections ultimately made him a more grounded and empathetic public servant. He formally announces his upcoming book detailing these lessons, expected to release this November, and shares his post-council plans to retire from office and vacation with his wife, Karen.
About the Guest
Matt Carlucci was first elected to the Jacksonville City Council in 1987 and is currently completing his fifth and final term representing At-Large Group 4.
Over his 35 years of public service, he has been a steadfast advocate for government accountability, helping to create the Jacksonville Ethics Commission and serving as chair of the State Commission on Ethics.
Outside of politics, he has run a local State Farm insurance agency for 45 years.
Listen & Subscribe Find more conversations about politics, government, and Jacksonville on your favorite podcasting platform, Facebook, and YouTube. Visit mikesonmic.com for more episodes and updates.
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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In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome back Times Union reporter David Bauerlein to break down the latest news from city hall.
Episode Highlights
The JEA Investigation: We kick things off by examining the recent city council committee questioning of JEA CEO Vickie Cavey. The Mikes and David discuss the highly unusual, deposition-style interrogation led by council secretary Jason Teal.
Vickie Cavey's Future: The panel explores whether Cavey will return from her extended leave or choose to retire once again from her demanding role at the utility.
Navigating the $2.02 Billion Budget: David provides behind-the-scenes insights into the city council finance committee's review of Mayor Donna Deegan's proposed $2.02 billion budget.
Referendum Contingencies: Discover how the upcoming November property tax referendum is forcing the council to place about $7.1 million of public and cultural service grants "below the line," contingent on the election's outcome.
City Development: We discuss Mayor Deegan's prioritization of downtown investments—including a continuous St. Johns River park system—and how that balances with funding for other local neighborhoods.
Jacksonville's Power Brokers
The conversation also highlights the key players influencing Jacksonville's current political and financial landscape:
Political Figure | Role & ImpactNick Howland & Will Lehnen | City Council President and Finance Committee Chairman leading a cautious review of the city's spending.

Lenny Curry & John Peyton | Former mayors who continue to exert background influence over local politics and potential swing votes.

Wyman Duggan | A potential future Republican mayoral candidate who voted to put the property tax referendum on the ballot.

A special thank you to our donors for keeping the lights on and the cameras rolling! You can find Mikes on Mike on your favorite podcasting platform, Facebook, and YouTube, or visit mikesonmike.com.
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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In Episode 138 of Mike's On Mic, hosts Mike Miller, Mike Hightower, and Mike Tolbert sit down with Dr. Sean Freeder, UNF political science professor and director of the Public Opinion Research Lab. The team breaks down the latest July UNF poll numbers, exploring what they reveal about voter sentiment, shifting party advantages, and major upcoming races in Florida.
Key Discussion Topics & Highlights:
Florida’s Political Landscape: Dr. Freeder analyzes why Republicans maintain a strong voter registration advantage, but why a narrower turnout differential could make the 2027/2028 election cycles much more competitive.
The Affordability Crisis: A look at why affordability and housing costs dominate voter concerns across all political lines, and how candidates must move past generic platitudes to craft targeted messaging.
The Homestead Exemption Amendment: Breaking down the legal challenges facing the property tax ballot language, how budget impact estimates drastically change voter support, and shifting stances from key interest groups and leadership.
The Governor's Race: Examining the surprising polling numbers between Byron Donalds and David Jolly, the impact of national anti-incumbent sentiment, and Republican primary fallout.
The U.S. Senate Primary & General Outlook: A close look at the Democratic primary race between Lieutenant Colonel Vindman and State Representative Angie Dixon, and how either candidate stacks up against incumbent Ashley Moody.
Tune in every two weeks for more insider political analysis and local insights from the Three Mikes and follow the program at MikesOnMic.com
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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Step into the complex and ever-shifting landscape of Florida politics with renowned political reporter A.G. Gancarski. In this episode, we dissect the mechanical realities driving the Sunshine State's political future, exploring everything from looming constitutional property tax amendments to the early, high-stakes maneuvering of Jacksonville's 2027 mayoral race. 
In This Episode, We Discuss
🗳️ The Property Tax Amendment Paradox: We break down why the proposed constitutional amendment to eliminate property taxes is losing voter support. Support drastically drops when voters learn about the potential $11.8 billion budget shortfall affecting core local services. 
🌴 Florida's Gubernatorial Race: We take an early look at the upcoming race for governor, analyzing Representative Byron Donalds' massive campaign war chest. We also discuss why he might still face a surprisingly tight contest against Democrat David Jolly. 
🏛️ Jacksonville's 2027 Mayoral Matchup: We explore Mayor Donna Deegan's formidable $2.6 million fundraising momentum and her successful efforts to win over the Republican donor class. We also examine the crucial communication hurdles awaiting potential challenger Wyman Duggan. 
⚖️ Local Controversies Unpacked: We unpack the Jacksonville Aviation Authority's ongoing clashes with the City Council regarding Cecil Field's spaceport capabilities. Additionally, we provide the latest expectations regarding the state attorney's investigation into Kevin Carrico. 
About the Guest
A.G. Gancarski is an esteemed political reporter and columnist writing for Florida Politics, Jax Today, and dozens of other publications. He is widely recognized as one of the most plugged-in observers of day-to-day political mechanics, offering unparalleled insights into both statewide legislation and Jacksonville's local governance. 
About Mikes on Mic
Hosted by 50-year opinion leaders Mike Hightower and Mike Tolbert, alongside award-winning broadcaster Mike Miller, Mikes on Mic delivers incisive conversations about politics, government, and the city of Jacksonville. 
Links & Resources
Show Website: MikesOnMic.com 
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!