First Coast Connect: Ask the Mayor

Two months out from the official start of budget season, planning for the mayor’s proposal is well underway, along with hints of potential sticking points. Some members of the Jacksonville City Council are (again) gearing up to fight city health initiatives, and state restrictions on DEI spending threaten support of a range of projects, including funding for the Black, Hispanic and Asian chambers of commerce. In our monthly Ask the Mayor segment, we ask Mayor Donna Deegan about her spending priorities, the multiple ongoing investigations into JEA and a backlog on affordable housing spending. Deegan also answers your calls and questions. Submit a question or comment to the mayor at firstcoastconnect.org, email [email protected] or reach us on air at 904-549-2937. Guest: Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan Musical chairs More comfortable seats and improved acoustics are two of the biggest changes promised in a summertime overhaul of Jacoby Symphony Hall. The orchestra’s home is slated for a makeover beginning June 8, with completion set to conclude ahead of the 2026/27 season in September. The project will also include new carpeting and an updated speaker system for non-classical programming like the Pops Series and Symphonic Night at the Movies performances. We talk to the Symphony’s chief executive about how the project is being funded and how the changes will affect guests and performers alike. Guest: Steven B. Libman, president and CEO of the Jacksonville Symphony 'Gathering Turquoise' An acclaimed Americana performer who’s graced stages from Florida to his home state of Illinois for decades celebrates the release of his debut studio album this month. A mix of country, blues, folk and rock 'n’ roll, Gathering Turquoise was recorded at Retrophonics Recording Studio in St. Augustine and was produced in part by Cara Murphy, owner of Blue Jay Listening Room in Jacksonville Beach. Fittingly, that’s also where Patrick Hagerman’s album release show will be held May 23. With a sound that’s been compared to Guy Clark and John Prine, Hagerman is known for both emotionally evocative and sagely comic lyrics, as in his songs Hell on Purpose and Walmart Melatonin. In a recent social media post, Hagerman said, “After 30 years of songs, miles, late nights, heartbreak, hope, new love and chasing something real … it’s finally here.” Guest: Patrick Hagerman, singer-songwriterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.