News


“Big Beautiful Budget” To Ban Immigration, DEI and Abortion Services

By Sophia Cardona On Sept. 9, the Jacksonville community spoke out against city council member Rory Diamond’s proposed “Big Beautiful Budget” amendment, which seeks to eliminate city funding for undocumented immigrants, abortion services and diversity, equity and inclusion programs.  The Jacksonville City Council held the…


How a Volunteer Group Protects Local Sea Turtle Populations

By Wylie Saviello A loggerhead hatchling approaches the ocean for the first time. Photo provided by Lucas Meers. Every morning for 200 days a year, Mickler’s Landing Turtle Patrol volunteers walk several miles on the beach starting at 30 minutes before sunrise to monitor the…


The Guardians of Beach Vehicle Access

By Wylie Saviello In small booths on the border between the beach and the street, retirees collect tolls for cars accessing the beach. Whether this is their first or 10th season, they have become an integral part of the local community and an important step…





Managing Tourism and Local Life in St. Augustine

By Holly Hearn Anyone who has spent any time living in St. Augustine – whether it be a first-year Flagler student or a lifelong resident – knows that tourists are a permanent fixture in town. Between holding the title for the nation’s oldest city and…


Becoming a Local Around the World

By Holly Hearn As we pulled into the driveway of our Airbnb in Bridgetown, Barbados, the housekeeper, Ann, greeted us. After asking her for some local recommendations, she insisted on us coming back the next day to have a traditional Bajan meal. When the next…


What a year of wild weather says about climate change

By Wylie Saviello From the most devastating hurricanes the nation has seen in years to record-breaking snowfall in Northeast Florida, 2024 and 2025 have seen extreme weather. After such wild events, some wonder if the weather’s severity may be due to bigger factors, like global…