This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition

Hosted by News4Jax and Graham Media Group

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Episodes

135

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

This Week in Jacksonville Business Edition is a weekly digital series with News4JAX anchor Kent Justice who talks with the experts about business, economic development, jobs, technology and more.

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60 recent

October 15, 202631 min

Women’s Center of Jacksonville plans expansion as demand for services grow

The Women's Center of Jacksonville is preparing to expand its services into Clay County as demand grows across Northeast Florida. CEO Allishia Bauman discusses the organization's 24/7 rape crisis hotline, forensic exams, free mental-health counseling, prevention education and partnerships with law enforcement and other community organizations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

October 8, 202618 min

New program pairs AmeriCorps members with employer-ready skills

On this episode of This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition, City Year Jacksonville Executive Director and Senior Vice President Dr. Dawn Emerick and Managing Director of Impact Quintin Griffin discuss a new partnership with Florida State College at Jacksonville designed to give City Year AmeriCorps members another advantage as they enter the workforce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

September 24, 202619 min

ESPN deal gives Jacksonville-area universities a bigger stage

In this episode of This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition, Kent Justice talks with Jeff Bacon, CEO of Unisun Sports, about the new media-rights agreement bringing the Atlantic Sun Conference and United Athletic Conference together under one strategy with ESPN. The ASUN includes Jacksonville University and the University of North Florida. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

September 17, 202622 min

Jake Gordon steps down after nearly 12 years leading Downtown Vision

After nearly 12 years leading Downtown Vision, CEO Jake Gordon is preparing to step away from the role. Gordon reflects on downtown Jacksonville’s transformation since 2015, including billions of dollars in investment, expanded programming, new public spaces, social services and the growth of the Downtown Ambassador Team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

September 10, 202614 min

How chef-driven food brands are changing the grocery aisle

In this episode of This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition, Kent Justice talks with Darby McLean, CEO of Spiceology, about how chef-driven food brands are reshaping the grocery aisle. McLean explains how restaurants serve as testing grounds for new flavors, how social media and e-commerce accelerate product development, and why local chefs can inspire products with national potential. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

September 3, 202624 min

Jacksonville growth draws Mesa Capital multifamily investment

Jacksonville’s continued growth is driving new investment in multifamily housing, including Mesa Capital Partners’ acquisition of Satori Town Center near St. Johns Town Center. In this episode, host Kent Justice talks with Mesa President and COO Paul Berry about why Northeast Florida remains attractive to investors, how proximity to major employers, retail, downtown and the beaches shapes renter demand, and what Mesa looks for in a Class A apartment community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 26, 202620 min

How the Jacksonville's workforce drives Citi’s expansion, community impact

Citi is one of Jacksonville’s biggest private employers—nearly 4,000 people—and Kent Justice sits down with Ed Skyler, who leads Citi Enterprise Services’ Public Affairs work, to ask what Citi’s “long-term commitment” actually means. Skylar points to a strong business climate, a deep talent pipeline (dozens of universities within 150 miles), and a hybrid model designed around flexibility and collaboration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 20, 202623 min

Ember and Iron owners talk expansion throughout Northeast Florida

Ember and Iron is growing — and Kent Justice sits down with owners Chef Michael Cooney and Brittany Cooney to talk about what’s driving that expansion and what it takes to scale a local restaurant brand without losing what made it work in the first place. The couple explains why they chose historic downtown St. Augustine for a flagship-style location, how they think about balancing tourists vs. locals, and why culture and training matter as much as the menu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 13, 202610 min

Chang Robotics Fund has answers on how to build a startup in Jacksonville

Kent Justice talks with Cheyenne LeMaire of Chang Robotics and the Chang Robotics Fund about what it takes to build—and fund—a startup in Jacksonville. They preview the Jacksonville Venture Competition on Aug. 19 at The Link (Nocatee), where six local startups pitch live in a “Shark Tank-esque” format, with speakers and networking. LeMaire explains how companies are selected, what judges prioritize (founder confidence, growth potential, and “investable” paperwork), and how the Fund’s due diligence works. They also dig into what Jacksonville’s startup ecosystem does well, what’s still missing—especially capital and mentorship—and what success would look like if more investors “band together” to support local founders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 6, 202622 min

Cultural Council warns arts funding cuts could ripple beyond City Hall

With Duval County budget season approaching, Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville CEO Diana Donovan joins host Kent Justice to explain what proposed cuts to arts and culture funding could mean beyond museums and performances—impacting jobs, small businesses, youth programs, and services for veterans and military families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices