Story by: Ethan Leckie 

Senate Bill 266 prohibits the use of state funding towards programs and initiatives that promote diversity, equity, or inclusion in state universities. The legislation is the latest addition to nearly a year of similar bills passed to regulate the services and education provided by state universities. 

The changes brought on by SB 266 have begun to impact the University of North Florida as well. The school’s Office for Diversity and Inclusion, along with the Interfaith, Intercultural, and LGBTQ+ centers, were forced to close due to a lack of funding. 

Students are struggling to rebuild their communities in the wake of SB 266. Aster Walters, current Student Government Senator and Vice President of UNF’s Pride Club, has made attempts to mitigate the effects of the legislation. As part of SG, he has passed resolutions condemning Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.  

Despite Walters’ best efforts, diversity, equity and inclusion centers on campus remain closed. For many students, the future is dim. 

“We have no real hope right now as to when it will open back up. We’re trying to do the best we can with what we have as far as resources go right now, but it’s a very dreary future for us,” said Walters.

Story by: Emily Cheyne 

Jacksonville is home to many local venues that offer live shows of all types. Resurgence Goth Night, which occurs every fourth Saturday of the month, features many genres of music ranging from goth to emo to even post-punk. 

The event features live DJs, local vendors, 3D projection, and cocktails. Some of the featured vendors include makeup, jewelry, and psychic services from Jacksonville artists. 

The event is hosted by local musician JoHanna Moresco. “Goth Night is a celebration of gothic music and culture. It’s a community of people who all come together over a shared interest,” said Moresco. 

Throughout the night, you can find eventgoers wearing elaborate outfits and dancing. Moresco hopes to expand the event by bringing in live bands in the future. The current DJs play the best releases of the genre and take song requests through social media. 

Resurgence Goth Night is 18+ and starts at 9 p.m. It is held at the Underbelly in downtown Jacksonville, located at 113 E. Bay St. For more information, you can head over to their Instagram, Facebook, or buy tickets on Eventbrite.

Story by: Angelica Santini 

With a firm commitment to uncovering the truth, Project Cold Case serves as a guardian for the forgotten, restoring long-dormant cold cases and providing comfort to families who have endured decades of unanswered questions. 

Founded in 2015 by Ryan Backmann and located in Jacksonville, Project Cold Case is a nonprofit organization committed to re-opening investigations into unresolved homicides and missing persons cases. Built on the principle that every victim should get justice and every family deserves closure, the initiative started with Backmann’s personal experience with his father’s Clifford Backmann unsolved murder. 

“When a murder happens, families are confused and have no idea or experience with it. You would think the case would be solved quickly, but months go by, no changes in the case, and you begin to lose hope,” stated Backmann. 

Project Cold Case concentrates its efforts on cases that have grown cold. Over 1,000 cases have been submitted by families and law enforcement to be featured on the non-profit’s website. The organization offers extensive support to families, providing opportunities for one-on-one therapy sessions, in-person support groups, and virtual Zoom sessions. 

Project Cold Case has also paired with the University of North Florida. In collaboration with Professor Tricia Booker’s Applied Journalism class, students are given the opportunity to work on real cases and bring awareness to unsolved murders. 

You can find more information about Project Cold Case at Projectcoldcase.org