Story by: Mauricia Brown 

More than 100 books about race, gender and sexual identity have been banned in Duval County Public School this year, according to PEN America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to literature, free expression and human rights.  

The books were removed in accordance with HB 1467, which was signed into law by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022. The law stated that “school principals are responsible for overseeing compliance with school library media center materials selection procedures at the school in which they are assigned.”   

904WARD, a Jacksonville nonprofit, partnered with Yellow House to install public bookcases called Little Free Diverse Libraries across the city. Those shelves are stocked with books for both students and adults and aim to highlight narratives, authors of color and other diversity-related topics.  

904WARD works to create racial healing and equity through deep conversations and learning, trusting relationships and collective actions.  Inside Jacksonville spoke with the nonprofit’s staff about their perspective on book banning. 

For a full list of banned books in Duval County, according to PEN America, visit here.  

Story by: Carter Mudgett

Amid a state-wide anti-LGBTQ+ in Florida legislation, Jacksonville’s River City Pride is working to push back against the hate and fight for the community. 

When Mayor Donna Deegan was elected and turned Jacksonville blue, it marked a major win not just for diversity initiatives in the city, but for the LGBTQ+ community too. Established as a nonprofit in 1989, River City Pride has been a long-standing champion of LGBTQ+ rights in not just Jacksonville, but the entirety of Florida. 

The organization celebrated their annual River City Pride Parade in early October, capping off week-long festivities. Mayor Deegan made clear her commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and diversity as grand marshal of the parade. 

Thousands of residents and many businesses marched in the parade itself, waved rainbow flags from the sidewalks and participated in week-long festivities. 

“The shift recently, especially with the election of Mayor Deacon, kind of shows that Jacksonville is no longer being that good ol’ boy hub and being controlled by the far right that has kind of made it feel unfriendly to [the LGBTQ+] community,” said River City Pride President Travis Guthrie. 

There were 725 anti-LGBTQ plus bills introduced across America this year, according to the Movement Advancement Project, a nonprofit think tank researching equality and opportunity.

In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis has waged a war on diversity, equity and inclusion since January. DeSantis signed a record six expressly anti-LGBTQ+ bills into law this year, according to the Human Rights Campaign, more than the last seven years combined.

Yet, even in the face of legislative pushback, the mayor’s participation in Pride celebrations this year threw a spotlight on the river city, making it clear that diversity was something to be celebrated in Jacksonville, not ousted.

Story by: Kara Scarbrough

On a lively Friday night in downtown St. Augustine, a wide variety of dogs accompanied their owners dressed as anything but a dog. From pumpkins to alligators, these dogs were dressed to impressed.  

For the last four years, Colonial Oak Music Park hosts Dogtoberfest, a night filled with music, food, drinks and of course, dogs. Customers are encouraged to dress their dogs for a chance to win the costume contest.  

The real winner of Dogtoberfest is Ayla’s Acres No-Kill Animal Rescue.  

“We have about 50 animals in foster care,” said Fran Charlson, executive director of Ayla’s Acres. “We need to be able to get them vet care, food, and anything that they need.”  

The shelter consists of paid staff and volunteers who all work to take care of the animals in their sanctuary. Other than dogs, they have horses, cats, birds and more that have to be cared for daily. Dog owners in attendance that night appreciated the mission of this shelter.  

“Some of those dogs, just like humans, they know what a bad life is,” said Mathew Spyker, as he looked down Tyson, his well-behaved dog sitting nicely beneath him. “When they get a kind owner that can show them love, compassion and grace, you know that they’ll be affectionate and they’ll be dedicated to them for the rest of their lives.” 

From Dogtoberfest, the rescue benefits from a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction. Colonial Oaks also sells a “Rescue Drink,” from which Ayla’s Acres receives $2 from every sale.  

According to 8-year volunteer Sharon Kramer, Dogtoberfest is not the only event put on by Colonial Oaks in support of the rescue.  

“They have events all throughout the year and sometimes will benefit us,” said Kramer. “Sometimes they will benefit other organizations in Saint Augustine and Saint John’s County.” 

Most of the dogs in attendance were tuckered out before the end of the night, but the music kept the park’s energy up, along with the funds raised for the shelter.