The pastor who emceed a vigil held one day after the racist attack at the Dollar General says he mistakenly offered Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis the microphone to speak at the event. Since then, the incident has caused controversy and Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman has endured criticism for her actions in response to the governor’s presence at the vigil as well.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville,” Pastor John Allen Newman offers his view of the anti-riot bill in Florida. Chief Judge Mark Mahon explains the Jacksonville Mental Health Offender Program. And Republican Party of Florida Chairman Joe Gruters on the recent election success in Florida.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – When the Florida Legislative session begins next week there’s one controversial bill that is expected to gain statewide and possibly nationwide attention — House Bill 1. AdThe bill, a response to the civil unrest following the death of George Floyd last year, has gained strong Republican support, including the support of Gov. Jacksonville Pastor John Allen Newman told host Kent Justice “On This Week in Jacksonville” he believes the bill could disproportionately impact people of color. There are already laws if you accost a police officer...you are arrested for assaulting a police officer,” he said. AdLast week on This Week In Jacksonville, local Republican Rep. Paul Renner, said he supports any legislation that would deter political violence.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville,” OurJax representatives Michael Ward and Audrey Moran talk about their objections to the Lot J development deal with the city. After that, Pastor John Allen Newman and News4Jax political analyst Rick Mullaney discuss the upcoming U.S. Senate runoff elections in Georgia and the use of attack ads during the campaigns. They also talk about memorable moments of 2020 and what they are looking forward to in 2021.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. On this edition of This Week in Jacksonville, News4Jax political analyst Rick Mullaney of Jacksonville Universitys Public Policy Institute recap the Republican National Convention with U.S. Sen. Rick Scott. Pastor John Allen Newman and his wife, Omarosa Manigault Newman, talk about where they stand in the upcoming presidential election. And Mullaney returns to discuss the findings of a lucrative offer in the potential sale of JEA.