Community View Points

Brian K. Yorkgitis, DO, FACS - Pediatric Trauma Medical Director
Assistant Professor of Surgery, Division of Acute Care Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville. Came by the show to invite the community to the 5th Annual Run for Hero’s!


Every day, the experts at UF Health TraumaOne stand ready to provide lifesaving care. As the only adult and pediatric Level I trauma center in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, TraumaOne plays a critical role in the safety and well-being of our community. UF Health Heroes save lives, allowing those who have suffered from traumatic injury or illness to return home to their families, building healthy and strong communities. Run for Heroes 5K has raised almost $60,000 to support trauma injury prevention and community education at UF Health Jacksonville.

He asked the community to consider running in honor of one of our Superheroes: An individual who has overcome a life-threatening injury and the many Heroes who stand ready each and every day protecting our community through expert trauma care. Most recently funds supported Stop the Bleed training and bleeding control kits for local area schools and first responders training courses.

Diane Townsend and Lena Jordan came by the show to talk about The sisters Network of NE Florida partnering with the 4th Annual Sister Strut and why it’s important for the community to get involved and register so that we can empower the survivors, and remember the ladies we lost from Breast Cancer.

Mike Todd with New Florida Majority called into the show to talk about I Am WE, a community celebration organized to build political and community power in black and brown underserved neighborhoods in Jacksonville. The event will be held on
Sept 14, where a food pantry, legal aid, barbers, staffing agency, social resources galore will be there to empower the community!

Toni Foxx and Jim Dunlap came to the show to talk about The Battle of the Ballrooms to Benefit St. Jude! Friday September 13, 2019 at 8:00 PM at Atlantic Ballroom. The event is to help and empower the leading children's hospital, St. Jude!! St. Jude is where families never receive a Bill for Treatment, Travel, Housing or Food. We asked community to join Toni with her fundraiser goal of 3k to help St. Jude in their Fight against Childhood Cancers and pediatric diseases

Bertha Freeman-Barrett a Registered Intern Therapist who completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Phoenix and her Masters of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health at Webster University came by the show talk about her journey and how furthering your education helped create a meaningful life journey.

Ju’Coby Pittman, CEO OF The Clara White Mission called into the Show to talk about the 45% reduction in funding for feeding and training programs the Clara White Mission is facing. The mission needs to raise $425,000 by August 30th. If the challenge is not secured, it will impact the operations of their daily programs. The unexpected cuts have been devastating. Ju’Coby has even reduced her salary by 20% to meet the Call-To-Action Challenge goal and is asking the community for help to reach their goal and save The Legacy of The Clara White Mission.

Joy Young, Executive Director and Diana Donovan came by the show to talked about The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville celebration of arts and culture on Saturday, September 7, 2019. Funding received by the Cultural Council is put to excellent use as it currently generates over $85M in economic returns, is used to employ over 1,300 people in full-time work, and enables over one million arts and cultural engagement opportunities for youth, citizens and tourists. LEAP is also an event that engages citizens and raises funds through four-days of arts and cultural activities September 4 through 7, 2019. Visit www.CulturalCouncil.org to see information about free public art tours and an arts conference - State of the Arts:Creative Jacksonville featuring a keynote speech by Jacksonville's own Al Letson.

President of the Omega Hope Foundation Mr. Randy Johnson, retired St. Johns County High School Principal/Educator and Kenneth Jones join the show to speak on their mission and efforts of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and their many efforts to uplift the communities. To continue uplifting the community they invited the community to their upcoming “Cruise with a Purpose” and encourage folks to come “Cruise with the Ques” this coming November. A portion of the proceeds will go toward the Omega Hope Foundation which serves to empower the community!

The historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre will host its annual summer fundraiser party, Blues, Brews and BBQ, on August 22, from 5:30pm until 8:30pm. The annual event pairs some of Jacksonville’s favorite local craft beers with some of our city’s best locally- owned BBQ restaurants. The Florida Theatre holds special memories for four generations. From the Vaudeville acts and silent films of its earliest days to today’s blend of performances of all kinds, The Florida Theatre has served as Jacksonville’s premier entertainment center since 1927

Imam Yahya Abndulla called into Community View Point to talk about their Neighborly Needs/Health, Wellness and Mental Health Services in Duval. He also talked about their next event on Sept 14, 2019, and asked the community to help by donating clothing items and dropping them off at 320 Woodbine Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206