First Coast Connect

Each Friday, our media roundtable dives into the biggest stories of the week. Among our topics this week:

• Former JEA CEO Aaron Zahn gets a new address – and it’s not behind bars.
• U.S. Senate candidate Angie Nixon settles criminal charges related to her Capitol protest at Gov. Ron DeSantis' office 
• A Jacksonville Today investigation looks at whether “no kill” shelter policies are keeping some dangerous animals on the streets of Jacksonville
• Former City Council President Kevin Carrico makes a sudden departure from the nonprofit that played a role in his JEA board appointment scandal and criminal investigation this year
• Gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds makes it clear he still welcomes President Trump's endorsement after scrubbing his website of references to him

Guests:

• David Bauerlein, metro reporter, Florida Times-Union
• Elizabeth Caldwell, investigative reporter, Jacksonville Today
• Nate Monroe, executive editor, Florida Trib
• Obi Umunna, attorney and political consultant

A record fair that aims to be more than just a place to find classic and collectible vinyl celebrates its 14th year and a six-year partnership with the Sing Out Loud Festival. Fittingly, Tonevendor’s St. Augustine Record Fair features live music, with performances by Orlando’s Toxic Cats, and Bears & Lions from Gainesville. Held at the St. Augustine Amp, the event also offers participatory crafts, record scavenger hunts and a chance to connect with other music heads, along with enough merch, swag and memorabilia to satisfy the most ardent fan. We talk to the event’s coordinators about why this round of the annual fair will be the biggest so far.

Guests:

• Dan Sostrom, Tonevendor owner, St. Augustine Record Fair organizer
• Hannah Marshall, program coordinator, St. Augustine Record Fair

The mayor’s affordable housing budget allocation was revived as City Council passed a final budget on Tuesday night, along with the public service grants initially dinged by the City Council’s Finance Committee. We discuss what the final $2 billion budget means for Jacksonville — as well as the mayor’s own political fortunes, as the March election cycle nears — in our monthly sit-down with attorney and government expert Chris Hand.

We also ask him to read the political tea leaves after Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds scrubbed his website of any mentions of his longtime champion, Donald Trump, and what it means for voters, as it’s now clear that no debates will be held in major statewide races.

Guest: Chris Hand, local government expert, attorney and co-author with the late Sen. Bob Graham of America, the Owner's Manual

Jacksonville’s history of jazz goes well beyond the annual Jacksonville Jazz Fest stage, so it’s appropriate that local jazz appreciation occupies a broader footprint as well. This weekend, the Melanin Collaborative Group hosts the annual Jazz on the Ave festival, featuring artists, food and, of course, live music up and down A. Philip Randolph Boulevard (still known as “Florida Avenue” to Eastside locals). The event celebrates jazz history and the city that birthed virtuoso jazz pianist and composer Marcus Roberts and master trumpeter Longineu Parsons II, and played host to scores of legendary jazz performers at clubs in “the Harlem of the South,” LaVilla. This year’s event will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday at 822 A. Philip Randolph Blvd.

Guests:

• Dawn Curling, CEO, Melanin Collaborative Group
• Nick Ackron, performer, Jazz on the Ave

Since 1992, the 8th Street “Sanctuary” has served as a bridge between youngsters and a pool of artists and advocates working to improve their educational, health and community outcomes through after-school, summer and youth development programs. Their annual “Shindig” fundraiser is key to maintaining the organization’s one-on-one tutoring, meals, field trips and cultural outings. This year’s theme is “Flashbacks,” with donor levels ranging from Princess Bride to Ferris Bueller. We can’t attest to the film rankings, but we ask the organizers how to support the Sanctuary at the event and beyond.

Guests:

• Rick Cartlidge Jr., executive director, Sanctuary on 8th Street
• Vicky Watkins, former executive director, Sanctuary on 8th Street

A teacher suing over her removal from the classroom won a courtroom victory after an administrative law judge said her social media posts did not warrant sanction from the state. Artist and educator Hope McMath was removed as a teacher of AP art history at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts last September, days after posting critical memes about right wing influencer Charlie Kirk. The school district has since ended its investigation with a minor reprimand for McMath's use of "profanity,” but refused to return her to the classroom. State education officials have since pursued her teacher's license, but the recent court ruling says the state should abandon the effort. Separately, McMath is suing the Duval County school district in federal court, saying it violated her First Amendment rights.

Guests:

• Hope McMath, artist, activist, former AP art history teacher at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts
• John Phillips, attorney

A new tool to help Jacksonville renters avoid problematic landlords lets them research a property’s code enforcement violations and eviction notices online. Last week, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid unveiled the Jacksonville Stable Housing Coalition website, a searchable database to put a property’s full rental history in one place and improve transparency. We ask the head of the nonprofit law firm about Jacksonville’s “eviction capital of Florida” status and how a recent state law motivated him to establish the registry.

Guest: Jim Kowalski, president and CEO, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid

A Jacksonville-based roller derby league celebrates two decades in the fast lane. Since the sport’s inception in Chicago in 1935, the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association has grown to more than 400 leagues across the world, creating a volunteer-driven global network that thrives on diversity. The Jacksonville Roller Derby continues the tradition. From fundraising and outreach to its commitment to inclusion, the league’s grassroots mission extends beyond the track. We talk to a derby skater and coach about the league’s history, its community roots and athletes like Olympic gold medalist Erin Jackson who have helped put North Florida roller derby on the national stage. The Jacksonville Roller Derby’s 20th anniversary double header will be Saturday at Skate Station Funworks of Mandarin.

Guest: Melissa Ludington (known as Deviant), Jacksonville Roller Derby competitor and coach

Between soaring gas prices and an unpopular war in Iran, President Trump’s actions are shaping the electorate’s view of the upcoming elections. But it’s his unprecedented use of executive power that has defined his presidency and which political historians believe is shaping the future. Ahead of a scholarly discussion at Jacksonville University about potential midterm outcomes and what they signify from a political, policy and legal perspective, we discuss what variables — from voter enthusiasm to gerrymandering — will determine whether the most powerful executive in U.S. history could face a possible political corrective in the House or Senate.

Guests:

• Matthew Corrigan, professor of political science, Jacksonville University
• Courtney Barclay, associate dean of academic and faculty affairs and professor of communication and law, Jacksonville University

It’s been 10 years since Jacksonville University’s “Team Terrapin” began working to protect North Florida’s diamondback terrapin. The species faces a range of threats including natural predation, but also man-made dangers like habitat loss, road kills and crab traps. Raising funds for these reptiles was the highlight of a recent event at Bold City Brewery, which welcomed the community to meet conservation groups as well as the turtles their dollars are supporting. We ask two team members about the importance of protecting this native species and how the community showed up to support the group’s mission.

Guests:

• Tabitha Hootman, project lead for Turtle Survival Alliance’s Team Terrapin
• Shannon McNeil, Jacksonville University graduate student and Team Terrapin volunteer

A historic church in the heart of Riverside Avondale celebrates its centennial. We discuss the role that community and diversity have played over the past 100 years at Trinity Lutheran Church on McDuff Avenue in Jacksonville, as well as the signature outreach efforts that define its current mission, including its food pantry ministry, which is open 4 to 6 p.m. Thursdays and 10 to noon Fridays.

Guests: 

• The Rev. Carol S. Gates, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church
• Madeline Kuebler, lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church
• Dwane Tyson, lay parish minister at Trinity Lutheran Church

A 1-2 punch of strong weather patterns could mean a colder, wetter winter for Floridians. Part 1 is what’s been described as a “Godzilla” El Niño, supercharging a cycle that typically delivers a quieter hurricane season but a cooler, wetter winter. The stronger than usual El Niño pairs with Part 2: A powerful weather pattern from the East, specifically a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, which queues up potentially longer periods of rain and cooler blasts throughout the winter months. We get the long-range forecast from First Coast News chief meteorologist Lew Turner.

Guest: Lew Turner, chief meteorologist, First Coast News

The closure of the notorious ICE detention facility Alligator Alcatraz has been met with a mix of relief and handwringing from those who opposed its creation and remain concerned about how much it cost and how detainees were treated. But the local iteration, dubbed “Deportation Depot,” has gotten far less attention. Recently, Jacksonville Today engagement reporter Simone Endress posted a story about protests outside the facility, and Claire Heddles of the Miami Herald dug into what has changed (and what hasn’t) at Florida’s less-visible immigration enforcement camp.

Guest: Claire Heddles, senior political correspondent, Miami Herald

A popular program aimed at helping St. Augustine residents reduce their carbon footprint is making a return on Monday. The city’s Residential Composting Program lets residents apply for a free backyard composting bin and tumbler to turn food scraps and yard waste into usable, nutrient-rich soil. City officials say composting can divert up to 25% of a household’s waste, saving landfill space and thus reducing harmful methane gas emissions. Bins are limited, and interested residents are encouraged to apply on Monday before supplies are gone.

Guest: Danielle Cora, environmental compliance inspector, city of St. Augustine

After a dominant 34-10 performance over the Cleveland Browns last week, Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars failed to bring the pressure to Mile High against the Denver Broncos on Sunday. The Jags couldn't overcome a late push by the Broncos due to self-inflicted errors, led by Lawrence's first interception of the season, a missed 54-yard field goal attempt from kicker Cam Little, and a pass interference call on two-way player Travis Hunter that set up the Broncos winning touchdown. Despite getting crushed by the Kansas City Chiefs in their first game of the season, the Broncos clinched the win 20-13. We recap Sunday’s matchup and ask what the outcome means to the larger AFC picture.

Guest: Rachel Phillips, sports reporter and anchor, First Coast News

Each Friday, our media roundtable dives into the biggest stories of the week. Among our topics this week:

• Allegations of racism surface at a high school volleyball game after students at Fernandina Beach High School use a Black baby doll to taunt opponents.
• A principal already under scrutiny for allegations of inappropriate behavior is removed from Baldwin Middle-Senior High after officials say they found a gun in his car on campus.
• The Jacksonville Transportation Authority is shuttering its beleaguered Skyway and NAVI systems and firing as many as 200 employees to deal with a multimillion dollar fiscal crisis.

Guests:

• Anthony Austin, evening anchor at First Coast News
• Megan Mallicoat, education reporter at Jacksonville Today
• Will Brown, race and poverty reporter, Jacksonville Today
• Ariel Schiller, reporter at News4Jax
• Mike Mendenhall, city hall reporter and associate editor at Jacksonville Today 

A community fundraiser couples two worthy goals: getting an early jump on holiday shopping and supporting Florida's struggling citrus industry. The Mandarin Community Club harnesses the area’s historic legacy as a citrus hub (hence the name) with its second annual 2026 Florida Citrus Fundraiser. This year, the sale includes grapefruit grown using an approach known as CUPS, or Citrus Under Protective Screen, which shields the fruit from the invasive and devastating insect-borne greening disease. Preorders are open through Nov. 12, and fruit boxes can be shipped around the country as gifts or picked up at the club’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 4. We discuss how the club’s past — and future — remain connected to the iconic citrus fruit.

Guest: Brett Nolan, vice president of Mandarin Community Club

The storied Sarasota honors school New College was founded as an academic sanctuary of sorts, designed to be impervious to political pressures and the shifting winds of academia. In the words of its founding president, George F. Baughman, it presented “an opportunity for the American people to build an institution of academic excellence, of academic freedom and the search for freedom, without the limitations of the state legislature or investigating committees.” Instead, according to the filmmakers behind a new documentary, First They Came For My College, the school has become ground zero for a broader political movement targeting diversity programs and college curricula on campuses around the country. Defined as a “hostile takeover” by the people who orchestrated it, the resulting overhaul has reshaped the school’s curricula and demographics and had profound effects on those who remain. We talk to the film’s producer, himself a New College alum, about why he hopes Floridians attend one of several state screenings on the film’s North American theatrical run.

Guest: Harry William Hanbury, producer, First They Came For My College, New College of Florida alumnus

First Coast Connect reached out to New College of Florida for a comment about the documentary and received the following statement:

"The claims at issue are old — and still false. Regardless, New College of Florida firmly believes in free speech and gladly offered to preview the movie on our campus. The President even said he’d join the producers on stage after the film and answer all questions. The producers refused. It’s unfortunate, but we understand why. The facts speak for themselves. Since, Governor DeSantis led the revitalization of the campus, New College has been among the leading public liberal arts colleges in the country:

• Washington Monthly ranks New College No. 6 among liberal arts colleges in the United States and No. 1 in Florida.
• The Princeton Review named New College one of the top 50 Colleges That Create Futures and ranked it No. 24 among Best College Values.

New College is focused on ensuring students have real public discourse, real free speech, and real academic freedom."

After spending 28 years in the Navy, one Jacksonville veteran continues to serve, with his new focus on combat-injured veterans. A onetime hospital corpsman, Bill Hayes manages Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride Jacksonville, a two-day event inviting veterans of any ability to join a 40-mile bike ride to demonstrate they aren’t defined by their injuries. The first ride on Sept. 24 is a round trip loop from Wounded Warrior Project headquarters on the city’s Southside to the USS Orleck and back. A second ride on Sept. 25 runs between American Legion Post 129 in Jacksonville Beach and Mickler’s Landing in Ponte Vedra Beach.

Guest: Bill Hayes, Soldier Ride manager at Wounded Warrior Project

Perhaps best known as the man behind the signature cello on Coldplay’s 2008 hit Viva la Vida, Dave Eggar nonetheless has a much broader musical range, performing classical, rock, bluegrass, folk and New Age music. The virtuoso, Julliard-trained pianist and cellist and multi-Grammy nominated composer was a student of both Aaron Copeland and Yo Yo Ma and has an equally star-studded list of musical collaborators, including John Legend, Paul Simon, Taylor Swift, David Bowie, Imagine Dragons, Evanescence and Beyoncé. He performs with his Americana/blues-inflected band Bristol Lightning at Friday Musicale at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Guests:

• Dave Eggar, cellist, pianist and composer
• Bryce Rabineau, mandolinist, Bristol Lightning

From her days running the newsroom at WJCT Public Media to her long tenure as a station board member to her new gig as president and CEO, Karen Feagins has demonstrated a decades-long commitment to public media. We sit down with her to discuss what that looks like in a rapidly evolving media landscape, as well how the station is managing funding challenges and its increased reliance on community support. We also discuss her favorite NPR programs and lifelong love of Broadway musicals.

Guest: Karen Feagins, president and CEO, WJCT Public Media

An early love of classic rock segued into a deep appreciation for its musical origins sometime after the teen years. From that moment, the blues became a driving interest for Andrew Wiechman, the “voice” of many WJCT promos and the host of the long-running weekly show Blues Horizon. The hourlong program, which runs on WJCT 89.9 FM on Saturday nights starting at midnight (aka Sundays 12-1 a.m.) gives a dude nod to modern blues, with its feet firmly planted in classic sounds like Elmore James and Blind Willie Johnson. We ask Wiechman about his path to discovering the roots of rock and his continued focus on the musical horizon.

Guest: Andrew Wiechman, media operations director at WJCT and host of Blues Horizon

A group that believes in the power of friendship to bridge cultural divides is celebrating its 50th year in Jacksonville. CISV (formerly Children's International Summer Villages) is part of a national and global initiative connecting young people through travel and intercultural relationships in an effort to foster peace through education. We talk to a junior board member and the local chapter’s director about the group’s belief in human connection and the role it can play in an ever-more-interconnected but divided world.

Guests:

• Reggie Agulto, director, Jacksonville chapter of CISV (formerly Children's International Summer Villages)
• Kinsey Spencer, high school senior and junior CISV board member

Faster isn’t always better — unless it’s a race. And speed is part of the winning formula at the world’s largest filmmaking competition. The 48 Hour Film Project, which began in Washington, D.C., in 2001 and has expanded to more than 100 cities worldwide, challenges filmmakers, actors and amateurs alike to produce their best shorts in 48 hours. Now in its 20th year in Jacksonville, the festival has grown in both quality and quantity, but it still relies on the same set of rules: two days to write, shoot and edit a film. We sit down with an event producer and participant to discuss how the event has evolved, what newcomers should expect and how aspiring filmmakers can participate. The JAX 48 Hour Film Project kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Friday at The Jessie. The films will be screened at WJCT Studios at 7 p.m. Oct. 13, 14 and 15.

Guests:

• Adam Madrid, city producer, JAX 48 Hour Film Project
• Alisha Johnson, writer, producer, director and JAX 48 Hour Film Project participant

A film that helped build support for funding a key conservation initiative, the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, has a local screening at a critical moment. The National Geographic documentary Path of the Panther documents efforts to protect the endangered Florida panther as development pressures and habitat fragmentation erode the wild spaces it needs to survive. The landmark corridor act was created to protect an 18 million-acre network of green spaces, farmland and wildlife habitats, but funding cuts by state lawmakers this past legislative session reduced Florida Forever funding from $229 million to $18 million, despite a state law requiring minimum funding of $100 million annually. We talk to the film’s producer ahead of a screening on Tuesday at St. John’s Cathedral. The event begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m., and the film begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by a Q&A session with Tori Linder, moderated by the Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll, dean of St. John's Cathedral.

Guest: Tori Linder, conservationist, producer, Path of the Panther

An artist translating the science of biology into the language of art discusses working the line between research and creation in two upcoming talks. Environmental researcher, visual artist and Crisp-Ellert Art Museum’s new Artist-in-Residence Dr. Brandon Ballengée uses the discipline of the scientific method to create illuminating and sobering works of art, be it an exhibition documenting the often fatal journey of thousands of migratory birds or his sculptural depiction of species harmed by the Deepwater Horizon spill — a pyramid of jars containing 26,162 specimens of preserved fish and other aquatic life. Ballengée joined Flagler College faculty for a discussion on Thursday at Ringhaver Student Center, and will host a workshop titled Fishes: Masters of Adaptation, at the Crisp-Ellert Art Museum at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Both events are free, but registration is required.

Guest: Brandon Ballengée, biologist and visual artist

From Donnie Darko to the Hungarian experimental animation Habfürdő, a pop-up cinema club is resurrecting cult classics and arthouse films. In addition to film screenings, Video Ghosts purveys physical media like vintage VHS tapes and Blu-ray discs from boutique film distributors. The club’s next feature is Dario Argento's Deep Red, a 1975 Italian thriller about a pianist turned murder investigator. The screening starts at 8 p.m. Sept. 22 at The Albatross in Downtown Jacksonville.

Guest: Gage Hogsten, owner, Video Ghosts

The “Vote Yes on 3” campaign got a big boost from a group with no small stake in the housing market. Florida Realtors have poured $10 million into a campaign to pass the property tax-cutting ballot measure, which goes before voters in November. If approved by 60% of voters, the measure would increase the homestead property tax exemption from $50,000 to $150,000, with a potential increase to $250,000 by 2028. Local governments have warned of everything from extreme budget tightening to something closer to an existential crisis, and the amendment is opposed by first responders, including the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police and the Florida Fire Chiefs Association. But Realtors believe it will loosen up the housing market and remove financial barriers to home ownership. We talk to investigative reporter Jason Garcia about what the backing of the powerful lobbying group will mean for the amendment's chances of success.

Guest: Jason Garcia, investigative reporter, Seeking Rents

A Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning play explores the life of a trans woman who survived the murderous and repressive regimes of Nazi Germany and, later, communist East Berlin. Told in an interview style, the story dramatizes the playwright’s own interactions with the highly controversial Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, who was both an LGBTQ icon and museum founder, as well as an unofficial collaborator with the East German secret police, and who likely profited off of belongings acquired from fleeing and deported Jews. The play I Am My Own Wife plumbs Mahldorf’s complicated legacy and raises difficult questions about survival, truth and the ambiguities of history.

Guests:

• Denise M. Reagan, executive director, The 5 & Dime
• Kristen Walsh, director, I Am My Own Wife 

Looking for a chance to find a treasure in someone else’s tr– ... someone else’s discarded treasure pile? Riverside Avondale Preservation is staging a historic opportunity. On Sept. 19 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the historic preservation advocacy group is staging its inaugural community yard sale. In addition to more than 70 designated sale points, the event will feature pop-up participants throughout the historic district, including businesses and even RAP HQ itself. For those who want to shed some treasured possessions but don’t feel like hosting a sale, RAP is allowing for drop-off donations as well. We ask the event organizer about their hopes for the maiden thriftapalooza.

Guests:

• Shannon Blankinship, executive director, Riverside Avondale Preservation
• Stephanie Welchans, Riverside resident and Community Yard Sales participant

The Jags kicked off their first game of the season against the beleaguered Cleveland Browns having closed out a more-than-respectable 2025 season with a record of 13-4 (especially considering the previous year was 4-13). We get a full breakdown of the home game, including what it means for the fan experience in a stadium of diminished size as EverBank Stadium undergoes construction.

Guest: Rachel Phillips, sports reporter and anchor at First Coast News