First Coast Connect

Tuesday on “First Coast Connect” we heard from local labor attorney Tad Delegal about Mayor Lenny Curry’s pension reform plan. The First Coast Connect Book Club with blogger Stacey Goldring focused on the classic novel “The Stranger.” University of North Florida Communications Department Chair and director of the master’s program Brian Thornton talked about the school’s new master’s degree program in communication management and Florida Blue Foundation vice-president Susan Towler talked about

Monday on “First Coast Connect” we heard reaction to the Hemming Park protest Friday that turned violent, leading to six arrests. We discussed the event with Jacksonville Progressive Coalition members Wells Todd and Karen Morian and attorney John Phillips. We also heard about The Wall That Heals coming to Metropolitan Park later this week with the City of Jacksonville Public Affairs Director Bill Spann, WJCT board member Dan Bean and representative from Vietnam Vets local 1046 Bob Adelhelm.

Friday on “First Coast Connect” our weekly Media Roundtable featured Florida Times Union reporter Dan Scanlan, WJCT reporter Lindsey Kilbride, Folio Weekly editor Claire Goforth and WJCT Business Analyst John Burr. We also spoke with local author Steve Berry about his latest thriller “The Lost Order” and we heard a live in-studio performance from Miami-based band Sofilla.

Thursday on “First Coast Connect” we talked about a recent report about Duval County’s health ranking drop in Florida with Duval County Medical Society CEO Bryan Campbell. Artist Janet Echelman joined the show to talk about her work being highlighted by the Jacksonville Cultural Council and he heard a live in-studio performance by bluegrass musicians The Grass is Dead.

Wednesday on “First Coast Connect” we discussed Sexual Assault Awareness Week with Betty Griffin Center’s advocacy team coordinator Ruby Hauder, and Green Dot coordinator Sandi Cipolloni. We heard from author, artist and former Florida prison inmate Moliere Dimanche about his new book on prison reform. We learned about the latest Art in Public Places projects in downtown Jacksonville from director Christie Holechek and artist Andrew Reid Shed. Playwright Ebony Payne English and director JaMario

Tuesday on “First Coast Connect” we discussed the proposal by President Donald Trump to eliminate federal funding for libraries, museums and artists with Jacksonville Public Library board member Brenda Simmons Hutchins. April is National Donate Life Month and we spoke about an upcoming encouraging becoming an organ donor with Mayo Clinic Department of Transplantation Dr. Katherine Oshel and David Caples, founder of the Katie Caples Foundation and Katie Ride for Life. ”Jeopardy!” winner

Monday on “First Coast Connect” we talked about the trial of pastor Ken Adkins in Glynn County, Georgia, with attorney Jimmy Midyette. In honor of Victims Rights Week we spoke with Quigley House CEO Peggy Payne and we heard about the growth in the state’s nonprofit sector with Florida Nonprofit Alliance Executive Director Sabeen Perwaiz.

Friday on “First Coast Connect” it was our weekly Media Roundtable with Florida Times-Union columnist Ron Littlepage, Florida Politics reporter A.G. Gancarski and contributing writer for the Jacksonville Free Press Charles Griggs. We also spoke with University of North Florida professor Parvez Ahmed about the upcoming presentation of the movie “The Sultan and the Saint.” Ahead of its concert Sunday in Jacksonville, we heard a live in-studio performance by Pharaoh’s Daughter.

Thursday on “First Coast Connect” we talked about Duval County School Superintendent Nikolai Vitti possibly leaving Jacksonville to take over the Detroit Public Schools Community District with WJCT education reporter Lindsey Kilbride and Detroit Public Radio education reporter Sascha Raiyn. Navitas Credit Corporation CEO Gary Shivers told us how to bring out your inner entrepreneur, and marking Arbor Day Saturday, Greenscape’s Anna Dooley told about their tree giveaway at Metropolitan Park.

Wednesday on “First Coast Connect” we met members of the Interfaith Coalition for Action, Reconciliation and Empowerment; Pastor James Wiggins from St. Paul Lutheran Church, Nancy Ricker from Arlington Congregational Church and Pastor Phillip Baber from Unitarian Universalist Church of Jacksonville talked about Monday’s annual Nehemiah Assembly. We also heard from Mary Ann Myler, U.S. Green Building Council Florida coordinator and Downtown Vision CEO Jake Gordon about the upcoming Green Lion