First Coast Connect

Tuesday on “First Coast Connect” we heard the controversy over developing of up to 10 homes on Cumberland Island National Seashore with former Georgia legislator and Camden County resident Bill Bruce. We heard about the program “Money Matters” with Holly Tyrrell of Legacy Trust Family Wealth Offices and Chriss Spires of Montoya & Associates, who teach young men and women proper financial management. We discussed a new collaborative with Matt Mannick from Forking Amazing Restaurants and Amy

Monday on “First Coast Connect” we spoke with Women’s Center of Jacksonville Executive Director Teresa Miles and board president Lise Everly about Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This month’s First Coast Success featured Moxie co-owner Lisa Marie Johnson. Celebrating its 100th anniversary, we spoke with Jewish Family & Community Services CEO Colleen Rodriguez, and Cole Pepper told us how the Florida Gators fell just short of reaching the NCAA Tournament Final Four.

Friday on “First Coast Connect” was are weekly Media Roundtable with Jacksonville Business Journal editor Timothy Gibbons, blogger Fred Matthews and WJCT reporter Ryan Benk. We also spoke with Generation W founder Donna Orender and U.S. Naval War College professor of strategic leadership and leader development Olenda Johnson about next week’s conference. We spoke with Washington correspondent for The Economist James Astill about the rise of modern India, and we spoke with the star of the play

Thursday on “First Coast Connect” we discussed the opening of the Eisenhower Center, one of the nation’s most prominent brain trauma centers, with CEO John Cornack and Vice President Devin Hutchings. We also heard about a documentary on the history of Camp Blanding airing Thursday on WJCT public television. We spoke with Camp Blanding commander Col. Mitch Johnson and WJCT producer Carlos Bovier. Artist Kathy Stark told us about her new book “The Wilderness of North Florida Parks,” and we heard

Wednesday on “First Coast Connect” we discussed the Eureka Garden housing complex failing a federal Housing and Urban Development inspection with Florida Times-Union reporter Andrew Pantazi. We also aired an interview recorded by WJCT reporter Ryan Benk with Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity Director Cissy Proctor. We discussed some upcoming changes to people’s credit rating with Jax Federal Credit Union CEO Gerri Sexsion and we learned about the Sustainable Textile Youth Lectures

Tuesday on “First Coast Connect” we discussed the future of Jacksonville’s waterways with City Council President Lori Boyer and Downtown Investment Authority CEO Aundra Wallace. Interfaith Coalition for Action, Reconciliation & Empowerment co-President Geneva Pittman, former ICARE President Pastor Bruce Havens and Folio Weekly editor Claire Goforth discussed a dispute between the organization and Mayor Lenny Curry, and local authors Brenda Jackson and V. Brooks Dunbar joined the show to talk

Monday on “First Coast Connect” guest host Ryan Benk spoke with Friends of Hemming Park interim director Bill Prescott, Candy Apple Cafe & Cocktails co-owner Jen Earnest and Wolf and Cub Boutique co-owner Emily Moody about the future of Hemming Park. Local musician Desean Kirkland performed live in studio and Cole Pepper brought us the latest sports news.

Friday on “First Coast Connect” it was our weekly Media Roundtable with Florida Time-Union reporter Andrew Pantazi, WJCT business analyst John Burr and WJCT reporter Ryan Benk. We spoke with Dee Quaranta, president of Northeast Florida Women Veterans and singer-songwriter Kim Paige performed live in our studio.

Thursday on “First Coast Connect” Florida State College Jacksonville President Cynthia Bioteau talked about a new program that will pay for the tuition of some local students. We also spoke with Generation W founder Donna Orender and Web.com Senior Vice President Mary Kellmanson about their upcoming conference. We were joined by artist Lauren Fenterstock, whose work will be on display beginning Saturday at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Project Atrium. We spoke with Erin Thursby about Saturday

Wednesday on “First Coast Connect” we discussed the proposed settlement between the city of Jacksonville and two nonprofits regarding a plan by Ability Housing to renovate an apartment building in Springfield that would house homeless veterans. Ability Housing Executive Director Shannon Nazworth joined us to talk about its plans and the deal with the city. We also discuss the growing problem of digital abuse against the elderly in senior living facilities with Joanne Hickox, executive director