First Coast Connect

Tuesday on First Coast Connect we heard about the future of solar energy in Florida with A1A Solar founder Pete Wilking . Suzi Lemon, from the human resources firm Dynamic Corporate Solutions, spoke about the, now in limbo, overtime rule for salaried employees, and in our on-going series “First Coast Connect Rising Stars” we met Odd Rod,also known as Roderick Borisade , a local spoken word artist.

Monday on First Coast Connect we were joined by Jimmy Orth of the St. Johns Riverkeeper and Quint White, head of the Marine Science Research Institute at Jacksonville University, to talk about the documentary “Troubled Waters.” Local attorney Wayne Hogan spoke about what toys should be avoided his holiday season. Activist Matt Killen talked about his trip to video protesters at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in South Dakota.

Friday on First Coast Connect, our weekly Media Roundtable with Paula Horvath of the Florida Times-Union, Fred Matthews formerly of the Examiner and Claire Goforth editor at Folio Weekly joined host Melissa Ross in discussing the news of the week. We were also heard from actor, producer and comedian Arsenio Hall, who is performing this weekend at the Comedy Zone. Local actor and producer Jason Woods told us about his his one-man show of A Christmas Carol. and organizer of the 19th annual Greek

Wednesday on First Coast Connect, JEA employees Al Johnson and Terence Adams joined the show to discuss the complaint they field with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission accusing the utility of discrimination. PACE Center for Girls President and CEO Mary Marx talked about their latest grant to help at-risk girls. Anna Neal, co-chair of 40th Arts and Antiques Show benefiting Wolfson Children’s Hospital, joined us to talk about this weekend’s event. Travel expert Judy Wells told us

Tuesday on “First Coast Connect” we discussed what changes may be in store for the Affordable Care Act under the Trump administration. We were joined by Pat Geraghty, CEO of Guidewell and Florida Blue, and Dr. Alan Harmon, past president of the Florida Medical Association and Duval County Medical Association and member of the American Medical Association's Council on Medical Service. I’m a Star Foundation Executive Director and Former Duval County School Board Chair Betty Burney joined the show

Wednesday on “First Coast Connect” we heard about the state of mental health care in Northeast Florida with Mental Health America of Northeast Florida President and CEO Denise Marzullo. Legacy Trust Director Marty Flack and relationship manager Holly Tyrrell joined the show to talk about the do’s and don’ts of holiday spending and what we can expect with the stock market next year under President-elect Donald Trump. Dr. Paul Clark spoke about Jacksonville’s new Lung Cancer Support Network. And

Tuesday on First Coast Connect guest host Jessica Palombo was joined by longtime friends Bishop Rudolph McKissick Jr ., a black Democrat, and Lindsey Brock, a white Republican. They talked about maintaining their 35-year friendship through a contentious presidential election and its aftermath. We also heard from Ellen Wiss and Paula Liang from the Women’s Giving Alliance. Jekyll Island Events Manager Nancy Kring Rowan joined us by phone to talk about a month’s worth of events to celebrate the

Monday on “First Coast Connect,” guest host Jessica Palombo was joined by Darnell Smith, incoming co-chair of the JAX Chamber, and Project New Hope President and CEO Kevin Gay. They talked about the Chamber’s Project Open Door. Cole Pepper talked about the Florida Gators’ winning the SEC Eastern Division and another frustrating loss by the Jaguars. And WJCT Music Director David Luckin and WJCT’s Karen Feagins stopped by with a preview of our holiday programming, starting with “Swamp Radio” on

Friday on First Coast Connect, our Media Roundtable panel included Florida Times-Union columnist Mark Woods and WJCT business analyst John Burr. CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida Paul Martinez spoke about Saturday’s inaugural Collard Green Festival at the organization’s Woodland Acres Club Farm, and Museum of Science and History Executive Director Maria Hane told us about Saturday’s MOSH Bash, celebrating the museum’s 75th anniversary.

Thursday on First Coast Connect, we spoke with Jacksonville Transportation Authority CEO Nathaniel Ford about the future of transportation in the city. We also heard from local chef and restaurant owner Kenny Gilbert about his plans to expand the local restaurant scene. Swamp Radio’s Ian Mairs along with chef Stephen Dimare joined the show to talk about their upcoming dinner and radio theater event “Early Thanks” being held Saturday at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre.