First Coast Connect

A sexual assault evidence collection kit is checked in by a forensic analyst for testing in the biology lab at the Houston Forensic Science Center Thursday, April 2, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)(Pat Sullivan/AP / NPR)

Sexual assault is discussed on this program and may be disturbing or triggering for some listeners.

Nearly a decade after the state began processing its backlog of untested rape kits, the 4th Circuit State Attorney’s Office has eliminated the stockpile, even as it continues to prosecute decades-old cases. We discuss the challenges of cold case rape prosecutions, as well as the role that federal funding and advanced DNA testing have played in allowing law enforcement to build successful cases, despite the passage of time.

Guest:

• Chief Assistant State Attorney Adair Newman, 4th Circuit State Attorney’s Office.

Then, state budget cuts take a bite out of the region’s mental health network, including programs focused on racial minorities. We discuss what the cutbacks could mean for local agencies, as well as the stigma, access barriers and social expectations that can create mental health disparities for Black women and girls.

Guest:

• Nicole Davidson-Harshaw, mental health counselor.
• Suzanne Pickett, CEO of Historic Eastside Community Development Corp.

And, Jacksonville University celebrates two local scholars in announcing its 2025 Master in Public Policy Nathaniel Glover Fellows. Recipients receive a full scholarship in pursuit of their master's in public policy as well as a small stipend and an internship in the Jacksonville Mayor’s Office. The fellowship is named for Nat Glover, former Jacksonville sheriff and president of Edward Waters University, who used his law enforcement pension to create an endowed scholarship for needy Jacksonville students.

Guest:

• Erica-Christina Bartley, 2025 Nathanial Glover Fellow, former principal and Teach for America Corps member in Jacksonville.
• Ciara Campbell, 2025 Nathanial Glover Fellow, former teacher and program coordinator for Genesys Works Jacksonville.

(Stacey Bennett)

The so-called “Choice Act” doubles the length of time an employer can enforce employee noncompete agreements, from two to four years. The move expands employer controls and bucks a national trend toward limiting or outright banning noncompete deals, especially those that constrain low-wage workers and employees who lack access to sensitive corporate information. The bill was one of just three that Gov. Ron DeSantis allowed to become law without his signature.

Guests:

• Zachary Roth, attorney at Ansbacher Law.

Then, how are Floridians responding to the reality — and threat — of tariffs? As businesses and consumers globally endure the whipsaws of Trump administration tariff policies, Florida TaxWatch examined how the pattern tracks in the Sunshine State. We talk to the author behind a new report.

Guest:

• Jui Shah, research economist at Florida TaxWatch.

And, actor Edward James Olmos called it “the best film [he’d] ever been a part of.” We preview a joint screening by WJCT Public Media and the Cummer Museum of The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez. The 1982 American Western tells the true story of Cortez (Olmos), a Mexican American farmer tracked by more than 600 men across Texas in a days-long manhunt after a lethal encounter with a local sheriff. The film, though commercially unsuccessful upon its original release, is today considered a landmark of Chicano cinema. WJCT Public Media screens the film in conjunction with the Cummer Exhibit Knowing the West.

Guests:

• Holly Keris, chief curator at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.
• David McGowan, president and CEO of WJCT Public Media.

Sylvia Perry, editor at Jacksonville Free Press; David Bauerlein, metro reporter at the Florida Times-Union; Ashley Harding, anchor and reporter at News4Jax; Mike Mendenhall, City Hall reporter and associate editor at Jacksonville Today.(Stacey Bennett)

Each Friday, our media roundtable dives into the biggest stories of the week.

Among our topics:

• SCOTUS blocks enforcement of a Florida law targeting undocumented immigrants.
• President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" canceled a $147 million grant to finish Jacksonville's Emerald Trail.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio is the latest Trump official to be targeted by an AI scam. 
• Flooding continues to plague San Marco despite a new pump system, even as Mayport unveils its latest effort to stay ahead of rising seas.
• A Florida Department of Transportation memo appears to target rainbow crosswalks, which could include Pride tributes in Springfield and Five Points.

Guests:

• Mike Mendenhall, City Hall reporter and associate editor at Jacksonville Today.
• David Bauerlein, metro reporter at the Florida Times-Union.
• Sylvia Perry, editor at the Jacksonville Free Press.
• Ashley Harding, anchor and reporter at WJXT News4Jax.

Then, an interactive dinosaur exhibit hatches in Jacksonville. The immersive experience Jurassic Quest features animatronic and scientifically accurate dinosaur models alongside educational displays from fossil excavations to imaginative lessons like raptor training. The exhibition runs July 11 to 13 at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center.

Guests:

• Suav’e Lovely, Jurassic Quest dinosaur trainer.
• Shahmad Muhammad, dinosaur handler.

John Henry November, Public Trust For Conservation.(Stacey Bennett)

More than two-thirds of the sewage sludge produced in Florida ends up on lands in the St. Johns River Basin. This disparity is costing the region plenty, both financially and environmentally, according to a new report by the Public Trust for Conservation. The sewage byproduct contains not just high levels of algae-causing nutrient pollution, but pharmaceuticals and so-called “forever chemicals” like PFAS. We discuss why the region accepts a disproportionate amount of recycled sewage in the first place and what scientists know about its contents and their health effects.

Guest:

• John Henry November, executive director and general counsel, Public Trust For Conservation.

Then, an academic program enlists mentors to help students excel. Nearly half of Duval County’s 130,000 public school students are considered economically disadvantaged. Thrive Scholars provides academically talented students from low-income households with a support network ranging from leadership development to college counseling. We explore the sometimes invisible challenges facing economically disadvantaged students and the tools that help bridge the gap.

Guests:

• Hannah Oberholtzer, executive director, Thrive Scholars Jacksonville.
• Deja Lee, Thrive Scholars student. 
• Calvin Allsop, retired financial planner and Thrive mentor.

And, a new theater opens in Jacksonville, built on community connection and audience immersion. River City Theatre pulls back the curtain on its debut production, Oliver! Written by Lionel Bart, the musical is a stage adaptation of the 1838 Charles Dickens’ classic Oliver Twist. Performances run July 17 through July 27 at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd.

Guests:

• Stephen Billy, executive artistic director at River City Theatre. 
• Katie Raulerson Padilla, choreographer at River City Theatre.

(Stacey Bennett)

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is on track to break the state record for the most executions in a single year, having already signed nine execution warrants with a half-year remaining. The previous record of eight executions in a single year was set in 1984 under Gov. Bob Graham and tied in 2014 under Gov. Rick Scott. Now, the bishop emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine is calling for an end to state-sanctioned executions, asking for mercy over retribution and calling the death penalty "a failure of mercy and moral imagination."

Guest:

• Bishop Emeritus Felipe Estévez of the Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine.
• Kathleen Bagg, director of communications, Diocese of St. Augustine.

Then, a collective of Jacksonville creators are working to activate Downtown’s newest public space, Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park in LaVilla. From art installations and live music to community events and children's programming, the Vibrant Places Collective aims to entertain, as it says, “ev’ryone — with a special focus on welcoming those who live, work and play in LaVilla.”

Guests:

• Lloyd Washington, president of the Durkeeville Historical Society, Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park visionary.
• Erin Kendrick, artist, Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park historic marker designer.
• Carla Mechele Jones, facilitator, Vibrant Places Collective.
• Mariano Mendez, LaVilla legacy business owner.

Donna Deegan is the founder of the DONNA Foundation and a candidate for mayor. | Will Brown, Jacksonville Today(Will Brown / Jacksonville Today)

From lineup changes in city leadership to budget priorities to the loss of a huge federal grant for the Emerald Trail, we talk about the latest city news with Jacksonville's mayor in our monthly Ask the Mayor segment. The mayor takes your calls and questions at (904) 549-2937.

Guest: Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan

Then, drawing on influences like outsider art, neo-Dada, and Washington, D.C.’s punk and zine culture, Jacksonville artist Robert Dewitt Adams explores themes ranging from environmental degradation to Lost Cause mythology. His work—often humorous, symbolic, and absurd—invites viewers to uncover meaning in overlooked and everyday objects. We talk to Adams about his creative evolution and how discarded items and military emblems found their way into his art.

And, French-Israeli singer and guitarist ZaZa Flamenca shares the inspiration behind her new collaboration with Gabriel Hermida. Chansons et Tango takes listeners from Paris to Buenos Aires, blending French chansons with Argentine tango. The show premieres Sunday, July 13, at 7 p.m. in the historic Sons of Israel Synagogue in St. Augustine.

(Yuichiro Chino / NPR)

From autocorrect to digital assistants that can book flights for you, artificial intelligence is increasingly integrated into our daily lives these days. Recent studies show that over-reliance on the large language models that drive open AI can negatively affect critical thinking. Others contend AI promotes creativity and frees up cognitive space, clearing the way for analytical thinking. Neurologist Dr. Joe Sirven lends his expertise on the topic, and also delves into other medical headlines, including DIY botox injections and a storied Egyptian curse that may kill cancer.

Guest: Dr. Joe Sirven, Mayo Clinic neurologist and host of WJCT’s What’s Health Got to Do with It?

Then, as summer temperatures rise, so do the challenges for those living with multiple sclerosis. The heat can exacerbate flare-ups, making beach days and picnics difficult, even painful. We talk to MS advocates about the invisible symptoms of multiple sclerosis, their efforts to raise awareness and how you can get involved.

Guests:

• Casey Murphy, board member, North Florida Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and host of The Other Side of MS
• Teresa Eichner, board member, North Florida Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and founder of Jax Bourbon Social

And, an indie-rock outfit gives new meaning to space jam. Skyview made space exploration their mission, pairing their celestial sound with cinematic cosmic immersion. They headline the final live concert at the Museum of Science and History's Bryan-Gooding Planetarium this Saturday, July 12, at 8:30 p.m. before the museum packs up and shuts down ahead of its move across the river.

Guest: Evan Smith, lead singer and guitarist for Skyview

(Stacey Bennett)

What began as an ethics complaint by the St. Johns County Airport Authority Board’s attorney has turned into potential fines or even jail time for three board members. Chairman Reba Ludlow and board members Dennis Clarke and Len Tucker are accused of engaging in illegal “out of the sunshine” communications while discussing board business, including financial matters. The State Attorney’s Office began the investigation after the board’s former attorney resigned, saying the board routinely violated state laws prohibiting elected board members from engaging in secret discussions about official business.

Guest:

• Noah Hertz, St. Johns County reporter at Jacksonville Today. 

Then, what is the future of food security in Northeast Florida? As Feeding Northeast Florida celebrates a recent $750,000 grant from Walmart, it's bracing for other economic headwinds.

Guest:

• Susan King, president and CEO of Feeding Northeast Florida.

And, shopping in the shade, fireworks and even a pie eating contest. We preview how Riverside Arts Market is celebrating the Fourth of July. RAM plans a smaller version of the Saturday market, featuring food trucks, live music and entertainment leading up to the city's fireworks show, which kicks off over Downtown at 9 p.m. In addition to magic shows and music by Groove Coalition, the day features a pie eating contest with bakery magic provided by Mixed Fillings Pie Shop.

Guest:

• Chloe Kuhn, market director at Riverside Arts Market.

Plus, the folks at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park are already planning for the annual Fourth of July aftermath — cleaning litter throughout the park. The celebration tends to leave a heavy footprint on Jacksonville’s public places, particularly around the Beaches, and park officials are seeking volunteers willing to pick up the pieces of the patriotic pageantry. Willing helpers are asked to arrive at 8 a.m. Sunday equipped with sunscreen, work gloves, closed-toed shoes and a refillable water bottle. Water, work gear and snacks are provided.

Guest:

• Felicia Boyd, program and outreach coordinator, Timucuan Parks Foundation.

(Image courtesy of Entropy Media.)

A new podcast explores how a chance meeting at an Irish bar in Florida turned into one of the most successful espionage endeavors in FBI history. We talk to the creator of a gripping new podcast that explores how a hulking long-haul trucker managed to infiltrate and ultimately help dismantle the violent IRA splinter faction known as the Real Irish Republican Army. The podcast has been selected as a finalist in three Sunshine State Awards categories by the Society for Professional Journalism.

Guest:

• Abdon Pallasch, co-host of the podcast, Underbelly: The Rebel Kind.

Then, from German U-Boats sinking ships off Florida's coast to Nazi spies landing in Ponte Vedra, the First Coast has a rich and compelling World War II-era history. We discuss an upcoming exhibit and presentation focusing on the boon in military bases, business expropriation and civilian defense teams, along with how the wartime mindset forever changed the physical landscape of the Sunshine State.

Guests:

• Susan Gold, archives and collections manager at the Beaches Museum.
• Chris Hoffman, Jax Beach mayor and executive director at the Beaches Museum.

And, summertime is typically a drought season for lifesaving blood donations, a paucity that hits when the need is especially high. In preparation for those emergency demands, local blood banks are urging everyone to consider donating for a first time, and reminding regulars not to forget their generous habit.

Guest:

• James Skahn, district recruitment manager, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers.

Michael Bell in court on June 23, 2025.( News4Jax)

Just weeks from a scheduled execution, two key witnesses recant their testimony, then reverse themselves in court. Last week, Duval County Circuit Judge Jeb Branham denied granting death row defendant Michael Bell a new trial or resentencing hearing in the 1993 double murder of Jimmie West and Tamecka Smith. We talk about the legal implications of the case and possible next steps with the reporter who broke the story.

Guest:

• Nichole Manna, investigative reporter at The Tributary.

Then, a historic community ramps up business revitalization efforts through neighborhood-based entrepreneurship. The Springfield Area Merchants and Business Association offers peer to peer mentoring services to established and upstart businesses alike, with the goal of providing entrepreneurial support to promote inclusive neighborhood revitalization.

Guests:

• Michael Haskins, executive director at Springfield Preservation and Revitalization.
• Patti Peeples, business adviser and facilitator at Springfield Area Merchants and Business Association.

And, merging fashion and sustainability with community connection, content creator and event curator Alyce Rose does not fully accept Jacksonville’s recently received superlative, “most boring city” in America. She joins us to discuss community building and the power of thrifting ahead of her upcoming event, which features vintage and thrift vendors, a clothing swap and a food truck. “Thriftnic” takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Ruby Beach Brewing.