First Coast Connect

It was a 24-hour cocktail party, an extended drug trip and a time of unbridled creative and sexual abandon. Nineteen-seventies-era Key West was also a destination hideaway of literary, cinematic and musical luminaries including Hunter S. Thompson, Peter Fonda, Jack Nicholson, Margot Kidder, Thomas McGuane, Jerry Jeff Walker, Truman Capote and, perhaps most iconically, Jimmy Buffett. Amid it all was St. Augustine artist, restaurateur and founder of the Black Fly Outfitters resort Vaughn Cochran, original member of Buffett’s band, later dubbed the Coral Reefers. “I was the jug-band guy, playing the washboard, mandolin, and banjo,” he recalls. Now, Cochran is part of a new documentary, Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers, examining what it means to carry the legacy of a romanticized but often poorly remembered era. For more on the Jimmy Buffett period of Key West, check out All that is Sacred and Tarpon.

Guest: Vaughn Cochran, artist, founder of Black Fly Outfitters and original member of the Coral Reefers, Jimmy Buffett's band

Sixty six years after a racist mob armed with ax handles and baseball bats attacked Black residents in Jacksonville, the city is unveiling a new marker to remember the violent event. On Aug. 27, 1960, known as Ax Handle Saturday, hundreds of white rioters threatened and beat peaceful protesters demonstrating at Jacksonville lunch counters, as well as Black passerby. We sit down with civil rights activist Rodney Hurst, who was forced to flee from attackers, to discuss the importance of formally recognizing the incident with a marker on Jacksonville’s Civil Rights Trail. Hurst will join Mayor Donna Deegan at 11 a.m. Thursday for the marker’s unveiling ceremony at James Weldon Johnson Park.

Guest: Rodney Hurst, Ax Handle Saturday witness, activist, author and Black historian

As part of the nation’s 250th celebration, the Smithsonian museum is looking back at the greater bulk of continental history, in which indigenous people inhabited what we now know as the U.S. for more than 13,000 years before the arrival of European explorers. Titled Americans and developed by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, curators say the project focuses on four significant historical events: Thanksgiving, the Trail of Tears, the Battle of Little Bighorn and the life of Pocahontas. A companion exhibit at the Amelia Island Museum of History, developed in collaboration with the University of North Florida, the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, is titled Visualizing Indigenous Florida. We talk to the curator about how the shows landed at the small First Coast museum and what they contain.

Guest: Tirik Peterson, curator, Amelia Island Museum of History

Growing protests over the seeming omnipresence of Flock surveillance tools have focused largely on their use by police and their ubiquity on roads. But they are also a growing presence in private communities, including cameras aimed at swimming pools and personal property. Their widespread, voluntary adoption by HOAs, property managers and landlords has broadened the footprint of surveillance. And a Jacksonville Today investigation finds they are being used at apartment complexes owned by a D.C.-based company that also invests heavily in Flock, the tech company behind the cameras.

Guest: Elizabeth Caldwell, investigative reporter, Jacksonville Today

Large-scale paintings that explore even larger themes form the backbone of a new exhibition at The Alexander Brest Gallery on the campus of Jacksonville University. Paul F. Yount’s dark, expressionist oil paintings depict scenes of immense violence and historic atrocities while evoking a promise of transcendence or even serenity. We talk to the artist about the pieces that comprise the SILENCE.silent exhibition and what it means to make art that is both political and deeply personal.

Guest: Paul F. Yount, visual artist behind the SILENCE.silent exhibition at The Alexander Brest Gallery

All eyes are on the sky ahead of two interstellar events this week. A partial lunar eclipse will place the moon in Earth’s shadow late Thursday into Friday morning, giving the appearance of a “blood moon,” with the greatest moment of eclipse at 4:13 a.m., according to NASA. Then, on Sun., Aug. 30, NASA and Space X will launch a next-generation telescope aimed at exploring some of the universe’s remaining mysteries, including dark energy and black holes. The telescope is named after NASA’s first chief astronomer, Nancy Grave Roman. We sit down with our resident spaceman to discuss how a recent image of the center of the Milky Way will serve as the foundation for the telescope’s planet exploration.

Guest: Eddie Whisler, director of planetarium and outreach, Museum of Science and History

The educational landscape of climate change is itself changing dramatically after key deletions from Florida's science textbooks. A new report by WUSF News and The Hechinger Report found significant changes to how Florida students are being taught, from language tweaks (“climate change” becomes “changes in the environment”) to factual elisions (instead of learning that an additional 1 degree Celsius will kill another 150,000 people a year, the textbooks merely say that “human health will … be affected"). We talk to one of the reporters behind the new investigation about why the changes are happening and how they could affect beliefs and attitudes about health, species extinction and sustainability.

Guests:

• Jessica Meszaros, reporter/host at WUSF in Tampa, part of the Florida Climate Change Reporting Network
• Jalicia Lewis, community outreach and engagement lead, Jacksonville Climate Coalition

Nearly 60 years after a local scoutmaster led Jacksonville’s first integrated Boy Scout adventure, a project honors the memory of Bruce R. Seldon. The legendary leader brought the all-Black Scout Troop 74 to the iconic Philmont Scout Ranch, in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico in 1967. Local Eagle Scout Jameson Grant recently completed extensive renovations to the public pavilion at St. Pius V Catholic Church in Northwest Jacksonville, and dedicated the project to Seldon’s legacy.

Guests:  

• Jameson Grant, Eagle Scout whose recent service project renovated the public pavilion at St. Pius V Catholic Church
• Rodney Grant, Eagle Scout chaplain and Jameson’s father
• Matt Soergel, retired Florida Times-Union reporter whose work inspired the project

Douglas Anderson School of the Arts’ symphony orchestra will be the only U.S. high school symphony orchestra represented this December at the 80th Midwest Clinic in Chicago, an event recognized as one of the world’s most prestigious gatherings for instrumental music education. With more than 18,000 attendees from all 50 states and over 40 countries, organizers say this is a rare opportunity for high school students to perform on a stage of such caliber. The symphony orchestra is hosting a “A Night of Broadway” benefit concert to help fund students’ travel to the clinic. Their show includes tunes from iconic musicals like Wicked, Hamilton, The Sound of Music and Mamma Mia. The concert is at 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 27, at the school’s DuBow Theatre.

Guests:

• Brian Griffin, director of orchestras, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts
• Ted Shistle, director of bands, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

National Parks Week arrives amid growing concern over the future of funding and land use plans, following deep cuts, staff reductions and unprecedented incursions into public lands. From the recent removal of educational markers in the Carolinas to bulldozers in Big Bend, the changes are prompting a “day of action” on Aug. 25, in which the National Parks Conservation Association asks the public to sign a petition urging President Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to protect parks and their employees. We talk with two park experts who advocate for protecting nature from ourselves.

Guests:

• Mark Woods, columnist, The Florida Times-Union, author, Lassoing the Sun: A Year in America’s National Park
• Vanessa Trujillo, senior conservation program manager, National Parks Conservation Association

From the Northbank and Southbank Riverwalks to Riverfront Plaza and the new RiversEdge park, the city has a lot of waterfront parkland. We explore how the newly formed Jax Riverfront Alliance plans to create a unifying vision for all that real estate, and why the city chose a public/private model to accomplish that goal. We also ask the interim director what groundwork she’s laying for a permanent hire, and what foundation is already in place to build on.

Guest: Linzee Ott, interim director, Jax Riverfront Alliance 

Topics and guests subject to change.

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

• A local lawmaker dominates national headlines. We look back at state Rep. Angie Nixon’s decisive win in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate
• An at-large election boosts Democratic and female representation on Jacksonville's City Council
• Republican U.S. Rep. Randy Fine scores a resounding win despite a late-breaking mail tampering video.
• Moms for Liberty loses its grip on state School Board elections

Guests:

• Will Brown, reporter, Jacksonville Today
• A.G. Gancarski, Northeast Florida correspondent, Florida Politics
• Noah Hertz, St. Johns County reporter, Jacksonville Today
• Nate Monroe, executive editor, Florida Trib

A 1977 fever dream comes to life on the Alhambra Theatre stage, complete with the disco moves that defined an era. Whether you’re nostalgic for a time of tight polyester pants and dagger collars or just keen on the Bee Gees’ close harmonies and catchy pop hits, the theatrical version delivers the full jukebox musical experience (albeit with near erasure of the film’s grittier themes). We meet the dinner theater production's leads and ask them about their moves. The show runs through Sept. 27.

Guests:

• Rachel Kocher, actor playing Annette in Saturday Night Fever at Alhambra Theatre & Dining
• Christopher Michael Milligan, actor playing Tony Manero

The upcoming Ukraine Fest Jax is a chance to celebrate the country’s iconic cultural offerings, from the intricately embroidered blouses, known as Vyshyvanka, to borscht (hot or cold). But it’s also a chance to reconnect the First Coast with the very real needs of the Ukrainian people amid a devastating four-year war and uncertain political future. We talk to a former Ukrainian diplomat turned local TV producer about her work abroad, her message for locals and her recent trip home. We also discuss what it means to celebrate 35 years of Ukrainian independence, which is the focus of Sunday’s Ukraine Fest at the Riverside Arts Market.

Guest: Natalia Solyeva, former Ukrainian diplomat, co-organizer of Ukraine Fest Jax

From jellyfish in the St. Johns to red tide near Mayport, the summertime state of the river has everything to do with rising temperatures, from the current heat wave to the ongoing effect of climate change. We talk to marine biologist Dr. Quinton White about how the pressure on river flora and fauna rises with the mercury, leading to biological anomalies and even health warnings. White writes the regular River Life column on coastal ecology for the Florida Times-Union and recently noted the presence of saltwater jellyfish in freshwater parts of the river near Riverside. The state also issued its first two red tide warnings of the summer for the waters of the Fort George River and Fort George Inlet near Hecksher Drive.

Guest: Dr. Quinton White, biologist, founder of the Marine Science Research Institute at Jacksonville University

Atlantic Beach is urging visitors and residents alike to slow down and appreciate the coastal town’s culture and history. A permanent art installation consisting of 24 QR-code-marked turtle sculptures is part scavenger hunt, part historic tour, each one offering a mini lesson on local people and landmarks, while reminding everyone of the need to observe sea turtle nesting season (May-October). Those who find all 24 can head to the former City Hall (now the Adele Grage Cultural Center) during business hours to collect a prize. We talk to two organizers of the installation about appreciating the city at a snail’s pace.

Guests:

• Jordan Leslie, recreation manager, City of Atlantic Beach Recreation & Special Events
• Veronica Richard, city recreation associate

More than 60 years after he traveled to St. Augustine in response to a summons from the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Rabbi Allen Secher returns to town for a special appearance and performance of a play based on his story. When the Rabbis Came to Town is a one-man play by author and activist Roger Rapoport depicting the historic civil rights protest that landed 16 rabbis and one lay leader in the St. Johns County jail. Secher is the only living member of that original group and will participate in a discussion with First Coast Connect host Anne Schindler after the Thursday night show. We preview the performance and discuss what has changed — and what hasn’t — since the rabbis fateful demonstration.

Guests:

• Rabbi Allen Secher, civil and human rights activist, speaker at the When the Rabbis Came to Town event at WJCT Studios
• Roger Rapoport, playwright, author of the one-man show When the Rabbis Came to Town

Parents and caregivers interested in advocating for their student may not automatically know how to translate that interest into action, which is why the Jacksonville Public Education Fund has created a specific program to fill that need. Parents Who Lead is a nonpartisan, 20-week leadership training program that covers everything from public speaking to understanding educational policy and school district budgets. We talk to two parent participants about how the adult curriculum promises to make school easier and more productive for everyone involved.

Guests:

• Latrice Carmichael, parent leader and program coordinator of the Parents Who Lead program at the Jacksonville Public Education Fund
• Lindsay Joseph, parent leader, Parents Who Lead

People walking around Downtown Jacksonville this summer may have noticed a random living room, couch and all, popping up in the middle of city sidewalks. You aren’t crazy. It’s part of a six-week storytelling series called Sitting Room Jax, where neighbors and visitors are invited to take a seat and share city stories, personal histories or just have a conversation. Organizers hope the initiative brings more people Downtown and amplifies untold stories, while also fostering a creative gathering space for people to engage with others in the community. For those who haven’t had a turn on the couch, Sitting Room Jax’s final session is 4-7 p.m. Thursday at Indulgence Southern Bistro. Interested participants can sign up in advance or show up at will.

Guests:

• Mesha "Dom" Russell, founder and creative director of Sitting Room Jax
• Brea Butler, co-founder and director of operations and brand strategy
• Trü Peterson, co-founder and director of creative strategy and engagement

More than 60 years after he traveled to St. Augustine in response to a summons from the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Rabbi Allen Secher returns to town for a special appearance and performance of a play based on his story. When the Rabbis Came to Town is a one-man play by author and activist Roger Rapoport depicting the historic civil rights protest that landed 16 rabbis and one lay leader in the St. Johns County jail. Secher is the only living member of that original group and will participate in a discussion with First Coast Connect host Anne Schindler after the Thursday night show. We preview the performance and discuss what has changed — and what hasn’t — since the rabbis fateful demonstration.

Guests:

• Rabbi Allen Secher, civil and human rights activist, speaker at the When the Rabbis Came to Town event at WJCT Studios
• Roger Rapoport, playwright, author of the one-man show When the Rabbis Came to Town

Parents and caregivers interested in advocating for their student may not automatically know how to translate that interest into action, which is why the Jacksonville Public Education Fund has created a specific program to fill that need. Parents Who Lead is a nonpartisan, 20-week leadership training program that covers everything from public speaking to understanding educational policy and school district budgets. We talk to two parent participants about how the adult curriculum promises to make school easier and more productive for everyone involved.

Guests:

• Latrice Carmichael, parent leader and program coordinator of the Parents Who Lead program at the Jacksonville Public Education Fund
• Lindsay Joseph, parent leader, Parents Who Lead

People walking around Downtown Jacksonville this summer may have noticed a random living room, couch and all, popping up in the middle of city sidewalks. You aren’t crazy. It’s part of a six-week storytelling series called Sitting Room Jax, where neighbors and visitors are invited to take a seat and share city stories, personal histories or just have a conversation. Organizers hope the initiative brings more people Downtown and amplifies untold stories, while also fostering a creative gathering space for people to engage with others in the community. For those who haven’t had a turn on the couch, Sitting Room Jax’s final session is 4-7 p.m. Thursday at Indulgence Southern Bistro. Interested participants can sign up in advance or show up at will.

Guests:

• Mesha "Dom" Russell, founder and creative director of Sitting Room Jax
• Brea Butler, co-founder and director of operations and brand strategy
• Trü Peterson, co-founder and director of creative strategy and engagement

At a time when opportunities for female Black entrepreneurs were constrained by gender restrictions and Jim Crow, one Jacksonville businesswoman built a prosperous beauty empire. A new profile of Sophia Nickerson Starks explores how she created the Nickerson’s School of Beauty Culture on Myrtle Avenue in the heart of Durkeeville and transformed it into a model of Black enterprise and financial resilience. We talk to the author of the piece about why he wanted to celebrate Starks’ accomplishments and highlight her lasting legacy.

Guest: Jerry Urso, historian, writer and archival researcher

It’s a creature that could potentially live to 130 years or more but has never been known to die of old age. Instead, the actual median lifespan of a North Atlantic right whale is just 22 years — every one of them killed by humans. A new documentary about the whales explores their truncated life and often brutal death with unprecedented access and clarity. From ship strikes and fishing gear entanglements to the heroic (and occasionally even fatal) efforts to save them from human hazards, The Right Whale: Tales of Resilience and Hope tracks the crisis faced by the whales and offers a prescription for change. The film is currently on what’s being called “The Calving Grounds Tour,” which follows the path of the migratory species along its annual Georgia-to-Florida path. It includes four stops in Southern Georgia and on the First Coast, including a screening and discussion with the filmmakers from 6-8 p.m. Aug. 25 at Beaches Museum.

Guests:

• Cheryl Dean, filmmaker, The Right Whale: Tales of Resilience and Hope
• Nick Dean, filmmaker, The Right Whale: Tales of Resilience and Hope
• Chris Hoffman, mayor of Jacksonville Beach, executive director of Beaches Museum

It’s no secret that summer is peak season for biting insects in Florida, but the pests pose a special hazard for the unhoused. A new initiative aims to connect homeless individuals to protective resources and expand awareness of the risks presented by mosquitos and ticks. The Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County is partnering with the Anastasia Mosquito Control District to co-host a public education event from 5-7:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at the district’s Disease Vector Education Center, at 120 EOC Drive. All who spend time outdoors are welcome to attend.

Guests:

• Jeanne Moeller, board member and fundraising chair, Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County
• Marion Blohm, case manager, Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County

What was required reading for many Sunshine State middle schoolers is now a TV series currently in production, much of it in and around the North Central Florida town of Micanopy. A Land Remembered is a classic of historical fiction, telling the sprawling story of three generations of the MacIveys as they rise from dirt-poor farmers and cattle ranchers to large scale developers who destroy and despoil the very landscape that formed the foundation of their empire. We talk to the Tampa native who is turning the Pulitzer Prize-nominated book into what he’s described as “Florida’s Yellowstone,” and ask why the 1984 novel continues to resonate with residents in a still rapidly developing state.

Guest: Todd Wiseman Jr., writer and director of the TV series A Land Remembered

From voice cloning to deepfakes and guided misinformation, the pitfalls of artificial intelligence present challenges for everyone, but they can be particularly problematic for older adults, especially those who are less technologically proficient. We sit down with an expert who helps tease out the possibilities as well as the pitfalls of AI, with an eye toward improving AI literacy and developing a healthy skepticism of potential scams. We also preview a free workshop Tuesday titled “Aging in the Age of AI,” hosted by Ebri Education and the University of North Florida Center for Aging Research.

Guests:

• Nadine Ebri, CEO, Ebri Education

A 21-year-old poet and playwright nationally recognized for her writing and spoken word returns to the local stage with the premiere of her latest work, When Kingdom Comes. Douglas Anderson School of the Arts alum and current Howard University student Niveah Glover sold out her debut play, Callas, in her first feature length performance last year at the Jacksonville Arts and Music School Black Box Theatre. Glover says her newest work is a “modern tragedy” that merges Greek mythology and Southern Gothic storytelling with Black American tradition. The story follows the fallout when five estranged siblings reunite to read their father's will. We ask the young playwright about the inspiration for her latest work and what’s next, now that she has two full length plays under her belt. When Kingdom Comes opens at 7 p.m. Aug. 21 at the JAMS Black Box Theatre. A discounted preview for artists and educators will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday.

Guests:

• Niveah Glover, playwright, When Kingdom Comes
• Israel Haynes, actor playing Zeke King, When Kingdom Comes
• Ithiell B. Yisrael, actor playing Cornell King, When Kingdom Comes