First Coast Connect

Today, we discuss some of the headlines in local and national news. Later, enjoy the Jacksonville Music Hour, a new Saturday night music program on WJCT News 89.9 and The Independent 89.9 HD4. We talk with host/producer Hurley Winkler.

Pending utility legislation might deplete the city's coffers of tens of millions of dollars. We explain the bills under consideration. Later in the program, we hear from Jacksonville Today reporter Will Brown, who provides insights into an upcoming event right here at WJCT Studios. Lastly, we speak with our good friend Yaya Cardona from Cre8jax on all the events happening here in Jacksonville.

Today, we explore the struggles faced by the LGBTQ community during "Florida's first war on woke," led by the Johns Committee during the civil rights era. The Rev. Ruth Jensen-Forbell shares her personal experience. Then, we talk about financial fitness with Hali Hagist from Alive Credit Union, which is striving to empower marginalized and immigrant communities to master economic resources.

We look into the growing presence of extremist groups in Northeast Florida with investigative reporter Claire Goforth from the Daily Dot. Then, attorney Janet Johnson, a criminal defense lawyer in Northeast Florida, updates us on the case of Donald Smith, the convicted killer of 8-year old Cherish Perrywinkle.

We discuss the biggest headlines of the week with our favorite minds in local journalism. Then, we introduce Sunny War, who will be performing live at WJCT. JME contributor Hurley Winkler sits down with her to discuss her songwriting skills and what to look forward to at her concert tonight on the soundstage.

We delve into the aftermath of the BP gas station explosion in 2011 in St. Augustine. We talk with Jacob Whitley, director of the upcoming documentary "Behind the Smoke," and firefighter Lt. Sheryl Rodgers. After that, we get an update on the federal corruption case against former JEA executives and then a sneak peek into "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" at Players by the Sea.

Today, our guests recount the history of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and his ties to St. Augustine and Florida. Then, folks from the Alhambra Theatre talk about the music and history of the Million Dollar Quartet, giving a sneak peek into their upcoming show.

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan appears on today's show to answer your questions. Then, reporter Dan Scanlan joins us for a segment we call "Driving Me Crazy." He shares the latest trends in electric vehicles.

Chris Hand and A.G. Gancarski discuss anticipated developments in Florida's Legislature. After that, Jacksonville City Council President Ron Salem sheds light on the controversial removal of Confederate statues in Springfield.

On this first Friday of the year, First Coast Week in Review discussed the week's top headlines with local media representatives. Topics included the removal of Confederate statues in Springfield and the rejection of the latest plan for the Laura Street Trio. Then, Mr. Al Pete shared insights about his new show "The Neighborhood."