Jacksonville's Morning News Interviews

As extreme heat hits the country, many people may be turning to the pool or lake to cool off however you want to be careful. That’s because federal data shows every year, about 4,000 people die from drowning across the country. That’s roughly 11 people each day. This latest data is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drowning is also one of the leading causes of death for young children between 1 – 4 year old. However not all drownings are deadly. Federal data shows about 8,000 people each year experience a “nonfatal drowning” which means the person survives but not they may have another serious injury like brain damage or long-term disability. We break down these stats and what you can do to stay safe this summer.

WAPE's Dex & Barbie T. join JMN to talk up this weekend's 35 FOOT FUN RUN at 121 Financial Ballpark. It's Sunday July 16, and the fun starts at 11:30am with all sorts of races, antics, and shenanigans -- it's a small distance, but it's big fun for a great cause, supporting the Ronald McDonald House Charities! Register in advance, or sign up at the Ballpark, and stick around for the Jumbo Shrimp game! (PS Bring your camera, and send us your pictures!)

Coming up Monday, July 17, join the fun at Southern Swells Brewing Company for HOPS THAT HELP, a fundraiser brought to you by the Jay Fund! Beer for charity, does it get better? The Jay Fund's Richard Naylor (Director of Operations) and Carolyn Tillo (Director of Communications) join JMN to talk about how the Jay Fund provides financial support to help families deal with pediatric cancer. Join the fight at Southern Swells Brewing Company on Monday evening, get your ticket through Ticketspice.com, and learn more at TCJayfund.org.

Blair looks at the pressure on Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, given recent headlines and polls, as the presidential campaign trail heads into debates, caucuses, and eventual primaries. DeSantis is one of 6 GOP presidential prospects attending the Family Leadership Summit in Iowa this week, an event that Trump will be conspicuously absent from. A current issue that could do with attention from the Governor as well as from President Biden is the recent announcement that Farmer's Insurance is withdrawing from Florida, inviting inquiries and possible legislation.

Jared reports on the Secret Service investigation about cocaine discovered in the White House recently. The investigation has not (to date) revealed a responsible party, and the Secret Service says they're closing the investigation.... which leaves unanswered questions and frustrated critiques.

Rich welcomes Nina Waters to JMN, to honor her two-decade-plus career in community service through The Community Foundation of Northeast Florida.

April profiles Local Wellness Ponte Vedra, a self-care service provider offering relaxation, weight loss, aesthetics, IV infusion, and other services. Owner Lauren Cowgill and her support staff are dedicated to helping you live your best life. Visit localwellnesspv.com for more information.

Every Friday, Action News Jax's investigative reporter Ben Becker brings you the weekly Original Restaurant Report. To hear the full report, tune in to Action News Jax on CBS47 and FOX30 tonight at 6pm.

Logan reports on the short Atlantic red snapper season, which starts today and ends Saturday at midnight.

The epitome of a good summer trip is sunny skies and a beach day but a national watchdog report may have you thinking twice before diving in. That’s because sewage and water pollution is impacting more of our lake and ocean waters. According to the Environment America Research and Policy Center, roughly half of US beaches had potentially unsafe fecal contamination levels last year. This contamination comes from urban runoff, sewage overflows and factory farms. All of this can be unhealthy for swimmers and lead to beach closures and public health warnings We break down these findings and how this may impact your health and summer plans.