The mighty St. Johns faces myriad microscopic challenges, from pollution inputs to algal outputs, as well as impacts from stormwater runoff, sewage overflows, agricultural pesticides and dying sea grasses. For the past 18 years, the annual State of the River report has tracked the condition of the lower St. Johns River and the evolving threats to its health. We discuss what the latest report shows and how it will inform ongoing efforts to restore Florida’s longest waterway.

Guests:

• Dr. Gerry Pinto, associate research scientist, Marine Science Research Institute and adjunct professor for the Department of Biology and Marine Science at Jacksonville University
• Lisa Rinaman, St. Johns Riverkeeper

Then, snakes, spies and efforts to save an iconic Five Points castle. We talk to Jacksonville’s most prolific and eclectic history writer, Tim Gilmore, about his latest book, When We Tried to Save the Castle. With a forward by equally passionate local historian Dr. Wayne Wood, the new book explores the life and eventual death of Lomax Castle, including the "immigrants and spies … herpetologists and hippies” that helped shape its story. The book release is Thursday at Happy Medium Book Cafe.

Guest: Tim Gilmore, author, educator and historian at JaxPsychoGeo

And, a pivotal showdown between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Indianapolis Colts came to a head at EverBank Stadium on Sunday afternoon. That Jaguars defeated the Colts 36-19, moving to the top spot in the AFC South standings. The teams will face off again Dec. 28 in Indianapolis. We recap Sunday’s game and look ahead to the Jags’ next matchup against the 3-9 New York Jets.

Guest: Alessandra Pontbriand, sportscaster at News4Jax