It’s a small town that seemingly has everything going for it: It is a transportation hub, the namesake of one of the best tasting native foods in the state and home to two iconic seafood restaurants. It also has plans for a world renowned shark research facility, and it's next door to the region’s largest employer: the U.S. military. But plans to revitalize tiny Mayport Village remain largely in the planning stages. We talk about it ahead of a community conversation on the future of the village, Nov. 12 at the Gulliford Community Center.

Guests:

• Nancy Powell, executive director, Scenic Jacksonville.
• Georgette Dumont, associate professor at the University of North Florida and founder of Civic Solutions.
• Bill Gulliford, board member, Mayport Waterfront Partnership.

Then, if history is an early warning system, as the saying goes, the present must be triggering alarm bells. At least that’s what some might think. But professor and performer Greg Jackson takes the long view. The creator of the History That Doesn’t Suck podcast believes we can learn more about the present from the first 100 years of American history than all the news headlines combined. We spoke to him about making a podcast that doesn’t suck ahead of his Saturday show at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall.

Guest:

• Professor Greg Jackson, creator and host of the History That Doesn't Suck podcast.

And, a local take on George Gershwin’s final show. Porgy and Bess tells the story of a star-crossed couple battling physical disabilities, inner demons and drug addiction, and includes some of the most iconic songs in the American Songbook, from Summertime to A Woman Is A Sometime Thing. The folk opera takes the stage Friday and Saturday at Stage Aurora.

Guests:

• Patrice Pates Eaton, actor playing Maria.
• Kenneithia Mitchell, actor playing Bess.
• Miguel Angel Vasquez, actor playing Crown.