John Henry November, Public Trust For Conservation.(Stacey Bennett)

More than two-thirds of the sewage sludge produced in Florida ends up on lands in the St. Johns River Basin. This disparity is costing the region plenty, both financially and environmentally, according to a new report by the Public Trust for Conservation. The sewage byproduct contains not just high levels of algae-causing nutrient pollution, but pharmaceuticals and so-called “forever chemicals” like PFAS. We discuss why the region accepts a disproportionate amount of recycled sewage in the first place and what scientists know about its contents and their health effects.

Guest:

• John Henry November, executive director and general counsel, Public Trust For Conservation.

Then, an academic program enlists mentors to help students excel. Nearly half of Duval County’s 130,000 public school students are considered economically disadvantaged. Thrive Scholars provides academically talented students from low-income households with a support network ranging from leadership development to college counseling. We explore the sometimes invisible challenges facing economically disadvantaged students and the tools that help bridge the gap.

Guests:

• Hannah Oberholtzer, executive director, Thrive Scholars Jacksonville.
• Deja Lee, Thrive Scholars student. 
• Calvin Allsop, retired financial planner and Thrive mentor.

And, a new theater opens in Jacksonville, built on community connection and audience immersion. River City Theatre pulls back the curtain on its debut production, Oliver! Written by Lionel Bart, the musical is a stage adaptation of the 1838 Charles Dickens’ classic Oliver Twist. Performances run July 17 through July 27 at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd.

Guests:

• Stephen Billy, executive artistic director at River City Theatre. 
• Katie Raulerson Padilla, choreographer at River City Theatre.