First Coast Connect

Each Friday, our media roundtable dives into the biggest stories of the week. Among our topics this week: Famed environmental attorney Erin Brockovich enters the data center controversy even as Nassau County hits pause on their construction.  A St. Johns County teacher is fired over a yearbook rap lyric she says she didn’t quote. Local governments start to grapple with the possibility of losing as much as half their funding to property tax cuts. A zoning proposal that some say would have limited public participation is withdrawn from City Council. Guests: Obi Umunna, attorney and political consultant Jack Webb, attorney and former Jacksonville City Council president Jake Stofan, city and state government reporter at Action News Jax Noah Hertz, St. Johns County reporter, Jacksonville Today Love festA St. Marys community theater presents a darker but still comedic spin-off of one of the most popular sitcoms in TV history. Trouble at the Tropicabana parodies the iconic characters of I Love Lucy, featuring Lucy, Ricky, Ethel and Fred as they get involved with mobsters and movie moguls in an interactive murder mystery. Hosted for one day at Cottle and Gunn, a locally owned vintage shop in downtown St. Marys, the performance also includes a three-course, Cuban-inspired meal. Guests: David Wyttenbach, director, Trouble at Tropicabana Vicki Wyttenbach, actor playing Lucy Deborah Cottle, actor playing as Ethel Carlos Semidei, actor playing Ricky

A high profile murder case saw some high stakes legal developments with the recent disclosure of a statement allegedly made by the defendant to an informant in the Duval County jail. According to a document released by prosecutors last week, the inmate claims accused killer Mario Fernandez Saldana revealed that his wife, Shanna Gardner, was the mastermind of the fatal 2022 ambush that claimed the life of St. Augustine father of four Jared Bridegan (Shanna Gardner’s estranged ex-husband). The document says Fernandez Saldana also asked the inmate to help frame Bridegan’s widow (his second wife) after the inmate bonded out. With jury selection in Fernandez Saldana’s murder trial set to begin Aug. 10, we get legal perspective on how consequential the new disclosure could be, both for him and his co-defendant, Shanna Gardner. Guest: Belkis Plata, criminal defense attorney School of thoughtIt’s been burned to the ground, rebuilt, destroyed, relocated, repurposed and ultimately operated under at least eight different names, but the Stanton moniker and what it signifies remains an indelible piece of local history, one deeply embedded in Jacksonville’s African American community. We talk to the authors of Stanton, a new book exploring the 140-plus year history of an institution that began as the first school for Black students in post-Emancipation Florida and was for a time led by civil rights activist and writer (then-Principal) James Weldon Johnson. Stanton later became Duval County’s first magnet school and remains the oldest continually operating high school in the state. The book tells the story through hundreds of photographs, memories of famed alumni, sports records, cultural endeavors and decades of academic achievements. Guests:   Ronald Galvin, co-author, Stanton Tiffany Galvin Green, co-author, Stanton Power RangerAmid our seemingly inescapable technological landscape, it’s increasingly rare to find kids engaging in simple things like going outside to play, searching for critters and getting their hands dirty. But one Jacksonville 8-year-old is bucking that trend and getting recognized for doing so. Raza Syed’s interest in nature and wildlife led him to the Junior Ranger program and later the Jr. Ranger Competition, a National Wildlife Federation event that asks young explorers to share their outdoor adventures in a bid for the national title. Raza placed second in the competition semifinals, ranking in the top 1% out of more than 100,00 kids participating nationwide. We ask Raza about his favorite animal facts and hear how the competition allowed him to gain a deeper appreciation for the great outdoors. Guests: Raza Syed, Jr. Ranger quarterfinalist Asghar Syed, Raza’s father

The spiraling Ebola epidemic in central Africa and the recent hantavirus outbreak are sobering reminders of the globally interdependent realities of healthcare. We discuss how the current political landscape and changes in spending on international medicine could be contributing to the spread of disease. Also, RFK wants you off your antidepressants and has no problem calling you fat: Why some say his approach to addiction, obesity and mental health is a retread of decades-old “shame-based” messaging. We discuss those recent medical headlines with Dr. Joe Sirven, who also answers your healthcare questions on any topic. Guest: Dr. Joe Sirven, Mayo Clinic neurologist and host of WJCT’s What’s Health Got To Do With It? ’Zine festA celebration of experimental publishing is headed to the heart of Jacksonville’s art scene. The 5th annual Duval Comic & Zine Fest sets up shop — including demos, displays and DIY inspiration — in the CoRK Arts District. It’s a chance to check out the evolution of the ‘zine from the early fanzines of the punk and indie music scenes to the social justice and protest era to its modern iteration as an anything-goes artist chapbook. More than 70 artists will be on hand showing/selling/swapping their wares, and activities include live risograph or RISO printing, button making and hands-on workshops. We talk to two participant organizers about how the event has grown to meet the moment. Guests:   Kiana Blaylock, poet, teacher, independent journalist and zinester Thony Aiuppy, art educator, cartoonist, zinester and storyteller Something’s Coming The legendary lyricist and composer Stephen Sondheim died five years ago as a nonagenarian, but he remains freshly fascinating for generations of fans. A new book by Pulitzer finalist Daniel Okrent about his life and troubled relationship with his mother, Stephen Sondheim: Art Isn't Easy, has reignited conversations about the demanding and influential artist. Considered a “difficult genius,” Sondheim is the creator behind such seminal Broadway musicals as Gypsy, West Side Story, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, Sweeney Todd and Sunday In The Park With George, among many others. A local production of the musical revue Sondheim on Sondheim marries the best of his personal songbook with video interview segments with the master himself. The show runs at Theatre Jacksonville from June 5 to June 21. Guests: Curtis J. Williams, director, Sondheim on Sondheim at Theatre Jacksonville Josh Waller, actor Leanne Gullo, actor  

In late April, the White House abruptly fired the entire board of the National Science Foundation, the agency that provides the largest support and funding for nonmedical research and education. It was just the latest in a series of unprecedented decisions that has upended the scientific world. Along with funding freezes, spending caps and deep cuts to ongoing research, the effects are being felt not just in hospitals and university settings, but in the lives of ordinary individuals, including some who are deeply invested in research outcomes. We talk to a participant of one recently canceled Alzheimer’s study about the answers she’d hoped to gain into a devastating family history of dementia, and a local HIV/AIDS researcher who has seen critical funding end for a longitudinal study dating back to 2007. Guests: Jennifer Mansfield, research study participant, partner at Holland & Knight Dr. Mobeen Rathore, pediatric infectious diseases physician and founding director of the University of Florida Center for HIV/AIDS Research, Education and Service Urban arboretum tourA first-of-its-kind approach to preserving, appreciating and educating around Duval County's urban tree canopy, the quarterly Historic Springfield TreeWalks are designed to transform the neighborhood into a “living classroom.” The upcoming Integrated Urban Ecology tour focuses on how the natural elements of the historic district combine with manmade ones in ways that affect walkability, flood control and the overall feel of the community. Led by an experienced urban planner and landscape architect, the event highlights the nascent Springfield Arboretum, a project showcasing tree species around the historic district, which includes 35 identification tags and an opportunity for self-guided tours. We talk to the June 6 tour’s guide about how the Springfield of today is a legacy of decisions made generations ago. Guest: Daniel Ashworth Jr., senior landscape architect and urban designer, member of Springfield Preservation and Revitalization board of directors Main dragJacksonville community theater The 5 & Dime presents The Legend of Georgia McBride, a special show to honor Pride month and the art of drag. Set in a Florida dive bar, the show tells the story of a young Elvis impersonator who suddenly finds himself making a career change to lip-syncing drag queen. The play explores the poignant ups and downs of self-acceptance and identity, while never losing its sense of humor. JaxPlays gave particular praise to performer Brandon Hines, “whose years as a professional drag queen are on glittering display,” calling the performance “astonishingly assured.” We talk to the show's directors and stage manager about why this story resonates with local audiences and how it fits into the theater’s overall mission. Guests: Madelene Skinner, co-director, The Legend of Georgia McBride Ashli Simmons, stage manager, The Legend of Georgia McBride Greg Hewitt, actor playing Eddie in “The Legend of Georgia McBride”

After much bitterness, delay and a two-week extended special session, the state House and Senate finally coalesced around a $114.5 billion budget, including $30 billion for K-12 education, more than $500 million for Everglades restoration and $425 million for the Rural and Family Lands program. But what lies beneath? Investigative reporter Jason Garcia breaks down what he calls “the more interesting line items, tax breaks and policy changes embedded” in the 501-page document, including money for a Mike Huckabee-aligned anti-Communist school curriculum, tax cuts for casinos and a program to test wastewater for explosives and narcotics that some believe could be used to track the use of abortion medications as well. Guest: Jason Garcia, investigative reporter, creator of Seeking Rents newsletter and podcast Change in sightA Jacksonville ophthalmologist who surgically restores sight for patients who can’t afford the procedure shares his vision for changing healthcare. Dr. Jeffrey Levenson founded the Gift of Sight more than three decades ago, a program providing free cataract surgeries to the uninsured or medically indigent. His work has become part of an ongoing partnership with Vision Is Priceless and, in 2023, a viral collaboration with YouTube megastar MrBeast, which restored vision to 1,000 people around the world. Levenson, who’s given two Ted Talks advocating for greater access to cataract treatments, notes, “Half of all blindness in the world is people who need a 10-minute surgery.” We talk about the eye opening nature of his work in indigent healthcare. Guest: Dr. Jeffrey Levenson, ophthalmologist, board member/partner physician, Vision Is Priceless Peace and poetryA local event honoring the legacy of one of Jacksonville’s most preeminent writers offers a chance for young, budding poets to amplify their voices and stories. The 2026 James Weldon Johnson Young Writers Festival invites students in grades 3-12 to attend three days of workshops and activities centered around poetry, creative writing, book design and more. This year’s theme is “Our Voices Matter — What Peace Looks Like To Me,” with students asked to submit a poem or monologue to perform for a chance to qualify for scholarships and prizes. The festival also showcases local luminaries, including Action News Jax anchor Tenikka Hughes and award-winning filmmaker and author Nola D. Oracle. The festival will be held from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. June 10-13 at the Jacksonville Main Library. The deadline for students to register is Tuesday. Guests: Sharon Coon, founder, Friends of Brentwood Public Library Inc. and James Weldon Johnson Young Writers Festival Nehemiah Cooper, elementary winner, JWJ Young Writers Festival Topics and guests subject to change.

Each Friday, our media roundtable dives into the biggest stories of the week. Among our topics this week: Members of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority Board accuse City Council President-elect Nick Howland of harassment and threats. Gov. Ron DeSantis pushes to eliminate property taxes on most primary homes. A busy end to the Duval County school year, with the ouster of the school chief, and new records linking a controversial teacher suspension to a School Board member’s complaint. The family of four Black men tortured or murdered by police are slated to receive compensation for the 1949 Groveland, Florida, incident. The City Council declines to prohibit a new jail from being located in historically disadvantaged, or “redlined,” communities. Guests: Christina Burgess, reporter at First Coast News David Bauerlein, metro reporter at the Florida Times-Union Megan Mallicoat, education reporter at Jacksonville Today Robert Brown, news director, WJXT News4Jax Time travelerA man who spent his adult life working for the U.S. Postal Service delivers an entirely new chapter of his career. In his debut young adult novel, M. Nathan King creates a time-shifting landscape to teach kids about history. Ezra Whetstone and the Masters of Time — The Mark of Aion takes readers on a journey following the 13-year-old protagonist as he explores historical settings from the Library of Alexandria in ancient Egypt to the Inca Empire. We talk to King ahead of the book’s release about why he believes age-appropriate storytelling is the key to engaging kids in history. Guest: M. Nathan King, author of Ezra Whetstone and the Masters of Time — The Mark of Aion

In the beginning, World Golf Village promised a lifestyle as smooth and manicured as a putting green. Originally, the golf course community was home to PGA Tour Productions, the World Golf Hall of Fame, the PGA Tour Stop — Florida’s largest golf store — and an IMAX theater, all arrayed around a 190-foot-tall steeple-topped tower. But in the intervening years, the village has lost all of those amenities and become increasingly hemmed in by big box stores, including a Buc-ee’s, a Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, a Costco, a Home Depot and, soon, a Walmart Supercenter. We talk with St. Johns County beat reporter Noah Hertz about his recent reporting on how the development has evolved. Guest: Noah Hertz, St. Johns County reporter, Jacksonville Today Building bridgesA Jacksonville sheriff’s officer literally talks a man off the ledge. On April 12, an officer who just happened to be on scene directing traffic found himself deeply involved in efforts to save a suicidal man on the Dames Point Bridge. Officer Antonio Richardson, also a pastor for more than three decades, pleaded with, prayed over and cajoled the man to step back from the edge, before he finally took Richardson’s hand and was pulled into his embrace. The event was captured in a brief viral video, but the actual incident took most of an hour and involved several other officers as well. We talk to Richardson about how the remarkable moment fits into his career in law enforcement. If you or someone you know is going through a mental health crisis, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Guest: Officer Antonio Richardson, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Asian Night MarketA free community event anchored in celebrating Asian culture, cuisine and local vendors kicks off with two events next month. Asian Night Market Jax offers live entertainment, including karaoke and cultural dances, along with authentic dishes from Thailand, Korea, Cambodia, Philippines and Vietnam. The event is held the second weekend of every month outside the RD International Supermarket on Beach Boulevard, with the next market night slated from 4 to 10 p.m. June 12 and 13. Organizers added additional nights along the Riverwalk at Central Park at RiversEdge from 4 to 10 p.m. June 26 and 27. We sit down with event organizers to discuss how it has evolved and why the community keeps showing up — plus, we get a sneak peek of what’s on the menu. Guest: Madeline Nguyen, host, Asian Night Market Vu Nguyen, co-host, Asian Night Market

Mark Maron, Kevin Smith and Sarah Koenig are just some of the voices that redefined audio journalism. A new documentary traces the evolution and triumph of podcasting, a medium that resurrected audio storytelling through the technology of RSS feeds and (initially) the iPod platform. We meet the director of the film Age of Audio ahead of the screening at WJCT Studios. The film features interviews with such podcast luminaries as Jad Abumrad (Radiolab, Fela Kuti: Fear No Man, Dolly Parton’s America), Ira Glass (This American Life), Matt Gourley (Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend), Sean Rameswaram (Today, Explained), Phoebe Judge (Criminal) and Fred Armisen (podcast omniguest). Following the film, director Shaun Michael Colón will join local podcasters and experts for a discussion and Q&A. The event is free, but an RSVP is requested. Guests: Shaun Michael Colón, filmmaker, Age of Audio Badr Milligan, co-founder of Jax Podcasters United Letisha Bereola, director of podcasting at WJCT Public Media Life sentenceIf you’ve ever wondered what gives certain sentences their undeniable punch — from Sam Jackson’s iconic “I’ve had it ...” diatribe from Snakes On A Plane to memorable Yoda-isms from the Star Wars franchise — there’s a book for that. This Is a Book of Sentence Diagrams: A Journey Through the Sharpest, Strangest, and Most Stirring Lines Ever Constructed offers a curated, illustrated journey through the land of the unabashed word nerd, breaking down our introduction to Mellville’s whale, Kafka’s cockroach and Mom’s go-to demurral (“Because I said so”). We meet the author and learn how he discovered the power of symbolic language. Guest: Man Martin, author, This is a Book of Sentence Diagrams Into the lightIt’s the background of everywhere you look, fills the entire universe and makes up the static hiss on the in-between channels of old TV sets. While you can’t see it with the naked eye, the afterglow left behind thousands of years after the Big Bang is considered the oldest light in the universe. We discuss how scientists have accurately mapped out the Cosmic Microwave Background and how it helps experts timeline the history of the universe. Guest: Eddie Whisler, director of planetarium and outreach, Museum of Science & History

A new directive from ICE has echoes of Fight Club rules: Not only does it instruct local law enforcement to keep immigration enforcement actions secret, the secrecy applies to the directive itself. A recent report by Florida investigative journalist Monique Madan was sparked when she obtained a copy of the confidential ICE directive, a federal order that directly contradicts Florida’s vaunted public records laws. Critics call it a “gag order” on police, noting the broad order effectively prevents local agencies from releasing any information about their compliance with or arrests made under 287(g), which deputizes law enforcement officers to act as immigration agents in identifying, arresting and detaining noncitizens. Guest: Monique O. Madan, senior investigative journalist and founder of the “Two Can Be True” newsletter Women's Giving AllianceA collective giving initiative celebrates 25 years of philanthropy to support the needs of women and girls in Northeast Florida. Since 2001, the Women’s Giving Alliance has awarded $10 million in grants to more than 80 nonprofit organizations in the area. To commemorate this milestone, Delores Barr Weaver, an alliance co-founder, has offered a $150,000 match for donations through September. This is part of a larger strategic effort to address violence against women and girls by supporting organizations that share in this mission through mental health, safety, education and empowerment efforts. Duval County alone sees almost 5,000 cases of domestic violence per year, though research indicates many incidents don’t get reported. Guests: Sabeen Perwaiz, president, Women's Giving Alliance Isaiah M. Oliver, president, The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida Amplifying AvondaleA celebration of one of Jacksonville's most historic neighborhoods set to a soundtrack of Jill Scott and Mary J. Blige. The local band Groove Coalition performs classic soul and R&B at the upcoming Amplified Avondale event. Held the last Friday of every month, the event was created in 2022 to foster community and generate foot traffic for merchants on St. Johns Avenue. Stores and restaurants keep their doors open late for visitors, as multiple local bands perform along a community art walk that includes vendors from nearby neighborhood Murray Hill Farmer’s Market. We sit down with the event’s founder, aka the “Mayor of Avondale,” as well as a featured musician to discuss what’s planned, how the event has grown and how it might evolve in the future. Amplified Avondale is held from 6 to 9:30 p.m. May 29 on St. Johns Avenue. Guests: Ron Rothberg, founder, Amplified Avondale Tommy Bridgewater, musician, Groove Coalition

Each Friday, our media roundtable dives into the biggest stories of the week. Among our topics this week: Congestion, confusion and contusions complicate Jacksonville’s inaugural Ironman. The NAACP calls on college athletes to boycott eight Southern states, including Florida, for voting rights rollbacks. Yet another subpoena expands the JEA investigation sparked by City Council President Kevin Carrico’s errant email. A sworn statement contradicts a Deegan administration official’s claim that he was unaware of a city illegal gun registry. Guests: Nate Monroe, executive editor at the Florida Trib Anthony Austin, anchor at First Coast News Will Brown, race and poverty reporter at Jacksonville Today David Bauerlein, metro reporter at the Florida Times-Union The Merci seatAn open mic poetry collective with hip-hop roots promises a night of rhythm and creativity from local poets and artists. Described by organizers as one of Jacksonville’s few events devoted to incubating and fostering dynamic, performance-based poetry, Poetically Mic’d welcomes writers of all levels to share their work on stage in a welcoming atmosphere. Poetically Mic’d is founded by local rapper and community organizer Merci, hosting events ranging from poetry battles, artist showcases and other live performances. He says the movement “is dedicated to blending the power of poetry with hip-hop and dynamic lyricism to elevate Northeast Florida’s cultural scene.” A Poetry Open Mic is 7 to 11 p.m. May 31 at 9570 Regency Square Blvd. Guest: Merci, rapper, founder and director of Poetically Mic’d

Making sure new homes aren’t built in flood zones sounds like a no-brainer, but a surprising number of developments are in at-risk areas, made more vulnerable by rising seas. A proposed amendment to the city’s master plan for development focuses on steering new development out of harm’s way. Nearly three years after the mayor rolled out the 50-year resilience plan, the city is considering a comprehensive plan change that would incentivize rather than force developers to build with an eye to sustainable housing. The proposal creates “target growth areas” in which developers can build more densely in exchange for including affordable housing units and building properties resilient to the risks of climate change. We discuss how the city arrived at this approach and what the timetable is for adopting the change. Guest: Helena Atalla Parola, director of the city’s Planning Department Jacksonville Jazz Fest With a lineup that ranges from P-Funk and esperanza spalding to Nile Rodgers and CHIC, the Jacksonville Jazz Fest showcases a vast expanse of musical styles, including some not traditionally thought of as jazz. We talk to acclaimed saxophonist and host of the WJCT 89.9 FM jazz program Bop City Daniel Stark about past Jazz Fest greats like Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Marcus Roberts, as well as what he’s most looking forward to this year (hint: Ghost-Note and John Lumpkin & The Covenant are on the shortlist). We also discuss what the annual event contributes to the local jazz scene, and whether more can be done to integrate the moment into a larger musical movement. Guest: Daniel Stark, host of Bop City on WJCT 89.9 FM, executive director of Friday Musicale  Charismatic megafauna picsRight whales are on the move north after a successful calving season, and an exhibit celebrating the endangered mammals is also on a journey. The Right Whales of Amelia Island exhibit is on display at the Beaches Museum through Aug. 23, part of a tour that began in Fernandina Beach and ends up at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium later this year. We talk to a local whale ambassador about why this was a bumper year for baby whales and what this season means for the creature’s long-term health and survival. Guest: Krissi Barr, Amelia Island Whale Ambassadors

From his role in the birth of alt-country to his tragic death at age 26, we explore the life and legacy of Florida’s own Gram Parsons on the eve of his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Known for his work playing with The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers, in addition to launching the career of Emmylou Harris, Parsons is considered the founding father of country rock and alt-country. His preferred label was "Cosmic American Music," a genre-jumping style that blended R&B, folk and rock with traditional country. As one of 18 inductees this November, Parsons joins a class that includes Phil Collins, Fela Kuti, Iron Maiden and Queen Latifah. We talk to the Emmy and Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist and author Bob Kealing about his definitive biography of the groundbreaking musician. Guest: Bob Kealing, journalist and author of Calling Me Home: Gram Parsons and the Roots of Country Rock Paw-Paw potionHe’s been called one of “Florida’s earliest and more successful snake-oil salesmen” and “America’s most colorful medical huckster,” but his signature elixir continues to captivate customers. Munyon’s Paw-Paw liqueur has been reanimated by two entrepreneurs and beverage industry veterans, who dug into the checkered but colorful history of Dr. James M. Munyon, a turn of the (last) century wellness guru and self-made millionaire (though never a doctor). Their new aperitif kindles the taste and ambiance of earlier times, without the original product’s secret ingredient: THC. We talk to the reporter who recently profiled the product and its creators in Flamingo Magazine. Guest: Steve Dollar, freelance journalist, artistic director of the Tallahassee Film Festival 8th wonder A storied after-school and summer program receives the largest grant in its 35-year history. The $250,000 gift from the Ponte Vedra Beach-based philanthropy the Warren and Augusta Hume Foundation will allow Sanctuary on 8th Street to upgrade its facilities and expand its offerings. Established in 1992, the 8th St. program has grown from a dozen participants in after-school and summer camp programs to hundreds of kids over the years. The facility, which caters to children ages 5 to 17 in the Eastside/Springfield area, plans to use the funds to create a "sensory, development and play" space and launch a new summer nourishment program. We talk to its executive director about what else the nonprofit needs and how the community can help. Guests: Rick Cartlidge Jr., executive director, Sanctuary on 8th Street Emani Walker, program coach, Sanctuary on 8th Street

The typical office worker checks email 77 times a day. You may have already figured out: That’s not the most efficient use of your time. New York Times bestselling author David Epstein breaks down why setting boundaries helps us make better life decisions in his new book, Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better. He also explores why more choices, whether it’s swiping on a dating app or trying to choose something to watch on Netflix, aren’t necessarily a good thing and can, in fact, paralyze our ability to make satisfying decisions. He suggests adopting a practice of “satisficing,” which he says is a term “coined by Nobel laureate Herbert Simon, who famously said, ‘The best is the enemy of the good.’” Guest: David Epstein, journalist, author of Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better Body heatA new research lab at the University of North Florida will test the long- and short-term health effects of extreme weather on athletes, laborers and members of the military. The new Perry Weather Heat Lab held its grand opening Monday at The Korey Stringer Institute’s UNF satellite location. The Connecticut-based institute is named for the Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle who collapsed and died 25 years ago of exertional heatstroke during the team's training camp. Established in 2010, the institute focuses on “research, education, advocacy, and consultation to maximize performance, optimize safety, and prevent sudden death.” We discuss how the work of the lab could translate into specific remedies in an ever-warming planet. Guests: Michael Szymanski, director, Perry Weather Heat Lab and assistant professor of kinesiology at the University of North Florida Gabrielle Brewer, associate director, Perry Weather Heat Lab and post-doctoral associate at the Korey Stringer Institute at the University of North Florida DIY jellyfish terrarium As more people search for ways to unplug, a Jacksonville entrepreneur is blending creativity and connection. What began as a personal mental health outlet has evolved into a creative series centered on wellness and community for LaRoLé Studio owner Amber Lettsome. Her Sip & Grow botanical workshops offer immersive hands-on experiences designed to help adults create and unwind. Lettsome shares the inspiration behind the events and the upcoming jellyfish terrarium class Wednesday at Juice Wine Bar. Guest: Amber Lettsome, founder and creative director, LaRoLé Studio

A murder conviction in one of the most high-profile crimes of the past decade was overturned by the South Carolina Supreme Court last week based on the meddling of a small-county court clerk. The decision was both evidence of a robust system designed to protect the rights of the accused and a glaring example of how our nation's jury system is vulnerable to the interference of even bit players. We ask two local trial attorneys, including one raised and schooled in South Carolina, whether the verdict reversal in the notorious Alex Murdaugh murder case suggests the need for changes in the criminal justice system. Guests: Teri Sopp, assistant public defender, criminal defense attorney Lisa Varon, reference law librarian, adjunct professor of law, Jacksonville University College of Law Trauma informed responseFrom the moment trauma strikes, be it a gunshot, a car crash or a stroke, a system of first responders clicks into motion, which, if successful, shuttles a patient from the precipice of death to physical stability and, eventually, recovery. The path from wreckage to rehab can involve dozens of EMTs, ER nurses and trauma surgeons, all of whom experience the stress and reward of working the space between life and death. We talk to two veteran trauma first responders about how they manage their daily exposure to things most would hope to never see, and how they pass that experience to others entering the field. Guests: Dr. Shilpa Amin, chair of emergency medicine at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital Dr. Bradley Elias, medical director of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department  Batter upA new baseball league aims to get talented players off the bench and back in the game. The Jacksonville Competitive Baseball League was established to hone player skills and spotlight athletes who may have been overlooked due to injury, finances or lack of exposure. The 2026 season is underway and runs through July 12. Guests: Jonathan Vazquez, founder, Jacksonville Competitive Baseball League John Peters, manager, The Muffin Freaks

Each Friday, our panel of media experts dives into the biggest stories of the week. Among our topics this week: Civil rights attorney Ben Crump picks up two new clients over concerns about law enforcement response in Duval and Clay counties. The city gives Winn-Dixie $12 million to keep it in Jacksonville, even as residents of Brentwood and Green Cove Springs fight to keep the grocer in their communities. Florida’s attorney general targets the city, the NFL and AI chatbots as his first election looms. Former Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry weighed in saying the state's lawsuit against the city over its gun registry does have merit. Guests: Obi Umunna, attorney and political consultant Mike Mendenhall, associate editor and City Hall reporter at Jacksonville Today Sylvia Perry, editor of the Jacksonville Free Press Frank Powers, former assignment manager at WJXT News4Jax Musical mindsMusic and mental health come together in Stronger Than Stigma’s fourth Concert + Conversation. The event is a fundraiser for the advocacy organization, but also a rare fusion of entertainment and candid explorations of mental health challenges. Staged at Blue Jay Listening Room in Jacksonville Beach, the event features live music by Rambler Kane and Three Leg Cat, followed by a moderated panel discussion on the musicians’ own experiences, and the interplay between artistry and psychological well-being. Tickets for the “concert-meets-couch” event benefit the local organization. Guests: Gabrielle Magid, founder and CEO of Stronger Than Stigma Rambler Kane, singer/songwriter

As the federal government positions artificial intelligence as a national priority while ramping up AI data centers' construction, local governments are increasingly pushing back. Last week, Florida passed legislation regulating data centers, allowing local communities to pause or deny the construction of new ones. The new law signifies an uncommon break between Florida and the priorities of President Trump, who signed an executive order in July 2025 calling for an accelerated buildout of AI infrastructure while easing federal regulations. We discuss how local communities are responding to AI infrastructure, what to expect from Florida’s special session to pass a budget and why Jacksonville is being named the best city for first-time homebuyers, even as access to affordable housing remains a major issue. Guest: Chris Hand, local government expert, attorney and co-author with the late Sen. Bob Graham of America, the Owner's Manual IVF accessIndividuals and couples trying to conceive face a slew of challenges, from the sheer cost of in vitro fertilization to the physical and emotional toll of hormone treatments and the anxiety of repeated treatments and uncertain outcomes. But living through the experience has birthed a new kind of process-midwife known as an infertility doula. We meet a local practitioner who says sharing the knowledge she gleaned in her own fertility experience gives clients comfort and confidence in what can be both a life-changing and a life-giving process. Guests: Alexandra Hamrick, founder, The Infertility Doula  Marisa Coloñ, full-spectrum doula, student midwife Tri hardFrom the streets of Downtown Jacksonville to the waters of the St. Johns River, the toughest triathletes brace for this weekend's competition. We meet a competitor, a coach and the organizer of the inaugural Jacksonville Ironman. The ultimate endurance race features a 2.4-mile river swim, a 112-mile bike loop that runs from the city center to the Beaches, and 26.2-mile run through Downtown. Among those competing in the contest is first-time Ironman contender and Jacksonville City Council member Raul Arias. The swim, which runs from Metro Park to just west of the Cummer Museum, is viewable by spectators along the Northbank Riverwalk. The running course wends through Lavilla and Riverside before ending in Riverfront Park. The race is expected to affect traffic in both Duval and St. Johns counties, but the only road that will be closed entirely is the Nocatee Parkway Flyover between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Guests:   Skye Johnson, 5x Ironman participant, coach and owner of Tri with Skye Emily Rogers, first time Ironman participant Ryan Lobato, communications manager, The IRONMAN Group

A recent NBC News poll found that only 38% of Generation Z is looking forward to the future. Nearly half said if they had a choice, they’d travel into the past — a time before social media, cellphones and the sense that both political and planetary environments are increasingly uninhabitable. This vicarious nostalgia for a time they never experienced, known as anemoia, has become common among those under 30, as they face perilous economic and increasingly challenging social realities. We talk about how a generation that has earned the nickname “the anxious generation” sets a path when every step is uncertain. Guests: Taylor White, junior, Fleming Island High School Jalicia Lewis, community outreach and engagement lead, Jacksonville Climate Coalition Gabriel James, founder of Pathway America charter at Flagler College Free dental careTwo weeks ago we told you about Florida’s emergency dentistry crisis. On Wednesday, we preview a two-day event designed to help as many as 1,800 locals in need of free dental care. Sponsored by the Florida Dental Association Foundation, the 11th Florida Mission of Mercy event will be Friday and Saturday at the Prime Osborn Convention Center, along with a special Veterans’ First initiative on Thursday. (Veterans can pre-register by visiting www.flamom.org and clicking the red “Veterans’ Dental Event” button.) The event offers free cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, pediatric dentistry and root canals. The event is ticketed: After checking in on-site, patients are given a specific appointment time and asked to return for care. Appointments are given on a first-come, first-served basis, so early arrival is encouraged. Doors open at 7 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Guest: Dr. Tom Brown, dentist and co-chair of the 2026 Florida Mission of Mercy Emancipation Celebration When President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, it applied to Florida as well as nine other states that seceded from the Union. The policy was known to those living in Union-controlled areas, including St. Augustine and Jacksonville. But for parts of the state still governed by the Confederacy, the formal proclamation wasn’t announced until more than two years later, on May 20, 1865. And it would be another month before word reached the final formally enslaved areas of the nation in Texas — a day now celebrated as the federal holiday of Juneteenth. A local celebration of Emancipation Day was started in 1913 by humanitarian and philanthropist Eartha M.M. White and revived in 2021 by Jacksonville City Council member and Clara White Mission CEO Ju’Coby Pittman. This year’s event will be from 5-9 p.m. Sunday at Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park, and features live performances by STR8UP Band, Mal Jones, DJ Cook, Alisha Merine and Kiyurah Davis, as well as presentations by local historians, food vendors and a celebratory setting. Guests: Carla Mechele Jones, Vibrant Places Collective facilitator Yollie Copeland, founder and tour guide, Explore Jax Core

Two months out from the official start of budget season, planning for the mayor’s proposal is well underway, along with hints of potential sticking points. Some members of the Jacksonville City Council are (again) gearing up to fight city health initiatives, and state restrictions on DEI spending threaten support of a range of projects, including funding for the Black, Hispanic and Asian chambers of commerce. In our monthly Ask the Mayor segment, we ask Mayor Donna Deegan about her spending priorities, the multiple ongoing investigations into JEA and a backlog on affordable housing spending. Deegan also answers your calls and questions. Guest: Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan Musical chairsMore comfortable seats and improved acoustics are two of the biggest changes promised in a summertime overhaul of Jacoby Symphony Hall. The orchestra’s home is slated for a makeover beginning June 8, with completion set to conclude ahead of the 2026/27 season in September. The project will also include new carpeting and an updated speaker system for non-classical programming like the Pops Series and Symphonic Night at the Movies performances. We talk to the Symphony’s chief executive about how the project is being funded and how the changes will affect guests and performers alike. Guest: Steven B. Libman, president and CEO of the Jacksonville Symphony 'Gathering Turquoise'An acclaimed Americana performer who’s graced stages from Florida to his home state of Illinois for decades celebrates the release of his debut studio album this month. A mix of country, blues, folk and rock 'n’ roll, Gathering Turquoise was recorded at Retrophonics Recording Studio in St. Augustine and was produced in part by Cara Murphy, owner of Blue Jay Listening Room in Jacksonville Beach. Fittingly, that’s also where Patrick Hagerman’s album release show will be held May 23. With a sound that’s been compared to Guy Clark and John Prine, Hagerman is known for both emotionally evocative and sagely comic lyrics, as in his songs Hell on Purpose and Walmart Melatonin. In a recent social media post, Hagerman said, “After 30 years of songs, miles, late nights, heartbreak, hope, new love and chasing something real … it’s finally here.” Guest: Patrick Hagerman, singer-songwriter

Known as “the King of Ragtime Guitar,” Arthur “Blind” Blake claimed Jacksonville as home, but his blues songs traced a path across the country, from West Coast Blues to Georgia Bound. By the time of his death at age 38, he’d recorded an estimated 80 tracks for Paramount Records, starting in 1926. On the 100th anniversary of that musical milestone, his legacy continues as one of the most revered and distinctive guitarists of the era. Blake was known for a rhythmic guitar style defined by a “thumb roll” striking out bass notes while he picked alternate, complicated melodies with his index and middle fingers. His first solo record, Early Morning Blues, planted the flag for what would become known as Piedmont blues, with an uptempo guitar sound that mimicked a piano. We discuss how his local influence is remembered and listen to some of the songs Blake wrote about Jacksonville with two local historians. Guests: Adonnica Toler, museum director, Eartha M. M. White Historical Museum and Gardens Tim Gilmore, author, educator and historian at JaxPsychoGeo Truth vs. trollsFighting misinformation online takes if not a village, then at least a small digital army. That’s the idea behind Climate Truth Tellers, an initiative of the Sierra Club that works to combat deceptive, alarmist or simply mistaken claims about climate change on social media. The strategy aims to both flood the zone with helpful, fact-based posts and to offer counter programming to the often dystopian drumbeat of online exchanges. We talk to the program’s regional manager about tactics to take on the trolls, and her recent appearance on the Climate Connections shortcast. Guest: Jennifer McCharen, regional digital manager, Sierra Club Encores and EvolutionAn upcoming production by Bold City Opera offers a chance to both reminisce about past performances and fund future ones. The nonprofit resident chamber opera company holds its inaugural fundraiser cabaret, showcasing signature performances from its first three years of immersive opera experiences. Founded in late 2022 by locally based soprano Christine Alfano and conductor Brandon Smith, BCO has hosted free outreach performances and is known for pushing traditional operatic boundaries. Encores and Evolution includes a two-act concert, as well as popular arias, duets and ensemble pieces featuring a mix of regional and local performers. The cabaret show begins at 7 p.m. May 16 in Taliaferro Hall at St. John’s Cathedral in Downtown Jacksonville. Guests: Brandon Smith, Bold City Opera executive artistic director, co-founder and pianist Christine Alfano, co-founder of Bold City Opera and featured cabaret vocalist

Each Friday, our media roundtable dives into the biggest stories of the week. Among our topics this week: An influential group of business executives asks the City Council to lay off on its JEA investigation — and the council rejects the request. The surprising results of a community poll show support for a vision of the Skyway that doesn’t involve mass transit. A local woman plans to file suit over her court-ordered C-section.  The city’s DOGE committee finds no evidence of fraud or conflicts of interest after a $40,000, six-month probe. Guests: David Bauerlein, metro reporter at the Florida Times-Union Riley Phillips, reporter at First Coast News Jack Webb, attorney and former Jacksonville City Council president Justice JamFor nearly 50 years, a nonprofit law firm has provided free civil legal aid to North and Central Florida residents, focusing specifically on those who are low-income, disabled, elderly or military service veterans. The group provides services in 17 counties ranging from housing and family law to pursuing disability and VA payments. But the group’s mission hinges on community support. An upcoming fundraiser featuring live music and cocktails aims to help the group raise $30,000 to fund its services. The 3rd Annual Justice Jam will take place at 6 p.m. May 14 at Brick and Beam in Springfield. Guests: LaTonya Lipscomb Smith, heirs property project manager, Three Rivers Legal Services Inc. Kevin Rabin, litigation director, Three Rivers Legal Services Inc.