First Coast Connect

Our media panel unpacks the week’s biggest headlines from racism in politics to an expensive investment in nonexistent courthouse artwork. @AnthonyReports @KingObi @AGGancarski @mimendenhall

Our guests came strapped with seeds and beer fest-inspired nails for today’s First Coast Connect! Check out the full show link for those segments, as well as a revealing discussion on why planes are hitting more turbulence these days.

The iconic statues that guard the Bridge of Lions were removed recently for a seawall project. So where are they now? While their location is actually top-secret, we ask the sculptors rehabbing the nearly 100-year-old lions what it takes to care for big cats in the wild.

You had one job: Former City Hall reporter and political consultant John Daigle says lawmakers are arguing about issues like DEI “instead of doing the one job that we pay them to do,” which is pass the budget. Check out the full discussion -- link in bio.

We heard from a broad range of political perspectives on today's program, but all agreed that it’s time to turn the 30-year-old Neighborhood Bill of Rights from a promise into an enforceable reality. Discussion link in bio.

"Don't get involved in the food fight." Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan decried what she called political season "antics" in her monthly Ask the Mayor segment. Full conversation at link in bio.

In his new Rolling Stone cover story, Florida reporter @michaeladno explores the political and scientific tensions behind efforts to restore the Everglades, including the bitter feud that sent one of the state’s most celebrated scientists to jail. Full interview link in bio.

If you look closely, you’ll notice David and Obi are wearing the same shirt. But our panel always has a broad range of perspectives! Check out today’s media roundtable. Full length in bio.

While headlines often highlight doom and gloom, marine scientist Dr. Nancy Knowlton points to “environmental bright spots” — actual success stories showcasing the power of human determination and nature's resilience. Discussion link in bio.

New York-based artist Nari Ward is in town ahead of the opening of his local creation,“Great Greetings” at MOCA Jacksonville. Known for repurposing found objects and castoffs, Ward, with the help of UNF students, crafted a towering display in the museum's 40-foot atrium.

Despite her training as a neurologist, Dr. Bobbie Decker says even she didn’t recognize the signs of her postpartum psychosis. “I understood the brain, but lost touch with my own,” she said. We discuss Decker’s recovery with the help of the Jacksonville-based Motherhood Space.

Are we becoming lab rats? Mayo Clinic neurologist Dr. Joe Sirven explains why influencer-championed "biohacking" trends like DIY peptide injections put patients at risk. Discussion link in bio.

Our media roundtable dives into the news of the week, from the uncertain future for a longtime St. Augustine horse carriage company to the latest on allegations of toxicity and quid pro quo that have embroiled Jacksonville's utility and council president. Discussion link in bio.

In honor of the centennial of Negro History Week (the precursor to Black History Month), @jaxtdy compiled a list of 100 seminal Black leaders from the First Coast. We hear from reporter @wwbrown19 and three local historians about the narratives behind the names.

Context is everything, librarian Julie Miller says. Miller, who lost her job for raising questions when told to remove certain books, appears in a new PBS documentary “The Librarians,” screening at WJCT Studios on Feb. 26, at 6 p.m. For more info, visit buff.ly/WkVkgeU.

From Ted Bundy and the "Gainesville Ripper,” to the infamous Aileen Wuornos, reporter John Koch has covered every Florida execution since 1978—and he's busier than ever. Koch, who has earned the nickname “Dr. Death,” says it’s a thankless job, but one he's obliged to continue.

Our media panel breaks down the week's big headlines, including blowback over the "big favor" Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico said he was doling out when nominating his boss to be a JEA board member. Discussion link in bio.

When swear words lose their power over time, it's called "semantic bleaching." NY Times Game Section columnist Sam Corbin says that helps explain the resurgence of old-timey lingo like "goon," "skedaddle" and "diabolical." Link in bio.

Are toxic parents spoiling sports? New research shows high rates of burnout for coaches and players alike. We want to hear from you. Go to firstcoastconnect.org to share your stories and submit questions for Wednesday morning's First Coast Connect.

Bills moving through the Florida Legislature could greatly benefit large landowners. Investigative reporter Jason Garcia discovered that more than 80,000 acres of land across North Florida are tied to a single hedge fund company out of New York. Full discussion link in bio.