First Coast Connect With Melissa Ross
Summary: Hosted by Melissa Ross, First Coast Connect is an hour-long call-in program that features local newsmakers, civic and community leaders, arts, activities across Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, along with spot news features and a weekly roundtable of local journalists.
Podcasts:
Things got ugly fast at Wednesday night’s gubernatorial debate between Republican Ron DeSantis and Democrat Andrew Gillum.
Wednesday on First Coast Connect we looked at new data on the opioid crisis in Florida and explored a range of issues surrounding addiction with guests and callers.
Democratic Florida Agriculture Commissioner candidate Nikki Fried joined us on Tuesday’s First Coast Connect.
With another mass shooting in Jacksonville - this time near TIAA Bank Field on Sunday - we took at gun violence and opinions on what can be done to combat it on Monday’s First Coast Connect .
On Friday’s First Coast Connect our Media Roundtable touched on a variety of news topics, including:
University of North Florida President David Syzmanski joined us on Thursday’s First Coast Connect to discuss his plans for UNF.
Wednesday on First Coast Connect we looked at why Jacksonville is a test city for a big campaign to fight the opiate epidemic.
Tuesday on First Coast Connect we looked at some big holes in Florida’s building codes that Hurricane Michael exposed.
On Monday’s First Coast Connect with Melissa Ross we spoke with Greg Miller of The Washington Post about his new book, The Apprentice: Trump, Russia and the Subversion of American Democracy .
On First Coast Connect Friday with guest host A.G. Gancarsk i we were joined by our Media Roundtable participants.
District 10 Jacksonville City Councilman Terrance Freeman appeared on First Coast Connect Thursday with guest host Charles Griggs .
AARP estimates some 10,000 Baby Boomers in America are turning 65 every day.
Tuesday on First Coast Connec t we spoke with Florida 4th District Congressional candidate Ges Selmont . He’s challenging incumbent Republican John Rutherford (01:03). Rutherford was also invited but his office did not respond. Tuesday is the last day to register to vote in Florida and Georgia for the November election . In recent years the number of voters purged from the roles has increased . We heard what you need to do to make sure you are still registered to vote and some helpful hints if
Monday on First Coast Connec t we heard about this week’s Faith, Race and LGBT: A conversation with Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington at UNF that looks to bridge gaps and work for common goals. We spoke with UNF LBGT Resource Center Director Kaitlin Legg and UNF Interfaith Center Associate Director Matt Hartley (01:14). Many in Jacksonville are working to reduce the ongoing gun violence in Jacksonville. One group is We Rise Jax which is presenting its 1st Annual We Rise Festival at Eastside Brotherhood
Our Friday Media Roundtable featured Jacksonville Daily Record reporter David Cawton and WJCT’s Brendan Rivers and Kevin Meerschaert . The panel discussed the latest polling in the races for governor and the U.S. Senate in Florida along the reopening of Chicago Pizza at the Jacksonville Landing and Amazon announcing all employees will be paid at least $15 an hour (01:01). We heard about a unique audio visual experience this weekend featuring a live concert combined with custom graphics and