The federal government’s recent announcement it will phase out the use of private prisons has relaunched the debate over their use in Florida. On First Coast Connect Thursday, host Melissa Ross was joined by columnist and former State Senator Paula Dockery to talk about the issue. Ross also spoke with Jeff Clayton, policy director of the American Bail Coalition about a Georgia Court case that could change the way bail is set across the country. We also heard from Rory Diamond with K9’s for Warriors about its newest campaign to curb veteran suicides and YMCA President Eric Mann about its new facility in Riverside.
Bail for Poor
A federal court case in Georgia might change the nation’s bail system. The case heard in the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals claims defendant Maurice Walker was unlawfully denied the right to bail because of his inability to pay the amount indicated by a set bond schedule. Ross discussed the case with the Policy Director of the American Bail Coalition Jeff Clayton.
K9’s for Warriors
Everyday in America, 22 veterans commit suicide. The crisis stems from post-traumatic stress, brain injuries suffered in combat and other trauma. Local organization K9’s for Warriors works to treat these veterans with service dogs, which has shown to be effective. K9’s Executive Director Rory Diamond spoke with Ross about a new national campaign, “Stop 22,” to help lower the veteran suicide rate.
Winston YMCA
The YMCA of Northeast Florida has opened the doors of its newest facility, the Winston YMCA in Riverside. It replaces the older and smaller Yates YMCA on the same site. With more than 6,500 members, it’s one of the area’s most diverse branches. Executive Director Eric Mann spoke with Ross about the new facility and some of the new programs it will provide.
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Producer Kevin Meerschaert can be reached at kmeerschaert@wjct.org, 904-358-6334 or on Twitter at @KMeerschaertJax
