Atlantic Beach's commissioner and former police chief, Sen. Aaron Bean and Gov. Rick Scott are all in the headlines today.
Welcome to WJCT First Read, your daily weekday morning round-up of stories from the First Coast, around Florida, and across the country. We'll also preview some of WJCT's upcoming news programming.
Today's Weather
In Jacksonville skies will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 63 degrees. Tonight should be mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 48 degrees.
At the Beaches skies should be partly sunny, with a high near 61 degrees. Tonight will be partly cloudy, with a low around 50 degrees. (National Weather Service)
To bring movie and television productions to Jacksonville, officials are asking for an increase in tax incentives. Jacksonville Film and Television Office Manager Todd Roobin wants to see the current tax credit bonus for "underutilized regions" such as North Florida increased from 5 percent to 10 percent. (WJCT)
Atlantic Beach commissioner accused of attempting to misuse position. An investigation by the Florida Ethics Commission shows Atlantic Beach City Commissioner Jonathan Daugherty tried to use his position multiple times to receive special treatment when he was pulled over by police for traffic violations. Daugherty denies the claims. (The Florida Times-Union)
Former Atlantic Beach police chief avoids jail time, pleads guilty to drug charges. Former Atlantic Beach Police Chief Michael Classey pleaded guilty to charges of tampering with evidence and possession of illegal steroids. As part of the plea deal, the minimum mandatory three years in prison was dropped, but he will lose his law enforcement license, receive five years of probation and pay $11,300 in restitution. (The Florida Times-Union)
Jacksonville Senator Aaron Bean says police should not be able to take a person's money or property unless arrested. Currently police can take personal property if they believe it might be connected to a crime, even if the person is never arrested. Bean is preparing a bill that will require an arrest must occur before a police officer can confiscate personal property. (WJCT)
Gov. Scott is seeking $5 billion over the next 20 years to restore the Everglades. As part of Gov. Rick Scott's 2015-16 budget proposal he is asking for $300 million to support wildlife and build reservoirs in the Everglades. (WJCT)
Today on First Coast Connect, Ron Davis joins Melissa Ross to discuss the new documentary 3 1/2 minutes about his son Jordan Davis and Michael Dunn. Then, psychologist and author Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair will talk about her upcoming presentation at a First Coast Girls Initiative workshop about the effects of technology and communication on girls' self esteem. And finally, the Specktator, Kerry Speckman, shares all of this weekend's events.
You can get all the latest headlines online at WJCTNews.org, on our Facebook page and on Twitter @WJCTJax. You can follow Ray Hollister on Twitter @RayHollister.
