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.
Erin forms in Atlantic, wet weather expected this weekend: The fifth storm of this hurricane season, Tropical Storm Erin, was named yesterday. Another system will likely drench the Gulf Coast and much of north-central Florida through the weekend.
Dream Defenders end sit-in: After spending a month camped out outside Gov. Rick Scott's office, the Dream Defenders have ended their sit-in at the Florida State Capitol, telling supporters they will return in September to continue to lobby for the passage of "Trayvon's Law." (New York Times, Tallahassee Democrat)
Allied Veteran 'mastermind' refused plea meetings: Jacksonville attorney Kelly Mathis would not speak with prosecutors about a plea deal, saying he would be acquitted. He is calling for a change of venue to Duval County. (Florida Times-Union)
Gas station shooting trial postponed: Attorneys have agreed to reschedule the start of the trial of Michael Dunn, accused of killing 17-year-old Jordan Davis following a dispute at a gas station last year. Dunn is pleading self defense. (News4Jax)
Jax non-profit gets grant for river sensors: The non-profit Jacksonville Marine Transportation Exchange will receive a $2.79 million grant to install sensors in the St. Johns River meant to improve commerce and safety. (Jacksonville Business Journal)
Today at 9 a.m. on First Coast Connect, special guest host Charlene Shirk will kick off the show with our media roundtable.
You can get all the latest headlines online at WJCTNews.org, on our Facebook page, and on Twitter @WJCTJax.
