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.
Shands to pay millions to settle false filing charges: Shands Healthcare, now UF Health, will pay state and federal regulators $26 million to settle claims they incorrectly billed the government for services through Medicare, Medicaid, and other programs.
New Jacksonville DIA CEO talks priorities: Jacksonville Downtown Investment Authority CEO Aundra Wallace started work yesterday, meeting with reporters to discuss his vision for downtown, including the recently announced redevelopment of the Laura Street Trio.
Rayne Perrywinkle institutionalized: The boyfriend of Rayne Perrywinkle had her committed under the Baker Act on Sunday, telling police she has lost her desire to live and has been violent following the murder of her daughter, Cherish Perrywinkle. (First Coast News)
Ryce Law safeguards broken: An investigative report shows that for every sex offender successfully prosecuted under the Ryce Law, named for 9-year-old murder and rape victim Jimmy Ryce, two others have been released and committed additional crimes. (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
SWAT finds man dead following disturbance call: A man who beat his wife, barricaded himself in his home, and shot at police officers was found dead by a SWAT team called in to deal with the situation. (News4Jax)
Rubio claim on doctor loss under Obamacare mostly false: Florida U.S. Senator Marco Rubio's claim that people will lose access to their long time physicians under the Affordable Care Act doesn't take the entire health care system into account. (Tampa Bay Times)
Florida highways third most traveled: Drivers on Florida's highways logged 34 billion miles in 2011, behind only Texas and California for the busiest interstates. (The Ledger)
"Stand Your Ground" repealer filed: Florida Rep. Alan Williams of Tallahassee, who supported the Dream Defenders during their occupation of the Florida State Capitol, has filed legislation to repeal the state's controversial "Stand Your Ground" law central to the George Zimmerman case. (The Florida Current)
Scott says transportation investments to create jobs: Governor Rick Scott says new investment in intermodal transportation infrastructure will invest $5 million into four projects across the state and create 1,200 jobs. (Sunshine State News)
Today on First Coast Connect, Jacksonville Undersheriff Dwayne Senterfitt talks about the city budget for the JSO, and keeping order on the streets of Jacksonville.
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