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.
First phase of Dozier school excavation complete: Researchers from the University of South Florida completed the preliminary dig at the site of the former Dozier School for Boys, finding two skeletons.
Local State Rep. committed to sex offender reforms: Florida State Rep. Janet Adkins says she will file legislation next session reforming the way the state deals with sex offenders following the June murder of 8-year-old Cherish Perrywinkle.
Shirk admits drinking in office, breaks city law: Embattled Jacksonville Public Defender Matt Shirk is in more hot water after admitting he used alcohol while in his city office. Drinking in city owned buildings is a crime punishable by a fine and/or jail time. (Florida Times-Union)
Florida U.S. Senators weigh in on Syria: U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson are among those taking a critical look at President Obama's proposed authorization to strike Syria. (News4Jax)
Jags "stand united" with local businesses: The Jacksonville Jaguars announced a new program to bring fans to local businesses before home games focused on local revenue. (Jacksonville Business Journal)
Nyad plans charity event for next feat: Saying she is, "through with the ocean," Florida-based endurance swimmer Diana Nyad will swim for 48 hours in New York as a benefit for victims of Hurricane Sandy. (CNN)
Sanford zoo staff providing substandard animal care according to UF vet chief: Dr. Dana Zimmel, chief of staff for the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine, told Central Florida Zoo the college would cease providing services there, citing substandard care by zoo staff and a "hostile work environment" for students. (Orlando Sentinel)
Sanford family finds $300K gold treasure: A family of treasure hunters hit it big with a potential find of more than $400 million in sunken treasure, including 300,000 in gold. (Reuters)
Today on First Coast Connect, the issue of crime prevention through civil citations with State Rep. Mia Jones, Southern Poverty Law Center Florida Director of Policy David Utter.
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