Ron Davis speaks out on "Stand Your Ground", Navy security lets felons on bases, Scott pulls away from Common Core consortium, and state lawmakers discussing sex offense law reforms are in the headlines this morning.
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.
Ron Davis speaks 10 months after his son's death: Ron Davis, father of slain Jacksonville 17-year-old Jordan Davis, says "Stand Your Ground" needs to be changed.
Navy security system pitched as "no cost" could cost millions: A report on the security system being used at all three local U.S. Navy bases calls for it's immediate replacement after felons reportedly gained access to bases. (Florida Times-Union)
Jax City Council to vote on tax hike: After restoring funding for several services slashed in Mayor Alvin Brown's proposed budget, the Jacksonville City Council will likely vote to approve a nearly 10 percent tax increase at their meeting tonight. (News4Jax)
Jaxport CEO says dredging will take time: Jacksonville Port Authority CEO Brian Taylor met 17 times with Congressional leaders recently and says dredging to deepen the port's shipping lane may not happen anytime soon. (Jacksonville Business Journal)
Scott pulls out of Common Core consortium: In a letter to U.S. Education Secretary Arnie Duncan, Governor Rick Scott said the state will end it's relationship as the fiscal agent for the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC), which is developing the new Common Core education standards. (Wall Street Journal)
Duval schools still struggling with class sizes: Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Nikolai Vitti says more teachers have been brought into schools still experiencing class size issues, which should be resolved by next month. (First Coast News)
State lawmakers to debate sex offense reform: Following the sexual assault and murder of 8-year-old Cherish Perrywinkle, state lawmakers will hold two hearings today to discuss strengthening laws regarding sex offenders. (Action News Jax, South Florida Sun Sentinel)
State gaming officials to hear from public, promoters: The Florida Senate Gaming Committee has scheduled several hearings next month, including stops in Jacksonville and Lakeland, to hear testimony on whether to expand gambling in the state. (Tampa Bay Times)
State officials personal finances now online: The ethics reform bill passed this year has made it easy for the public to view the personal financial holdings of public officials. (WUFT)
Today on First Coast Connect, Jacksonville City Councilwoman Lori Boyer will discuss her role on the task force examining the city's consolidated form of government with Duval County. Also, Tech Tuesday looks at the phenomenon of "Grand Theft Auto" after the fifth game in the series shattered sales records last week.
You can get all the latest headlines online at WJCTNews.org, on our Facebook page, and on Twitter @WJCTJax. You can follow Patrick Donges on Twitter at @patrickhdonges.
