Local cancer study to keep test results for research, a shrimp boat in peril this morning off Ponte Vedra, and a first for a state execution are 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.
ACS study taking 500 First Coast residents, will not reveal cancer screenings: A new long-term study by the American Cancer Society will test 500 local residents for cancer markers, but researchers will not reveal the results of initial testing to participants.
Shrimp boat rescue off Ponte Vedra: The U.S. Coast Guard received a call from an 88-foot shrimp boat that was taking on water early this morning off Ponte Vedra. Crews from Mayport and Savannah and Jacksonville Fire-Rescue are responding. (News4Jax)
Miami-Dade 'Stand Your Ground' case upheld is fourth since 2005: A first-degree murder charge against 29-year-old Luis Martinez after he killed an attacker was dropped in the fourth 'Stand Your Ground' case dismissed by a judge in Miami-Dade since the controversial law was passed. (Bradenton Herald)
Jax approval of "Uber" car service could be bad for local taxi business: A Jacksonville City Council committee passed a bill to clear the way for "digital dispatch services" to connect passengers to car services using cell phones yesterday, worrying local taxi owners. (Jacksonville Times-Union)
Happ execution to use new drug: William Happ, scheduled to die by lethal injection in Starke today, will be the first inmate in state history executed using a new drug. (First Coast News)
Florida launches disease-tolerant citrus trees: The University of Florida will sell new anti-greening orange trees during testing of several thousand new rootstock plants across the state. (Reuters)
State stone crab season starts today: Florida fishermen are hoping this year's stone crab season, which starts today, is better than last. (The Tampa Tribune)
Today on First Coast Connect, Jacksonville University political scientist Dr. Stephen Baker joins Melissa to take your calls on the continuing federal government shutdown and the possible effects of a U.S. debt default.
Don't forget, this week is our Fall 2013 "Best of WJCT' Pledge Drive. You can call 1-800-722-9528 or click here to donate and help keep WJCT on the air, and online! Thank you for your support.
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.
