Superintendent Nikolai Vitti, Kona Skate Park, and public parks 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.
Duval school budget talks continue: Duval Schools Superintendent Nikolai Vitti and school board members have agreed to keep all the district’s assistant principals on as 12-month employees, but clerical positions still face cuts as the budget process continues. (WJCT)
Skate park kick dad will not face charges: The local man who was videotaped kicking his 6-year-old son down a 13-foot ramp at Kona Skate Park will not face criminal charges. (News4Jax)
Former FSCJ President Wallace cleared by grand jury: A grand jury found former Florida State College at Jacksonville President Steve Wallace innocent of any criminal actions in an ongoing dispute between the college and Wallace regarding compensation. (WJCT)
Jax ranks low in public parks study: National conservation officials say Jacksonville is notable for it's abundance of public lands, but that the quantity and quality of parks could be improved. (WJCT)
Possible sinkhole opening near Legoland: Winter Haven authorities responded Thursday to a possible sinkhole in a Publix parking lot across the street from Legoland. (Bradenton Herald)
Few budget vetoes expected from Gov. Scott: Observers say Gov. Rick Scott will likely only trim a fraction of the state's $77.1 billion annual budget approved by lawmakers this session. (Miami Herald)
Redistricting trial courtroom closed for testimony: Leon County Circuit Judge Terry Lewis closed the courtroom in the state's redistricting trial to allow testimony about confidential redistricting documents by Gainesville-based political operative Pat Bainter. (Tampa Bay Times)
Syria suicide attacker grew up in Florida: A suicide bomber in a recent attack that was taped and posted online grew up and went to school in Florida before becoming a jihadist names Abu Hurayra Al-Amriki. (CNN)
Today on First Coast Connect, we start the show with our Friday local media roundtable.
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.
