Gay marriage in Florida, a plane landing on US 17 and secret videos taken in submarine showers and are all 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.
Today's Weather
In Jacksonville it's expected to be partly sunny, with a high near 72. Breezy, with a northeast wind 5 to 15 mph. Tonight's low 58. Today in Jacksonville Beach it will be partly sunny, with a high near 70. Breezy, with a northeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Tonight's low 62. (National Weather Service)
Navy investigating submarine shower video scandal
A 24-year-old male sailor is being investigated over allegations that he video recorded female crew members while they were showering. (First Coast News)
Art community rallies behind MOCA Jacksonville
In a press conference outside the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, Chair of the Cultural Council, Abel Harding, reminded the audience that the Cultural Council's grant making process is designed to make it free from politics. MOCA Director and Chief Curator Marcelle Polednik stood firm in her position to protect the museum's First Amendment rights and artistic freedom. (WJCT)
Gay marriage may begin in Florida next year
U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle ruled earlier this year that the amendment to the Florida Constitution defining marriage as "the legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife" was unconstitutional, but placed a stay on his decision until January 5. Attorney General Pam Bondi's request for a temporary extension of the ban was denied, allowing gay marriages to begin next January. (News4Jax)
FBI Director visits Jacksonvile
In a press conference during one leg of his 56 field office tour around the county, FBI Director James Comey told reporters that the agency's top priority is fighting terror threats that are using social media to perpetuate and promote their causes. (WJCT)
Engine trouble forces plane to land on local highway
The pilot of the plane flying out of the Hilliard Airport managed an emergency landing on US 17 without any injuries. A passerby caught video of the plane as it landed on the road. (First Coast News)
Possible meth lab discovered in St. Johns County
The St. Johns County Hazmat team removed evidence from a possible methamphetamine lab in a house in the World Golf Village after hours of investigation. Two children were removed from the home and taken into the custody of the Department of Children and Families. (News4Jax)
Today on First Coast Connect, Edward L. Birk, Attorney and Shareholder with Marks Gray joins Melissa Ross to discuss the debate over body cameras for police officers, and The Specktator, Kerry Speckman gives us the round up of all the local events happening this weekend.
You can get all the latest headlines online at WJCTNews.org, on our Facebook page, and on Twitter @WJCTJax. You can follow Ray Hollister on Twitter @RayHollister.
