Early voting for the special election, the Jacksonville Symphony's new CEO, and the Great Oak tree at Episcopal School 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 today will be sunny, with a high near 61 degrees. Tonight, skies will be clear, with a low around 41 degrees.
At the Beaches conditions will be the same as inland, except with a high near 59 degrees. (National Weather Service)
Early voting begins for Florida House of Representatives District 13 special election
The special election for former incumbent Rep. Reggie Fullwood's District 13 seat began receiving early voters on Dec. 6. Fullwood's seat became vacant when the Division of Elections refused his paperwork for the regular elections due to a missing checkbox. (WJCT)
Raines teen murdered at bus stop was targeted before
The 16-year-old that was shot and killed at 13th and Canal St. was also shot earlier this year in October. (First Coast News)
Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra announces new president and CEO
The new CEO Robert Massey spoke yesterday about his shared vision to broaden the reach of the organization. (WJCT)
Defense in Cherish Perrywinkle case seeking to discredit mother
Donald Smith's defense attorney, Fred Gazala, is working to discredit Rayne Perrywinkle, the mother of the murdered girl, as a witness. The defense says that she was not taking the medicines she had been prescribed and that she claims to be clairvoyant. (News4Jax)
Mayor and Sheriff make joint statement about protesters
Mayor Alvin Brown and Sheriff John Rutherford issued a statement yesterday regarding the Jacksonville protests that shut down Interstate 95 and the Hart Bridge. They said that everyone has the right to "protest peaceably and voice their concerns," but it must be done in a way that does not "endanger public safety." (The Florida Times-Union)
Historic tree at Episcopal coming down
The centuries old Great Oak tree that was dedicated to Dale Reagan, the former head master that was shot and killed by a teacher in 2012, is dying from a fungus infection and must be removed. (Action News Jax)
Today on First Coast Connect, the Media Roundtable discusses all of the biggest stories of the week and a preview of the Depue Brothers Band's holiday concert this weekend at Riverside Fine Arts.
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.
