Jeb Bush, tuberculosis at Raines and the death of Norman Bridwell, creator of 'Clifford The Big Read Dog' 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 65 degrees. Tonight should be mostly clear, with a low in the mid 40s.
At the Beaches there should be sunny skies, with a high near 60 degrees. Tonight will be mostly clear, with a low around 47 degrees. (National Weather Service)
Fullwood wins Jacksonville House District 13 special primary
Former incumbent Reggie Fullwood won the Democratic primary election for Florida House District 13, which includes Downtown Jacksonville and surrounding neighborhoods, beating out opponent Councilman Johnny Gaffney by 1,533 votes. Fullwood faces off against Republican Lawrence Jefferson on Feb. 17, 2015. (WJCT via News4Jax)
Department of Health investigating tuberculosis case at Raines High School
150 students and staff members were exposed to TB after the sick student began showing symptoms. (WJCT)
Jeb Bush announced that he is considering running for president
In an announcement on his social media pages, Jeb Bush, the former Republican governor of Florida, said that he was going to "actively explore the possibility" of a presidential run. (WJCT)
Norman Bridwell, creator of 'Clifford The Big Red Dog' has passed away
Bridwell, the beloved children's author and artist died in his home in Massachusetts surrounded by his family members. (WJCT)
Grand Park community members gather to discuss violence in neighborhood
Residents of the Grand Park neighborhood and members of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office met at St. Paul Church of Jacksonville to talk about the gang violence that has been occurring in the area. (News4Jax)
Public defender not indicted for alleged improprieties
The grand jury in the case of Public Defender Matt Shirk returned no indictment. (News4Jax)
FedEx truck spills Christmas gifts on I-75 east of Atlanta
A FedEx Ground truck carrying packages – many of them Christmas gifts – was involved in an accident that ripped open the side of the trailer dumping hundreds of packages onto the highway. (The Macon Telegraph)
Today on First Coast Connect, Melissa Ross is joined by local change agent Chevara Orrin on the legacy of her father, civil rights icon James Bevel, who is being portrayed in the upcoming movie 'Selma.'
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.
