Lightning after a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game, new school boundaries, and GastroFest 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 the high today will be 68 degrees. Fog in some areas until 11 a.m. 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorm. Tonight there will be a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Skies will be mostly cloudy, low about 64 degrees.
At the Beaches currently 62 degrees with showers and possible thunderstorms. High temperature 66 degrees. Tonight the low will be about 63 degrees, and there will be a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 2 a.m. (National Weather Service)
Sex offender laws are having an unintended consequence
Residency restrictions on sex-crime felons are creating hot spots where convicted predators and offenders can find places to live. (The Florida Times-Union)
Seven injured by lightning after Tampa Bay Buccaneers game
Witnesses saw a lightning bolt strike a car in the parking lot of Raymond James Stadium after the Buccaneers game against the Green Bay Packers. (The Florida Times-Union)
New boundaries proposed for five Duval schools
Superintendent Nikolai Vitti received a mixed response after presenting his plan to change the boundaries of two high schools, two elementary schools and one middle school to allow them to become dedicated magnet schools. (WJCT)
Funeral for slain Raines student held this weekend
Bishop Rudolph McKissick Jr. and Pastor John Guns lead the service celebrating the life of the 16-year-old Devron Crowden who was shot and killed while waiting for a school bus. During the service, McKissick acted out a skit showing a young man being shot to drive home the point that consequences in life are real. (News4Jax)
Jacksonville food festival on schedule for March
GastroJax, the organization behind GastroFest, obtained its 501(c)(3) status and is on course for its first inaugural food festival being held in Hemming Park downtown. (WJCT)
Great Oak at Episcopal School scheduled to be removed today
The ancient oak tree is dying from a fungus infection and must be removed as a safety precaution. (News4Jax)
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.
