Rep. Reggie Fullwood and developments at the Shipyards and St. Johns Town Center 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 skies will be sunny, with a high near 57 degrees. Wind chill values will be as low as 30 degrees early in the day. Tonight should be mostly clear, with a low around 30 degrees. Wind chill values as low as 21 degrees.
At the Beaches it will be sunny, with a high near 54 degrees. Tonight should be mostly clear, with a low around 34 degrees. (National Weather Service)
Jaguars owner Shad Khan reveals his plan for the Jacksonville Shipyards. During the State of the Franchise press event, Khan unveiled a mixed-use development that will span from Berkman Plaza to Metropolitan Park. Highlights included a three-level practice field building for the Jaguars, an amphitheater and an extensive boardwalk. (WJCT)
Development planned for property across the street from St. John's Town Center. Preferred Growth Properties plans to build a mixed-use development including office, residential and retail space on the lot on Gate Parkway and Town Center Parkway. (The Florida Times-Union)
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx says Overland Bridge problems indicative of need for long-term infrastructure spending bill. Foxx reminded attendees at a press conference yesterday of when a section of the overpass fell off leaving a hole in the center lane. Foxx was in Jacksonville promoting the Grow America Act, which he said would provide a long-term better solution. (WJCT)
Jacksonville man refused to serve jury duty over clerks' refusal to perform marriage ceremonies. Chuck Chapman said he did not feel comfortable being at the courthouse as an openly gay man. Chapman was not chosen to serve on the jury. (The Florida Times-Union)
Reggie Fullwood wins back Jacksonville House District 13. After a special election that was started over two clerical errors that ended up making him ineligible for the general election in November, Fullwood, D-Jacksonville, defeated his Republican opponent Lawrence Jefferson and regained his seat in the Florida House. (WJCT)
Today on First Coast Connect, Elton Rivas joins Melissa Ross to talk about the upcoming 2015 One Spark crowdfunding festival. Ron Moody discusses the state of the real estate market, and local author Ron Whittington previews the 2015 Amelia Island Book Festival.
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.
