Somer's Garden, another Shipyards proposal and a propane tank explosion 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 83 degrees. Southeast wind 5 to 7 mph. Tonight skies should be clear, with a low around 59 degrees. Southeast wind 5 to 8 mph becoming southwest after midnight.
At the Beaches skies will be sunny, with a high near 70 degrees. Calm wind becoming southeast around 6 mph in the afternoon. Tonight should be mostly clear, with a low around 58 degrees. Southeast wind 6 to 9 mph becoming southwest after midnight. (National Weather Service)
Headlines
Nigeria's Petroleum Technology Development Fund chose Jacksonville University to teach its students in the Overseas Scholars program. (WJCT)
A propane tank exploded in the Imeson Park neighborhood on Jacksonville's Northside setting the house on fire. (News4Jax)
Another new development proposal has been submitted to the Downtown Investment Authority for the Shipyards. (WJCT)
The site of the home of Somer Thompson's murderer will be converted into a food forest. The garden will be called "Somer's Garden" and will feature fruits, nuts, vegetables and herbs. Ground breaking on the lot is scheduled for Saturday, April 11. (News4Jax)
The Jacksonville Public Library is hosting a series of debates for candidates for Jacksonville's City Council, and is seeking public submissions for questions to ask the candidates. (WJCT)
An SUV was discovered Sunday submerged in a retention pond on the Southside with a body inside. The SUV belonged to a man who has been missing since December. (The Florida Times-Union)
Today on First Coast Connect, guest host Jessica Palombo speaks to Father Nick Louh of St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church and Dr. Parvez Ahmed from The Islamic Center of Northeast Florida about the Persecution of Muslims and Christians by the self-proclaimed Islamic State. Jacksonville Beach author Peter DiFatta discusses his book, "Finding Pluck," and Cole Pepper wraps up this weekend's sports.
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.
