Thursday on “First Coast Connect” we spoke with Fraternal Order of Police local 530 President Steve Zoma about the proposed use of body cameras by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. We also spoke with Melody Perry from Lutheran Social Services and caregiver Nakia Hinton about their Money Minders program and 5 and Dime Theatre Executive Director Lee Hambly talked about the theatre’s new location and the upcoming performance of the play “Night Mother.”
Police Body Cameras
Plans to put body cameras on Jacksonville police officers have hit a roadblock as the sheriff and the head of the local police union figure out how the program should be implemented. Meanwhile, local groups like the Southern Christian Leadership Conference say they want input on this initiative as well. Zoma said the union supports the use of body cameras but believes it needs to be negotiated as part of collective bargaining.
Money Minders
Thousands of Duval County residents have a disability that can make it difficult for them to manage their finances. When they miss bills like utilities or rent, it can be the beginning of the cycle of homelessness. This hidden link between disability and poverty is the focus of Money Minders a program of Lutheran Social Services. Perry spoke about the program and Hinton told us how it has helped her and her family.
5 and Dime
The 5 and Dime Theatre now has a permanent home at 112 East Adams in downtown Jacksonville. Their production of the play ‘Night Mother” begins on Friday.
Producer Kevin Meerschaert can be reached at kmeerschaert@wjct.org, 904-358-6334 or on Twitter at @KMeerschaertJax.
