Wednesday on “First Coast Connect,” we discussed the fallout from the firing of FBI Director James Comey with international experts Ambassador Nancy Soderberg; Ed Coyle, the foreign counterintelligence representative to the Supreme Allied Command Atlantic; and the Division Chief for the Combatting Terrorism Directorate for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and Jacksonville United Nations Association Secretary Jill Dawson (1:17). Jacksonville City Councilman Matt Schellenberg (28:00) talked about the Homestead Tax Exemption ballot proposal placed on the November 2018 ballot by the state legislature. We interviewed former Supremes singer Mary Wilson and her co-star Terry Adams (37:11) about their show “Menopause the Musical,” and we heard from local author Valerie Bowman (48:32).
Comey Firing
The fallout continues after President Trump’s surprise move Tuesday to fire FBI Director James Comey. Multiple published reports say Trump had grown enraged by the Russia investigation Comey was leading at the bureau. Amidst this backdrop, a high-powered panel is coming to the Jacksonville University campus next week with a critically important look at geopolitical challenges around the world. Including our relations with Russia and much more. The discussion will be held at J.U’s Gooding Auditorium from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. May 18.
Homestead Exemption
Florida lawmakers have approved a proposed increase in the homestead property-tax exemption, which could save homeowners money on their property taxes. It’s been placed on the November 2018 ballot. Schellenberg said the move to increase the homestead tax exemption is bad for cities because it could affect critical services like police and fire.
Mary Wilson
With 50 years in show business, Mary Wilson — a founding member of the Motown superstars The Supremes and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee — is a true legend. She’s had a string of hits with the Supremes and as a solo artist, and has written two bestselling autobiographies. She is appearing in the show “Menopause the Musical” through Sunday at the Times-Union Center.
Valerie Bowman
Bowman is the award-winning author of historical Regency romances. This month she releases her 10th full-length novel, “Never Trust A Pirate.” It’s an historical romance novel based on “The Scarlet Pimpernel.”
Producer Kevin Meerschaert can be reached at kmeerschaert@wjct.org, 904-358-6334 or on Twitter at @KMeerschaertJax
