While North Florida ICUs fill up with COVID-19 patients, some school boards across Florida are voting to require masks for students, despite Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order and emergency state rules that guarantee parents the right to choose masks.
Despite recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics stating that all K-12 students should mask up for in-person learning, DeSantis and Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran are threatening to withhold pay from local officials who defy them.
Jacksonville attorney Chris Hand specializes in government law. He's the co-author of America, the Owner’s Manual, and the former chief of staff for the city of Jacksonville. Hand joined us with his interpretation of Florida’s constitutional law and weighed in on whether DeSantis’ threats would hold up in court.
Masks in Courtrooms
North Florida's Fourth Judicial Circuit has re-implemented a mask mandate in courtrooms by the order of Chief Judge Mark Mahon; however, some attorneys say it is not followed, even by judges.
Criminal defense attorney Janet Johnson spoke with us about her experiences in First Coast courtrooms.
Chef Kenny Gilbert
Tonight, Jacksonville Chef Kenny Gilbert of Silkie's in Springfield appears on an episode of Food Paradise called “Fried and True.” The episode airs on the Cooking Channel tonight at 10 p.m. and Thursday at 2 a.m.
LOL Film Festival
The LOL Jax Comedy Film Festival showcases local filmmakers and their funny shorts. The two-day event kicks off Friday with screenings at the MOSH. Festival co-creator Monique Madrid gave us a preview.
What’s Good Wednesday
- The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville is accepting nominations for the 45th Annual Arts Awards in nine categories.
- Artist Cassidy Ramos will be at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens this Friday at 5:30 p.m. for a Meet the Artist event, free with museum admission.
- Pastor Mark Griffin and Wayman Temple AME Church will host another “25 for 25” event this Saturday. Dr. Griffin and his church offer $25 gift certificates to everyone 25 years and under who comes out to get vaccinated against COVID. The event is in partnership with Agape Family Health.
- The City of Jacksonville is planning three new COVID testing sites across the city, with two additional new sites to be operated by the Department of Health in Duval County.
- In partnership with Nomi Health, St. Johns County will be offering free COVID testing starting Monday, August 16, at the St. Johns County Agricultural Center. The site will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary.
First Coast Connect with Melissa Ross Associate Producer Katherine Hobbs can be reached at khobbs@wjct.org or on Twitter at @KatherineGHobbs.
