Florida Blue, urban blight, and the NSA are in the headlines today.Welcome to WJCT First Read, your daily weekday morning round-up of stories from the First Coast, around Florida, and and across the country. We'll also preview some of WJCT's upcoming news programming.
Surge of Obamacare policies delaying benefits for Florida Blue enrollees: Customers with Florida Blue have seen delays since signing up for policies under the Affordable Care Act that has meant some aren't getting treatment. (Health News Florida via WJCT)
Jax officials continuing neighborhood cleanup efforts: Since they began an emergency citywide neighborhood cleanup operation in October, Jacksonville public works officials have collected enough trash to fill a football field two-feet deep. (First Coast News)
After short tenure, Jax Cultural Council director resigns: After less than three months on the job, Kim Bergeron resigned Wednesday as executive director of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville. (Florida Times-Union)
Obama expected to call for major NSA reforms: In a speech this morning, President Barack Obama is expected to direct the National Security Agency to cease the bulk collection of phone metadata and call for immediate action to reform the agency's controversial surveillance programs. (NPR via WJCT)
Gov. Scott announces top campaign positions: On Thursday Governor Rick Scott announced the appointment of State Senator John Thrasher as chairman of his re-election campaign, among other campaign positions. (News4Jax)
New university funding model ties amounts to performance: Florida institutions of higher education could lose a portion of their state funding under new a model approved Thursday that penalizes low performers. (Bradenton Herald)]
Today on First Coast Connect, we start with our weekly local media roundtable.
And don't forget, we're accepting submissions for our First Coast Connect theme song contest! Click to find out how you can become a part of each and every show.
You can get all the latest headlines online at WJCTNews.org, on our Facebook page, and on Twitter @WJCTJax. You can follow Patrick Donges on Twitter at @patrickhdonges.
