Wildfires are creating problems around the First Coast. The city of Jacksonville is preparing to dedicate a new park to the Johnson brothers. City Council committees have recommended to stop federal assistance in Eureka Gardens and support seismic air-gun testing off the coast of Jacksonville.
Welcome to WJCT First Read, your daily weekday morning round-up of stories from the First Coast, around Florida, and across the country.
Here are 8 stories you don’t want to miss.
Jacksonville To Dedicate ‘Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing’ Park
The Durkeeville Historical Society and city of Jacksonville plan to dedicate the birth site of Jacksonville’s Johnson brothers as the “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” Park. The park is named after the song written by John Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson.
Wildfires Continue Burning Across Northeast Florida
Fire fighters are battling several wildfires around Northeast Florida. The Florida Forest Service says 20 fires are burning in the region Monday. The fires are causing significant problems for residents.
Seismic Testing Supporters Win City Council Committee Support By Slim Margin
A Jacksonville City Council committee on Monday narrowly voted to support seismic air-gun testing off the coast. Air-gun testing is a method for finding oil and natural gas beneath the ocean floor with loud blasts of air.
City Council Committee Recommends Ceasing Federal Aid To Eureka Gardens
Monday, the City Council Rules Committee recommended the federal government stop assisting Jacksonville’s Eureka Gardens apartment complex, unless management makes it safer.
St. Augustine To Remember Largest Mass Arrest Of Rabbis In US History
The St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society plans to hold an event this week to remember the contributions Jewish leaders made to the civil rights movement. Seventeen Jewish leaders were arrested in St. Augustine in 1964 for supporting the civil rights movement.
Mayor Alvin Brown Launches 2015 Summer Jobs Program
Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown launched his teen summer-jobs program at the City’s downtown library on Monday. Duval County students will receive job training and work experience through the program.
High Court Sides With Government On Spousal Visa Denial
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday upheld the government's broad discretion to give only a cursory explanation for refusing to grant a visa to the spouse of an American citizen. The justices divided 5-to-4, concluding that a consular officer's citation of unspecified "terrorist activities" was enough to justify barring a spouse without further explanation.
Australian 'Man With The Golden Arm' Donates Blood That Has Saved 2 Million Babies
When James Harrison was 14, he got really sick. One of his lungs had to be removed, and he needed a lot of blood. After receiving 13 units — almost 2 gallons — of donated blood, Harrison knew right away that he wanted to give back.
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