Mayor Alvin Brown contemplates his time in office as Mayor-elect Lenny Curry announces key members of his new team. Chicken-keeping is finally legal in many First Coast residential areas, the local blueberry crop is suffering under dry, hot conditions, and staff changes are coming to the group behind the much loved One Spark festival.
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 might have missed.
Jax City Council Repeals Marijuana Moratorium, Expands Backyard Chicken Program
In its last meeting before newly-elected members take their seats July 1, the City Council voted to throw out an emergency marijuana ordinance it passed two weeks ago and unanimously voted in favor of a chicken ordinance that extends a 2013 pilot program permitting backyard hens in certain residential areas.
Familiar Faces Among Jacksonville City Hall New Hires
A former state lawmaker and a former Jacksonville Fire Chief are among the new hires at Jacksonville City Hall.
Jacksonville Blueberry Crop Shriveling Up From Heat
Although this season has been pretty good with a cold winter and no freezes after blooming time, Stewart Dowless, owner of Dowless U-Pick Blueberry Farm, says recent dry conditions and hot days have been hard on the crop.
One Spark Festival Lays Off Most Employees
The group behind Downtown’s One Spark festival has slashed its staff and is reorganizing.
NAS Jacksonville Hosts First-Ever Gay Pride Event
On Tuesday, Naval Air Station Jacksonville held its first-ever gay pride event. A Navy spokeswoman says the celebration is first on any Navy base in the southeastern United States.
Alvin Brown Reflects On His Time As Mayor Of Jacksonville
During an appearance on WJCT's “First Coast Connect,” Brown reflected on his time as mayor and talked about his plans for the future.
Online Mapping Tool Shows Where HIV Infections Are Prevalent
Florida has one of the nation’s highest HIV infection rates. Jacksonville residents — and people anywhere in the U.S. — can use a free online map tool called AIDSVu to find out about infection rates in their ZIP code.
ACLU Hoping To Block Abortion Waiting Period Law
Lawyers for the American Civil Liberties Union want to block an abortion waiting period law that takes effect July 1. The state-mandated delay would require two trips to a doctor.
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