Rethreaded prepares to celebrate its fourth year of helping women out of prostitution and human trafficking. Councilman Tommy Hazouri says he’ll sponsor an updated HRO that includes protections for sexual minorities. Gov. Scott declares a state of emergency in five central and north Florida counties due to flooding near Tampa and the surrounding area.
It’s Friday, August 7, 2015. 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 9 stories you don’t want to miss.
Jacksonville’s Rethreaded Celebrating Its Fourth Year
Rethreaded, a Jacksonville nonprofit dedicated to helping women break the cycle of the sex trade, plans to celebrate the fourth anniversary of its founding this Saturday.
Councilman Hazouri Says He’ll Sponsor Expanded HRO
Jacksonville City Councilman Tommy Hazouri says he’ll sponsor an expansion of the city’s human rights ordinance to ban discrimination against gay and transgender people.
Jacksonville Costume Business Continues To Grow Online
A Jacksonville costume business is growing by selling the outfits and other supplies for themed birthday parties. Just Pretend Kids sells its Perfect Party in a Box online out of a warehouse located off Philips Highway.
Gov. Scott Declares State Of Emergency For Five North, Central Florida Areas
Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday afternoon declared states of emergency for severe weather and flooding in five counties. He issued Flood Warnings for Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties as well as Flash Flood Warnings for Taylor and Dixie counties.
Transition Committees Bring Suggestions To Mayor Curry
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry convened nine committees on a range of topics during his transition to becoming mayor. Today at City Hall, the committees presented their suggestions to Curry.
Nippers Beach Grille Declares Bankruptcy
Nippers Beach Grille owner Rudy Theale told the Business Journal he's in talks with a group of investors about selling the restaurant.
Man Killed In Hit-And-Run On Acosta Bridge While Trying To Change Tire
Police are looking for the driver who hit and killed a man changing his tire on the Acosta Bridge Wednesday around 10 p.m. The Florida Highway Patrol says 55-year-old Husein Brkic of Jacksonville was hit by a car while he was trying to change his tire in the left emergency lane.
Officers Infiltrated Protest Groups While Preparing For 2012 Republican National Convention
The Tampa Bay Times recently reported part of law enforcement’s preparation for the 2012 Republican National Convention included undercover officers infiltrating protest groups and working their way up into leadership roles.
Ferguson Businesses Struggle To Rebuild Post-Riots
Businesses in Ferguson, Mo., are bracing as the city prepares for peaceful protests marking the one-year anniversary since it was embroiled in violence following the death of 18-year-old Michael Brown.
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