The State of the River Report, presented Friday morning at the University of North Florida, indicates the health of the St. Johns River is generally improving, but that scientists are concerned about some recent negative trends. Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams says he supports increased funding for a crime-prevention program called the Jacksonville Journey — even if its success isn’t immediately apparent. The City of Jacksonville reopened Julius Guinyard pool near Downtown last week with new amenities and ADA accessibility after closing it three years ago.
It’s Monday, August 17, 2015. Welcome to WJCT First Read, your daily weekday morning round-up of stories from the First Coast, around Florida and across the country.
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Here are 8 stories you might have missed.
Pollutants Down, But Salinity Up In St. Johns River
Lucinda Sonnenberg, Director of the Millar Wilson Laboratory at JU, says pollutants are still at “unsatisfactory” levels, but are trending down. UNF chemistry professor Pyati says she’s concerned about rising levels of saltwater, which harms fisheries and endangered animals who are sensitive to small changes. Pyati said, “The further upstream a saline zone moves, the further a female crab has to move to lay her eggs.”
Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams Says He Supports Increased Funding For Crime-Prevention Program
On WJCT’s First Coast Forum Thursday night, Williams said Journey programs are designed to keep kids motivated and busy so they don’t become involved with gangs or drugs.
Millennial Generation Takes Ownership Of The Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaguars staff notices the passion from millennials, says marketing VP Steve Ziff. Many of these 20-something Jaguar fans have formed communities. There’s a “Generation Jaguar” blog, and popular fan groups that attend games together, like Teal Street Hooligans and the Bold City Brigade.
Jacksonville Public Library May Get First Budget Increase In A Decade
Jacksonville public libraries suffered significant budget cuts in 2012. But Library Board Chair Erin Skinner says she’s hopeful as a new City Council discusses the budget and the Capital Improvement Plan. “This is actually the first budget cycle in 10 years that the library has not been asked to make cuts to our budget,” Skinner said.
Jacksonville Reopens Outdoor Pool To The Public
The JaxParks Aquatics Department opened Julius Guinyard pool after remodeling the facilities. JaxParks spokeswoman Pam Roman says the community had been anticipating the pool’s return. Roman says renovations include a resurfaced pool and deck, remodeled shower and restroom facilities and new lifeguard chairs.
Despite Objections, House Committee Passes Base Map
At the close of its hearing Thursday, the House committee approved the base map—east-west District Five and all. Further changes from House lawmakers will have to come on the floor, and the deadline for amendments is noon Friday.
Death Toll Rises As Investigation Into Chinese Port Explosions Continues
Two days after twin explosions devastated a warehouse area in northeast China, officials say the death toll has risen to 56, including 21 firefighters. More than 6,000 people have been relocated over contamination concerns; the warehouse contained dangerous chemicals.
Fact Check: Was Planned Parenthood Started To 'Control' The Black Population?
Ben Carson alleged in an interview with Fox News Wednesday that Planned Parenthood puts most of its clinics in black neighborhoods to "control the population" and that its founder, Margaret Sanger, "was not particularly enamored with black people."
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