Brendan Rivers
Special Projects ProducerSpecial Projects Producer Brendan Rivers joined WJCT News in August of 2018 after several years as a reporter and then News Director at Southern Stone Communications, which owns and operates several radio stations in the Daytona Beach area.
Originally from Clifton Park, New York, Brendan moved to Florida in high school. He has a bachelor's degree in music from New College of Florida and an associate's degree in music production and technology from Daytona State College.
Brendan originally planned to pursue a career as a composer, arranger, music producer and recording engineer, but an internship at WGCU, the NPR and PBS member station in Fort Myers, convinced him he belongs in broadcasting and public media.
Brendan is the lead reporter for ADAPT, WJCT’s digital magazine exploring how Northeast Florida is adapting to sea level rise and other effects of climate change. He also hosts the ADAPT podcast.
Brendan's bylines include NPR, The Guardian, InsideClimate News, Grist, Living On Earth, The Miami Herald, The Florida Times-Union and Folio Weekly. He is a member of the Society of Environmental Journalists and a former fellow with InsideClimate News and Climate Matters in the Newsroom.
Brendan Rivers can be reached at brivers@wjct.org, 904-358-6396 or on Twitter at @BrendanRivers.
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First Coast ConnectGun reform advocates speak out against Florida’s permitless carry bill; some residents are fighting a development near an environmental preserve in Northeast Jacksonville; “ShakesBeer”: part Shakespeare, part interactive storytelling and part brewery tour; and What’s Good Wednesday.
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First Coast ConnectThe Duval Schools’ book debate makes its way to the floor of Congress; how divorcing parents handle custody issues with a transgender child; state lawmakers debate whether child rapists should be sentenced to death; and a local filmmaking team is headed to the Cannes Film Festival.
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What's Health Got to Do with It?The “What’s Health Got to Do With It” team shares their favorite medical books for spring 2023.
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First Coast ConnectA May runoff is set for several local elections including the Jacksonville’s mayor’s race; a local lawmaker pushes a bill to crack down on drag shows; bills that would significantly expand school vouchers and help protect businesses and insurance companies from lawsuits are awaiting the governor’s signature; and iconic music photographer Mark Weiss comes to Jacksonville.
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First Coast ConnectGovernments haven’t done nearly enough to deal with climate change, according to a major new report; the new documentary “Nurse Unseen” explores how Filipino nurses are the backbone of the health care system; it’s National Agriculture Week; the Late Bloomers Garden Club is putting on a free public flower show; and the second annual San Marco Beer Fest is coming up.
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First Coast ConnectThe mayoral race and several City Council races will be decided in May runoffs; Hug-a-Farmer Spring Market ; and What’s Good Wednesday.
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First Coast ConnectEarly voting ends Sunday, and Election Day is Tuesday; Duval County Public Schools pushes back against the governor over book bans; a bill that would ban gender-affirming care for minors is making its way through the Florida Legislature; the city approves $50 million in taxpayer funds for a new UF campus;, City Council candidate Rahman Johnson; and a “JME DJ Session.”
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First Coast ConnectJacksonville moves ahead with $20 million in taxpayer money on a new UF campus downtown; Jacksonville’s unsung history explored in new podcast; a look at the past and future of the site where the Jacksonville Landing once stood; and what’s going on around town this month.
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First Coast ConnectFlorida Republicans prefer Ron DeSantis over Donald Trump, according to a new University of North Florida poll; a conversation with City Council candidate Joshua Hicks; the 37th annual Celebrity Chefs Tasting and Silent Auction; and a recap of The Players Championship.
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First Coast ConnectA look back at the mayoral debate; more drama in the City Council races; Gov. Ron DeSantis says book bans are a “hoax”; and Florida Republicans favor DeSantis over Donald Trump, according to a new poll.