A group of state lawmakers from Jacksonville and Orlando has asked the Florida Public Service Commission to conduct an audit of Florida Power & Light. They want to look at the utility’s books to ensure ratepayer money wasn't used to finance controversial dark-money political operations that made headlines throughout the state.
Citing reporting last month from theTimes-UnionandOrlando Sentinel, the state House members, including Representative Angie Nixon of Jacksonville, said in a letter to the PSC this week that it's imperative the group ensures ratepayer money wasn't used to "undermine democracy."
These concerns include an episode in 2019 during which a member of the Jacksonville City Council was offered a contrived job in a possible effort to tilt support in favor of privatizing JEA, Jacksonville's public utility.
At the same time, a federal grand jury continues to meet here in Jacksonville looking into the failed attempt to sell JEA off to Florida Power and Light’s parent company.
Guest: Nate Monroe, columnist at The Florida Times-Union.
Warming winters
Jacksonville was much warmer and drier than normal in December. The average temperature of 63 degrees was more than 6 degrees above normal, and the 1.61 inches of precipitation was 58% of the normal amount we typically get this time of year.
In fact, the data shows that winter is the fastest-warming season in Florida and that trend is only expected to get more intense.
Guest: Andrew Pershing, director of climate science at Climate Central.
Local sports
WJCT Sports Analyst, Josh Torres joined us with a recap of the Jaguars’ season and what we can follow during the off-season.
Guest: Josh Torres, WJCT sports analyst.
Hakka Kitchen
There’s a new option for plant-based eating in the city as we start off the new year. Hakka Kitchen on Beach Boulevard presents ancient, plant-based Chinese countryside cuisine with a modern twist.
Guest: Wen Raiti, owner of Hakka Kitchen.