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First Coast Connect

8/19/16: Journalist Roundtable; Nemours; Pablo Francisco

Our Friday Media Roundtable discusses this week’s political debates, there’s an upcoming fundraiser for Nemours Children’s Hospital and comedian Pablo Francisco stops by First Coast Connect. 

Media Roundtable

Our weekly roundtable discussion included WJCT reporter Ryan Benk;  local blogger Fred Matthews; Tim Gibbons, editor of the Jacksonville Business Journal and A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics.

They discussed with host Melissa Ross the candidates in several races in the Aug. 30th primary election. They also talked about  Aetna pulling out of the Affordable Care Act. The insurer ending its Obamacare plans in 11 states, including Florida. The panelists also talked about a private treasure salvage company saying it’s found a shipwreck, buried in sand under the ocean off Cape Canaveral, that could be linked to the lost French colony of Fort Caroline here in our area.

Nemours Fundraiser

Next Friday you can meet Mayor Lenny Curry and his wife Molly and support a worthy cause. It’s the Nemours Children’s fourth annual gala, An Evening of Promise. We heard from Nemours Chief Medical Officer Michael Erhard and Father Scott Rupert.

Rupert’s 8-year-old Riley, a Nemours patient, and his family will be introduced as honored guests. Riley was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor almost two years ago and just completed his 52 week chemotherapy treatment.

Pablo Francisco

He’s one of the most popular touring comedians, Pablo Francisco has earned a reputation for his arsenal of off-the-wall characters and impressions. He is appearing this weekend at the Comedy Zone in Jacksonville and appeared on First Coast Connect with his opening act Steve Kramer.  Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. 

Producer Kevin Meerschaert can be reached at kmeerschaert@wjct.org, 904-358-6334 or on Twitter at @KMeerschaertJax.

Kevin Meerschaert has left WJCT for new pursuits. He was the producer of First Coast Connect until October of 2018.