Jacksonville Public Education Fund, tornadoes, and Obamacare are in the headlines today.Welcome to WJCT First Read, your daily weekday morning round-up of stories from the First Coast, around Florida, and across the country. We'll also preview some of WJCT's upcoming news programming.
Survey lauds Jax Schools: A survey conducted by the Jacksonville Public Education Fund shows a majority of respondents think the Duval County Public Schools are on the right track. (WJCT)
Forrest High vote likely tonight: The Duval County School Board will likely vote tonight on a recommendation on whether to change the name of Nathan B. Forrest High School. (Sunshine State News)
Seven houses destroyed in Palm Coast tornado: An EF1 tornado touched down Saturday in Palm Coast affecting 171 houses, including destroying seven. (First Coast News)
Florida Blue drops policies for retirees: The state's largest health insurance provider, Florida Blue will eliminate coverage for about 500 former employees. (Florida Times-Union)
Waycross firefighter death deemed homicide: The death of a veteran Waycross, Georgia firefighter on Sunday after being pulled out of a burning house is being investigated as a homicide after the fire was determined to be arson. (News4Jax)
Florida Obamacare "navigators" say sign up is easier: Following technical issues that plagued the rollout of Healthcare.gov, federally appointed health care navigators saysigning up using the Health Insurance Marketplace is now possible. (WJCT)
Insurance fraud on the rise in Florida: New data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau shows a 23 percent rise in questionable claims over the past two years. (Jacksonville Business Journal)
Florida transitions to LED street lighting: Cities across the state are replacing old street lights with LED versions, which officials say allow drivers to see clearer. (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
FSU's Winston wins Heisman: Florida State University star quarterback Jameis Winston became the youngest player to win the Heisman Trophy this weekend at age 19. (CNN)
Florida QB Murphy confirms transfer: University of Florida second string quarterback Tyler Murphy, who started six games for the Gators this season, will be transferring next year. (ESPN)
Bills defeat Jags: The Buffalo Bills beat the Jaguars 27-20 at Everbank Field yesterday, bringing the Jags' record to 4-10. (Associated Press)
Florida second worst state for dropped phones: A survey by a mobile electronics insurance company shows Florida second only to Washington, D.C. for dropped cell phones this year. (Miami Herald)
Zimmerman set to leave Florida: Former Sanford neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman will reportedly be leaving Florida in the coming weeks. (New York Daily News)
Today on First Coast Connect, Joyce Case, Navigator Program director at the Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida, on the state's Affordable Care Act enrollment numbers.
You can get all the latest headlines online at WJCTNews.org, on our Facebook page, and on Twitter @WJCTJax. You can follow Patrick Donges on Twitter at @patrickhdonges.
