We Are Straight Allies, the Quality Education for All Fund, and Robert Corchado 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.
LGBT group to remain at One Spark venue despite request to move: Local LGBT advocacy group We Are Straight Allies will continue to exhibit at the Wells Fargo building during One Spark despite being asked by building management to leave. (WJCT)
QEA to funnel private funds to Duval Schools: Nearly $20 million in private funding has been approved to go toward recruiting and keeping the top performing educators in Duval County. (WJCT)
One Spark opening draws thousands: Yesterday's first day of the 2014 One Spark festival saw thousands of people filling the streets of downtown Jacksonville. (News4Jax)
Survey says Jax Beach is dangerous: An online study looking at FBI crime data says Jacksonville Beach is one of America's 10 most dangerous suburbs. (Florida Times-Union)
Hotels fill up for One Spark: Hotels in downtown Jacksonville are filling up fast as the 2014 One Spark festival gets into full swing this week. (First Coast News)
Arrest warrant issued in deadly Orange County day care crash: Authorities issued an arrest warrant early Thursday for Robert Corchado, the man they say is responsible for sending a vehicle crashing into a Winter Park day care center on Wednesday, killing one girl and hurting 14 other children. (CNN)
Report says Florida unfairly charges kids as adults: New York-based advocacy group Human Rights Watch says Florida prosecutors unfairly send thousands of children into the state's adult justice system each year. (Orlando Sentinel)
Undocumented immigrant tuition bill closer to passage: A bill allowing undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates at Florida colleges and universities was approved Wednesday by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education. (The Ledger)
FDOT warns against fraudulent toll letter: State transportation officials warn that many Florida residents have already received a fraudulent letter asking drivers to pay for unpaid tolls. (Florida Today)
Today on First Coast Connect, we're back at MOCA Jacksonville for our second show from the 2014 One Spark Festival! Come join us at 8:30 a.m. and ask your question live on air. Today we welcome Deborah Gianoulis to discuss this year's #EdSpark venue for education creators.
Also, don't forget we are in the middle of our Spring pledge drive. Please click here or call 1-800-722-9528 to pledge today and support WJCT-FM and WJCTNews.org.
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.
