On Wednesday, the state saw its largest single-day increase in coronavirus cases.
Amidst the rising tide of COVID-19 cases, more local leaders are speaking out this week about Jacksonville’s plans to host the Republican National Convention in August. They’re also concerned the city won’t issue a mask ordinance, as most other large Florida cities have already done.
Dr. Jeff Goldhagen, Professor and Chief, Division of Community and Societal Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville; and Hugh Greene, retired CEO of Baptist Health, joined us to discuss the spike - and what we need to do to help stop the spread.
Related: Local, State, And National Coronavirus Coverage
Homelessness
Around the country, the rates of homelessness are down around 7%. But in Jacksonville, the numbers are going the wrong way. Homeless rates are up about 20% in the River City.
The Community Foundation of Northeast Florida asked an expert to look at what Jacksonville should be doing differently to get more people out of homelessness. That expert, Barbara Poppe, the executive director of theU.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, gave us her input.
PFLAG Jax
The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough on everyone, but it’s been particularly rotten timing for high school seniors. The Class of 2020 missed out on prom, walking in cap and gown, graduation night parties - most of the traditional rituals of graduation. LGBTQ+ youth in this age group have special challenges of their own, of course.
So here’s something good to note: PFLAG Jax has extended its deadline to apply for scholarships this year, to July 1. Anyone in the LGBTQ+ community applying for secondary education, be it traditional university or trade/technical school, needs to know that there is money out there to be had, according to PLAG Jax. The organization is giving out $1,000 scholarships. PFLAGJAX board chair Jonathan Stem shared more details with us. Applications are available here.
Related: For more good news, subscribe to our "What's Good Wednesdays" newsletter here.
Southern Rock Museum
The Jacksonville Historical Society is working to build a new museum dedicated to this city’s amazing contributions to the genre of Southern Rock. Mitch Hemann is with the society and joined us for a closer look.
Heather Schatz can be reached at hschatz@wjct.org or on Twitter at @heatherschatz.
