Last night, the Jacksonville City Council voted 12-to-6 to withdraw the bill to remove the largest remaining Confederate monument in the city.
The proposal was to allocate $1.3 million to remove the monument in Springfield Park that was dedicated to white, Confederate women in the early 1900s, 50 years after the Civil War. The withdrawal came after local business leaders implored the Council to develop a comprehensive plan for removing all remaining markers of the Confederacy in Jacksonville — but it's not clear whether the matter will come back before Council any time soon.
Guest: WJCT News reporter Claire Heddles
Infrastructure bill
When President Biden’s $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill becomes law, Florida will receive billions. The funds could mean significant changes for Jacksonville.
Guest: Rep. Al Lawson, D-FL5
Cummer Museum turns 60
This Friday, the Cummer Museum celebrates its 60th anniversary. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Museum is holding a special celebration with free admission with live music.
Guest: Cummer Museum Director Andrea Barnwell Brownlee
Faith leaders support military families
Faith leaders across the First Coast can serve as essential resources for veterans and military families; however, very few clergy members have served in the military. Next Monday, a Faith Leader Military Awareness and Support Training event is aimed at bringing the two groups together.
Guest: Ret. Brigadier Gen. Michael Fleming, outreach director at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic
What’s Good Wednesday
- A private opening reception is set for Friday at the Museum of Science and History for The Life Scrolls exhibit, a tribute to Florida’s World War I fallen. Attendees will hear about 1924 paper scrolls on which the names of those who lost their lives are inscribed.
- The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is hosting its first annual Lighthouse Illuminations event to celebrate "the season of tides, tidings, and trees." Visitors can explore the keeper's house and grounds illuminated by lights and garlands, enjoy a sensational view of the lighthouse’s night mark and discover 21 trees, each decorated with a distinct theme.
- The Jacksonville COVID Task Force is holding a day of honor and appreciation for the city’s veterans and COVID heroes. The outdoor event is Saturday at 2 p.m. at James Weldon Johnson Park. Families wishing to honor a deceased hero may send an email asking for their name to be included.
- TIAA Bank is awarding four $5,000 scholarships to local high school students as part of its second annualBe the Changescholarship program. Students from 14 Jacksonville area high schools can submit an essay to share examples of racial injustice in their community and discuss ways the city of Jacksonville can work toward justice and equity for all. Entrants must also explain the role they will play.
- The First Coast Tiger Bay Club is meeting in person next week after a long break. They’ll hear from Assistant State Attorney Matt O’Keefe, director of the Proactive Division, and Assistant State Attorney Mark Caliel, director of the Reactive Division of the Targeted Prosecution Unit. Reservations are required by Monday.
- The Street League Skateboarding Super Crown Championship, a world-class skating tournament, will take place Downtown Saturday and Sunday.
- TheSuper Girl Surf Pro Contest and Festival is at Jacksonville Beach, November 12-14.
