The Florida Legislature is throwing in the towel after a public fight with Gov. Ron DeSantis over his desire to draw a new congressional map that would eliminate two largely Black districts, including one in our area.
Republican leaders gave in to the governor Monday and said the Legislature will let his office present its preferred map during this month's special session. DeSantis vetoed maps approved by state lawmakers earlier this year that preserved minority access districts in Florida. One is Congressional District 5, the North Florida seat held by Rep. Al Lawson, an African American Democrat.
Guest: Nicholas Seabrook, Ph.D., professor and interim chair, Department of Political Science and Public Administration at the University of North Florida.
Tax Day
Tax day is coming up soon, and those filing need to be aware of some changes in the way we file this year.
Guest: Financial adviser Daniel Gilham, Farther Finance.
Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra
More than 30 members of the Jacksonville Symphony have been invited to perform alongside The Who when the Hall of Fame band performs in Jacksonville later this month.
But that’s not The Symphony’s only good news this spring.
Guest: Tony Nickle, vice president and artistic administrator of the Symphony.
What’s good Wednesday
- After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mandarin Art Festival will return Saturday and Sunday to the grounds of the Mandarin Community Club. This family-friendly event serves as the premier fundraiser of the Mandarin Community Club, a nonprofit identified as the oldest civic organization in Jacksonville, with proceeds supporting the club’s preservation, education and beautification efforts throughout the Mandarin community.
- The 17th Annual Spring for the Arts will be held on Friday at Epping Forest Yacht & Country Club. Join the Cathedral Arts Project for an evening of celebration to raise funds for arts education for children and youth in Northeast Florida.
- Join celebrated Chef Mimi Lan for a delicious evening at Gyo Greens Farm in Ponte Vedra. It’s the Farm Tour with a Twist, next Friday, April 22. Enjoy a guided tour of Gyo Greens farm facilities and grounds and learn about aquaculture and hydroponics, while nibbling on gourmet global bites, paired with micro greens and edible flowers.
- The historic Memorial Presbyterian Church in St. Augustine is hosting a Lenten Concert Series at 12:45 p.m. on Wednesdays.
- If you are interested in the history of the guitar, join Eddy Cotton this Thursday for a special fundraising event at the Jacksonville Historical Society. "River City Rhythms: Blind Blake and Beyond" will feature the historical context of vintage guitars and accessories on display as he plays era- and genre-specific songs, sharing how guitars, players and styles shaped his life and career as a regional performer and musical historian.
