A property tax referendum is on the ballot later this summer to help Duval County Public Schools. It would mainly boost teacher pay, but it also would improve art and athletics programs. Educators say it is desperately needed because of the local teacher shortage.
Guests:
- Justin Fluent, principal, First Coast High School.
- Tracy Pierce, chief of marketing and public pelations, Duval County Public Schools.
- Monica Kirkland, standards coach, Waterleaf Elementary, Duval County Public Schools.
Jacksonville Beach Pier reopens
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and Jacksonville Beach Mayor Christine Hoffman hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to reopen the Jacksonville Beach Pier at 10 a.m today.
Guest: Christine Hoffman, mayor, Jacksonville Beach.
Vaping among teens
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has put its ban on sales of Juul Labs e-cigarettes on hold. The health agency said it would do an additional review of the company's marketing application. Vaping rates among teens have slowly declined in the past two years, but addiction experts fear this decline is only temporary.
Guest: Dr. Lantie Jorandby, chief medical officer, Lakeview Health treatment center.
What’s good Wednesday
- Don’t Miss a Beat is a local organization that uses the performing arts to lift up kids in the Riverside and Brooklyn neighborhoods. Their free jazz festival is coming up later this month at Woodstock Park. Founder Ulysses Owens Jr. joined with more.
- 121 Financial Credit Union has launched a summertime Back-to-School supply drive in partnership with the Sulzbacher Center, a provider of support services for people experiencing homelessness. The drive runs today through Saturday, July 30 and will benefit kids and families at the Sulzbacher Village as they prepare for the next school year. 121 Financial Credit Union and Sulzbacher invite the community to donate at any 121 Financial Credit Union branch between now and the end of the month.
- The recreational Atlantic Red Snapper season is almost here. Oh Snap! Fishing will host its second annual tournament next weekend, July 8-9. The competition will raise funds for two nonprofits: Dreams Come True and the Jacksonville School for Autism.
- TheMuseum of Science and History is celebrating its adored alligator snapping turtle, Tonca, with a birthday celebration on Saturday, July 9. The beloved turtle will turn 56 in style with an annual meander through the museum for a weigh-in and checkup.
