The results of last night’s spirited primary election ended with the Duval sheriff’s election going to a runoff, voters saying “yes” to more money for schools, and the governor’s approved candidates making it onto the Duval School Board despite controversy.
Guests:
- Claire Heddles, Jacksonville Today.
- Ric Anderson, Jacksonville Today.
- Will Brown, Jacksonville Today.
- Raymon Troncoso, WJCT News.
Ukrainian Independence Day
Today marks Ukrainian Independence Day. It commemorates the day 31 years ago when Ukraine declared its independence from the former Soviet Union.
The day will be celebrated in Jacksonville this weekend, and Ukrainian-Americans want people to know their hearts are with friends and loved ones fighting Russia now for sovereignty.
The war has stretched for six months after Russia invaded in February. Ukrainian forces, relying on Western weapons and equipment, pushed Russian troops out of the capital Kyiv early in the war. Now they are battling for control of the eastern Donbas region, Ukraine’s industrial heartland.
Guests:
- Tetiana Momot.
- Olha Karas.
A Woman’s Choice abortion protest
Staff members at a Jacksonville abortion clinic are asking for the FBI to investigate after an abortion protest.
A Woman’s Choice of Jacksonville says more than 165 abortion protesters held a demonstration Monday that stopped traffic and blocked patients and staff from entering the clinic.
The clinic’s staff said it was a direct violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, or “FACE Act.”
Guest: Kelly Flynn, CEO, A Woman’s Choice.
What’s good Wednesday
- Local filmmaker Franklin Ritch debuted his first feature film, "The Artifice Girl," in Canada’s prestigious Fantasia Festival. When an internet vigilante develops a revolutionary new computer program to combat online predators, its rapid advancement leads to serious questions of autonomy, oppression and what it means to be human. The entire project was filmed here in Jacksonville during the COVID-19 pandemic, which added extra challenges to creating the experimental sci-fi film.
- Artist Connection Theatre is the winner of Channel 4’s Positively Jax award. Founder Lori Newton grew up in the area, was a Terry Parker graduate, and felt a calling to give back. They transformed an old cinema draft house into a new performance venue, with the help of the Florida Ballet and others. There are frequent open casting opportunities for those who want to get involved. They have just completed performances of "The Giver," and they have a fantastic lineup of shows coming. Tickets are on sale now for "Pride and Prejudice." Watch for WJCT staffer Carlos Semidei in that production!
- The city of St. Augustine will offer several open house workshops on flood mitigation assistance counseling to residents and contractors. A total of four workshops will be held in The Alcazar Room of City Hall, at 75 King Street, on Aug. 30 and 31. After each workshop, staff will be available to schedule individual appointments and site visits. There will be a brief presentation of the FMA application process with ample time for questions and one-on-one discussions with the consultant.
- The second annual 904 Day is coming up next week. 904 Day is celebrated every Sept. 4th in Jacksonville over the Labor Day holiday. Make sure to use the #904Day hashtag if you post on social media about your meal or purchase from a locally owned business.
