Today’s Media Roundtable discussed some of the top stories on the First Coast, including:
- President Joe Biden took big steps yesterday toward decriminalizing marijuana. The president pardoned anyone convicted under federal law for simply having the drug and will review whether the U.S. should still treat it similarly to heroin and ecstasy. About 6,500 people will have their records cleared, and the review could lead to marijuana being decriminalized at the federal level. Most marijuana convictions are under state law, so Biden’s pardons won’t cover them.
- Jacksonville was spared when Hurricane Ian devastated much of the state last week. Jacksonville avoided the worst of the flooding and devastation other Florida regions are experiencing. However, questions remain on how prepared the city is for a warmer climate and ever stronger storms.
- October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This week, law enforcement teamed with activists at a news conference recommending that more consideration be given when victims request injunctions that restrict an abuser from returning to the home, and law enforcement and social services should refer victims to shelters. The release of 2021's domestic abuse fatality cases reviewed by the State Attorney's Office's Fatality Review Committee shows 19 people dead, four more than 2020's total. Guns remain the primary weapon used in domestic homicides; 2021's 71% figure is 7% higher than in 2020, the report said. Knives were the next most common at 18%.
- Activists continue to press City Hall about the housing affordability crisis. There is a new affordable/workforce housing subgroup in town. It is a part of Jacksonville’s new Special Committee on Critical Quality of Life Issues. David Jaffee, sociologist and University of North Florida professor, will work as co-chair of the affordable/workforce housing group. Jaffee leads UNF’s Jax Rental Housing Project focused on developing sustainably affordable housing. Through his work, Jaffee researched what other areas of Florida have done and what could be realistic for Jacksonville.
- Former Jacksonville Jaguars tackle Tony Boselli was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame last August and has a hectic weekend ahead. On Thursday morning Boselli was bestowed with the ceremonial key to the city by Mayor Lenny Curry, the first of three significant events Boselli will be the focal point of.
Guests:
- Ben Becker of Action News Jax.
- Marilyn Parker of WJXT-TV.
- AG Gancarski of Florida Politics.
- Shelton Hull, Folio Weekly writer.
JME DJ sessions
The Jacksonville Music Experience is where listeners can check out local artists on regular rotation. With a special concert coming up in our own WJCT Studios, there’s a lot of great stuff to listen to right here in our own backyard.
Guest: Matt Shaw, Jacksonville Music Experience editor.
