It’s Friday, and we’re getting ready for the weekend by talking about the week’s major headlines with some well-informed local journalists.
Among the topics discussed:
- Downtown development is going through a tough time, with challenges hitting several key projects. Those include the American Lions’ 44-story residential tower planned at the site of the old Jacksonville Landing, and The Hardwick, proposed where the courthouse used to be. These issues and the fire at the Rise Doro apartment building underscore the challenges facing Downtown’s transformation, including the dining sector. Notably, Burrito Gallery, a restaurant with 18 years of history, has closed its doors.
- The matter of compensating the men who endured the hardships of the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys in Jackson County is under consideration. This week, the House Appropriations Committee received testimony about a bill aimed at offering financial relief to survivors of this Marianna-based school, where numerous children suffered mental, physical and sexual abuse.
- Wednesday marked the beginning of the trial for the most significant fraud case in Jacksonville’s history. The executives are accused of planning to privatize and sell JEA, while also plotting to enrich themselves through a bonus program.
Our panel:
- Keitha Nelson, morning anchor at First Coast News.
- David Bauerlein, metro reporter with the Florida Times-Union.
- Tricia Booker, University of North Florida journalism professor.
JME
JME Contributor Hurly Winkler sat down with performer Carolina Rose to talk about her upcoming performance at Winterland Six.
If you want more information about the performance, you can find it here.
