School officials worry that new state-mandated changes to school start times could create a raft of unanticipated repercussions. Under the law, the state’s public middle schools can’t start before 8 a.m. and high schools can’t start before 8:30 am. The 2023 law was based on research into sleep deprivation among teens, but the cascade of effects could affect athletic programs, extended day and work schedules for both parents and students. A local lawmaker recently introduced a proposal (SB 296), that would undo the changes dictated by the earlier bill, but it’s unclear if it will pass. In the meantime, Duval School Board members are urging parents to weigh in on potential options.
Guests:
- Cindy Pearson, District 3 Duval County School Board member.
- Megan Mallicoat, education reporter at Jacksonville Today.
Then, world class storytellers come to the First Coast as part of the 2nd Amelia Island Festival of Stories & Songs. Performances include NPR humorist Kevin Kling, who partners with Grammy Award-winning songwriter Jon Veznerand the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of All Over But the Shoutin, Rick Bragg.
Guests:
- Connie Regan-Blake, professional storyteller, Library of Congress inductee and founding board member of the National Storytelling Association.
- Mark Kaufman and Donna Paz Kaufman, owners of Story & Song Center for Arts in Culture.
And, a new Downtown live music and dance venue opens in a 1904 building on Bay Street. After more than $3 million in renovations and a ribbon cutting last week, the venue opens with a performance by acclaimed DJ and music producer Kascade.
Guest:
- Evan Rajta, co-owner of Decca Live.
Plus, from Florida’s First Coast to Australia's Gold Coast, local boardriders took their skills to the world stage. Joining us to discuss how the club performed is Dane Jefferys, executive director of Florida Board Riders.
