Duval Schools removed and reviewed hundreds of schoolbooks to comply with new state content laws starting in 2022. On April 1, the district will consider its first official book challenge from a member of the community. The challenge said the book Identical by Ellen Hopkins contains "inappropriate" descriptions of child molestation, violence, profanity and drug abuse. The School Board will review a unanimous recommendation from the district's Book Review Committee to keep the book on the shelves.
We will also discuss current legislative proposals on cellphone use, mandatory cursive and school start times.
Guest: Megan Mallicoat, education reporter at Jacksonville Today.
Then, from the wilds of Florida to the dark recesses of his mind, we talk to acclaimed Jacksonville artist Jim Draper about the inspiration for his new book of short stories, Shantyboat Stories. Draper has been a visual artist and educator on the First Coast for decades, known for his striking and often solitary visual explorations of the natural environment. After years of storytelling through paint and photography, the artist moves into the literary realm with the publication of his first book.
Guest: Jim Draper, visual artist and author.
And, a warm spring evening and cool jazz are on offer at Friday's performance of Jazz In the Garden event at St. John's Cathedral. Experience music by the North Florida Jazz Quartet, served up along wine and charcuterie in an open-air courtyard. The evening's program blends contemporary sounds with jazz standards and Latin influences.
Guest: Marc Dickman, professor and founding member of the jazz studies program at the University of North Florida.
