Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
First Coast Connect

On Wednesday’s show: Exploring the 'Underbelly' of espionage

Image courtesy of Entropy Media.

A new podcast explores how a chance meeting at an Irish bar in Florida turned into one of the most successful espionage endeavors in FBI history. We talk to the creator of a gripping new podcast that explores how a hulking long-haul trucker managed to infiltrate and ultimately help dismantle the violent IRA splinter faction known as the Real Irish Republican Army. The podcast has been selected as a finalist in three Sunshine State Awards categories by the Society for Professional Journalism.

Guest:

Then, from German U-Boats sinking ships off Florida's coast to Nazi spies landing in Ponte Vedra, the First Coast has a rich and compelling World War II-era history. We discuss an upcoming exhibit and presentation focusing on the boon in military bases, business expropriation and civilian defense teams, along with how the wartime mindset forever changed the physical landscape of the Sunshine State.

Guests:

  • Susan Gold, archives and collections manager at the Beaches Museum.
  • Chris Hoffman, Jax Beach mayor and executive director at the Beaches Museum.

And, summertime is typically a drought season for lifesaving blood donations, a paucity that hits when the need is especially high. In preparation for those emergency demands, local blood banks are urging everyone to consider donating for a first time, and reminding regulars not to forget their generous habit.

Guest:

Stay Connected
Anne Schindler joined WJCT News 89.9 as host of First Coast Connect in October 2023, after nearly three decades in Jacksonville print and television. Anne has worked in the Jacksonville media market since 1995, first as a reporter for the original Folio Weekly, then as the publication’s editor-in-chief from 2002 until her departure. In 2012, Anne transitioned to television as executive producer of special projects for First Coast News, Northeast Florida’s NBC and ABC affiliates. You can reach Anne at aschindler@wjct.org.