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First Coast Connect

A criminal probe of St. Augustine’s airport

From left: St. Johns' County Airport Authority Board members Dennis Clarke, Reba Ludlow and Len Tucker.
Stacey Bennett

What began as an ethics complaint by the St. Johns County Airport Authority Board’s attorney has turned into potential fines or even jail time for three board members. Chairman Reba Ludlow and board members Dennis Clarke and Len Tucker are accused of engaging in illegal “out of the sunshine” communications while discussing board business, including financial matters. The State Attorney’s Office began the investigation after the board’s former attorney resigned, saying the board routinely violated state laws prohibiting elected board members from engaging in secret discussions about official business.

Guest:

  • Noah Hertz, St. Johns County reporter at Jacksonville Today. 

Then, what is the future of food security in Northeast Florida? As Feeding Northeast Florida celebrates a recent $750,000 grant from Walmart, it's bracing for other economic headwinds.

Guest:

  • Susan King, president and CEO of Feeding Northeast Florida.

And, shopping in the shade, fireworks and even a pie eating contest. We preview how Riverside Arts Market is celebrating the Fourth of July. RAM plans a smaller version of the Saturday market, featuring food trucks, live music and entertainment leading up to the city's fireworks show, which kicks off over Downtown at 9 p.m. In addition to magic shows and music by Groove Coalition, the day features a pie eating contest with bakery magic provided by Mixed Fillings Pie Shop.

Guest:

  • Chloe Kuhn, market director at Riverside Arts Market.

Plus, the folks at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park are already planning for the annual Fourth of July aftermath — cleaning litter throughout the park. The celebration tends to leave a heavy footprint on Jacksonville’s public places, particularly around the Beaches, and park officials are seeking volunteers willing to pick up the pieces of the patriotic pageantry. Willing helpers are asked to arrive at 8 a.m. Sunday equipped with sunscreen, work gloves, closed-toed shoes and a refillable water bottle. Water, work gear and snacks are provided.

Guest:

  • Felicia Boyd, program and outreach coordinator, Timucuan Parks Foundation.
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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.