Back to school began with three back-to-back-to-back accidents involving Duval County students hit by cars, including one that killed a middle school student. The school district superintendent has urged parents to talk to their kids about safety and urged motorists to take extra caution when driving in or near school zones. But after seeing 42 reported incidents last year involving students as pedestrians, bicyclists or passengers in cars, some say more needs to be done. We talk to two pedestrian safety advocates about what is happening and what options remain.
Guests:
- Cindy Pearson, District 3 Duval County School Board member.
- Heather Albritton, director of health and physical education, Duval County Public Schools.
Then, from mortuary to motel, a historic funeral home is transformed into a short-term rental. The 110-year-old property in LaVilla that once housed L.L. Pratt Undertaking Co. is being transformed into a 13-unit “apart-hotel” featuring amenities like a rooftop lounge, in-ground pool and plans for a speakeasy in what was once the embalming room. We talk to the project’s developer about his bold plans for the building’s afterlife.
Guest:
- Eric Adler, founder and CEO, Silver Street Management.
And, a theatrical reenactment commemorates the 65th anniversary of a Jacksonville civil rights protest that erupted into racist violence. The Sit-In Experience: Ax-Handle Saturday is an immersive production honoring Black students who sat at Woolworth Department Store's whites-only lunch counter and blends scripted scenes, improvisation, step and a cappella spirituals. A post-show town hall invites audience members to join a conversation with original civil rights participants, city officials and historians. The performance will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday at WJCT Studios.
Guest:
- Darryl Reuben Hall, executive director of Stage Aurora Theatrical Co.
- Deborah McDuffie, director of the Ritz Voices.