Florida school districts can impose student mask mandates; tragedy in Afghanistan
A Leon County judge has ruled that Florida school districts can require students to wear masks, and on this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville,” we hear from Duval County School Board Chair Elizabeth Andersen and local attorney and parent Chris Hand. We also have state Rep. Cord Byrd, who supports parental choice. And the rush to evacuate Afghanistan has turned violent. With American and Afghan casualties, it has become emotional for veterans. U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz, the first Green Beret elected to the U.S. House, gives his view.
Mayo Clinic Florida CEO on pandemic pressures on hospitals; 1st week of classes in Duval County
One of the nation's hospital leaders joins us with his view on how the pandemic is affecting local hospitals. We also get the view from Tallahassee. And we'll discuss the opening week of the school year with Duval County School Board's Vice Chair.
Baptist Health CEO on COVID-19 surge; vaccinations & masks
Baptist Health is just one of the hospital systems in our region reeling from the sudden increase in COVID-19 cases. Baptist Health CEO Michael Mayo joins this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville” to explain some of his biggest concerns. Plus, the battle of vaccinations and masks, and what’s at stake if school districts or local governments decide to make them mandatory. News4Jax political analyst Rick Mullaney and political expert Pastor John Newman join us.
COVID-19 cases surge; leaders, friends remember Dr. Leon Haley
Just when it looked like we had the pandemic on its heels, the cases surge and the delta variant of the coronavirus takes root in our region. The leader of the Civic Council joins this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville,” along with the leader of Ascension St. Vincent’s. And the late Dr. Leon Haley’s impact and legacy here in Jacksonville -- other leaders and his friends remember him.
COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations rise; Breaking down spending plan for Jacksonville
Medical experts and faith leaders are pleading with the public to get vaccinated against the coronavirus as cases rise and hospitals fill. Pastor John Neman and Dr. Nancy Staats join this episode of “This Week in Jacksonville.” Plus, we’re talking about the city of Jacksonville’s budget with Dr. Ron Salem. The council member helps break down the billion-dollar spending plan.
TWIJ: Doctor on coronavirus spike, US lawmakers on crisis in Cuba
On This Week in Jacksonville, Dr. Sunil Joshi, President of the Duval County Medical Society Foundation, joins us to tackle the rise in coronavirus cases and increase in hospitalizations. Will safety measures have to go back in full force? We’re also discussing the crisis in Cuba with two of Florida’s federal lawmakers. Congressman Al Lawson and Sen. Rick Scott both offer their analysis on Cuba as well as the American Rescue plan and new child tax credits.
Tropical Storm Elsa; Freedom to Fly Act & Essential Caregivers Act; Caregivers for Compromise founder
On this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville,” we discuss the response to and impact from Tropical Storm Elsa, with state Sen. Audrey Gibson and U.S. Rep. John Rutherford. We also look ahead to 2022, talking with Gibson about her endorsement of Democrat U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist in the race for Florida governor. Rutherford gives us an update from Washington, D.C., talking about the Freedom to Fly Act and the Essential Caregivers Act. And we talk with Mary Daniel, a local advocate for senior care and the founder of Caregivers for Compromise. Her husband, who has Alzheimer’s, resides at a memory care facility, and she couldn’t see him during the first months of the pandemic. Hear how her experiences during that time led her to take action and push for change.
Edward Waters College becomes Edward Waters University; Florida TaxWatch; Connecting veterans with mental health care
On this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville,” Edward Waters College is now officially Edward Waters University. President Zachary Faison joins us on the show to talk about what the historic change means for students, staff and the community. Also, Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic Calabro discusses the nonpartisan group’s view of the state budget that just went into effect this week. And the coordinated effort to protect American heroes from the horrors of war on this Independence Day: Elizabeth Sherr, the clinic director at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone, joins us.
New Jacksonville City Council Vice President Terrance Freeman; Historic spending in Washington, D.C.
On this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville,” Jacksonville City Councilman Terrance Freeman, who was sworn in last week as City Council vice president-delegate for 2021-22, joins us as he prepares for his new role, with his term starting July 1. We talk about development, crime and a literacy program he’s passionate about. And Democrats and Republicans are facing off in Washington, D.C., on important issues that impact you -- much of it centering around historic spending. U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack shares her views. We also hear from News4Jax political analyst Rick Mullaney for his perspective.
Pride Month lights on Acosta Bridge; State Sen. Travis Hutson; 100 Black Men of Jacksonville President Ronnie King
On this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville,” Equality Florida’s Jimmy Midyette discusses the impact of changing the lights on the Acosta Bridge from rainbow for Pride Month to blue and then back to rainbow again. State Sen. Travis Hutson weighs in on the governor signing the largest state budget in Florida’s history. Some of the vetoes included killing requests to fund the Hotel Ponce de Leon Preservation and Restoration ($250,000) and a program called St. John’s Schools Classroom to Careers/Flagships. And 100 Black Men of Jacksonville President Ronnie King reacts to a bill that would have given $1 million to a project called Coding in Color being vetoed.
Duval County School Board votes to change 6 school names; downtown development proposals; Baptist Health’s new CEO
On this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville,” Duval County School Board member Warren Jones details changing six school names associated with the Confederacy. Downtown Investment Authority CEO Lori Boyer talks about two downtown development proposals. And Baptist Health CEO Michael Mayo explains his new role.
Jacksonville City Council votes to double gas tax; State’s new gambling agreement; Florida House speaker
On this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville,” News4Jax political analyst and Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute Director Rick Mullaney gives perspective on the Jacksonville City Council voting to double Duval County’s gas tax. State Reps. Tracie Davis and Clay Yarborough discuss the pros and cons of the state’s new gambling agreement. And Florida Speaker of the House Chris Sprowls talks about the 2021 legislative session.
Changes to health care; plans for Emerald Trail; tribute to former JU President Fran Kinne
On this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville,” we are joined by Mayo Clinic Jacksonville CEO Dr. Kent Thielen to discuss the changes to health care becoming permanent following the pandemic. We’re also digging deeper into plans for Emerald Trail in Duval County with Groundwork Jacksonville CEO Kay Ehas and Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute Director Rick Mullaney. And we’re closing our show with a tribute to JU’s beloved former President Fran Kinne and a look back at her 62-year association with the university.
Gas tax proposal; Florida’s upcoming special legislative session
On this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville,” Jacksonville City Councilwoman LeAnna Cumber explains her view on the local option gas tax proposal. Author and local attorney Chris Hand also shares his view and provides insight on the proposal. And state Sen. Aaron Bean talks about Florida’s upcoming special legislative session.
Florida’s record budget; new bills signed into law; upcoming special legislative session
On this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville,” state Sen. Audrey Gibson and state Rep. Cord Byrd discuss the recent legislative session, the record-setting state budget, newly signed bills and the upcoming special session.
City Council president on gas tax legislation; OurJax chairman; Jumbo Shrimp owner
On this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville,” legislation to increase the local option gas tax is finally getting attention from the Jacksonville City Council. City Council President Tommy Hazouri explains the impact on transportation and infrastructure. OurJax Chairman David Miller weighs in on various city projects and developments. And it’s been a long time since the Jumbo Shrimp hit the diamond. That changes soon. Jumbo Shrimp Owner Ken Babby talks about what to expect for the upcoming season.