Introducing “Wild Florida”
Welcome to Wild Florida, a new radio series on outdoor happenings in northeast Florida. The show will air monthly on WJCT 89.9 FM’s “First Coast Connect” hosted by Melissa Ross at 9:00 a.m. She’ll interview journalist and Master Naturalist Lisa … Continued
“Sunk Junk” Removed at Taxpayer Expense
A sunken boat disintegrated as it was pulled to the surface by crane in the Ortega River last week, turning a one day salvage job into a week-long one. Extra personnel had to be brought in to haul out it … Continued
Sea Level Rise Now a Factor in Northeast Florida’s Transportation Plan
Northeast Florida’s latest transportation plan factors in resiliency issues for the first time in its history. That includes flooding from sea level rise and storm surge from Category 3 hurricanes or higher. The focus is on making sure taxpayer dollars … Continued
Recent Wacky Weather our New Normal, Local Scientist Says
Jacksonville, FL – Tuesday was a balmy fall day in northeast Florida, with temperatures in the low ‘80s and a warm breeze throughout the afternoon. But before the local evening news was over, temperatures had dropped by 40 degrees or … Continued
Environmentalists Hope DeSantis Keeps Focus On State’s Waters
In his first State of the State address on Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis said he wants to put forth a “bold” vision for Florida. Environmental groups in the state are hoping he sticks with and expands the commitment he has … Continued
Amendment 1 Fails; County Budgets Safe for Now
Who doesn’t love a tax break? Jay Morris doesn’t – not when it comes on the heels of a decade of cuts in an already low-tax state that’s continually outgrowing its britches. The St. Johns County Commissioner had issued dire … Continued
Florida Voters Ban Oil Drilling in State Waters
Florida voters banned drilling for oil and gas in state waters in yesterday’s mid-term elections. The ban extends three miles off of the Atlantic Coast and nine miles off of the Gulf Coast, but has no effect on federal waters … Continued
Are We In Florida? Major Developer Rebuffed Again in Fastest Growing County (Part 2)
St. Augustine, FL — A major developer was turned down again in Florida’s fastest growing county, despite spending more than three years working closely with the county on an acceptable development plan and adding $37 million in projects the county … Continued
Here it Comes Again: King’s Grant is Back in a Battle that Epitomizes Florida Growth (Part 1)
It’s a nondescript piece of land, flat with small pines and scrubby weeds. Maybe it was once cleared farm land, but now it’s planted for pine timber. It has homely neighbors – a Flying J truck stop on one corner … Continued
Homeowners Angry About Damage From Anchored Boats
Jess Simmons got two surprises on the first NFL Sunday last fall; one great and one not so great. His hometown team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, pulled off an upset against the Houston Texans, 29 – 7, in what one sportswriter … Continued