First Coast Connect: The triumph of the word nerds

The Morning Report: School Tax Vote Delayed & Expanded Capacity for Jax Beach Bars

The Jacksonville City Council’s Finance Committee delays a vote on a measure that would place the Duval County school district’s teacher pay tax referendum on the November ballot, putting pressure on council members to act before election deadlines. Plus, Jacksonville Beach launches a pilot program allowing some bars and restaurants to temporarily expand outdoor capacity during Jaguars home games as the team prepares for seasons impacted by stadium construction and relocation. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

First Coast Connect: Killing medical research

In late April, the White House abruptly fired the entire board of the National Science Foundation, the agency that provides the largest support and funding for nonmedical research and education. It was just the latest in a series of unprecedented decisions that has upended the scientific world. Along with funding freezes, spending caps and deep cuts to ongoing research, the effects are being felt not just in hospitals and university settings, but in the lives of ordinary individuals, including some who are deeply invested in research outcomes. We talk to a participant of one recently canceled Alzheimer’s study about the answers she’d hoped to gain into a devastating family history of dementia, and a local HIV/AIDS researcher who has seen critical funding end for a longitudinal study dating back to 2007. Guests: * Jennifer Mansfield, research study participant, partner at Holland & Knight * Dr. Mobeen Rathore, pediatric infectious diseases physician and founding director of the University of Florida Center for HIV/AIDS Research, Education and Service Urban arboretum tour A first of its kind approach to preserving, appreciating and educating around Duval County's urban tree canopy, the quarterly Historic Springfield TreeWalks are designed to transform the neighborhood into a “living classroom.” The upcoming Integrated Urban Ecology tour focuses on how the natural elements of the historic district combine with manmade ones in ways that affect walkability, flood control and the overall feel of the community. Led by an experienced urban planner and landscape architect, the event highlights the nascent Springfield Arboretum, a project showcasing tree species around the historic district, which includes 35 identification tags and an opportunity for self-guided tours. We talk to the June 6 tour [https://www.facebook.com/events/26728878796704360/?rdid=Amk2iA0i9ZJygBxU&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1Atuq3Piuk%2F#]’s guide about how the Springfield of today is a legacy of decisions made generations ago. Guest: Daniel Ashworth Jr., senior landscape architect and urban designer, member of Springfield Preservation and Revitalization board of directors Main drag Jacksonville community theater The 5 & Dime [https://the5anddime.org/s2026/the-legend-of-georgia-mcbride/] presents The Legend of Georgia McBride, a special show to honor Pride month and the art of drag. Set in a Florida dive bar, the show tells the story of a young Elvis impersonator who suddenly finds himself making a career change to lip-syncing drag queen. The play explores the poignant ups and downs of self-acceptance and identity, while never losing its sense of humor. JaxPlays [https://jaxplays.org/reviews/2026/05/30/wigs-up-worries-down-the-5-dimes-georgia-mcbride-sparkles-where-it-counts/] gave particular praise to performer Brandon Hines, “whose years as a professional drag queen are on glittering display,” calling the performance “astonishingly assured.” We talk to the show's directors and stage manager about why this story resonates with local audiences and how it fits into the theater’s overall mission. Guests: * Madelene Skinner, co-director, The Legend of Georgia McBride * Ashli Simmons, stage manager, The Legend of Georgia McBride * Greg Hewitt, actor playing Eddie in “The Legend of Georgia McBride” See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Morning Report: Potential Revenue Losses in JAX and Late Day Storm Threats

As state lawmakers are in Tallahassee this week for a special session focused on property tax reform, we’ll look at concerns from Jacksonville leaders who warn the changes could have major impacts on local budgets and city services. Plus, there's a threat of heavy storms and localized flash flooding this evening in Northeast Florida. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

First Coast Connect: Breaking down the budget

After much bitterness, delay and a two-week extended special session, the state House and Senate finally coalesced around a $114.5 billion budget, including $30 billion for K-12 education, more than $500 million for Everglades restoration and $425 million for the Rural and Family Lands program. But what lies beneath? Investigative reporter Jason Garcia breaks down what he calls “the more interesting line items, tax breaks and policy changes embedded” in the 501-page document [https://www.flhouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=HB%205001E%20Conference%20Report.pdf&DocumentType=Amendments&BillNumber=5001&Session=2026E&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email], including money for a Mike Huckabee-aligned anti-Communist school curriculum, tax cuts for casinos and a program to test wastewater for explosives and narcotics that some believe could be used to track the use of abortion medications as well [https://jasongarcia.substack.com/p/amid-a-growing-national-witch-hunt]. If you have a budget question, you can call us on air at 904-549-2937 or email firstcoastconnect@wjct.org [firstcoastconnect@wjct.org]. Guest: Jason Garcia, investigative reporter, creator of Seeking Rents [https://jasongarcia.substack.com/] newsletter and podcast Change in sight A Jacksonville ophthalmologist who surgically restores sight for patients who can’t afford the procedure shares his vision for changing healthcare. Dr. Jeffrey Levenson founded the Gift of Sight more than three decades ago, a program providing free cataract surgeries to the uninsured or medically indigent. His work has become part of an ongoing partnership with Vision Is Priceless and, in 2023, a viral collaboration [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ2ifmkGGus] with YouTube megastar MrBeast, which restored vision to 1,000 people around the world. Levenson, who’s given two Ted Talks advocating for greater access to cataract treatments, notes, “Half of all blindness in the world is people who need a 10-minute surgery.” We talk about the eye opening nature of his work in indigent healthcare. Guest: Dr. Jeffrey Levenson, ophthalmologist, board member/partner physician, Vision Is Priceless Peace and poetry A local event honoring the legacy of one of Jacksonville’s most preeminent writers offers a chance for young, budding poets to amplify their voices and stories. The 2026 James Weldon Johnson Young Writers Festival invites students in grades 3-12 to attend three days of workshops and activities centered around poetry, creative writing, book design and more. This year’s theme is “Our Voices Matter — What Peace Looks Like To Me,” with students asked to submit a poem or monologue to perform for a chance to qualify for scholarships and prizes. The festival also showcases local luminaries, including Action News Jax anchor Tenikka Hughes and award-winning filmmaker and author Nola D. Oracle. The festival will be held from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. June 10-13 at the Jacksonville Main Library. The deadline for students to register [https://friendsofbrentwoodlibrary.com/] is Tuesday. Guests: * Sharon Coon, founder, Friends of Brentwood Public Library Inc. and James Weldon Johnson Young Writers Festival * Nehemiah Cooper, elementary winner, JWJ Young Writers Festival See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Morning Report: Michelin Recognition for NE FL Restaurants and Special Session on Property Taxes

Northeast Florida's restaurant scene earns new recognition as eight local establishments are added to the Michelin Guide, including restaurants in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Amelia Island. Also, Florida lawmakers return to Tallahassee for a special session focused on property taxes today. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.