Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
First Coast Connect: 07/15/26
news.wjct.org/show/first-coast-connect/2026-07-14/on-wednesdays-show-no-defense
Connor Cauley, one of the “City Hall Three,” was recently released from jail after serving a 60-day sentence for battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer without violence. The case grew out of May 2025 pro-Palestine disturbance at a meeting of the Jacksonville City Council, during which Cauley and two others were arrested. Although he lost his case at trial, his defense rested on a claim that he could not be held liable for resisting, because the officer “was not lawfully executing a legal duty.” The Florida Legislature eliminated that legal defense this year in a bill that greatly expands protections for law enforcement officers. Under the new law, resistance is unjustified even if the officer is acting illegally or using excessive force. We ask Cawley about the jury verdict and his time served, and ask his lawyer how the new law will affect defendants in the future.
Guests:
Conor Cauley, protester arrested, one of the “City Hall Three”
Melinda Patterson, criminal defense attorney
A clean getaway
An Oceanway community group formed to fight blight in the Northside neighborhood has evolved into an alliance that is about connection as much as cleaning up. The founder of Collect & Connect — Keep Oceanway Beautiful was inspired to take action after seeing increased dumping and “a ton of trash everywhere.” The group, which now has about 300 members, and a smaller core group of regular volunteers, has been recognized twice by the Jacksonville Litter League, an inter-neighborhood competition for prizes and bragging rights. We ask two volunteers about the appeal of dirty work.
Guests:
Susan Shinego, co-founder, Collect & Connect — Keep Oceanway Beautiful
Jolie Levene-Pryor, volunteer member, Collect & Connect — Keep Oceanway Beautiful
Midsummer Market
Murray Hill makers, bakers and movers & shakers gather for the annual Midsummer Market. The twilight celebration includes a curated list of vendors, including florists, artisan bakers and handmade crafters selling their wares to a soundtrack of live jazz. The community event will be held from 7-10 p.m. Saturday at Spruce, 3644 Post Street. We sit down with the owner of the host venue to discuss the appeal of a neighborhood market on a hot night.
Guest: Ida Vera, owner of Spruce and founder of Midsummer Market
Topics and guests subject to change.
First Coast Connect: 07/15/26
news.wjct.org/show/first-coast-connect/2026-07-14/on-wednesdays-show-no-defense
Connor Cauley, one of the “City Hall Three,” was recently released from jail after serving a 60-day sentence for battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer without violence. The case grew out of May 2025 pro-Palestine disturbance at a meeting of the Jacksonville City Council, during which Cauley and two others were arrested. Although he lost his case at trial, his defense rested on a claim that he could not be held liable for resisting, because the officer “was not lawfully executing a legal duty.” The Florida Legislature eliminated that legal defense this year in a bill that greatly expands protections for law enforcement officers. Under the new law, resistance is unjustified even if the officer is acting illegally or using excessive force. We ask Cawley about the jury verdict and his time served, and ask his lawyer how the new law will affect defendants in the future.
Guests:
Conor Cauley, protester arrested, one of the “City Hall Three”
Melinda Patterson, criminal defense attorney
A clean getaway
An Oceanway community group formed to fight blight in the Northside neighborhood has evolved into an alliance that is about connection as much as cleaning up. The founder of Collect & Connect — Keep Oceanway Beautiful was inspired to take action after seeing increased dumping and “a ton of trash everywhere.” The group, which now has about 300 members, and a smaller core group of regular volunteers, has been recognized twice by the Jacksonville Litter League, an inter-neighborhood competition for prizes and bragging rights. We ask two volunteers about the appeal of dirty work.
Guests:
Susan Shinego, co-founder, Collect & Connect — Keep Oceanway Beautiful
Jolie Levene-Pryor, volunteer member, Collect & Connect — Keep Oceanway Beautiful
Midsummer Market
Murray Hill makers, bakers and movers & shakers gather for the annual Midsummer Market. The twilight celebration includes a curated list of vendors, including florists, artisan bakers and handmade crafters selling their wares to a soundtrack of live jazz. The community event will be held from 7-10 p.m. Saturday at Spruce, 3644 Post Street. We sit down with the owner of the host venue to discuss the appeal of a neighborhood market on a hot night.
Guest: Ida Vera, owner of Spruce and founder of Midsummer Market
Topics and guests subject to change.
