A sharp increase in reported dog bites in Jacksonville is raising questions about how the city’s no-kill shelter policy handles dogs with aggressive behavior. We’ll also have the latest local news and developments from around Northeast Florida.

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This week, Jacksonville Today Associate Editor Mike Mendenhall talks with investigative reporter Elizabeth Caldwell about her months-long investigation into Jacksonville's soaring dog bite numbers — up more than 230% in 2023 and another 48% in 2024 — and their connection to the city shelter's pursuit of "no-kill" status, a policy pushed nationally by Best Friends Animal Society. Caldwell details how former animal control officers described deprioritized stray calls, the records battle it took to confirm the trend, and the surprising, cult-founded origins of the well-funded nonprofit behind the no-kill movement. Read Elizabeth's full story at jaxtoday.org.

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Each Friday, our media roundtable dives into the biggest stories of the week. Among our topics this week:

• Former JEA CEO Aaron Zahn gets a new address – and it’s not behind bars.
• U.S. Senate candidate Angie Nixon settles criminal charges related to her Capitol protest at Gov. Ron DeSantis' office
• A Jacksonville Today investigation looks at whether “no kill” shelter policies are keeping some dangerous animals on the streets of Jacksonville
• Former City Council President Kevin Carrico makes a sudden departure from the nonprofit that played a role in his JEA board appointment scandal and criminal investigation this year
• Gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds makes it clear he still welcomes President Trump's endorsement after scrubbing his website of references to him

We talk about all that and take your calls, questions and comments. You can join the conversation on air at 904-549-2937 or go to firstcoastconnect.org to find all the ways to connect with us.

Guests:

• David Bauerlein, metro reporter, Florida Times-Union
• Elizabeth Caldwell, investigative reporter, Jacksonville Today
• Nate Monroe, executive editor, Florida Trib
• Obi Umunna, attorney and political consultant

Round and round

A record fair that aims to be more than just a place to find classic and collectible vinyl celebrates its 14th year and a six-year partnership with the Sing Out Loud Festival. Fittingly, Tonevendor’s St. Augustine Record Fair features live music, with performances by Orlando’s Toxic Cats, and Bears & Lions from Gainesville. Held at the St. Augustine Amp, the event also offers participatory crafts, record scavenger hunts and a chance to connect with other music heads, along with enough merch, swag and memorabilia to satisfy the most ardent fan. We talk to the event’s coordinators about why this round of the annual fair will be the biggest so far.

Guests:

• Dan Sostrom, Tonevendor owner, St. Augustine Record Fair organizer
• Hannah Marshall, program coordinator, St. Augustine Record Fair

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