The power of the front porch

First Coast Connect

Our nation’s "epidemic of loneliness" is no longer just a theory, but a matter of medical fact, with multiple research studies showing isolation can be as damaging to our physical health as smoking. So what’s the cure? Increasingly, livable, walkable neighborhoods have been shown to be a balm to the crisis, by furthering social connection and community. Ahead of a local conference of planners and developers, we talk to a local new urbanist practitioner and advocate about the promise and pitfalls of placemaking.

Guests:

• Joel Embry, founder and developer of Amelia Park in Fernandina Beach.
  

Then, after a federal funding clawback that left a nearly $150 million hole in the construction budget for the city’s Emerald Trail, uncertainty looms. We talk to one of the project managers about whether the plan to connect 14 historic neighborhoods via a bike and pedestrian friendly linear park can still be completed — and on what timeline.

Guests:

• Kay Ehas, CEO at Groundwork Jacksonville.
  

And, a local nonprofit that describes itself as “small but mighty” celebrates 35 years of fighting hunger on the First Coast. Neither a food kitchen nor a food pantry, Waste Not Want Not connects surplus food with nearly 100 local distribution points. The group, which started with one person and a phone call, now “rescues” roughly 2 million pounds of food each year from 17 participating Publix, Trader Joe’s, Pepperidge Farms and BIMBO stores. Their fundraising gala features appearances by former Jacksonville Jaguars Tom McManus, Aaron Beasley and Donovin Darius.

Guests:

• Kathleen N. Spears, executive director, Waste Not Want Not.
  

Plus, an intense division rivalry ends in the Jaguars' favor, as the team beats the Houston Texans on Sunday at EverBank Stadium. We recap game highlights, lessons learned and what Game 3 portends for the team’s road ahead.

Guest:

• Alessandra Pontbriand, sportscaster at WJXT News4Jax.