First Coast Connect: Coping with seasonal allergies

If you’ve seen yellow dust blanketing cars and other surfaces — you aren’t alone. Spring is in full swing, the weather is getting warmer and you can’t help but sneeze. But why does it feel like pollen season is getting worse? The American Lung Association says climate change is a contributing factor making allergy seasons longer with some experiencing more severe symptoms. Jacksonville ranked 53rd in the country for most challenging places to live with pollen allergies in a new report by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the oldest asthma and allergy patient group in the world. We ask the city of Jacksonville’s chief health officer about how seasonal allergies make other diseases worse and when to seek medical treatment. Guest: Dr. Sunil Joshi, allergist, immunologist and president, Family Allergy and Asthma Consultants, and chief health officer, city of Jacksonville Future of Florida’s Black history museum The future home of Florida’s Black history museum is uncertain, again. St. Johns County was selected as the preferred location for the planned Florida Museum of Black History. The area is home to rich civil rights history, and officials pointed to easy access to historical sites like Fort Mose and the first sanctioned free Black settlement as to why it would make a good fit. But, for the second year in a row, a bill that would have codified St. Johns County as the museum’s definitive home failed to make it to the governor’s desk before the end of the legislative session. We hear where the project stands and why local officials are still hopeful it’ll get done. Guest: Noah Hertz, St. Johns County reporter, Jacksonville Today The next generation From humble beginnings in Savannah, Georgia, to now a worldwide movement, the Girl Scouts have been helping young girls build confidence and life skills for more than 100 years. The local chapter, Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, has been operating in Northeast Florida for 37 years. With membership hitting new lows in recent years, we hear from two Girl Scouts about what keeps them involved in the generational practice. We also preview an upcoming Women of Distinction event recognizing Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole and Mayor Donna Deegan as honorees. The event, which features a brunch and silent auction, will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Garden Club of Jacksonville. Guests: Wendy Dordel, CEO, Girl Scouts of Gateway Council Sofia, Girl Scout Isabella, Girl Scout Historic home tour Have you ever wanted to wander through historic homes in Jacksonville? An upcoming tour welcomes visitors into some of the most cherished private residences in Riverside and Avondale. Some of the featured properties include a 1934 Tudor Revival, a 1909 bungalow, a 1922 Mediterranean Revival and many more. The 52nd Annual Home Tour presented by The Historic Collective will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 11 and 12. Tickets are required, and the event raises funds for the Riverside Avondale Preservation. Guest: Shannon Blankinship, executive director of Riverside Avondale PreservationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.