First Coast Connect: Flood control

Making sure new homes aren’t built in flood zones sounds like a no-brainer, but a surprising number of developments are in at-risk areas, made more vulnerable by rising seas. A proposed amendment to the city’s master plan for development focuses on steering new development out of harm’s way. Nearly three years after the mayor rolled out the 50-year resilience plan, the city is considering a comprehensive plan change that would incentivize rather than force developers to build with an eye to sustainable housing. The proposal creates “target growth areas” in which developers can build more densely in exchange for including affordable housing units and building properties resilient to the risks of climate change. We discuss how the city arrived at this approach and what the timetable is for adopting the change. Guest: Helena Atalla Parola, director of the city’s Planning Department Jacksonville Jazz Fest  With a lineup that ranges from P-Funk and esperanza spalding to Nile Rodgers and CHIC, the Jacksonville Jazz Fest showcases a vast expanse of musical styles, including some not traditionally thought of as jazz. We talk to acclaimed saxophonist and host of the WJCT 89.9 FM jazz program Bop City Daniel Stark about past Jazz Fest greats like Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Marcus Roberts, as well as what he’s most looking forward to this year (hint: Ghost-Note and John Lumpkin & The Covenant are on the shortlist). We also discuss what the annual event contributes to the local jazz scene, and whether more can be done to integrate the moment into a larger musical movement. Guest: Daniel Stark, host of Bop City on WJCT 89.9 FM, executive director of Friday Musicale  Charismatic megafauna pics Right whales are on the move north after a successful calving season, and an exhibit celebrating the endangered mammals is also on a journey. The Right Whales of Amelia Island exhibit is on display at the Beaches Museum through Aug. 23, part of a tour that began in Fernandina Beach and ends up at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium later this year. We talk to a local whale ambassador about why this was a bumper year for baby whales and what this season means for the creature’s long-term health and survival. Guest: Krissi Barr, Amelia Island Whale AmbassadorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.