First Coast Connect: It takes a village

In the beginning, World Golf Village promised a lifestyle as smooth and manicured as a putting green. Originally, the golf course community was home to PGA Tour Productions, the World Golf Hall of Fame, the PGA Tour Stop — Florida’s largest golf store — and an IMAX theater, all arrayed around a 190-foot-tall steeple-topped tower. But in the intervening years, the village has lost all of those amenities and become increasingly hemmed in by big box stores, including a Buc-ee’s, a Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, a Costco, a Home Depot and, soon, a Walmart Supercenter. We talk with St. Johns County beat reporter Noah Hertz about his recent reporting on how the development has evolved. Guest: Noah Hertz, St. Johns County reporter, Jacksonville Today Building bridges A Jacksonville sheriff’s officer literally talks a man off the ledge. On April 12, an officer who just happened to be on scene directing traffic found himself deeply involved in efforts to save a suicidal man on the Dames Point Bridge. Officer Antonio Richardson, also a pastor for more than three decades, pleaded with, prayed over and cajoled the man to step back from the edge, before he finally took Richardson’s hand and was pulled into his embrace. The event was captured in a brief viral video, but the actual incident took most of an hour and involved several other officers as well. We talk to Richardson about how the remarkable moment fits into his career in law enforcement. If you or someone you know is going through a mental health crisis, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Guest: Officer Antonio Richardson, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Asian Night Market A free community event anchored in celebrating Asian culture, cuisine and local vendors kicks off with two events next month. Asian Night Market Jax offers live entertainment, including karaoke and cultural dances, along with authentic dishes from Thailand, Korea, Cambodia, Philippines and Vietnam. The event is held the second weekend of every month outside the RD International Supermarket on Beach Boulevard, with the next market night slated from 4 to 10 p.m. June 12 and 13. Organizers added additional nights along the Riverwalk at Central Park at RiversEdge from 4 to 10 p.m. June 26 and 27. We sit down with event organizers to discuss how it has evolved and why the community keeps showing up — plus, we get a sneak peek of what’s on the menu. Guest: Madeline Nguyen, host, Asian Night Market Vu Nguyen, co-host, Asian Night Market See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.