First Coast Connect: Political analysis with Chris Hand

As the federal government positions artificial intelligence as a national priority while ramping up AI data centers' construction, local governments are increasingly pushing back. Last week, Florida passed legislation regulating data centers, allowing local communities to pause or deny the construction of new ones. The new law signifies an uncommon break between Florida and the priorities of President Trump, who signed an executive order in July 2025 calling for an accelerated buildout of AI infrastructure while easing federal regulations. We discuss how local communities are responding to AI infrastructure, what to expect from Florida’s special session to pass a budget and why Jacksonville is being named the best city for first-time homebuyers, even as access to affordable housing remains a major issue. Guest: Chris Hand, local government expert, attorney and co-author with the late Sen. Bob Graham of America, the Owner's Manual IVF access Individuals and couples trying to conceive face a slew of challenges, from the sheer cost of in vitro fertilization to the physical and emotional toll of hormone treatments and the anxiety of repeated treatments and uncertain outcomes. But living through the experience has birthed a new kind of process-midwife known as an infertility doula. We meet a local practitioner who says sharing the knowledge she gleaned in her own fertility experience gives clients comfort and confidence in what can be both a life-changing and a life-giving process. Guests: Alexandra Hamrick, founder, The Infertility Doula Marisa Coloñ, full-spectrum doula, student midwife Tri hard From the streets of Downtown Jacksonville to the waters of the St. Johns River, the toughest triathletes brace for this weekend's competition. We meet a competitor, a coach and the organizer of the inaugural Jacksonville Ironman. The ultimate endurance race features a 2.4-mile river swim, a 112-mile bike loop that runs from the city center to the Beaches, and 26.2-mile run through Downtown. Among those competing in the contest is first-time Ironman contender and Jacksonville City Council member Raul Arias. The swim, which runs from Metro Park to just west of the Cummer Museum, is viewable by spectators along the Northbank Riverwalk. The running course wends through Lavilla and Riverside before ending in Riverfront Park. The race is expected to affect traffic in both Duval and St. Johns counties, but the only road that will be closed entirely is the Nocatee Parkway Flyover between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Guests:   Skye Johnson, 5x Ironman participant, coach and owner of Tri with Skye Emily Rogers, first time Ironman participant Ryan Lobato, communications manager, The IRONMAN Group See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.