Melissa Ross
Melissa Ross joined WJCT in 2009 with 20 years of experience in broadcasting, including stints in Cincinnati, Chicago, Orlando and Jacksonville. During her career as a television and radio news anchor and reporter, Melissa has won four regional Emmys for news and feature reporting.
In addition to hosting First Coast Connect with Melissa Ross, she also co-hosts the weekly Florida Roundup, which airs Fridays on NPR stations across the state.
Her many accolades include a fellowship with the Metcalf Institute Science Immersion Workshop, where she learned hands on about the science of climate change.
As executive producer of The 904: Shadow on the Sunshine State, Melissa and WJCT received an Emmy in the documentary category at the 2011 Suncoast Emmy Awards. The 904 examined Jacksonville’s status as Florida’s murder capital.
WJCT’s First Coast Connect With Melissa Ross has received multiple national awards from Public Radio News Directors Inc. for best call-in program.
Prior to joining WJCT, Melissa spent three years in the corporate communications field at Jacksonville’s Dalton Agency. During her stint at Dalton, she was cast in the HBO film "Recount" playing — what else? — a reporter!
Married with two children, Melissa is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and Communications.
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After outrage from angry parents, the Florida High School Athletic Association this week voted to remove some controversial questions from a physical evaluation form for student athletes. Also, the Florida Legislature returned to special session. -
After outrage from angry parents, the Florida High School Athletic Association this week voted to remove some controversial questions from a physical evaluation form for student athletes. Also, the Florida Legislature returned to special session.
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Florida could soon allow people to carry concealed guns without permits or training. Also, Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed changes to Florida’s university system that could shake up diversity, equity and inclusion programs. -
Florida could soon allow people to carry concealed guns without permits or training. Also, Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed changes to Florida’s university system that could shake up diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
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The former president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, is hanging out in Orlando these days. And some — including members of Congress — say he shouldn’t be allowed to. Meanwhile, Gov. Ron DeSantis says he'll take the traditionally progressive New College of Florida in a more conservative direction. -
Voter intimidation; the GOP advantage; judges on the ballot -
A heated governor debate; school book challenges; Falcon Heavy rocket -
Voter fraud arrests; Senate and governor races; Ian's citrus damage -
A life sentence for the Parkland shooter; protests over Sasse appointment at UF; handicapping the Rubio/Demings contest; help after Ian -
Ian recovery efforts, a mounting death toll and ongoing flooding. Plus: How to build a more resilienIan recovery efforts, a mounting death toll and ongoing flooding. Plus: How to build a more resilient Florida? -
On today’s show, a look at Ian’s impact as we check in with cities across the state. Then later: a former FEMA official brings us up to date on the emergency response effort. Plus: will Florida be able to handle all of the insurance claims now that the storm has passed? And how much is climate change to blame for the stronger and more intense storms the state is facing? -
Lawsuits challenging HB 7; new polling for statewide elections; federal plan to save key deer
