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To reflect on the news of the day, Jacksonville Today seeks to include a diverse set of perspectives. These opinion columnists are independent contractors who are paid for their contributions and are not involved in news decisions.
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Featured image for “Le Petit Paris cafe expanding to third location”
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Le Petit Paris cafe expanding to third location

Owner Alex Chezaud continues to expand Le Petit Paris, the version of a Parisian cafe he launched in Jacksonville in…

Featured image for “Here’s how local lawmakers voted on gun law changes”
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Here’s how local lawmakers voted on gun law changes

Democratic legislators from Northeast Florida voted against a bill that allows people to carry guns without licenses. Republicans voted yes.…

Featured image for “More help coming for people with rent and utility troubles”
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More help coming for people with rent and utility troubles

Jacksonville City Council this week provided $2 million in additional money for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.…

Featured image for “Historic silent-film studio is ready for public closeup”
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Historic silent-film studio is ready for public closeup

A museum dedicated to Jacksonville’s silent-filmmaking past, as well as an important piece of Black filmmaking, is almost ready for…

Featured image for “Mayo Clinic gets $41 million grant for major Alzheimer’s study”
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Mayo Clinic gets $41 million grant for major Alzheimer’s study

Lessons learned at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville could lead to treatment or even a cure for Alzheimer’s.…

Featured image for “Crew demolishes Capt. Sandy Yawn’s building in LaVilla”
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Crew demolishes Capt. Sandy Yawn’s building in LaVilla

The Bravo TV reality show star demolished the century-old building with plans for a nautical-themed restaurant, despite concern from preservation…

Featured image for “Arts Picks | Mar. 31 – Apr. 2”
Arts Picks

Arts Picks | Mar. 31 – Apr. 2

Flamingo topiaries, a new art exhibit and a music-and-art pairing are on tap for this weekend in Jacksonville.…

Featured image for “USS Orleck’s move delayed again”
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USS Orleck’s move delayed again

The Orleck was supposed to move to its new home in the Shipyards on Friday, but conditions won’t be right…

Featured image for “Jacksonville considers $63 million medical examiner’s office”
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Jacksonville considers $63 million medical examiner’s office

The medical examiner’s office has been cramped for years, and COVID-19 made it worse.…

Featured image for “Volunteers in Medicine expands in new clinic”
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Volunteers in Medicine expands in new clinic

Volunteers in Medicine opened the Dorion-Burt Clinic in South San Marco to better serve working people who are uninsured.…

Featured image for “Construction begins for new Clay County Regional Park”
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Construction begins for new Clay County Regional Park

The regional sports complex will be the first of its kind in Clay County, with eight multipurpose fields.…

Featured image for “It’s fair time in Clay County. Be safe, be patient.”
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It’s fair time in Clay County. Be safe, be patient.

The Clay County Fair is expected to attract 120,000-plus people from Thursday through April 9 at the Clay County Agricultural…

Featured image for “VyStar Credit Union launches philanthropic foundation”
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VyStar Credit Union launches philanthropic foundation

VyStar launched a foundation that will serve as its philanthropic arm and support youth, military members and veterans.…

Featured image for “Finally: Sugar Factory opens in Markets at Town Center”
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Finally: Sugar Factory opens in Markets at Town Center

Sugar Factory opened in Jacksonville after multiple delays. It initially was planned for spring 2022.…

Featured image for “UF Health gets $10 million from city for new trauma center”
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UF Health gets $10 million from city for new trauma center

UF Health Jacksonville, the region’s only Level 1 trauma center, also got $80 million from the state.…

Featured image for “Jax tourism chief warns against Visit Florida cutbacks”
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Jax tourism chief warns against Visit Florida cutbacks

Michael Corrigan, president and CEO of Visit Jacksonville, says local tourism groups could suffer if the Legislature cuts funding to…

Featured image for “Artists commissioned for Jaguars’ new sports performance center”
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Artists commissioned for Jaguars’ new sports performance center

Six artists — including one from Jacksonville — will infuse the Jacksonville Jaguars’ new training center with public art.…

Featured image for “Historic Ford Motor Co. plant is on the road to demolition”
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Historic Ford Motor Co. plant is on the road to demolition

The property owner is signaling it will file a permit application to raze the deteriorating riverfront structure in the Talleyrand…

Featured image for “EXPLORE: Duval Schools rejected these 34 books under Florida’s new laws”
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EXPLORE: Duval Schools rejected these 34 books under Florida’s new laws

The district says the books “would not comply with new legislation or were not appropriate for elementary aged children.”…

Featured image for “St. Augustine looks for ideas to improve parking”
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St. Augustine looks for ideas to improve parking

The city of St. Augustine is seeking public comments about blight, parking alternatives and areas of the city that lack…

Featured image for “Police sergeant accused of smacking whistle from referee’s mouth”
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Police sergeant accused of smacking whistle from referee’s mouth

Sgt. Michael Russell, a 14-year veteran of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, was charged with battery on a sports official at…

Featured image for “New fire station officially opens in Arlington”
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New fire station officially opens in Arlington

Fire Station 65 will serve the Atlantic Boulevard and Arlington Road area, cutting response times to the neighborhoods around it,…

Featured image for “Duval student loses appeal over teacher ‘kill list’”
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Duval student loses appeal over teacher ‘kill list’

A state appeals court upheld the detention of a Duval County public school student who had a “kill list” of…

Featured image for “Owners of troubled Northside motel hope to keep doors open”
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Owners of troubled Northside motel hope to keep doors open

Jacksonville City Councilman Reggie Gaffney Jr. and neighbors say the Home 1 Great Stay motel is a breeding ground for…

Featured image for “Jacksonville seeks to halt redistricting appeal”
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Jacksonville seeks to halt redistricting appeal

The move indicates Jacksonville may be on the verge of settling with the NAACP and other plaintiffs.…

Featured image for “#AskJAXTDY: How does the election supervisor do his job when his son is running for office?”
#AskJAXTDY

#AskJAXTDY: How does the election supervisor do his job when his son is running for office?

With his son on the Jacksonville City Council ballot this spring, here’s what Election Supervisor Mike Hogan can’t do.…

Featured image for “Major road project coming soon on Arlington Expressway”
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Major road project coming soon on Arlington Expressway

The $26 million resurfacing of the Arlington Expressway, from the Mathews Bridge to Southside Boulevard, will take about a year…

Featured image for “World War II vet jumps from plane to celebrate 98th birthday”
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World War II vet jumps from plane to celebrate 98th birthday

Former paratrooper Vince Speranza joined fellow veteran Art Shaffer, owner of Skydive Palatka, for a tandem jump.…

Featured image for “Yearlong road project will begin Tuesday on I-295”
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Yearlong road project will begin Tuesday on I-295

The Florida Department of Transportation will resurface Interstate 295 from Beach Boulevard to St. Johns Bluff Road. …

Featured image for “Jaxport gets $35 million refund for harbor deepening project”
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Jaxport gets $35 million refund for harbor deepening project

The Jacksonville Port Authority received a $35 million refund Monday in unused payments from its harbor deepening project. The project…

Featured image for “Jax airport buying $27 million in steel for expansion”
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Jax airport buying $27 million in steel for expansion

The steel will be used for a new Concourse B at Jacksonville International Airport and for renovations at the security…

Featured image for “Jacksonville police officer critically wounded in shooting”
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Jacksonville police officer critically wounded in shooting

Officer Malink Daricaud was hospitalized in critical condition Sunday after being shot outside a home on Ridgeview Avenue.…

Featured image for “How Duval Schools’ book debate wound up on the floor of Congress”
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How Duval Schools’ book debate wound up on the floor of Congress

House Democrats pointed to Duval County as a cautionary tale in its opposition to a federal Parents Bill of Rights.…

Featured image for “DeSantis signs reforms limiting lawsuits against businesses”
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DeSantis signs reforms limiting lawsuits against businesses

The bill shields businesses from lawsuits blamed for driving up insurance costs. Opponents say injured people will find it harder…

Featured image for “Drainage improvements coming in St. Augustine”
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Drainage improvements coming in St. Augustine

The Florida Department of Transportation has set up an open house from 4 to 6 p.m. April 18 so residents can…

Featured image for “Northeast Florida families challenge transgender rules”
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Northeast Florida families challenge transgender rules

Families from Duval and St. Johns counties are among four challenging new rules that prohibit doctors from providing gender-affirming treatment…

Featured image for “Aiden Fucci gets life sentence for killing 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey”
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Aiden Fucci gets life sentence for killing 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey

Fucci pleaded guilty to stabbing his classmate more than 100 times on Mother’s Day 2021 in St. Johns County.…

Featured image for “Sunburn Cannabis opens this weekend in busy Five Points”
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Sunburn Cannabis opens this weekend in busy Five Points

Sunburn Cannabis is opening in the shuttered MedMen medical marijuana store at 1059 Park St.…

Featured image for “Jaxport adds fifth MSC Mediterranean container service”
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Jaxport adds fifth MSC Mediterranean container service

MSC’s biweekly North European rotation services food and beverage, auto parts and forest products.…

Featured image for “Massive expansion of school vouchers sent to governor”
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Massive expansion of school vouchers sent to governor

The Republican-controlled Senate passed the measure Thursday amid warnings from Democrats like Sen. Tracie Davis of Jacksonville.…

Featured image for “Details emerge about arrest of Douglas Anderson music teacher”
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Details emerge about arrest of Douglas Anderson music teacher

Jeffrey Payne Clayton professed his romantic feelings for a student and kissed her, according to an arrest warrant released Thursday.…

Featured image for “DeSantis spotlights civics education in Orange Park visit”
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DeSantis spotlights civics education in Orange Park visit

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Education Commissioner Manny Diaz awarded seven Clay County teachers $3,000 checks for completing a Civics Seal…

Featured image for “Clay County jail is packed; a new one may be necessary”
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Clay County jail is packed; a new one may be necessary

Sheriff Michelle Cook and county commissioners are discussing an enlarged law enforcement campus for the growing county.…

Featured image for “Analysis: Where Davis and Deegan got their votes”
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Analysis: Where Davis and Deegan got their votes

Mayoral candidate Donna Deegan got support across the city in Tuesday’s election. Daniel Davis won on the Westside, Ortega, Mandarin…

Featured image for “Arts Picks | Mar. 24-26”
Arts Picks

Arts Picks | Mar. 24-26

Jacksonville Today Arts and Culture Editor Matt Shaw shares his top 3 arts and culture picks for the weekend. Friday  Beaches…

Featured image for “LeAnna Cumber investigation forwarded to Ethics Commission”
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LeAnna Cumber investigation forwarded to Ethics Commission

A special City Council committee investigated LeAnna Cumber’s role in the failed sale of JEA — and whether she was…

Featured image for “Jacksonville lawmaker gets support for drag show crackdown”
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Jacksonville lawmaker gets support for drag show crackdown

As the governor’s office cracks down drag show performances, a Senate panel approved a bill sponsored by a Jacksonville lawmaker…

Featured image for “Douglas Anderson teacher accused of lewd conduct with student”
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Douglas Anderson teacher accused of lewd conduct with student

Jeffrey Clayton, department head at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, was arrested on charges of lewd and lascivious conduct…

Featured image for “Baptist Health opens Heart Rhythm Center”
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Baptist Health opens Heart Rhythm Center

The demand for heart rhythm care has exploded with the growing and aging population in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia,…

Featured image for “Hotel revenue hit all-time high for February”
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Hotel revenue hit all-time high for February

Jacksonville hotels reported that demand for rooms in February was even higher than before the pandemic.…

Featured image for “PHOTO ESSAY | March 2023 Duval Elections”
Photo Essays

PHOTO ESSAY | March 2023 Duval Elections

Voters share why they participated in the March 2023 Jacksonville elections, which had just 25.6% turnout.…

Featured image for “City Council: 6 incumbents and 3 new members elected as 6 races go to runoffs 
”
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City Council: 6 incumbents and 3 new members elected as 6 races go to runoffs

With voter turnout of 25.5%, here are the results of the March 2023 Jacksonville City Council races.…

Featured image for “Property appraiser race goes to runoff in May”
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Property appraiser race goes to runoff in May

Democrat Joyce Morgan, a City Council member, and Republican Jason Fischer, a former state representative, were the top finishers in…

Featured image for “Deegan and Davis will face off for Jacksonville mayor”
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Deegan and Davis will face off for Jacksonville mayor

Democrat Donna Deegan and Republican Daniel Davis finished first and second in Jacksonville’s mayoral election Tuesday, sending them to a…

Featured image for “High school tip leads to guns and four arrests”
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High school tip leads to guns and four arrests

Operation Safety Net seized six guns, including three assault rifles, after a tip about an armed person at Westside High…

Featured image for “BJ’s to hire 150 for North Jacksonville warehouse club”
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BJ’s to hire 150 for North Jacksonville warehouse club

BJ’s intends to open its fourth Northeast Florida store at River City Marketplace, replacing the Regal cinema.…

Featured image for “St. Augustine’s city manager retiring after 25 years”
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St. Augustine’s city manager retiring after 25 years

St. Augustine City Manager John Regan submitted his resignation Monday, effective June 2.…

Featured image for “It’s Election Day. Have you cast your ballot?”
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It’s Election Day. Have you cast your ballot?

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Anyone who is registered can vote, regardless of party affiliation.…

Featured image for “Clay crimefighters get a view from above”
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Clay crimefighters get a view from above

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has new eyes in the sky. Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook says the county has…

Featured image for “Hear what’s new at Jumbo Shrimp games”
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Hear what’s new at Jumbo Shrimp games

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp will have a Virtual Town Hall from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to share the team’s…

Featured image for “Apartment construction set to begin at One Riverside”
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Apartment construction set to begin at One Riverside

The city issued permits last week that allow construction on the former site of the Florida Times-Union, on the Northbank…

Featured image for “Mayoral candidates split on Confederate monuments”
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Mayoral candidates split on Confederate monuments

Like voters themselves, Democrats favor removal of Confederate monuments, and Republicans would leave the monuments in place.…

Featured image for “Apartment and retail complex taking shape near VyStar arena”
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Apartment and retail complex taking shape near VyStar arena

RISE: Doro will include a 247-unit apartment building with retail space, rooftop amenities and a seven-level parking deck.…

Featured image for “House passes major school voucher expansion”
News

House passes major school voucher expansion

The bill would make every Florida student eligible for taxpayer-backed school vouchers — a priority of House Speaker Paul Renner…

Featured image for “Hardwick riverfront high-rise hits delays”
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Hardwick riverfront high-rise hits delays

The developer of The Hardwick is considering adding a hotel to the project at the former Duval County Courthouse site.…

Featured image for “Sheriff turns up the spotlight on cold cases”
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Sheriff turns up the spotlight on cold cases

A new Cold Case Spotlight from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office seeks new tips to solve an old homicide — the…

Featured image for “No more breaks: You could be fined for giving money to panhandlers”
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No more breaks: You could be fined for giving money to panhandlers

With the grace period over, police can now enforce a new Jacksonville ordinance designed to stop panhandling along roadways.…

Featured image for “Teachers union challenges rules on classroom books”
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Teachers union challenges rules on classroom books

The administrative legal challenge seeks to force the Florida Department of Education to roll back its media specialist training.…

Featured image for “Armada and JAXUSL jockey in Jacksonville soccer landscape”
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Armada and JAXUSL jockey in Jacksonville soccer landscape

The Jacksonville Armada soccer team plans to build a stadium on the Eastside, just north of the existing Sports and…

Featured image for “People feel safe in Jax, but approval of JSO is declining”
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People feel safe in Jax, but approval of JSO is declining

A public opinion poll by the University of North Florida found that 87% of people feel safe in their neighborhoods.…

Featured image for “#AskJAXTDY: Are these traffic lights in Jax Beach ever turning on? ”
#AskJAXTDY

#AskJAXTDY: Are these traffic lights in Jax Beach ever turning on? 

Traffic lights have been installed but not turned on in Jacksonville Beach. Why the months-long delay?…

Featured image for “Entertainment venues spreading along Bay Street”
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Entertainment venues spreading along Bay Street

The Downtown Investment Authority board approved $1.655 million to renovate Live Bar, Myth Nightclub and Element Bistro + Bar.…

Featured image for “Shad Khan’s company seeks foundation permit for Four Seasons”
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Shad Khan’s company seeks foundation permit for Four Seasons

Iguana Investments Florida LLC must start vertical construction by Sept. 1 for the proposed Four Seasons Hotel & Residences near…

Featured image for “Removing Confederate monuments could become illegal”
News

Removing Confederate monuments could become illegal

A proposed Florida law would block cities like Jacksonville from removing historic monuments from public locations, and cities could be…

Featured image for “What would you like to see in a Northside public library?”
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What would you like to see in a Northside public library?

Community input is being sought at public meetings April 4 and 5 about a new library planned for New Berlin…

Featured image for “Arts Picks | Mar. 17-19”
Arts Picks

Arts Picks | Mar. 17-19

Jacksonville Today Arts and Culture Editor Matt Shaw shares his top 3 arts and culture picks for the weekend. Friday, Saturday,…

Featured image for “Local senator’s bill tightens home defect lawsuits”
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Local senator’s bill tightens home defect lawsuits

The Senate passed a bill filed by Sen. Travis Hutson, R-St. Augustine, that shortens the time for residents to sue…

Featured image for “#AskJAXTDY: Will local mosquito spraying kill pollinators?”
#AskJAXTDY

#AskJAXTDY: Will local mosquito spraying kill pollinators?

Will spraying for mosquitoes kill beneficial pollinators in Jacksonville, a reader asks.…

Featured image for “Mixed Fillings Pie Shop is on the move”
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Mixed Fillings Pie Shop is on the move

Mixed Fillings Pie Shop will move from its original location in Riverside to a larger storefront in the heart of…

Featured image for “Diamonds, cars and more: Sheriff auctions seized property”
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Diamonds, cars and more: Sheriff auctions seized property

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is auctioning jewelry, a Ford Mustang, a Land Rover and a boat trailer to pay for…

Featured image for “Jacksonville approves $20 million for new UF campus”
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Jacksonville approves $20 million for new UF campus

City Council voted 16-1 to kick in the first $20 million toward a health and financial technology campus Downtown.…

Featured image for “Suspect pleads guilty to killing 7-week-old girl”
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Suspect pleads guilty to killing 7-week-old girl

Steven Michael Strahm, 30, was accused of throwing Baby Scarlet against a wall.…

Featured image for “Controversial Narcan machines installed in Putnam County”
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Controversial Narcan machines installed in Putnam County

The vending machines are intended to fight drug overdoses, but some people say they enable addicts.…

Featured image for “Historic Independent Life Building approved for renovation”
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Historic Independent Life Building approved for renovation

Augustine Development Group of St. Augustine plans to convert the 19-story building into housing and commercial space.…

Featured image for “U.S. 301 south of Baldwin puts drivers on new FDOT test road”
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U.S. 301 south of Baldwin puts drivers on new FDOT test road

A 4-mile stretch of U.S. 301 south of Baldwin is a test site for new concrete road designs — and…

Featured image for “Second cop on DEA task force faces drug charges”
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Second cop on DEA task force faces drug charges

Former Nassau County sheriff’s Sgt. Darrell Hickox has been charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.…

Featured image for “Total Wine expanding into space next door”
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Total Wine expanding into space next door

Total Wine will take over the space vacated by Loop Pizza Grill at St. Johns Town Center North.…

Featured image for “One week until Election Day; 8% have already voted”
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One week until Election Day; 8% have already voted

Almost 53,000 people had voted in Duval County’s election as of Tuesday morning.…

Featured image for “Duval Schools pushes back against DeSantis on schoolbooks”
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Duval Schools pushes back against DeSantis on schoolbooks

The district disputes the governor’s contention that it tried to make the state look bad by pulling books from shelves.…

Featured image for “Oaxaca Club will open March 20 in Jacksonville Beach”
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Oaxaca Club will open March 20 in Jacksonville Beach

Partners in Southern Grounds & Co. and other concepts developed The Oaxaca Club, a new restaurant focused on Latin cuisine.…

Featured image for “Jacksonville jobs growing in almost all sectors”
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Jacksonville jobs growing in almost all sectors

Jacksonville’s unemployment rate rose slightly in January, but that’s normal when businesses let holiday workers go.…

Featured image for “Veteran state trooper arrested on drug charges”
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Veteran state trooper arrested on drug charges

Investigators say Trooper Joshua Earrey became addicted to oxycodone for back pain and bought drugs from an undercover informant.…

Featured image for “Suspended driver’s license? Get it back with Operation Green Light”
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Suspended driver’s license? Get it back with Operation Green Light

Drivers can avoid some fees through Operation Green Light in Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. John’s counties.…

Featured image for “Restaurant and lounge proposed for Five Points”
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Restaurant and lounge proposed for Five Points

The founders of Roost Restaurants LLC, which opened The Local in Miramar and Neptune Beach, are proposing what is called…

Featured image for “Surprise: Home sales are rising in Northeast Florida”
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Surprise: Home sales are rising in Northeast Florida

The increase indicates that buyers are confident despite high prices and a relative shortage of homes on the market.…

Featured image for “Victory Park saved after residents discover deed”
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Victory Park saved after residents discover deed

Arlington residents discovered a 32-year-old deed that blocks plans for a child learning center on the property — plans the…

Featured image for “In Jacksonville, far-right groups look to seize the moment”
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In Jacksonville, far-right groups look to seize the moment

A group has been projecting hate symbols onto Downtown Jacksonville buildings, aiming to capitalize on what they see as a…

Featured image for “Shooter pleads guilty in slaying of Nassau County deputy”
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Shooter pleads guilty in slaying of Nassau County deputy

Patrick Rene McDowell faces a death sentence after Deputy Joshua Moyers was shot to death during a traffic stop in…

Featured image for “Daily’s in LaVilla gets initial design approval”
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Daily’s in LaVilla gets initial design approval

Bold City Brewery plans to move its Downtown operations to the Daily’s site and add a restaurant.…