Dan Scanlan Reporter email
Dan Scanlan is a veteran journalist with almost 40 years as a radio, television and print reporter in the Jacksonville area, as well as years of broadcast work in the Northeast. An avid automobile enthusiast who has written about classic cars and events for national magazines, Dan began his broadcast career at radio stations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. He moved to Jacksonville in the early 1980s to be news director at a local station, then shifted to WJXT-TV as overnight and morning news anchor and reporter. That led to three years at the NBC station in Jacksonville as police reporter and morning news anchor, followed by time as a public relations and advertising director involved in a number of political campaigns. After a stint managing a hotel comedy club, Dan began a 34-year career as police and current events reporter at The Florida Times-Union.
Featured image for “World of Nations returns in February”
January 31, 2023

World of Nations returns in February

The annual international festival in Jacksonville showcases food, music, artwork and clothing from a range of countries.…

Featured image for “Another fire station under construction on Jacksonville’s Northside”
January 30, 2023

Another fire station under construction on Jacksonville’s Northside

City leaders broke ground Monday on the next new fire station in Jacksonville — Station 64 at Harts Road and…

Featured image for “New MOSH exhibit lets you explore a new planet”
January 30, 2023

New MOSH exhibit lets you explore a new planet

Jacksonville’s Museum of Science & History opens its newest exhibit: Planet Pioneers.…

Featured image for “First Baptist sets forum to discuss sexuality statement”
January 27, 2023

First Baptist sets forum to discuss sexuality statement

First Baptist Church of Jacksonville says its members must sign a “Statement on Biblical Sexuality” by March or leave the…

Featured image for “River City Brewing land might be developed after all”
January 26, 2023

River City Brewing land might be developed after all

Jacksonville has canceled a deal with the Related Group to build apartments, but the developer could come back with a…

Featured image for “Projected messages outlawed. But could new law be challenged?”
January 25, 2023

Projected messages outlawed. But could new law be challenged?

The law — conceived as a way to attack antisemitic displays — could face issues if challenged in court, attorneys…

Featured image for “DeSantis comes to Jacksonville with plan for teacher pay raises”
January 23, 2023

DeSantis comes to Jacksonville with plan for teacher pay raises

Gov. Ron DeSantis is proposing sweeping education changes including a Teachers Bill of Rights, limits on unions and partisan school…

Featured image for “It’s time to request vote-by-mail ballots for March election”
January 20, 2023

It’s time to request vote-by-mail ballots for March election

New Florida laws require voters to file for a mail ballot each election cycle — even if they’ve gotten one…

Featured image for “Jacksonville’s airport among Florida’s worst for seized guns”
January 19, 2023

Jacksonville’s airport among Florida’s worst for seized guns

Jacksonville’s airport had the state’s highest rate of confiscated guns last year, during a record year for weapon seizures nationwide,…

Featured image for “Dueling bills seek to prohibit hate speech in Jacksonville”
January 19, 2023

Dueling bills seek to prohibit hate speech in Jacksonville

Two Jacksonville City Council members have filed identical bills that seek to prohibit the projection of messages onto buildings.…

Featured image for “Maternity services ending at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside”
January 18, 2023

Maternity services ending at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

With the community’s health care needs changing, Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside will discontinue maternity care March 19.…

Featured image for “Baker jail employee charged after relationship with inmate”
January 17, 2023

Baker jail employee charged after relationship with inmate

Evelyn Rhodes is accused of providing contraband to the inmate and disclosing confidential criminal justice information.…

Featured image for “Human trafficking hides close to home”
January 17, 2023

Human trafficking hides close to home

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office rescued 10 human trafficking victims in 2022. Authorities spoke Tuesday during National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.…

Featured image for “JTA expands Gameday Xpress for Saturday’s Jaguars game”
January 13, 2023

JTA expands Gameday Xpress for Saturday’s Jaguars game

JTA expects record crowds for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ AFC wild-card round matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.…

Featured image for “More affordable housing for seniors in Downtown Jacksonville”
January 12, 2023

More affordable housing for seniors in Downtown Jacksonville

Ashley Square, a 120-unit affordable senior apartment complex, opened at East Ashley and Newnan streets.…

Featured image for “Jacksonville University expands accelerated nursing program”
January 12, 2023

Jacksonville University expands accelerated nursing program

JU has added Mayo Clinic to its clinical partners in the accelerated bachelor’s degree program. Mayo joins Baptist Health and…

Featured image for “Clay County bans panhandling; what about Jacksonville?”
January 11, 2023

Clay County bans panhandling; what about Jacksonville?

County commissioners prohibited panhandling on public roads, casting it as a safety concern in order to sidestep First Amendment concerns.…

Featured image for “Lakesha Burton decides against second run for sheriff”
January 11, 2023

Lakesha Burton decides against second run for sheriff

Burton, a 24-year veteran of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, says she faced a difficult campaign after finishing second in November.…

Featured image for “St. Augustine searches for flooding solutions”
January 10, 2023

St. Augustine searches for flooding solutions

City officials have approved a three-year study agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to find solutions to coastal…

Featured image for “Stranded manatee freed from the mud off Metro Park”
January 9, 2023

Stranded manatee freed from the mud off Metro Park

Jacksonville Fire and Rescue crews helped free a manatee stuck in the low tide as fans flocked to the Jaguars…

Featured image for “Suspect arrested in drive-by shooting that killed 13-year-old boy”
January 9, 2023

Suspect arrested in drive-by shooting that killed 13-year-old boy

Prince Holland died as a result of gun violence between street gangs in Jacksonville, the sheriff said.…

Featured image for “Community activist Ben Frazier to speak out at City Council again”
January 9, 2023

Community activist Ben Frazier to speak out at City Council again

Activist Ben Frazier will return to the place where he was arrested a month ago to continue his demand for…

Featured image for “The artistry of Ukraine: Lviv Philharmonic Orchestra comes to Jax”
January 9, 2023

The artistry of Ukraine: Lviv Philharmonic Orchestra comes to Jax

Ukraine’s Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra will perform at the 22nd season of Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival on Jan. 17.…

Featured image for “Veteran Jacksonville cop charged with falsifying arrest report”
January 6, 2023

Veteran Jacksonville cop charged with falsifying arrest report

A Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office patrolman was arrested for official misconduct after an arrest report was falsified, the sheriff said.…