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 “Disc golf is taking flight in St. Johns County”
February 7, 2023

Disc golf is taking flight in St. Johns County

A public meeting is set for Monday to review plans for a new 18-hole disc golf course alongside the St.…

Featured image for “University of Florida explores campus in Downtown Jacksonville”
February 7, 2023

University of Florida explores campus in Downtown Jacksonville

A possible UF graduate campus in Downtown Jacksonville would focus on innovative programs in medicine, business and engineering.…

Featured image for “LeAnna Cumber fires back over JEA investigation”
February 6, 2023

LeAnna Cumber fires back over JEA investigation

Cumber said the investigation is “blatant weaponization” of city government, and she blasted ads by election opponent Daniel Davis.…

Featured image for “Council members appointed to investigate LeAnna Cumber in JEA deal”
February 2, 2023

Council members appointed to investigate LeAnna Cumber in JEA deal

The committee will meet Wednesday to begin considering whether Cumber deceived anyone about her husband’s involvement in the JEA proposal.…

Featured image for “Rural communities get millions for broadband in Northeast Florida”
February 2, 2023

Rural communities get millions for broadband in Northeast Florida

Communities in Clay, Putnam and St. Johns counties will receive state grants to improve broadband internet access, part of $144…

Featured image for “Councilwoman LeAnna Cumber under investigation regarding JEA sale”
February 1, 2023

Councilwoman LeAnna Cumber under investigation regarding JEA sale

City Council is reviving a special committee to determine whether Cumber deceived investigators about her husband’s role in the failed…

Featured image for “Northeast Florida sheriffs support concealed carry bill”
February 1, 2023

Northeast Florida sheriffs support concealed carry bill

The sheriffs of Nassau and Clay counties both support proposed legislation that would allow concealed weapons without a permit.…

Featured image for “The Loop is expanding but will close Orange Park site after 33 years”
The Loop's Orange Park location on Wells Road, due to close Feb. 15.
February 1, 2023

The Loop is expanding but will close Orange Park site after 33 years

The Loop, one of the Jacksonville area’s longest-running restaurant operations, is expanding in several areas, including World Golf Village.…

Featured image for “Former Jacksonville CEO sentenced to prison for tax evasion”
February 1, 2023

Former Jacksonville CEO sentenced to prison for tax evasion

Jason Cory, former CEO of an IT services company in Jacksonville, has been sentenced to almost three years in federal…

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.…