Jacksonville Today
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Jacksonville Today seeks to include a diverse set of perspectives that add context or unique insight to the news of the day. Regular opinion columnists are independent contractors who are not involved in news decisions. Want to submit your own column on a matter of public interest? Email pitches to jessica@jaxtoday.org.
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News
Florida lawmakers crack down on illegal immigration
Here’s how Northeast Florida legislators voted on the immigration measures.…

News
Law enforcement warns about ‘Senior Assassin’ game
Teens around the area play the game with water guns, but police say the guns can be mistaken for the…

News
On its 125th anniversary, ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ highlights Jacksonville’s past and promise
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” is being celebrated with five days of events and programming.…

News
Jacksonville considers funding for ASUN basketball tourney
City Council will consider spending $100,000 per year to host the Atlantic Sun Conference basketball championships.…

News
What the latest data shows about Florida’s abortion ban
Abortions in Florida have declined for the first time since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022.…

News
February brings 40 more minutes of daylight
Days have been growing longer since Dec. 21, but the increase will accelerate quickly this month.…

Bit of Joy
BIT OF JOY | Valentine’s Day date with a pet
The Jacksonville Humane Society wants you to take a chance on love this Valentine’s Day weekend. Like dogs or cats…

News
Buried beneath Lincolnville: a 240-year-old British fort
St. Augustine archaeologists have uncovered a first of its kind on a Lincolnville lot – a small British redoubt, or…

News
FDLE officer shoots teen as he plays ‘Senior Assassin’
Teens play the game using water guns to “assassinate” one another. The FDLE officer thought the gun was real.…

Arts Picks
ARTS PICKS | Feb. 14-16
Jazz in St. Augustine, surf-themed art in Jacksonville Beach, and American roots music in Fernandina Beach are this weekend’s things…

News
DeSantis wants to stop ‘intrusive’ checks on boaters
Gov. Ron DeSantis says FWC officers use boat safety inspections as a pretense to pull over boaters.…

News
San Sebastian Winery plans marketplace with restaurant
The proposal includes a restaurant, retail building and additional surface parking adjacent to the winery..…

News
Legislators reject ‘bailouts’ for condo owners
Condo owners shouldn’t expect the state to pay for complying with new state laws after the Surfside collapse.…

Bit of Joy
BIT OF JOY | Jax PBS Kids Writers Contest
Know a young child who loves to write? Give them a shot at $100 in spending cash (plus bragging rights)…

The Jaxson
THE JAXSON | The Great Migration and Black Jacksonville
In honor of Black History Month, here are six ways Jacksonville reshaped the cultural demographics of the entire country.…

News
Jacksonville raises residents’ trash fees
The annual fee that Jacksonville residents pay for trash collection is going up, after a 12-to-7 vote by the City…

News
Lawmakers move to block development at state parks
The state last year proposed lodges, pickleball courts and other development at Anastasia State Park and eight others.…

News
Troubled Serenata Beach Club reopens under new owners
The private club, purchased by Kevin Merritt and Lynda-Culhane Merritt, is now called the South Ponte Vedra Ocean Club.…

News
Adams and Forsyth will soon become 2-way streets again
Resurfacing could begin as early as this week as the one-way streets revert to two-way traffic.…

News
COVID pushed kids outdoors. Now they’re into birdwatching.
More young birder groups are popping up for teens and tweens who enjoy getting outdoors together to gawk at wildlife.…

News
Florida lawmakers call another special session on immigration
The latest session reflects new cooperation between the Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis.…

Bit of Joy
BIT OF JOY | Love Bites
Still no plans for Valentine’s Day? Here’s a suggestion: Grab a date and try to outrun the terrifying vampires that…

News
Nights of Lights needs more county funding, St. Augustine says
St. Augustine’s latest Nights of Lights set new records for attendance, and city leaders say they need more cash if…

News
Shad Khan’s company buys Downtown fairgrounds
The fair is leaving the site near EverBank Stadium and moving to West Jacksonville.…

News
Downtown’s resurrection is on the horizon, city says
Riverfront Plaza will open late this year, one of several projects coming together on the Downtown waterfront, city officials say.…

News
Inductions are next week for Florida Artists Hall of Fame
Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd and St. Augustine artist Roger Bansemer will be inducted into the Artists Hall of Fame.…

News
Historic cemetery bulldozed to build home in Putnam County
Local historians say cemetery headstores have been offered for sale after the landowner graded the property.…

News
Aldi sells Winn-Dixie chain to investor group
A consortium of private investors has acquired Southeastern Grocers, Winn-Dixie’s parent company.…

Bit of Joy
BIT OF JOY | Local farmers featured in Super Bowl ad
Did you know that you’re likely eating local potatoes when you rip open a bag of Lay’s? If you caught…

News
What the Duval School Board’s travel spat says about shifting politics
The Duval School Board voted against sending a member to serve in a leadership role with a group others perceive…

News
Land swap for UF could bring new riverfront tower
The Downtown Investment Authority is proposing a swap of two city-owned riverfront properties with Gateway Jax.…

News
Prosecutors say they discussed ‘nothing’ with witness after he alleged ‘false testimony’
Prosecutors say nothing came of a meeting with a witness who said he gave “false testimony” in the Bridegan murder…

News
Duval jail settles lawsuit for $300K in inmate’s death
Jail inmate Dexter Barry never received the medication he needed after a heart transplant. He died a few days later.…

Number of the Week
NUMBER OF THE WEEK | Spending Florida’s money
What’s in Gov. DeSantis’ proposed budget, plus a look at how past final state budgets have compared to the governor’s…

News
Southwest and Breeze add flights at Jacksonville airport
Southwest is adding a flight to Austin, Texas, and Breeze has begun flying to New Haven, Connecticut.…

Bit of Joy
BIT OF JOY | VyStar Foundation grant winners
Five Northeast Florida organizations have scored grants from the VyStar Foundation, which awarded a total of $202,621 to 11 youth-focused nonprofits. The…

News
JAXPORT leaders project confidence amid tariff, Panama Canal uncertainty
Business diversity and investments in infrastructure are keeping officials optimistic at JAXPORT, Florida’s largest port by container volume.…

News
Couple sues after Sea-Doo pontoon flips on toddler
Fifteen-month-old Vianca Grullon was trapped under the Sea-Doo Switch after it flipped on Black Creek.…

News
Planned walking trail suddenly dead in St. Johns County
The trail south of St. Augustine died this week, a year after county commissioners approved the very same plans. …

News
Trash fee increase still uncertain despite mayor’s support
Mayor Donna Deegan says she supports increasing the fee to cover the costs of collecting trash.…

News
February’s rapid warmup could bring an early spring
For the next few weeks, expect warmer temperatures and drier weather across Florida.…

News
Fernandina Beach rejects bioethanol plant
The plant proposed by Rayonier Advanced Materials had met significant community pushback.…

Bit of Joy
BIT OF JOY | Get married on Valentine’s Day
Sure, you could celebrate Valentine’s Day by going out to dinner, or you could make it truly unforgettable by getting…

News
Jags hire new offensive coordinator from Vikings
The Jaguars’ new offensive coordinator is Grant Udinski, who was assistant offensive coordinator/assistant quarterbacks coach in Minnesota.…

News
Star witness recants testimony in Bridegan murder case
Henry Tennon stated during a court hearing that he wanted to recant his testimony in the high-profile slaying of Jared…

News
Duval school officials respond to fears over federal immigration rules
ICE agents have not come to local schools, but local officials are thinking about how to respond.…

News
Historic Mayport lighthouse may get a new home
The Mayport Lighthouse Association wants to move the 166-year-old lighthouse from the naval base to Mayport Village.…

News
Pediatric center coming to palliative care facility
Community Hospice & Palliative Care has begun construction of the Dorion Family Pediatric Center in Mandarin.…

Arts Picks
ARTS PICKS | Feb. 7-9
3 things to see this weekend: A new painting exhibit at MOCA, a dance world premiere in Jax Beach, and…

News
Main Street program sparks historic Eastside corridor
Florida Avenue Main Street aims to transform A. Philip Randolph Boulevard into a bustling business district.…

News
Higher trash fees headed for final City Council vote
Three of four City Council committees voted in favor of the proposed increase.…

News
Gateway Jax takes step toward expanding into Springfield
A City Council committee approved legislation to facilitate a mixed-use development on North Main Street.…

News
Data breach exposes student data in St. Johns County
The breach at PowerSchool, an educational service company, included students’ names, contact information and dates of birth.…

Bit of Joy
BIT OF JOY | 1,000 pounds of trash cleaned up
Volunteers managed to clean up more than 1,000 pounds of garbage across eight spots in St. Johns County as part…

News
USS Orleck’s new interactive displays re-create life at sea
An extensive display of artifacts and information about Jacksonville’s museum ship will be unveiled Saturday.…

News
Judge throws out schoolbook challenge from St. Johns moms
Three moms, including two from St. Johns County, argued that Florida’s policies on schoolbook removals are unfair. …

News
Advocates try to save civil rights landmark in St. Johns County
The county is considering a plan to tear down an old county jail building with ties to the Rev. Martin…

The Jaxson
THE JAXSON | When Jacksonville became a Super Bowl city
These are the lasting effects on Jacksonville of hosting the Super Bowl in 2005.…

News
Sheriff’s officers sued over K9 bite during traffic stop
A Jacksonville man alleges that officers had no reason to release a K9 on him.…

News
Legislation backs Black history museum in St. Johns County
Legislation introduced by Sen. Tom Leek would create a Black history museum board of directors to help create the museum.…

Bit of Joy
BIT OF JOY | Black History Month proclamation
Last night, the city of St. Augustine Beach acknowledged February as Black History Month for the first time since the…

News
St. Augustine Beach recognizes Black History Month for first time
St. Augustine Beach had never issued a formal proclamation recognizing Black History Month until Monday night.…

News
Tony Boselli hired as Jaguars’ executive vice president
The Hall of Famer had been involved in the Jaguars’ search for a new head coach.…

News
DeSantis proposes $115.6 billion state budget
The budget includes pay raises for first responders and a sales tax holiday on guns and ammunition.…

News
January brought record cold; February means winter heat
Jacksonville should see high temperatures in the low-80s most of the week.…

Bit of Joy
BIT OF JOY | 5,000 dreams come true
Northeast Florida organization Dreams Come True, which is dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of local children battling life-threatening medical conditions,…

News
UNF faculty protest as Florida limits what qualify as ‘core classes’
Florida’s college general education courses can not teach “identity politics” or that systemic racism is inherent.…

News
Cameras will soon catch speeders in 3 Neptune Beach school zones
Neptune Beach will soon install speed zone cameras near three schools.…

Number of the Week
NUMBER OF THE WEEK | Visiting Jacksonville
The Number of the Week reflects the effect of the 8 million people who visited Jacksonville last year.…

Bit of Joy
BIT OF JOY | 500 voices needed
Jacksonville natives James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson’s iconic song “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often called the Black…

News
New St. Augustine Commissioner Jon DePreter: Flooding, mobility are top of mind
St. Augustine’s newest city commissioner says he wants to maintain St. Augustine’s charm while making the city safer.…

News
New MOSH exhibit MindWorks gets inside your head
The latest MOSH exhibit – MindWorks – brings ideas like decision-making, memory and emotion to life through interactive displays.…

News
‘Lift Every Voice’: February festival will celebrate Black National Anthem written in Jacksonville
Perhaps the most famous song ever written in Jacksonville was a call to action when it was written. Sharon Coon…

News
Jacksonville Bar Association defends General Counsel in battle with City Council
The Jacksonville Bar Association is defending Jacksonville General Counsel Michael Fackler after City Council members introduced a resolution Tuesday expressing…

News
Regency Centers to develop shopping center at JTB and I-295
Seven Pines is at southeast Interstate 295 and Butler Boulevard near St. Johns Town Center.…

News
Community invited to candlelight vigil to honor life of 7-year-old Breon Allen as JSO works to solve his shooting
Nearly a week after a 7-year-old boy was shot and killed while walking down the street, his family is inviting…

Bit of Joy
BIT OF JOY | Festival of Stories & Songs
The four-day Amelia Island Festival of Stories & Songs begins tonight. The event hosted by the Story & Song Center…

News
Council members Salem, Diamond introduce bill expressing lack of faith in city’s lead attorney
Saying that the city of Jacksonville’s top lawyer has shown “an unacceptable preference to address and support the wishes of…

Arts Picks
ARTS PICKS | Jan. 31- Feb. 2
The Melanin Market celebrates Black history at RAM, a mixed-media art show closes at Emerald Station, and three choreographers debut…

Bit of Joy
BIT OF JOY | Local Military Child of the Year semifinalists
Three local teens are among 105 national semifinalists for Operation Homefront’s Military Child of the Year award: The award honors…

News
Primary tees up state senator vs. teacher for Congressional District 6
A special primary election set the stage for an April congressional race between a state lawmaker and a teacher.…

News
Baptist Health unveils details of new ER tower
The addition on Baptist’s main campus will include two distinctive emergency rooms for adults and children.…

News
Duval Schools town halls tackle district budget woes; last town hall is Thursday
Budget cuts could affect busing, class schedules, and more in Duval County public schools.…

News
Cops and clergy offer gang members a ‘Safe Passage’
The new Safe Passage program gives people the support they need to leave a life of gangs and violence.…

#AskJAXTDY
#AskJAXTDY | Why is Florida refusing federal food aid for children?
Florida says the USDA’s SUN Bucks food program has too many strings attached. But what are they?…

News
Teen won’t be prosecuted for machete threat at polls
Prosecutors said the teen did not legally intimidate anyone when he confronted Harris-Walz supporters with a machete.…

News
Meridian Waste threatens suit after higher pay is rejected
Jacksonville’s general counsel advised that a 29% rate increase for Meridian was not allowed.…

News
Former JEA CEO Aaron Zahn reports to prison
Zahn is serving his sentence for conspiracy and wire fraud in Federal Correctional Institution, Edgefield in South Carolina.…

News
UNF names education college for Gary and Laine Silverfield
UNF celebrated the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services in honor of the longtime donors.…

News
Ragtime Tavern closes after 40+ years in Atlantic Beach
A sign on the window of Ragtime Tavern says “Unfortunately, we have permanently closed.”…

News
Lawmakers rebuke DeSantis on special session and budget
The rebuke included overriding the governor’s budget veto from last year.…

News
A deadly weekend: Boy killed in shooting; baby run over
A 7-year-old boy died in a drive-by shooting, and an 8-month-old was placed on the road and run over.…

News
Ex-Nassau County cop sentenced for fraud and drugs
Former Nassau County police Sgt. James Darrell Hickox was sentenced to 17½ years in federal prison.…

News
Funeral set for former city leader Sam Mousa
Funeral services for Sam Mousa will be Wednesday at George Antiochian Orthodox Church.…

News
Here’s what to watch ahead of Florida’s special session
Republican lawmakers filed a flurry of bills for the special session dealing with immigration and ballot initiatives.…

Bit of Joy
BIT OF JOY | Meet a Budweiser Clydesdale
Even if you’re not a football fan, you might be looking forward to watching the Super Bowl for the commercials…

News
Play ball! J.P. Small Park reopens ahead of baseball season
The historic J.P. Small Park — home to Hank Aaron Field — reopened after a $9.5 million renovation.…

News
Jaguars hire Liam Coen as head coach
Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator, Liam Coen, becomes the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 10th head coach.…

News
Downtown Marriott plans more renovations
The Marriott is renovating rooms but also public areas like lobbies, ballrooms and fitness areas.…

News
Florida’s frosty forecast continues through Saturday
Temperatures in Jacksonville were below 40 degrees for 42 straight hours.…

Number of the Week
NUMBER OF THE WEEK | Snowy Day
See the previous snow records in Florida counties before historic Winter Storm Enzo blasted the Panhandle this week.…

News
Decca Live entertainment venue opens Downtown
Decca Live is a multilevel setting for live music that will range from country to rock and hip hop.…

Bit of Joy
BIT OF JOY | National Change a Pet’s Life Day
Today is National Change a Pet’s Life Day, and the Jacksonville Humane Society is asking you to help change the…

News
DeSantis comes to Jax to push immigration proposals
Gov. Ron DeSantis outlined immigration reforms he is proposing to the Florida Legislature.…

News
Electricity demand soared as winter storm hit Jacksonville
JEA reported nearly record demand for electricity as temperatures dipped below freezing.…

News
Jacksonville corrections officer charged in domestic dispute
Corrections Officer Christopher E. Bowens was charged with battery and false imprisonment.…

News
Former Jacksonville city administrator Sam Mousa dies
Mousa, a stalwart of five city administrations, died Wednesday night at Mayo Clinic.…

News
St. Augustine Marine Center seeks rezoning for expansion
Proposals for the Marine Center include office space, commercial space, patio, parking, boat slips and service bays.…

Bit of Joy
BIT OF JOY | St. Johns County Trash Bash
Tired of being cooped up in the house to avoid the icy roads? St. Johns County invites you to get…

News
Banks the jaguar is leaving Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Banks will move on to participate in a species survival program and meet a potential mate.…

News
Baalke out as Jaguars GM as search for a new coach falters
Trent Baalke has been fired as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ general manager, just over a month after the head coach was…

Arts Picks
ARTS PICKS | Jan. 24-26
Animal sculptures, the music of Frank Zappa as performed by his son, and three jazz vocalist powerhouses are this weekend’s…

News
HabiJax merges with Nassau County group
HabiJax says the merger will allow the groups to serve more families across Northeast Florida.…

News
Gulf of America: The view of people who live there
President Donald Trump’s executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico has left residents along the Gulf Coast sharply divided.…

News
After a dusting of snow, deep freeze persists on First Coast
Roads remained treacherous Wednesday after Northeast Florida awoke to a freeze, sleet and, in some place, snowflakes.…

The Jaxson
THE JAXSON | A trip down memory lane: 1970s Jacksonville
Here’s a visual history of seven sites photographed as a part of a 1970s city of Jacksonville planning study.…

News
St. Johns Commission chair targets county administrator
Commissioner Krista Joseph moved to oust County Administrator Joy Andrews, but her attempt did not get enough votes.…

Bit of Joy
BIT OF JOY | St. Augustine’s poet laureate
St. Augustine just appointed a new poet laureate: Ann Browning Masters. She succeeds the city’s previous (and first) poet laureate,…

News
New plan proposed for World Golf Village IMAX
The IMAX Theater at World Golf Village could become a community theater and event space.…

News
Northeast Florida battens down for rare blast of winter
Public officials encourage people to stay off the roads as a winter storm coats the area with freezing rain and…

News
Officer could be fired for accidentally shooting driver
Jacksonville Officer Mindy Cardwell is accused of accidentally shooting a man while removing a gun from his holster.…

News
Rezoning sought for proposed Jacksonville Surf Park
The PARC Group wants to rezone more than 200 acres at eTown for a surf park, housing and other amenities.…

News
Early voting begins to replace congressman Michael Waltz
Voters in Putnam County and parts of St. Johns County will pick a new representative in Congressional District 6.…

News
‘Missing middle’ plan would allow more multifamily housing
City Council legislation would allow housing such as duplexes and triplexes in established neighborhoods.…

News
FIVE music venue wants to sell liquor in Five Points
FIVE says it will open this month in the space where Sun-Ray Cinema operated.…

News
School voucher program has high price tag, analysts say
The Florida Policy Institute says vouchers cost the state $3.9 billion this school year.…

Bit of Joy
BIT OF JOY | West Augustine Day of Service
The West Augustine Nature Society and the West Augustine Improvement Association held a Day of Service cleanup yesterday in honor…

News
Jacksonville reflections on King’s legacy, Trump’s inauguration
Local people reflect on the simultaneous MLK Day holiday and inauguration of President Donald Trump.…

News
Historic winter storm heads toward Florida
A winter storm is expected to bring historic amounts of snow and other winter precipitation across the Gulf Coast states…

News
Brutally cold forecast delays Jacksonville’s MLK parade
Organizers fear that wind chills in the 20s could be dangerous for MLK marchers.…

News
Atlantic Coast High student dies after being hit by car
The student was crossing Old Kings Road South toward a school bus stop when she was hit.…

News
Deaths decline at Duval jail under new medical provider
Fifteen people died in the Duval County jail in 2023, compared with seven in 2024.…

News
Downtown restaurant scene could expand in 2025
More than a dozen restaurants are under construction, in development or announced.…

News
Island Donuts is closing in Atlantic Beach
Island Donuts has another location in St. Augustine. The final day in Atlantic Beach will be Jan. 26.…

News
Mayor Donna Deegan announces 6 town halls
The mayor plans six town hall meetings to update residents on budget priorities and city projects.…

News
100 EV charging stations coming to Jax
The city, JEA and Florida State College at Jacksonville are getting nearly $3 million in grants to put in electric…

News
Professors sue over Florida’s diversity restrictions
The professors say diversity, equity and inclusion restrictions are punishing people with disfavored viewpoints.…

Number of the Week
NUMBER OF THE WEEK | Concealed weapon permits
See what percentage of each Florida county’s residents have concealed weapons permits.…

Bit of Joy
BIT OF JOY | Free museum fun on Martin Luther King Day
Monday is Martin Luther King Day, and if you have the day off, perhaps you’ll want take in the Cummer…

Bit of Joy
BIT OF JOY | Your favorite restaurants
Your favorite restaurants! Here are Jacksonville Today newsletter readers’ recommendations for where to eat.…

News
Mosquito Board commissioner threatens slander suit
T.J. Mazzotta has filed suit against Catherine Brandhorst, his predecessor on the Mosquito Control Board.…

News
School start times up in the air in Duval County
A new state law requires later starting times — a requirement that could upend the schedules for tnes of thousands…

News
Pub’s iconic double-decker bus finds a new home
The future of a 72-year-old double decker bus that marked the now-closed Kings Head British pub for 32 years was…

News
Another polar vortex will soon blast North Florida
The polar vortex is forecast to plunge arctic air deep into the Deep South by early next week.…

Bit of Joy
BIT OF JOY | Principal of the Arts Award
The local nonprofit Cathedral Arts Project has selected Christopher E. Begley, principal of Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies, to…

News
Superfund cleanup about to start at Kerr-McGee site
Cleanup will begin within eight weeks at the Superfund site between the St. John’s River and Talleyrand Avenue.…

News
Laura Street Trio to be sold, raising hopes of redevelopment
Live Oak Contracting says it has an agreement to buy the historic Laura Street Trio from SouthEast Development.…

News
There’s a new effort to legalize marijuana in Florida
The new marijuana proposal addresses objections raised when Issue 3 failed two months ago.…

News
Fleming Island senator seeks to refine condo law
Sen. Jennifer Bradley said lawmakers need to clarify a condo inspection law enacted after the Surfside collapse in 2021.…

Arts Picks
ARTS PICKS | Jan. 17-19
John Lennon photos in Atlantic Beach, the Star Wars score performed by the Jax Symphony and classical guitar in Amelia…

News
Fewer Florida children are receiving routine vaccinations
Vaccinations are declining as misinformation spreads and hesitancy increases.…

News
City Council overrides mayor’s veto of pay hike for trash hauler; mayor vows not to pay
“If it needs to go to a legal action, then that’s what we will have to do,” said Deegan. “We…

News
St. Augustine says Nights of Lights may be getting too big
“We’re dangerously close to overtourism,” Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline said about Nights of Lights.…

News
Homeless advocate threatens to sue Jacksonville
Attorney A. Wellington Bartow notified the city that he will sue over the city’s response to a new state homeless…

News
Jacksonville Housing Authority lands second CEO pick
Cheron Corbett Waller accepted the position after the Housing Authority’s first pick backed out.…

News
Miller Electric Co. sold to Emcor Group for $865M
The 97-year-old Miller Electric will remain headquartered in Jacksonville with its current leadership.…

News
Neighbors oppose townhomes near World Golf Village
Residents fear the 52 townhomes would lead to overcrowded schools and traffic congestion.…

News
Sheriff’s Office may move most staff to Florida Blue Tower
The agency would vacate the deteriorating Police Memorial Building in favor of leasing at the Florida Blue complex.…

News
Florida manatees won’t be listed as endangered species
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the manatee’s numbers have not fallen enough to change their status from “threatened.”…

News
Former officers of Duval teachers union charged with fraud
The former president and vice president of Duval Teachers United are each alleged to have stolen more than $1.2 million…

News
DeSantis calls for special session over immigration
Gov. Ron DeSantis wants lawmakers to mesh Florida’s immigration policies with a crackdown by President-elect Donald Trump.…

News
Deegan vetoes extra money for trash hauler
Mayor Donna Deegan vetoed a bill that would have given Meridian Waste a 29% financial increase without additional trash services.…

News
Drought persists in North Florida despite recent rains
Recent rains have made a small dent in some areas where the drought was worsening, but North Florida is not…

News
Fountains at Westside proposed in West Jacksonville
The Fountains at Westside would include retail, restaurants, health care and hospitality at the former Westside Plaza site.…

News
‘Agrihood’ community planned in Clay County
Freehold Capital Management plans up to 4,489 homes in an agrihood development in Green Cove Springs.…

News
CEO candidate withdraws over Housing Authority contract
Candidate George Guy made contract demands that the Housing Authority board found unreasonable.…

Number of the Week
NUMBER OF THE WEEK | Duval class sizes
Here’s a look at how class sizes in Duval County have changed since a constitutional amendment limited them.…

News
Duval students earned diplomas at record rate in 2024
Duval County Public Schools saw its graduation rate spike to a record high of 90.9% last year.…

News
St. Augustine’s airport wants its old name back
The Northeast Florida Regional Airport wants to return to its simple name of the past: St. Augustine Airport.…

News
Vacant Axson school could become boutique hotel
Plans for J. Allen Axson Elementary School include a restaurant and bar, plus a new self-storage facility.…

News
1991 Indy pace truck to be auctioned for Jax charity
The customized IndyCar pace truck could raise $50,000 to $75,000 for Spina Bifida of Jacksonville.…

News
Downtown eyesore could be redeveloped in Gateway Jax
The demolished Park View Inn site could become restaurants, residences and offices as part of the Gateway Jax development.…

News
DeSantis wants control over federal Everglades funds
Gov. Ron DeSantis said Florida could speed up Everglades restoration if it had control over federal funds.…

News
Decorum rules at Jax City Hall meetings could tighten
Finger snapping and sign waving would be added to the list of prohibited behaviors by the public, among other changes.…

News
IMAX’s future at World Golf could be clarified this month
County commissioners will discuss options for World Golf Village and the IMAX Theater when they meet Jan. 21.…

News
Advanced PGA Tour Studios opens in Ponte Vedra Beach
The 165,000-square-foot facility will produce all PGA Tour broadcasts around the world.…

News
Jacksonville names fire headquarters for late chief
The headquarters honors former Chief Gary France Keys Sr., who served in the department for 29 years.…

News
Florida pronoun debate could shift to cities and counties
A Christian coalition wants to expand a law that restricts the use of personal pronouns in schools.…

News
Electrathon racers will zip around FSCJ on Saturday
The Electrathan race series started in 1980 as a fun way to educate students about electric cars.…

News
Fernandina Beach commission fires city attorney
City Attorney Tammi Bach is the longest-serving charter officer and the highest-paid city employee.…

News
Polar vortex chills temperatures statewide
Millions of Floridians are feeling the big chill this week after multiple cold fronts.…

News
Talbots closing at Town Center; Marc Jacobs on the way
Employees say Talbots will close Jan. 25 but other stores in the area will remain open.…

News
Jacksonville’s 2nd Shake Shack is coming to Jax Beach plaza
Shake Shack is shown on a site plan for the South Beach Regional shopping center in Jacksonville Beach.…

News
Court restricts vehicle searches when police dog sniffs pot
The court threw out a search because the dog could not differentiate between medical marijuana and illegal pot.…

Arts & Culture
ARTS PICKS | Jan. 10-12
A piano concert at the Beaches and a Downtown art opening, symphony show and art class are this week’s Arts…

News
Baptist plans expansion of emergency department
Baptist proposes a 110,000-square-foot, four-story expansion at its Downtown campus.…

News
12 abandoned rabbits rescued at Timucuan Preserve
Bebette’s Bunny Rescue is caring for the domesticated rabbits after they were abandoned in the woods.…

News
Duval School Board approves $365K settlement in latest Douglas Anderson lawsuit
The latest lawsuit brings the district’s spend on Douglas Anderson settlements to nearly $2 million.…

News
Council members push back on ‘Holo-Donna’ at airport
City Council members are questioning whether money was misued for a hologram-like image of Mayor Donna Deegan.…

News
Council members decry that Beaches cities left out of homeless relocation program
A city program to transport homeless people back to their hometowns to be closer to personal support systems, can’t be…

News
Defense attorney accused of smuggling drugs into Duval jail
Nathan Samuel Williams, 37, was charged with slippping drug-soaked paper to inmates in the jail.…

#AskJAXTDY
#AskJAXTDY | Will lights ever shine again on Fuller Warren Bridge?
A Jacksonville Today reader remembers when the Fuller Warren Bridge used to light up the Downtown skyline.…

News
Environmentalists applaud ban on oil drilling off Florida’s coast
President Biden made oil and gas drilling off-limits off Florida’s Gulf Coast.…

News
Plans for World Golf stall in St. Johns County
The county rejected the only bidder to oversee the World Golf IMAX theater.…

News
Cause ‘undetermined’ in massive Rise Doro fire
A year after the Rise Doro fire, a state investigation could not identify a definitive cause.…

News
Nease High School honors longtime basketball coach
Allen D. Nease High School has named its basketball court after former girls basketball Coach Sherri Anthony.…

News
Jacksonville Jaguars fire Head Coach Doug Pederson
Updated at 4:12 p.m. Monday. The Jacksonville Jaguars have fired Head Coach Doug Pederson after a disappointing 4-13 season. Owner…

News
3 appointed to board at St. Johns River State College
Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed three new faces to the board of trustees at St. Johns River State College.…

News
Nocatee developer challenges walking group over its name
A developer of Nocatee alleges that the name of the NOC Rucks walking group violates the company’s trademark.…

News
JTA completes San Pablo Road improvements
The work — including new traffic lanes, crosswalks and bike lanes — is expected to make San Pablo Road safer.…

News
Nassau and St. Johns schools score among best in state
St. Johns County schools ranked second in the state in 2024 and Nassau third, both with “A” grades.…

News
Analog photography is back. St. Augustine photogs develop community around film
A new club in St. Augustine is celebrating photography the old fashioned way.…

News
Study finds manatees may be ‘recent immigrants’ to Florida
Results from archaeological digs have shown few manatee bones in Native American settlements in Florida.…

News
Jacksonville Armada buys land for Downtown stadium
The Jacksonville Armada Football Club bought 34 vacant properties from the city for $1.…

News
Series of cold fronts will bring arctic blast to Florida
The coldest air of the season will likely affect much of Florida, if not all of it, during the next…

News
Sexual assault victims get more help in St. Johns County
The Betty Griffin Center will expand services for sexual assault victims at Ascension St. Vincent’s St. Johns hospital.…

News
Higher garbage fees proposed in Jacksonville
City Council member Matt Carlucci is proposing to raise garbage fees while protecting low-income residents against fee increases.…

News
Jacksonville ends 2024 with record low homicides
Murders, manslaughters and justifiable homicides fell by more than half last year, records show.…

Arts Picks
ARTS PICKS | Jan. 3-6
Improv theater and art in St. Augustine; a local music showcase in Jacksonville Beach; ballet Downtown and a legendary singer-songwriter’s…

News
Florida accuses Starbucks of race-based hiring
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has filed a complaint against Starbucks with the state Division of Administrative Hearings.…

News
Hopes rise for Jacksonville’s economy in 2025
A monthly survey of manufacturing firms shows optimism about the economy after a stagnant end to 2024.…

News
Baby right whales sighted with mothers off Ponte Vedra
Two endangered North Atlantic right whales — and their calves — were spotted earlier this week offshore from the Guana…

News
Jacksonville insurer Florida Blue fights feds over ratings
Florida Blue says key Medicare ratings didn’t account for major flooding in Broward County in 2023.…

News
Jacksonville housing agency could have new CEO on March 3
The Jacksonville Housing Authority inched closer to hiring a new CEO this week after a year of tumult at the…

News
10 big legal cases to watch in Florida in 2025
The legal issues include a contested redistricting plan in North Florida.…

News
Year-end travel forecast and frigid air in Florida
People who are traveling to end the year somewhere else should keep a close eye on the weather forecast.…

News
When is garbage pickup this week?
The New Year’s holiday will delay garbage collection in Clay and St. Johns counties.…

News
Fitness center planned at Shad Khan’s new office building
A commercial gym is shown on plans for the office building near the Four Seasons Hotel & Residences.…

News
Southern Grounds will open this week in St. Augustine
The Southern Grounds in St. Augustine will be the fourth location in Northeast Florida.…

News
Freeze possible as North Florida cools down in new year
A freeze is possible over the weekend as a cooldown hits North Florida.…

News
Veteran corrections officer accused of domestic battery
A Jacksonville corrections officer was arrested after an argument with a family member, the Sheriff’s Office says.…

News
New year will bring 10 new laws in Florida
Ten laws approved in 2024 will take effect Wednesday, but restrictions on social media for children will not be immediately…

News
FPL proposes to raise base electric rates
Bills for FPL customers would rise an average of 2.5% annually from 2025 through 2029.…

News
Toasted Yolk plans first location in St. Johns County
The Toasted Yolk will be the second in Northeast Florida. The first opened in Fleming Island in November.…

News
Church shares holiday spirit with Moncrief community
A Christmas Eve toy drive at Bethsaida Temple Ministries was the biggest yet for the church in Moncrief.…

News
It may be a little cheaper to buy a home — not because of prices
The commissions paid to homebuyers’ agents are slowly declining under new rules for how Realtors are paid.…

News
Iconic water ski show is ending in Winter Haven
Legoland will end the water ski shows and competitions in 2025 to focus on new projects.…

News
Hurricanes may have spread invasive species across Florida
The U.S. Geological Survey says 222 possible nonnative species spread in Florida and Georgia after Hurricane Helene.…

News
Trash incinerators do most harm to communities of color
Six of nine incinerators in Florida are in places with higher percentages of Black and Hispanic people.…

News
Christmas night shooting kills 2 in Palatka
Police said two people were killed and one critically injured after a party in St. Johns County spilled over into…

News
Special election coming for some St. Johns County voters
Voters will decide who will replace U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz, who is in line to become national security adviser.…

#AskJAXTDY
#AskJAXTDY | When will Rise Doro apartments rise again after fire?
The developer of the Rise Doro apartment building says reconsruction is “imminent.”…

News
EverBank seeks to acquire 25 Sterling branches in California
Shareholders of Sterling Bancorp Inc. have approved the sale of Sterling Bank and Trust to EverBank.…

News
Sea turtles, a conservation success story, face new threat
Warming temperatures and stronger hurricanes raise questions about the future of sea turtles.…

News
Former Mayor Alvin Brown named vice chair of NTSB
Brown was Jacksonville’s first Black mayor from 2011 to 2015. President Joe Biden picked him for the NTSB role Friday. …

News
When will I be good enough to stay in America?
Grecia Pacheco, a journalism student at Florida International University, describes the anxiety gripping thousands of immigrants like her.…

News
Randy Fine files controversial bills as he runs for Congress
Brevard Republican state Sen. Randy Fine says he intends to push his proposals as long as he’s in the state…

#AskJAXTDY
#AskJAXTDY | How does city win by giving incentives to ICE?
A Jacksonville Today reader wonders how the city benefits by giving a company $21 million in incentives.…

News
Q&A | Jax native leads Eastside nonprofit focused on community revitalization
Florida Avenue Main Street’s inaugural Executive Director Nigelle Kohn grew up in Washington Estates on the city’s Northside.…

News
Development moves ahead at Jones Bros. Furniture building
A permit has been issued to convert the vacant Jones Bros. building into apartments and co-working space.…

News
Party City will close all stores, including 4 in Northeast Florida
The bankrupt Party City will close about 700 stores across the country.…

News
Drought worsens in Florida; outlook doesn’t look good
Most of Northeast Florida is experiencing a moderate drought, and precipitation deficits are ramping up across the state.…

Photo Essays
PHOTO ESSAY | Jacksonville 2024 in 24 images
Jacksonville Today’s Will Brown chose his favorite 24 images he captured in 2024.…

#AskJAXTDY
#AskJAXTDY | Will stalled Lomax restaurant be fined in Five Points?
Will the The Lomax suffer any penalties for stalled construction in Five Points? The short answer is no. but its…

News
Former Putnam teacher jailed over nude student photos
Police said Gus Devereaux was arrested after photos of a former student were found on his laptop computer.…

News
State flags license of accused Douglas Anderson teacher
The Florida Department of Education took action against Corey Thayer, a former teacher accused of sexual acts against a student.…

News
New building and team shop planned at VyStar Ballpark
The building overlooking right field will include a team shop, hospitality area and Jumbo Shrimp offices.…

News
Florida among fastest-growing states with 23M population
Florida’s population increase of 467,347 this year was second only to Texas.…

News
More cold weather arrives for the weekend
The cold will move in quickly Friday evening from Jacksonville to the Panhandle.…

Number of the Week
NUMBER OF THE WEEK | Downtown progress
A look at employment and office vacancy in Downtown Jacksonville.…

News
A hologram-like mayor welcomes Jax visitors
A 3D representation of Mayor Donna Deegan — almost a hologram — now greets travelers at Jacksonville International Airport.…

News
Medical examiner critically cramped in St. Johns County
After failing to get state funding last year to replace its aging Medical Examiner’s Office, St. Johns County is trying…

News
Babysitter gets 17 years for infant’s death in hot car
Baker County babysitter Rhonda Jewell said she forgot she left the 10-month-old girl in her car until five hours later.…

News
PGA Tour launches search to fill new CEO position
The PGA Tour, based in Ponte Vedra Beach, hopes to bring new perspectives into the organization.…

News
AT&T cutting 135 jobs in Fleming Island
AT&T announced layoffs three months after agreeing to a new contract with workers.…

News
Jacksonville plans cleanup at park once used as dump site
The city will have a public meeting to discuss the cleanup of Lonnie C. Miller Park in Northwest Jacksonville.…

News
Another Winn-Dixie will become an Aldi store
Aldi has filed plans so far to convert four Winn-Dixie and Harveys stores to the Aldi brand.…

News
Super Food & Brew to close Downtown at year’s end
Super Food & Brew was launched in 2015 and billed itself as a healthy gastropub.…

News
Metropolitan Park design unveiled; here’s what it includes
Metropolitan Park would retain most of its trees and create new space for events and recreation on the river.…

News
One-time outcast now leads the way on St. Johns Commission
As chair of the St. Johns County Commission, Krista Joseph hopes to slow the county’s rampant growth.…

News
Indoor pickleball club in the works at Oakleaf Station
The city has issued a permit for The Paddle Lands Pickleball Club, an indoor center with seven courts.…

The Jaxson
THE JAXSON | 6 major projects planned for LaVilla
In addition to the new University of Florida campus, here are six other major projects under construction in the historic…

News
St. Johns County seeks $40M to ease traffic congestion
County officials are pushing critical traffic improvement projects forward for state and federal funding.…

News
Jury recommends life sentence for husband in murder plot
Jerry Burns was convicted of plotting the slaying of his wife, who was stabbed 39 times.…

News
Six accused of illegal gambling ring in Jacksonville
The gambling suspects include Robin Rukab Azzam, a former City Council candidate and longtime city employee.…

News
State asked to reopen investigation into accused Duval teacher
Duval Schools sent information from a recent investigation to the state DOE.…

News
Fortune 500 company ICE plans expansion in Jacksonville
Intercontinental Exchange Inc., operator of the New York Stock Exchange, will spend at least $173 million on its expansion.…

News
Lawmaker tries again to restrict flags on public buildings
Sen. Randy Fine wants to prevent flags representing a “political viewpoint,” including Pride flags, Palestine and Black Lives Matter.…

News
More sidewalk dining is coming to Jax Beach
Jacksonville Beach City Council approved a plan Monday to expand sidewalk dining permits in a limited area.…

News
School crossing guard charged in hit-and-run
Crossing guard Carolyn Bacon hit a man in Northwest Jacksonville, police said. Witnesses got her tag number.…

News
Clay County plans more junior high schools
Rapid growth in some areas of Clay County has created a need for more junior highs.…

News
Police seek shoplifters who killed store owner as they fled
Police say shoplifters hit and killed Ilson Kim as she chased their getaway car in the parking lot.…

News
Final design of Metro Park will be unveiled today
The public will be able to comment on the park design during a meeting Wednesday.…

News
Sophisticated hackers steal $107,625 from UCF
Hackers breached a vendor’s computers and tricked the university into sending money to a different bank account.…

News
Are you ready for Florida’s winter hazards?
Even Florida’s milder winters can be dangerous, partly because many homes lack adequate heating and insulation.…

News
Raines shut out in football final
Miami Northwestern beat the Vikings 41-0 to end Raines’ quest for a fourth state football championship in school history.…

News
Local first responder takes Christmas to Colombian orphans
Max Morel-Sepulveda will take food, clothes and more to orphans in Colombia.…

News
Husband convicted in wife’s murder-for-hire killing
Jerry Burns faces the death penalty after he was convicted of arranging his wife’s murder.…

News
Runway hazards: More planes report hitting wildlife in Florida
The number planes striking ground animals like deer and iguanas has increased since the government began tracking them.…

News
400 natural acres preserved on Amelia Island
The Thornton family of Amelia Island donated the land so it can never be developed.…

Number of the Week
NUMBER OF THE WEEK | Jacksonville’s overcrowded animal shelter
A LOT of animals are sitting in the city of Jacksonville’s animal shelter right now — capacity is 362, but…

News
BJ’s Wholesale could open by Christmas at Beachwalk
BJ’s Wholesale Club is putting finishing touches on a store at 115 Beachwalk Blvd. in St. Johns County.…

News
Solar power continues to shine brightly in Florida
Nearly 30,000 Floridians installed solar panels this year, bringing the total number of installations to more than a quarter million.…

News
St. Johns Mosquito Control Board’s Christmas bonuses null and void
A fiery Anastasia Mosquito Control District meeting ended with the board’s controversial Christmas bonuses voided.…

News
Memorial Park celebrates 100 years — and one historic photo
A photo from 1924 will be re-created Saturday during a centennial celebration for Memorial Park in Riverside.…

News
Raines High at 60: A season of success on the football field and off
Raines High School heads to the state football championship, as the predominantly Black Northwest Jacksonville school also celebrates historically good…

News
A storybook link is added to Emerald Trail
A new StoryWalk along the LaVilla section of the Emerald Trail will feature 20 mounted displays of pages from children’s…

News
New nightclub set to open in Downtown Jacksonville
Decca Live, a live music and dance nightclub, will open Jan. 31 on East Bay Street.…

News
UF picks Prime Osborn area for new high-tech graduate campus
University of Florida trustees will vote Friday on a new campus that would include the Florida Semiconductor Institute.…

News
Senate bill would lower age to buy long guns in Florida
The bill from Sen. Randy Fine of Brevard County would repeal a law that raised the gun-buying age to 21.…

News
State closed probe of Jax teacher before accuser was given chance to testify, lawyer says
The Florida Department of Ed says the accuser refused to be interviewed — a claim contradicted by emails reviewed by…

News
Florida may allow bear hunting for first time in nearly a decade
The state will consider proposals for the first sanctioned bear hunt since a controversial hunt in October 2015.…

News
First Coast Hispanic chamber to recognize business leaders
The chamber will celebrate Hispanic people and businesses who are part of a rapidly growing community in the region.…

News
Redevelopment plans emerge for Regency Square Mall
A site plan for a gas station and convenience store at Regency Square Mall shows a larger redevelopment scheme.…

News
Jacksonville cemetery reveals a forgotten history
Beneath the Emmett Reed Community Center lies the site of Mount Herman Cemetery, a historic burial ground from the 1880s.…

News
The roller coaster of temperatures continues
Jacksonville will wake up Thursday to temperatures in the mid- to upper 30s.…

News
Jacksonville filmmaker premieres story of serial killer
The movie tells the story of Billy Mansfield Jr., who killed five women between 1975 and 1980 and dumped a…

News
ARTS PICKS | Dec. 13-15
Jacksonville’s annual Hispanic festival, a group show art opening in San Marco and the new Project Atrium piece at MOCA…

The Jaxson
THE JAXSON | Merrill-Stevens: Legacy of the Southside Shipyard
The history of a former World War I-era shipyard now occupied by Bishop Kenny High School.…

News
Jacksonville tries many routes to comply with homeless law
Fifty-two people have been arrested and others bussed home to prevent homeless people from sleeping in public.…

News
Blue Angels add Jax to the schedule in 2025
The Blue Angels had not scheduled an appearance in Jacksonville in 2025, but the schedule opened up when another show…

News
Sweet treats on display at Gingerbread Extravaganza
The Gingerbread Extravaganza includes 25 cookie and candy creations on display through Dec. 28 at Old St. Andrews Church.…

News
Arrest made in 39-year-old Camden County murders
A Camden County church deacon and his wife were shot to death during a Bible study class. The wrong man…

News
Florida senators start filing bills for legislative session
Senators are gearing up for the 2025 legislative session, which will begin March 4.…

News
After string of fires, mayor and chief take safety to the street
Firefighters passed out free smoke detectors and fire safety information after multiple fires in Jacksonville over five days.…

News
V Pizza cooks up a new crust after complaints
V Pizza said customers have complained for years that its crust is not firm enough.…

News
Hello, Avelo: Jax adds airline with flights to New Haven
Avelo Airlines will offer nonstop service between Jacksonville and Tweed-New Haven Airport on Friday and Mondays.…

News
It’ll be Ole Miss and Duke in the Taxslayer Gator Bowl
This will be the first time these teams have met and Duke’s first appearance in the Gator Bowl.…

News
Is there a Christmas tree crisis after 2024 hurricane season?
Many of Florida’s Christmas trees come from the Carolinas, which were devastated by Hurricane Helene.…

News
A citrus comeback is budding in North Florida
Warmer temperatures and new technologies are helping a citrus industry born in St. Augustine.…

Number of the Week
Number of the Week | Let’s all go to the movies
Our Number of the Week is the number of First Coast residents per movie theater in our region.…

News
NoCo Center could become apartments and grocery
A 16-story apartment building and grocery store could replace the former First Baptist Church main auditorium, now called NoCo Center.…

News
Scammers want to make your holidays less merry
The FBI warns people to be careful of spoof charities and hurricane recovery scams.…

News
Maple Street co-founder has a new idea: Breakfast tacos
After selling Maple Street Biscuit Co. for $36 million, Scott Moore is planning Calico Cactus, A Modern Taco Shop.…

News
New Lincolnville park honors two ‘unsung heroes’
George and Ollie Smith are little-known pillars of the historically Black Lincolnville community.…

News
Cold front arrives in North Florida; warmup to follow
The cold front will bring temperatures near freezing from the Panhandle to Jacksonville.…

News
Removed Douglas Anderson teacher was accused of sex with 14-year-old
Previously unreported records explain the circumstances surrounding Corey Thayer’s removal.…

News
Jumbo Shrimp’s stadium now called VyStar Ballpark
The ballpark’s new name is a result of VyStar’s merger with 121 Financial Credit Union.…

News
UNF gets federal grant to restore national park shorelines
A nearly $800,000 grant from the National Park Service will help UNF restore the shoreline at three parks in Florida…

News
Proposed law would restrict development in state parks
The legislation would prohibit development like the lodge and pickleball courts once proposed at Anastasia State Park in St. Johns…

News
New Mini Market caters to Downtown crowd
The Mini Market sells snacks, gifts, groceries and more to meet the needs of Downtown workers.…

News
Florida’s property insurance market is rebounding
Changes to Florida laws are working as intended to bring the property insurance market back from the brink of collapse.…

News
Jacksonville volunteers welcome Gazan boy receiving medical treatment after bombing
In addition to Tuesday’s arrival in Jacksonville, the nonprofit HEAL Palestine has brought Gazan children to Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco,…

News
Fallen firefighters honored, as one name is added to memorial
Fire Engineer Heath O’Shea was among 26 firefighters remembered during Fallen Firefighter Memorial Day.…

News
Experts say UF meetings violated Sunshine Law
The UF board of trustees has met repeatedly in private settings where the public was not allowed to attend.…

News
Two riverfront restaurants marketed at Four Seasons site
Colliers is promoting the Marina Restaurant and the Cafe on the Green at the Four Seasons Hotel & Residences.…

The Jaxson
THE JAXSON | 14 historic JAXPORT photographs
Here’s a photographic journey showing JAXPORT’s facilities over the past 108 years.…

News
Residents prevail in fight against Pondry development
A City Council committee voted against rezoning the former Allstate Campus to develop The Pondry residences and offices.…

News
Federal judge will consider social media rules for minors
Starting Jan. 1, kids 13 and under will no longer be able to have a profile on certain social media…

Arts Picks
ARTS PICKS | Dec. 6-8
A storytelling competition, free concert Downtown, a local makers’ market, and free Flamenco fusion concert at the Beaches are this…

News
Women’s pro soccer arrives in Jacksonville
Jacksonville’s first professional women’s sports team — the Sporting Jax soccer club — will kick off in August 2025.…

News
Stuck at a stoplight? Outdated traffic signals might be why
A new study concludes that delays at traffic signals cause congestion and accidents, harm the environment and endanger pedestrians.…

News
FPL will increase bills to cover $1.2B in hurricane costs
The Florida Public Service Commission gave FPL approval to raise bills about $12 per month for the average customer.…

News
St. Johns pledges $2.2M for ‘all-inclusive’ playground
The Diamond of Dreams playground will be only the second in the county designed for children with disabilities.…

News
Feeding Florida food banks seek help from lawmakers
Food banks, including Feeding Northeast Florida, want to expand a program that pays farmers to send them excess food.…

News
Live Local Act is falling short on affordable housing
The law, enacted a year ago, may not be helping many public servants obtain affordable housing.…

News
Boeing to lay off 30 people in Jacksonville
Statewide, Boeing plans to lay off 141 employees as it cuts its global workforce by 10%.…

News
FDOT seeks feedback on I-95 widening near Downtown
Two public meetings are scheduled to discuss the I-95 widening from near Kings Road to Interstate 10.…

News
Hamburger Mary’s to open in Murray Hill in December
The original Jacksonville location of Hamburger Mary’s was destroyed in a fire in October 2023.…

News
Duval Schools recognized as ‘System of Distinction’ for academic progress
Duval Schools received the award during the district’s recent reaccreditation review.…

News
St. Johns County eases public comment at meetings
The St. Johns County Commission will take public comment earlier in meetings beginning Tuesday.…

News
Cummer Museum will reopen gardens on Friday
The gardens at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens closed after three straight hurricanes.…

Arts Picks
ARTS PICKS | Nov. 29 – Dec. 1
Shopping for locally made goods, an art gallery brunch tour, and jazz at Jacksonville Beach are the Thanksgiving week Arts…

The Jaxson
THE JAXSON | The history of Jacksonville’s San Marco neighborhood
Across the St. Johns River from Downtown Jacksonville, San Marco is a historic neighborhood known for its architecture, restaurants, boutiques…

News
Monkey in the trees: A mystery in Orange Park
The monkey has been spotted scurrying around the Reserve at Orange Park apartments on Wells Road.…

News
Steakhouse to open in Jacobs Jewelers space Downtown
Oak Steakhouse will open in the Greenleaf & Crosby Building at Laura and Adams streets in Downtown Jacksonville.…

News
Bonuses for mosquito control board may have been improper
The board of the Anastasia Mosquito Control District has given itself bonuses for at least six years, including $1,000 the…

News
Sporting Jax to merge with area’s largest youth soccer club
Florida Elite Soccer Academy and Sporting Jax announced the two organizations will merge in 2025.…

News
State Sen. Randy Fine seeks to replace U.S. Rep Mike Waltz
With the backing of President-elect Donald Trump, state Sen. Randy Fine said Tuesday he will run for a congressional seat…

News
Strings Sports Brewery nears opening in Jax Beach
If all goes well, Strings could open Wednesday at 1618 Penman Road, its second location.…

News
904Ward CEO announces her departure
In a statement shared with donors Monday, 904Ward CEO Kimberly Allen said she will move to Houston for another opportunity.…

News
Laura Street Trio sale could pave a path forward
The owner of the long-vacant Laura Street Trio is interested in selling the property to its partnering developer.…

News
A rare species of sea turtle returns to the First Coast
St. Johns County is celebrating a surprising number of Kemp’s ridley sea turtle nests this nesting season.…

News
More families are struggling for food this Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving food giveaways on the First Coast are seeking longer lines than ever.…

News
Ponte Vedra Inn & Club gets permit for $65M sports club
The club’s construction is expected to begin in January as part of a 30-year renovation.…

News
2024 hurricane season among the worst for tornadoes
This season ranks third for the most tropical cyclone-induced tornadoes in a hurricane season, over the past 30 years…

News
Will 2025 be the year Florida passes an open carry law?
The new Senate president opposes open carry, but gun owners hope they can win over the Legislature in 2025.…

News
Record holiday travel expected at Jacksonville’s airport
Travelers at Jacksonville International Airport can expect parking changes as a new garage is built.…

News
Over neighbors’ objections, Allstate rezoning advances
More than two dozen people opposed plans to transform the former Allstate Campus into residential, office and retail space.…

News
Clay County plans expanded animal shelter
The $21.5 million animal shelter will be built near Fleming Island. The current shelter in Green Cove Springs has outgrown…

News
Traffic riles residents near World Golf Village
Residents say the area around Bass Pro Shops, Costco, Buc-ee’s and other developments can’t handle more traffic.…

Number of the Week
NUMBER OF THE WEEK | Florida license plates
Which specialty license plates are the most popular in Duval County, and which are some of the rarest on the…

Photo Essays
PHOTO ESSAY | What happens after Jacksonville flushes
In Jacksonville, flushing the toilet is the beginning of a journey to the St. Johns River. Before it becomes one…

News
Nights of Lights will shine this weekend in St. Augustine
St. Augustine expects a tide of visitors as the popular Nights of Lights returns for the holidays.…

News
UF Health begins expansion of trauma center
The Leon L. Haley Jr. Emergency and Trauma Center is named for the late CEO of UF Health.…

News
The state of Downtown Jax — good and bad
Downtown Jacksonville attracted more investment and visitors in 2024, but it lost offices and workers, a new report concludes.…

News
Anchor Glass closing century-old bottle making plant
A total of 144 Anchor Glass employees will lose their jobs in Northwest Jacksonville.…

News
Florida will pay $725K in ‘Stop WOKE’ case
Florida has agreed to pay legal fees and costs for businesses that successfully challenged part of the “Stop WOKE Act.”…

Arts Picks
ARTS PICKS | Nov. 22-24
Music in a Downtown alley, a symphony program that includes a contemporary composer, nature paintings at the Cummer, and open…

News
More condos and apartments sought in Downtown Jax
The Downtown Investment Authority board has approved a new program designed to generate residential development in the heart of Downtown…

News
Ex-Putnam teacher accused of lewd texts with student
Former teacher Robert Grady Bush Jr. is charged with soliciting or engaging in lewd conduct with a student. He has…

News
Walmart Supercenter planned on International Golf Parkway
The Walmart would add to an expansion of big-box stores near World Commerce Center in St. Augustine.…

News
Duval School Board’s rightward turn on display in sex ed, book discussions
Duval’s School Board now has a conservative majority, aligning with state and incoming federal officials, who prize “parental rights” and…

News
Congressman seeks shutdown of Baker County ICE center
Rep. Maxwell Frost says the ICE facility houses people in conditions “that no human should live in.”…

News
Audit finds no misspending during Deegan’s UK trip
After complaints from a City Council member, the Jacksonville Council Auditor’s Office reviewed the trip and found no violations.…

News
Allegiant Airlines announces 3 new flights from Jacksonville
Allegiant Airlines will add nonstop flights from Jacksonville International Airport to Akron-Canton, Des Moines and Grand Rapids.…

News
Florida pushes back in lawsuit over schoolbook removal
The state disputes that a state law regulating schoolbooks violates the First Amendment.…

News
Coldest temps of the season are headed our way this week
A strong cold front will bring temperaures in the 40s on Friday morning.…

News
Councilman wants to raise garbage fees in Jacksonville
City Councilman Matt Carlucci says the cost of garbage collection is twice as much as people pay.…

News
UNF men’s soccer returns to NCAA Tournament
The UNF Ospreys beat Central Arkansas Saturday night to earn their first NCAA Tournament berth in nine years.…

News
Coffee and croissants now on the menu at JTA hub in LaVilla
Cinotti’s Bakery & Sandwich Shop and Grounds of Grace have opened in JTA’s Regional Transportation Center.…

News
Florida commits more money to lure back tourists after storms
Visit Florida has added $1 million to a campaign to convince tourists that Florida is open for business.…

News
Cummer closes gardens after three hurricanes
The gardens suffered damage from three back-to-back hurricanes, most recently Milton.…

News
Jacksonville pushes for zero traffic deaths by 2035
A total of 508 people have died in traffic crashes in Jacksonville in the past three years. The city honored…

Number of the Week
NUMBER OF THE WEEK | St. Johns County’s housing boom
After the St. Johns County elections, the County Commission has a majority of commissioners who campaigned on a platform of…

News
Recount confirms winner in Fernandina commission race
A recount determined that Genece Minshew defeated Vice Mayor David Sturges by 19 votes for the Fernandina Beach City Commission.…

News
Tropical Storm Sara unlikely to threaten Florida
The threat of Tropical Storm Sara appeared to dissipate in Florida on Friday, but heavy rain is possible around Wednesday.…

News
Bass Pro Shops prepares to open Nov. 20
A grand opening at Bass Pro Shops in St. Augustine will include music, celebrities and giveaways.…

News
Artists connect humanity to nature at Cummer
The environment under stress is featured in a new display at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.…

News
Tropical Storm Sara forms; effects on Florida uncertain
Tropical Storm Sara will be a slow-moving storm that will linger in the western Caribbean before emerging over the Gulf…

News
Shade is growing at Jacksonville’s bus stops
A pilot program will plant shade trees at six bus stops as part of the city’s resiliency plan.…

News
Mini Bar doughnut shop is closing its final location
The Mini Bar doughnut shop at 10618 Deerwood Park Blvd. near Gate Parkway will close Nov. 24.…

News
Sun-Ray Cinema finds a new home in Tampa
Sun-Ray, an institution in Five Points, closed in July. It will open in Tampa on Dec. 11.…

News
Judge OKs settlement over Nassau schoolbook removals
School district officials agreed to return a number of removed schoolbooks to library shelves.…

News
New JWB program helps renters become homebuyers
JWB Real Estate Capital says 5,800 renters could earn equity toward a home purchase through its new HomeStep program.…

News
Duval Schools chief cleared on racial claim; commits to improve employee treatment
An investigation found the superintendent did not racially discriminate against an employee in Lee County.…

Arts Picks
ARTS PICKS | Nov. 15-17
New art in San Marco, a Riverside storytelling competition, the Symphony’s Harry Potter era, and a family party at MOCA…

News
Florida’s Hispanic voters turned out for Donald Trump
Florida was the only state where a majority of Hispanic voters supported President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House.…

News
Jacksonville halts negotiations on Laura Street Trio
The city said it is terminating negotiations with developers and will refile a foreclosure lawsuit over the long-empty Laura Street…

News
St. Augustine settles on site for Anastasia Island fire station
The city says Anastasia Island is in dire need of a new fire station, but finding a site has taken…

News
Tropical Storm Sara likely to develop in Caribbean
A weather system in the Caribbean has a high chance of developing into Tropical Storm Sara and possibly into a…

From The Newsletter
Trump picks 2 Florida politicians for cabinet roles
President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly chosen Rep. Michael Waltz as national security adviser and Sen. Marco Rubio as secretary of…

The Jaxson
THE JAXSON | Ray Charles in Jacksonville
Here are six sites associated with Ray Charles’ time as an up-and-coming musician in Jacksonville.…

News
Clay County leads state in removing schoolbooks
Clay County was responsible for 287 of more than 700 schoolbooks removed