jacksonville Breaking News

BREAKING NEWS
Local Educators Honored with Gladys Prior Awards
News Summary Local educators in Jacksonville have received the prestigious Gladys Prior Awards for Teaching Excellence, recognizing their dedication and impact in Duval County Public Schools. Among the recipients is...
Jacksonville City Proposes Traffic Safety Enhancements
News Summary Following a tragic accident that claimed the lives of a local teacher and his son, Jacksonville city officials are proposing major traffic safety improvements on Baymeadows Road. City...
Jacksonville Appoints D.R. Repass to Planning Commission
News Summary Mayor Donna Deegan has appointed attorney D.R. Repass to the Jacksonville Planning Commission, following a recent reshuffle. Repass will fill the at-large seat previously held by Mone Holder,...
Traffic Stop in Jacksonville Leads to Violent Encounter
News Summary A recent traffic stop in Jacksonville involving a young black driver has sparked an investigation after a violent altercation with police. The driver, William McNeil Jr., posted a...
Growing Concerns Over Cat Disappearances in Jacksonville
News Summary In Jacksonville, Florida, an alarming trend of cats disappearing and suffering injuries has emerged, prompting PETA to take action. Reports of cat shootings and disappearances have surfaced since...
Hakeem Robinson’s Trial Begins in Jacksonville
News Summary The trial of Hakeem Robinson, rapper known as Ksoo, has started with opening statements. He faces charges for the murder of Charles McCormick and the homicide of Adrien...
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Releases Bodycam Footage of Violent Traffic Stop
News Summary The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has disclosed key details and bodycam footage from a violent traffic stop involving William McNeil Jr. He was arrested for allegedly not using headlights...
Missing Teen Found Safe in Jacksonville
News Summary Travis McCrimager Jr., a 16-year-old boy from Jacksonville, has been located safe after he was reported missing early Sunday morning. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office confirmed his recovery just...
Jacksonville Man Sentenced for Attempting to Entice Minor
News Summary Jeremy Wayne Leggett, a 37-year-old from Jacksonville, has been sentenced to 17 years and six months in federal prison for attempting to entice a 13-year-old child for sexual...
Jacksonville Proposes $2 Billion Budget for Fiscal Year
News Summary Jacksonville has proposed a $2 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, doubling the budget from ten years ago. This ambitious budget reflects increased property tax revenues and...
POLITICS
Local Educators Honored with Gladys Prior Awards
News Summary Local educators in Jacksonville have received the prestigious Gladys Prior Awards for Teaching Excellence, recognizing their dedication and impact in Duval County Public Schools. Among the recipients is...
Jacksonville City Proposes Traffic Safety Enhancements
News Summary Following a tragic accident that claimed the lives of a local teacher and his son, Jacksonville city officials are proposing major traffic safety improvements on Baymeadows Road. City...
Jacksonville Appoints D.R. Repass to Planning Commission
News Summary Mayor Donna Deegan has appointed attorney D.R. Repass to the Jacksonville Planning Commission, following a recent reshuffle. Repass will fill the at-large seat previously held by Mone Holder,...
Traffic Stop in Jacksonville Leads to Violent Encounter
News Summary A recent traffic stop in Jacksonville involving a young black driver has sparked an investigation after a violent altercation with police. The driver, William McNeil Jr., posted a...
Jacksonville Proposes $2 Billion Budget for Fiscal Year
News Summary Jacksonville has proposed a $2 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, doubling the budget from ten years ago. This ambitious budget reflects increased property tax revenues and...
Eric Battle Seeks Trademark for ‘Alligator Alcatraz’
News Summary In Jacksonville, Eric Battle has applied for a trademark of ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ amid controversies related to a new immigration detention center. The center has faced criticism for its...
Jacksonville NAACP Supports Councilman Peluso’s Boycott
News Summary The Jacksonville NAACP has voiced strong support for City Councilman Jimmy Peluso after his boycott of a Transportation Committee meeting, criticizing the council’s leadership. Peluso’s absence has sparked...
Residents Sue Jacksonville Over Medical Examiner’s Office Construction
News Summary Residents of the Metro Gardens Neighborhood Association in Jacksonville are suing the city concerning the construction of a new medical examiner’s office. The facility’s location has raised concerns...
Jacksonville Firm Secures $78 Million Contract for Controversial Detention Center
News Summary Critical Response Strategies LLC, a Jacksonville consulting firm, has been awarded a $78 million contract to manage services at the new immigration detention center in Big Cypress National...
Atlantic Beach Commissioners Approve Reduced Fire Rescue Payments
News Summary Atlantic Beach city commissioners have approved a new agreement that reduces annual payments to Jacksonville for fire rescue services from $1.5 million to $750,000. The deal, lasting until...
CRIME
Traffic Stop in Jacksonville Leads to Violent Encounter
News Summary A recent traffic stop in Jacksonville involving a young black driver has sparked an investigation after a violent altercation with police. The driver, William McNeil Jr., posted a...
Growing Concerns Over Cat Disappearances in Jacksonville
News Summary In Jacksonville, Florida, an alarming trend of cats disappearing and suffering injuries has emerged, prompting PETA to take action. Reports of cat shootings and disappearances have surfaced since...
Hakeem Robinson’s Trial Begins in Jacksonville
News Summary The trial of Hakeem Robinson, rapper known as Ksoo, has started with opening statements. He faces charges for the murder of Charles McCormick and the homicide of Adrien...
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Releases Bodycam Footage of Violent Traffic Stop
News Summary The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has disclosed key details and bodycam footage from a violent traffic stop involving William McNeil Jr. He was arrested for allegedly not using headlights...
Missing Teen Found Safe in Jacksonville
News Summary Travis McCrimager Jr., a 16-year-old boy from Jacksonville, has been located safe after he was reported missing early Sunday morning. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office confirmed his recovery just...
Jacksonville Man Sentenced for Attempting to Entice Minor
News Summary Jeremy Wayne Leggett, a 37-year-old from Jacksonville, has been sentenced to 17 years and six months in federal prison for attempting to entice a 13-year-old child for sexual...
ECONOMY
Local Educators Honored with Gladys Prior Awards
News Summary Local educators in Jacksonville have received the prestigious Gladys Prior Awards for Teaching Excellence, recognizing their dedication and impact in Duval County Public Schools. Among the recipients is...
Jacksonville Proposes $2 Billion Budget for Fiscal Year
News Summary Jacksonville has proposed a $2 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, doubling the budget from ten years ago. This ambitious budget reflects increased property tax revenues and...
Jacksonville Firm Secures $78 Million Contract for Controversial Detention Center
News Summary Critical Response Strategies LLC, a Jacksonville consulting firm, has been awarded a $78 million contract to manage services at the new immigration detention center in Big Cypress National...
Atlantic Beach Commissioners Approve Reduced Fire Rescue Payments
News Summary Atlantic Beach city commissioners have approved a new agreement that reduces annual payments to Jacksonville for fire rescue services from $1.5 million to $750,000. The deal, lasting until...
Florida Supreme Court Takes Action Against 22 Attorneys
News Summary The Florida Supreme Court has disciplined 22 attorneys, including three disbarments and 11 suspensions. Among those affected are two from Jacksonville facing varying penalties, reinforcing the court’s commitment...
Jacksonville Players Win Big in Florida Lottery Fantasy 5
News Summary Two lucky winners in Jacksonville struck substantial prizes in the latest Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 drawings. One ticket earned $39,417.53 and another $106,487. Additional prizes were also claimed,...
Jacksonville Faces Setback as Federal Grant for Emerald Trail Removed
News Summary Jacksonville city leaders are grappling with the loss of a $147 million federal grant aimed at the Emerald Trail project after its removal from a budget bill. City...
Jacksonville Secures Funding for Safety and Infrastructure Improvements
News Summary Jacksonville has received $4.35 million from state funding aimed at enhancing public safety and infrastructure in the city. Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Florida budget, which allocates this...
Jacksonville Ranked 7th in Best Places to Retire
News Summary Jacksonville, Florida has been recognized as the 7th best retirement destination in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Places to Retire list. The city scored high...
Road Cave-In Causes Traffic Disruptions in Jacksonville
News Summary A significant road cave-in at 700 East Bay Street in Jacksonville has led to the closure of multiple lanes, while investigations by JEA crews are underway. Both westbound...
SPORT
HSM-72 Proud Warriors Return to Jacksonville After Deployment
News Summary The Proud Warriors of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 72 (HSM-72) are returning to Naval Air Station Jacksonville after an eight-month deployment. Their mission included military exercises with NATO...
Jacksonville Football Star Honors a Life Cut Short
News Summary Chris Payton-Jones, a player for the UFL Battlehawks, wore custom cleats to honor seven-year-old Breon Allen Jr., whose life tragically ended due to gun violence. The cleats featured...
Two Duval County School Safety Officers Arrested: A Community Concern
News Summary The arrests of two safety officers in Duval County, Florida, have raised significant concerns within the community. George Haake III was arrested for alarming behavior towards his family...
DISASTERS
Jacksonville Issues Heat Advisory for the Weekend
News Summary Jacksonville is under a Heat Advisory as temperatures are expected to reach up to 113°F this weekend. The National Weather Service urges residents to prepare for dangerously high...
Fire Displaces Families at Red Bay Apartment Complex in Jacksonville
News Summary A fire at the Red Bay Apartment Complex in Jacksonville’s Arlington neighborhood early Tuesday displaced five families. The blaze, which occurred just after 5 a.m., caused significant damage...
Elderly Woman Dies in Two-Car Collision on Roosevelt Boulevard
News Summary A tragic accident on Roosevelt Boulevard has claimed the life of an elderly woman following a two-car collision involving her SUV and a pickup truck. The collision occurred...
Traffic Crash on San Pablo Road Causes Injuries
News Summary A traffic crash on San Pablo Road in Jacksonville resulted in injuries on Monday morning. The accident occurring at the intersection with Las Brisas Way led to a...
Jacksonville Man Arrested for Child Sex Abuse Material and Animal Cruelty
News Summary William John Eames III from Jacksonville has been arrested for serious charges involving possession of child sexual abuse material and engaging in sexual activities with animals. His arrest...
Power Restored to Jacksonville Customers After Outage
News Summary Power was restored to over 1,000 customers on Jacksonville’s west side following a brief outage on Sunday afternoon. The outage, which began at 1:41 p.m., was addressed by...
Multiple Vehicle Crash Causes Injuries and Traffic Disruptions in Jacksonville
News Summary A multi-vehicle crash on Beach Boulevard resulted in multiple injuries and significant traffic disruptions, categorized as a Mass Casualty Incident. With rerouting through I-295, motorists faced delays, while...
Fire Breaks Out at San Jose Apartments, Injuring One Resident
News Summary A significant fire erupted at the San Jose Apartments in Jacksonville, Florida, injuring one resident and displacing others. The fire started around 7:40 a.m. in the kitchen. Emergency...
Owen Cosme Sentenced for Triple Murder in Jacksonville
News Summary Owen Cosme has been sentenced to four life terms for a triple murder that occurred during a robbery attempt in February 2021, along with an additional 25 years...
Dance Instructor Arrested for Sexual Activity with Minor
News Summary Samuel Penalba, a 34-year-old dance instructor in Jacksonville, has been arrested on charges of engaging in illegal sexual activities with a minor aged 16 to 17. The allegations...
HEALTH
Growing Concerns Over Cat Disappearances in Jacksonville
News Summary In Jacksonville, Florida, an alarming trend of cats disappearing and suffering injuries has emerged, prompting PETA to take action. Reports of cat shootings and disappearances have surfaced since...
Jacksonville Issues Heat Advisory for the Weekend
News Summary Jacksonville is under a Heat Advisory as temperatures are expected to reach up to 113°F this weekend. The National Weather Service urges residents to prepare for dangerously high...
Residents Sue Jacksonville Over Medical Examiner’s Office Construction
News Summary Residents of the Metro Gardens Neighborhood Association in Jacksonville are suing the city concerning the construction of a new medical examiner’s office. The facility’s location has raised concerns...
Heat Advisory Issued for Northeast Florida
News Summary A Heat Advisory has been declared for Northeast Florida due to soaring temperatures, with indices potentially reaching 110 degrees. The advisory, effective from noon to 6 p.m., highlights...
Fire Displaces Families at Red Bay Apartment Complex in Jacksonville
News Summary A fire at the Red Bay Apartment Complex in Jacksonville’s Arlington neighborhood early Tuesday displaced five families. The blaze, which occurred just after 5 a.m., caused significant damage...
Local Man Arrested for Aggravated Battery on Infant
News Summary In Jacksonville, a 24-year-old man named Ja’Quan Wootson has been arrested for aggravated battery on a four-week-old baby girl, who was hospitalized with severe injuries. The incident has...
Jacksonville Ranked 7th in Best Places to Retire
News Summary Jacksonville, Florida has been recognized as the 7th best retirement destination in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Places to Retire list. The city scored high...
Jacksonville Blood Banks Urgently Seek Donations Amid Hurricane Season
News Summary Blood banks in Jacksonville, Florida, are calling for urgent donations as supplies reach critically low levels. With trauma cases rising and hurricane season commencing, the need for all...
Dr. Barbara Knox Resigns Amid Misconduct Allegations
News Summary Dr. Barbara Knox, a pediatrician at UF Health Jacksonville, has resigned due to serious allegations of workplace misconduct and bullying. An internal report revealed multiple complaints from employees...
Jacksonville Residents Protest New Medical Examiner’s Office
News Summary Residents in Jacksonville’s Brentwood neighborhood are opposing the construction of a new medical examiner’s office near KIPP V.O.I.C.E. Academy. Protests occurred on June 25, with claims that the...
SHOWBIZ
Jacksonville Dominates Shazam Rankings with 23 Hits
News Summary Jacksonville has emerged as a musical hotspot, tying with Detroit for the most Shazamed songs in the U.S. with 23 entries. The rankings indicate a strong preference for...
Celebrating the Legacy of Ma Rainey in Jacksonville
News Summary Jacksonville pays tribute to Ma Rainey, the ‘Mother of the Blues’, highlighting her significant contributions to music and the cultural landscape of the LaVilla district. Born in 1886,...
Local Businesses Withdraw Lawsuit Challenging Florida Age Law
News Summary Two Jacksonville establishments, Sinsations club and Exotic Fantasies store, have dropped their lawsuit against a Florida law requiring exotic dancers to be 21 or older. Filed in July,...
Collision Between SUV and Bus Injures Three in Downtown Jacksonville
News Summary A collision between an SUV and a bus in Downtown Jacksonville left three individuals injured on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred at a busy intersection and resulted in...
Major Fire Incident in Jacksonville Beach Causes Disruptions
News Summary A significant fire in Jacksonville Beach led to extensive traffic disruptions and the displacement of residents. The Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department responded swiftly, but concerns about safety...
Lightning Strike Causes Fire at Fort Caroline Apartment
News Summary A lightning strike caused a fire at a Fort Caroline apartment in Jacksonville on Saturday morning, leading to significant roof damage but no injuries. The Jacksonville Fire and...
Lewis Turner Named New Chief Meteorologist for Jacksonville
News Summary Lewis Turner has been named the new Chief Meteorologist at First Coast News, succeeding Tim Deegan, who is retiring after 42 years. Turner, a familiar face to Jacksonville...
Limp Bizkit Returns to Jacksonville with New Music
News Summary Jacksonville is ablaze with anticipation as Limp Bizkit, the iconic band formed in 1994, prepares for a homecoming performance after more than a decade. Original members Fred Durst,...
Jacksonville on Hold: Carnival Elation Delayed Amid Search for Missing Boaters
News Summary The Carnival Elation cruise ship’s return to Jacksonville has been delayed due to an ongoing search for boaters who went missing after their boat capsized. While one person...
Jacksonville Symphony Receives Historic $15 Million Donation
News Summary The Jacksonville Symphony has received a groundbreaking $15 million donation from an anonymous donor, the largest in its 75-year history. This generous gift is expected to significantly enhance...
TECH UPDATES
Jacksonville Launches First Public Driverless Transportation Service
News Summary Jacksonville has launched NAVI, the nation’s first public driverless transportation service. This pilot, initiated by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, begins operations on June 30. NAVI will cover a...
Lightning Strike Causes Power Outages and Water Disruptions in Jacksonville
News Summary A lightning strike in Jacksonville’s Arlington neighborhood caused significant disruptions on Ector Road. Local residents experienced power outages and water pressure drops after lightning struck a tree, damaging...
Jacksonville Teen Proposes Brooke’s Law Against Deepfake Crimes
News Summary In Jacksonville, Brooke Curry, a teenager and victim of deepfake pornography, advocates for legislative reform through ‘Brooke’s Law.’ After facing humiliation from a viral fake nude image, she...
Jacksonville Weather Update: Mixed Temperatures Ahead
News Summary Jacksonville residents can expect a variety of weather changes over the next few days. Today will be warm, with temperatures in the low 80s. The coastal areas will...
Nate Monroe Transitions to Executive Editor Role
News Summary After nearly twelve years in Jacksonville journalism, Nate Monroe is leaving his position as a metro columnist to become the executive editor of The Tributary, a nonprofit investigative...
SCIENCE
Massive Great White Shark Tagged Off Jacksonville
News Summary Jacksonville, Florida, has made headlines with the discovery of ‘Contender,’ a 1,700-pound male great white shark, the largest ever tagged in the Northwest Atlantic. Tagging occurred 45 miles...