Jacksonville, Florida, December 30, 2025
Jacksonville, Florida, is grappling with a concerning increase in pedestrian fatalities, with three people tragically killed in traffic accidents over a single week. These incidents have raised serious alarm among local residents and authorities regarding pedestrian safety, prompting initiatives like high-visibility enforcement details and a ‘Vision Zero Action Plan’. This plan aims to significantly reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries by 2035 through various safety measures and infrastructure changes, addressing the historic challenges pedestrians face in the city.
Jacksonville Sees Spike in Pedestrian Fatalities
Jacksonville, Florida, has recently faced a troubling surge in pedestrian fatalities, with three individuals tragically killed in traffic incidents within just one week. As these incidents increase, both residents and local authorities express deepening concerns regarding pedestrian safety across the city.
Recent Fatalities
- December 28, 2025: A man in his 50s was struck and killed by a vehicle near the intersection of Avent Drive and Palm Hills Drive in the Ortega Hills neighborhood. The driver, a man in his early 20s, was operating a Honda Civic when the collision occurred. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. This incident marks the 166th traffic fatality in Duval County for the year and the 37th involving a pedestrian.
- December 27, 2025: A man in his mid-60s was fatally struck by a vehicle on New Kings Road. The driver, a man in his mid-30s, was operating a Ford Flex northbound when the collision occurred. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. This incident is the 163rd traffic death in Duval County for the year and the 36th involving a pedestrian.
- December 23, 2025: A 48-year-old man was killed after being hit by an SUV while crossing Normandy Boulevard. The driver, a 54-year-old man, was traveling west on Normandy Boulevard when the collision occurred. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Safety Concerns and Initiatives
The recent fatalities have intensified concerns regarding pedestrian safety. In response to this alarming trend, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) has initiated high-visibility enforcement details throughout Duval County, focusing on educating drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. These efforts aim to mitigate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries.
Moreover, the city has adopted a “Vision Zero Action Plan” designed to eliminate traffic deaths and reduce serious injuries by half by the year 2035. This ambitious plan includes a range of measures such as redesigning streets, lowering speed limits, and implementing safer traffic policies.
Background Context
Jacksonville has faced persistent challenges regarding pedestrian safety in recent years. In 2024, the city was ranked as the 15th most dangerous metropolitan area for pedestrians nationwide, according to a reputable safety report. Between 2022 and 2024, the city experienced 471 traffic-related fatalities, with 147 (31%) of these involving bicyclists or pedestrians.
To address these threats to public safety, the city has undertaken multiple infrastructure changes aimed at improving pedestrian safety. One notable initiative is the “Park Street Road Diet,” which reduced a four-lane road to two lanes to enhance safety for pedestrians.
Though such initiatives show promise, the recent fatalities underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to protect pedestrians and urgently address the issue of traffic-related deaths in Jacksonville.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the recent pedestrian fatalities in Jacksonville?
In the past week, Jacksonville has reported three pedestrian fatalities: a man in his 50s on December 28, a man in his mid-60s on December 27, and a 48-year-old man on December 23.
What measures is Jacksonville taking to improve pedestrian safety?
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has initiated high-visibility enforcement details throughout Duval County to educate drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Additionally, the city has adopted a “Vision Zero Action Plan” aiming to eliminate traffic deaths and cut serious injuries in half by 2035.
How does Jacksonville’s pedestrian safety compare nationally?
In 2024, Jacksonville was ranked the 15th most dangerous metropolitan area for pedestrians nationwide, according to a reputable safety report.
What infrastructure changes have been made to enhance pedestrian safety?
Jacksonville has implemented infrastructure changes such as the “Park Street Road Diet,” which reduced the road from four lanes to two to enhance pedestrian safety.
What is the “Vision Zero Action Plan”?
The “Vision Zero Action Plan” is Jacksonville’s strategy aiming to eliminate traffic deaths and cut serious injuries in half by 2035. It includes measures such as redesigning streets, lowering speed limits, and implementing safer traffic policies.
Key Features of the Recent Pedestrian Fatalities in Jacksonville
| Date | Location | Victim’s Age | Driver’s Age | Vehicle Type | Incident Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 28, 2025 | Ortega Hills (Avent Drive and Palm Hills Drive) | 50s | Early 20s | Honda Civic | Pedestrian struck and killed; 166th traffic fatality in Duval County for the year; 37th involving a pedestrian. |
| December 27, 2025 | New Kings Road (8500 block) | Mid-60s | Mid-30s | Ford Flex | Pedestrian fatally struck; 163rd traffic death in Duval County for the year; 36th involving a pedestrian. |
| December 23, 2025 | Normandy Boulevard and Titan Street | 48 | 54 | SUV | Pedestrian killed after being hit; 48-year-old man struck while crossing; driver was 54-year-old man. |
Now Happening on X
- @FHP_Notifier (December 25, 2025, 8:24 PM) Fatality reported from a vehicle crash with injuries at 1906 Southside Blvd in Jacksonville, resulting in blocked southbound lanes. View on X
- @Oremus4Pacem (December 25, 2025, 9:24 PM) JSO investigating a fatal shooting on Jacksonville’s Southside where a man was found shot and killed outside a business. View on X
- @FHP_Notifier (December 25, 2025, 4:49 AM) Vehicle crash with injuries and roadblock on I-295 NB at MM57 in Jacksonville, with the roadway now clear after initial blocks. View on X
- @redjacket (December 28, 2025, 12:09 PM) Four people injured in a Christmas Eve shooting at a Jacksonville apartment complex, highlighting ongoing community safety concerns. View on X
- @FHP_Notifier (December 27, 2025, 1:45 PM) Fatality updated from a vehicle crash with injuries on I-295 NB at MM19 in Jacksonville, with no road blocks currently reported. View on X
- @FHP_Notifier (December 26, 2025, 12:25 PM) Vehicle crash with injuries and roadblock on I-295 NB at MM5 in Jacksonville, with roadblocks reported. View on X
- @jaxdotcom (December 30, 2025, 11:30 AM) Previewing key 2026 stories in Jacksonville, covering politics, downtown developments, Jaguars updates, and airport news. View on X
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
