Jacksonville, January 22, 2026
Jacksonville has seen significant developments recently, including a police-involved shooting, the relocation of the Museum of Science and History, and major renovations at the Jacksonville Zoo and Friendship Fountain. The new Riverfront Plaza is also nearing completion, while the city’s autonomous vehicle service gains popularity. These changes reflect ongoing efforts to promote public safety, community engagement, tourism, and urban development in the area.
Jacksonville: Recent Developments Impacting the Community
St. Johns County Deputies Fatally Shoot Gunman After Threatening Coworker
On December 2, 2025, St. Johns County sheriff’s deputies fatally shot Christopher Lee Johnson, 43, after he threatened a coworker at a local business. The confrontation escalated to multiple gunshots, prompting deputies to pursue Johnson down U.S. 1. The pursuit ended when a deputy used a Pursuit Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to stop Johnson’s vehicle. Deputies then fatally shot Johnson after he allegedly pointed a firearm at them. The incident is under investigation by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
Jacksonville’s Museum of Science and History Closes for Relocation
In early May 2025, the Museum of Science and History (MOSH) announced the closure of its Southbank location on August 31, 2025. The museum is relocating to a new facility on the Northbank, with construction expected to begin in early 2026 and take 18 months to complete. The existing building is slated for demolition to make way for future development. MOSH is known for its science and local history exhibits and the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium.
Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens Announces Major Redevelopment Plans
Beginning in 2021, the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens unveiled a $50 million redevelopment plan called “ReZoovenation.” The plan includes a new main entrance and the expansion of the Manatee Critical Care Center. Phase 2 of the project, featuring the VyStar SkyScape and the Manatee River exhibit, is slated to open in 2026. The zoo, located on 122 acres, houses over 2,000 animals and 1,000 plant species.
Jacksonville’s Riverfront Plaza Nears Completion
Riverfront Plaza, a public area and green space on the St. Johns River in Downtown Jacksonville, is nearing completion. The $38 million Phase I opened on November 29, 2025, featuring a playground and event lawn. Phase II, expected to begin in early 2026 and finish in 2027, will include a bike/pedestrian connection from the Main Street Bridge to the plaza, a rain garden, and a beer garden. The plaza is located on the former site of the Jacksonville Landing.
Jacksonville’s Autonomous Vehicle Service Gains Popularity
In June 2025, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority launched its autonomous passenger service along the three-mile Bay Street Innovation Corridor. Initially offered at no charge, the service began charging a $1.75 per-passenger fee on October 1, 2025. By mid-August, the service was drawing 100 to 195 riders per day. The Bay Street Innovation Corridor route cost $65 million and comprises $39.5 million in local, $13 million in state, and $12.5 million in federal funding.
Jacksonville’s Friendship Fountain Reopens After Renovation
Jacksonville’s Friendship Fountain, a prominent city landmark, reopened on February 15, 2024, after a major renovation. The fountain, originally opened in 1965, had been closed for several years due to deterioration. The renovation, completed with a nearly $8 million budget, restored the fountain to its former glory. The surrounding park is also undergoing construction to add a play park with a history theme, a venue for weddings, restrooms, and a picnic area, with projected completion in early 2026.
Conclusion
The ongoing developments in Jacksonville provide great insight into the resilience and innovation of local entrepreneurs and organizations. Notably, projects like the Museum of Science and History’s relocation and the Riverfront Plaza’s creation exemplify the community’s commitment to economic growth and public engagement. Supporting these initiatives and local businesses will continue to elevate Jacksonville’s position as a thriving hub for innovation and development.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happened during the incident involving St. Johns County deputies and Christopher Lee Johnson?
On December 2, 2025, St. Johns County sheriff’s deputies fatally shot Christopher Lee Johnson, 43, after he threatened a coworker at a local business.
2. Why is the Museum of Science and History relocating?
In early May 2025, the Museum of Science and History (MOSH) announced the closure of its Southbank location to relocate to a new facility on the Northbank.
3. What is the ‘ReZoovenation’ plan at the Jacksonville Zoo?
The Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens unveiled a $50 million redevelopment plan called “ReZoovenation,” which includes a new main entrance and expansion of the Manatee Critical Care Center.
4. What are the features of the Riverfront Plaza?
Riverfront Plaza has a playground, an event lawn, and Phase II will include a bike/pedestrian connection, rain garden, and beer garden.
5. How has the autonomous vehicle service in Jacksonville performed?
The autonomous passenger service along the Bay Street Innovation Corridor began charging a fee in October 2025 and has been drawing 100 to 195 riders per day.
6. When did Friendship Fountain reopen after renovation?
Jacksonville’s Friendship Fountain reopened on February 15, 2024, after a major renovation.
Key Features of Jacksonville’s Recent Developments
| Development | Details | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| St. Johns County Incident | Fatally shot gunman Christopher Lee Johnson. | Ongoing investigation and public safety discussions. |
| Museum of Science and History | Relocating to a new facility on the Northbank. | Enhanced community engagement and tourism. |
| ReZoovenation Plan | $50 million redevelopment at the zoo. | Improved visitor experience and conservation efforts. |
| Riverfront Plaza | New public green space nearing completion. | Boost in local events and recreational opportunities. |
| Autonomous Vehicle Service | Launched in June 2025, charging began in October. | Innovative transportation solution benefiting the community. |
| Friendship Fountain | Reopened after $8 million in renovations. | Restoration of a significant community landmark. |
Now Happening on X
- @FHP_Notifier (January 18, 2026, 6:01 AM) A fatality was reported in a traffic incident at Beach Blvd & Tamaya Blvd in Jacksonville, Duval County. View on X
- @FHP_Notifier (January 19, 2026, 8:39 PM) Update on a vehicle crash with injuries and roadblock on SR-9B NB at MM1 in Jacksonville, Duval County, with unknown road blockage. View on X
- @FHP_Notifier (January 20, 2026, 7:35 AM) A structure fire was reported at 2638 Emily Ln in Jacksonville, Duval County, under investigation by the State Fire Marshal. View on X
- @wcti12 (January 20, 2026, 10:31 PM) A multi-agency emergency exercise involving the Jacksonville Police Department, Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, EMS, emergency management, and local fire departments took place. View on X
- @FHP_Notifier (January 21, 2026, 7:18 PM) A structure fire was reported at 1495 W 22nd St in Jacksonville, Duval County, with an ongoing investigation. View on X
- @wcti12 (January 21, 2026, 1:00 PM) A Jacksonville man is facing charges after alleged threats, as part of morning updates including other local investigations. 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.
