Unleashed by Florida lawmakers, landowners move to convert farms into subdivisions
A new farmland development law is one of a string wresting power over development away from local government.
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Duval Schools and Jaguars Foundation celebrate students for Hispanic Heritage Month
The school district honored winners of its annual Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest.
Getting up close and personal with worms at Marineland’s Whitney Lab
Researchers are studying a marine worm that can regenerate body parts. Might the worm benefit humans?
Café Nairobi roasts Kenyan coffee in Jacksonville
Martin Kakabi has expanded his Kenyan coffee line from farmers markets to Fresh Market — and he hopes to grow more.
Formula E race team showcases new sponsor: Paysafe in Jacksonville
Paysafe, whose U.S. headquarters is in Jacksonville, unveils its sponsorship of a 200-mph Formula E race car just blocks from its Gate parkway office.
Forecasters are monitoring the Gulf for possible tropical development
Gradual development of a tropical system is possible this week, and Jacksonville is in for heavy rain.
Last remaining Hooters location in Jacksonville permanently closes its doors
The last remaining Hooters restaurant in Jacksonville has permanently closed.
Rep. Wyman Duggan announces run for mayor in challenge to Donna Deegan
Duggan cited affordability and turmoil at the city's independent authorities as campaign priorities.
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters files to seek reelection
Waters is touting lower crime and reduced gang violence since he won the office in November 2022.
Jacksonville’s animal control response worries councilman and inspector general
The systems people use to report dangerous dogs and other animal control issues is under scrutiny.
Developers offer first look at plans for Hard Rock Hotel in Jacksonville
The Hard Rock on Bay Street would include a 350-key hotel and 152 residences, plus restaurants and event space.
Florida forecast: Much-needed rain on the way, too much?
Florida finally has a meaningful opportunity to put a dent in its drought, but the same prolonged wet pattern that brings drought relief could also bring localized flooding and increasingly rough coastal conditions into next week.
Domestic abuse killed more people in Duval County last year
Prosecutors and social service providers released new data to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
New Venetia Elementary plan a prototype for future Duval elementary schools
It was standing room only at Hyde Grove Elementary on Tuesday, with 100 people packed into the cafeteria, sitting in rows at child-sized lunch tables to hear about Duval Schools’ revised plan for Venetia Elementary. The district now proposes to build a Pre-K-5 school that will seat 840 students on the site where…
Grafton & Fleck’s steakhouse will soon replace Ragtime Tavern in Atlantic Beach
The steakhouse, with a rooftop lounge, broke ground Wednesday. It is expected to open by summer 2027.
Education commissioner tells districts to remove sexually explicit books
Commissioner Henry Mack said districts will be held accountable if they don't remove books even without a complaint.
Clay County woman accused of draining $100K from disabled person in her care
Inez Sullivan is accused of transferring the disabled person's money to her own account for more than seven years.
DeSantis exercises ‘unprecedented’ power to label groups ‘domestic terrorists’
A new law makes it a crime to provide "material support’ to domestic terrorist organizations.
WHAT TO DO | Island Hop Beer & Spirits Fest; ‘Floribunda’ opening; Pride Fest; Crocodile talk
A craft beer & spirits fest in Fernandina Beach; the Floribunda art opening in Riverside; Jacksonville's annual LGBT pride parade and fest; and a presentation on croc conservation at UNF are What to Do this weekend.
#AskJAXTDY | How will JEA’s new electric and water rates affect me?
JEA says average electric bills are expected to get lower, despite an Oct. 1 rate increase, while water bills will rise. Here's how to see if that's true for you.
Duval School Board to consider allowing guns in cars on school property
Duval County Schools may change its policy and allow employees to store guns in their cars at school.
Military priority at TSA, gate access for non-flyers begin at Jacksonville airport this week
As the holiday travel season looms, TSA reminded travelers what not to bring with them as they board an airplane - and announced new programs that could ease airport visits.
Mentally ill defendants in Florida jails are waiting months for treatment: Lawsuit
Disability Rights Florida estimates that at least 650 defendants are awaiting transfer to a state hospital across Florida
THE JAXSON | Eartha White: Turning sports into opportunity
How humanitarian and institution builder Eartha White used athletics to uplift Jacksonville's Black community.
State attorney general subpoenas JTA amid transit agency’s budget woes
The subpoena demands JTA provide contracts and communications linked to vendors, services, and former CEO Nat Ford.
Jacksonville Housing Authority board member sues agency over loss of her own housing aid
A member of the Jacksonville Housing Authority is suing the agency she oversees for terminating her housing assistance.
Florida’s minimum wage increases to $15 on Wednesday
Florida workers are seeing a pay increase this month as the state’s minimum wage hits $15 per hour — the final step in a multi-year plan approved by voters.
Teacher charged after sending disturbing email, allegedly touching student at school
The Darnell-Cook School of the Medical Arts teacher faces multiple felony charges after a disturbing email and alleged student contact.
St. Augustine City Manager David Birchim to retire
St. Augustine City Manager David Birchim will retire this year.
At the Italian American Club of Jacksonville, Ohioans bring the spaghetti-supper love
The Italian American Club of Jacksonville will host its Festa Italiana on Oct. 24. Get a taste any month at one of the group's spaghetti dinners.
NFL asks Homeland Security to take down video of Jacksonville native Brian Dawkins
The NFL has asked the Department of Homeland Security to remove a video on social media showing highlights of Jacksonville native Brian Dawkins.
JAXPORT tenants report lower demand as global economic pressures slow shipments
JAXPORT officials say a slowdown in shipping due to Iranian and U.S. blockades of the Strait of Hormuz has also affected its cargo intake.
Carrico won’t seek City Council reelection, will launch advisory firm with wife
Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico will not seek a third term in 2027 and will launch Alignment Global Partners.
Armada must pay full price for Downtown stadium land after missing deadline
Local attorney Chris Campione announced still incomplete plans in October 2025 to purchase the Armada soccer team.
New Florida laws take effect Oct. 1. Here’s what they do
The new laws cover everything from nitrous oxide sales and animal cruelty to rental fraud, specialty license plates and transportation.
St. Johns County reverses decision on developments totaling 1,000-plus acres
The decision by the St. Johns County’s Board of County Commissioners bucks a new Florida law meant to fast-track rural development.
OPINION | The JTA board owes Jacksonville an explanation for the wreckage
Jacksonville is entitled to ask whether JTA's directors understood the difference between supporting a CEO and supervising one.
UNF poll: Property insurance bigger concern among Florida voters than property taxes
As Amendment 3 awaits Florida voters on the Nov. 3 ballot, the latest UNF poll shows Floridians more concerned about property insurance, than property taxes.
Duval school closures weigh on parents ahead of Venetia Elementary meeting
The School Board this month voted to pause its plans to rebuild Venetia Elementary — and to change the process it uses to close schools in general.
OPINION | Good vibes only: What a clean Jacksonville budget means for 2027 elections
As compared to the shambolic budget vote last year, this year's 18-1 ratification of Jacksonville’s $2 billion general fund budget was a model of efficiency.
JEA board selects Jody Brooks as interim CEO; Vickie Cavey steps down
Board members for Jacksonville's city-owned utility appointed Brooks interim CEO the same day they accepted Cavey's resignation.
Jacksonville’s e-bike crackdown: Lower speed, stiffer standards
The Jacksonville City Council has approved a 15 mph speed limit and other new rules for e-bike and e-scooter riders.
Free shuttle service to expand to Anastasia Island, St. Augustine Beach
St. Augustine will expand its free STAR Circulator shuttle service to stops on Anastasia Island and in St. Augustine Beach.
WHAT TO DO | Evidence of Life; Jazz on the Ave; Talbot Tidewater Celebration
A celebration of Downtown that's also an interactive art show, a jazz festival on the Eastside, and an outdoor festival at Fort George Island are What to Do this weekend.
Exotic, classic cars expected at Downtown’s Endless Summer Showcase car show
Endless Summer Showcase 4 moves from Latham Plaza to Downtown Jacksonville's Ford on Bay this Saturday.
Recently released from prison, Aaron Zahn could be entitled to damages from JEA, arbitrator rules
JEA might owe ex-CEO Aaron Zahn damages and attorneys fees for what an arbitrator deemed a breach of his original employment agreement when the board of directors fired him nearly seven years ago amid public controversy.
Architect to oversee rehab of Springfield’s Horace Drew mansion
An historic, and rundown mansion in Springfield has a new architect to oversee its renovation into what owner Springfield Preservation and Revitalization wants for the community.
Clay County ends JTA transportation contract, seeks scaled-back agreement
Clay County officials drop a JTA contract for three transit services as a new agreement is under discussion.
JTA takes first steps with city to solve financial troubles
The JTA board approved a plan to pay down its debts with $30 million appropriated for major projects.
More than $75K unpaid and a ‘sour’ ending for Voodoo Brewing Co.
Voodoo leaves Jacksonville’s bar scene amid financial troubles and a lawsuit over unpaid rent.
THE JAXSON | Before the city arrived: The story of Panama Gardens
North of Downtown Jacksonville, the Panama Gardens neighborhood preserves a century-old vision of suburban life that was remarkably ambitious for its time.
City Council member Kevin Carrico leaves Boys & Girls Clubs executive role
Carrico served in executive roles with the Northeast Florida nonprofit children's group for nearly 11 years.
Is Jacksonville prepared for the $200M shortfall if Amendment 3 passes? Short answer, no.
City Council's Finance Committee found $30 million in cuts, but that's far less than needed if Amendment 3 passes.
Does ‘no-kill’ shelter policy leave dangerous dogs on Jacksonville’s streets?
No-kill is designed to save animals' lives, but critics say it can lead to devastating consequences.
Rep. Angie Nixon to resolve Capitol arrest case without guilty plea
Nixon will pay $250 and complete 15 hours of community service for protesting outside the governor's office.
Publix touts $25M food insecurity donation at Feeding Northeast Florida
The Publix donation includes $1.1 million for Feeding Northeast Florida in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville City Council approves $2B budget, restores affordable housing trust fund
City lawmakers restored some of what was stripped or held back from the mayor's budget proposal to prepare for Amendment 3
Judge backs Duval teacher punished for Charlie Kirk posts
The state's Education Practices Commission will now decide if Hope McMath can keep her teaching license.
A reissue revived Robert Lester Folsom’s music; Jacksonville musicians bring it to the masses
Backed by a group of Jacksonville musicians half his age, Robert Lester Folsom is reaching new audiences.
New mansions could be built on Cumberland Island
A proposed land exchange would allow up to eight homes on Cumberland Island, some as large as 15,000 square feet.
Why only Flock, and not police, can remove the controversial cameras
The cameras belong to Flock, so only Flock can remove them. Some police have covered the cameras instead.
A ‘super’ El Niño could bring severe winter weather to Florida
The trade-off from a quiet hurricane season could be the most severe winter weather ever recorded in Florida.
Jacksonville Civic Council comes out against Amendment 3 tax cut
Business Group the Jacksonville Civic Council worries the property tax cut would reduce city and local services.
Redeveloped FBI building in Arlington in line for $1.5M tax break
The once-dilapidated office building in Arlington has reopened as Interra Apartments.
Former JEA CEO Aaron Zahn released from prison
Zahn is staying at a halfway house in Orlando with a listed release date of Jan. 12, 2027.
Florida TaxWatch urges ‘no’ vote on Amendment 3
TaxWatch says Amendment 3 would shift more of the burden to non-homesteaded properties.
Growing hospital offerings in growing St. Johns County
UF Health and Baptist Health will open hospitals and medical facilities next week, with more expansion ahead.
New registry helps Jacksonville renters research housing violations
Renters can use a new tool from Jacksonville Area Legal Aid to search code enforcement records.
Florida’s minimum wage is about to rise to $15
Read more about the new minimum wage — and why it might actually rise more.
Facing shortfall, JTA will cuts jobs, reduce bus service and halt Skyway and NAVI
The transit agency could cut up to 194 jobs and halt some people movers to fill a $39 million budget hole, JTA says.
St. Augustine builds its first green stormwater system
An area called a bioswale uses native plants to filter pollutants from stormwater before it drains into the Matanzas River.
St. Johns County OKs $125K for Black History Museum
County commissioners voted to spend on the museum despite uncertainty about property tax revenues.
UNF selects Michael Shannon to become next president
Shannon's appointment as president is subject to confirmation by the Florida board of governors.
Florida public schools and colleges get additional AI policies
The Florida Board of Education approved rules for the use of AI in K-12 schools and state colleges.
WHAT TO DO | QuiltFest Jacksonville; Jax Book Fest; ‘I Am My Own Wife’
QuiltFest, a celebration of fabric artistry, and Jax Book Fest in Downtown Jacksonville, plus a play about survival against the odds in Riverside, are What to Do this weekend.
Rain chances to increase as low pressure produces squally weather
An upper-level low late this week will help to increase moisture and erosion to East Coast beaches.
Florida’s emergency agency spent nearly $1B on immigration. Now it’ll get more.
Legislators approved $250 million for the Division of Emergency Management, a large portion for "Alligator Alcatraz."
Eat and drink on Mayport Road, the Beaches’ underrated culinary corridor
For curious diners Mayport Road’s nondescript strip malls host a delightful culinary mélange.
Pieces of USS Jacksonville roll into town for historic display
The sail, rudders and other pieces of the USS Jacksonville will be restored for display near the USS Orleck.
St. Johns County Clerk’s Office enhances access to services
It’s now a little easier to get your marriage license, passport application and public records sorted out.
St. Johns sheriff defends Flock cameras; commissioners consider moratorium
St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick made a passionate defense of the department’s use of the Flock Safety license plate reader system at a final budget hearing Tuesday, detailing crimes solved by the technology while acknowledging the department needed to tighten its data practices. The meeting drew public comment…
Amendment 3 could reduce funding for children’s services, report warns
Amendment 3 would reduce property taxes, but it could eliminate $278 million for children's services.
Nassau school district finds racial slurs unsubstantiated; calls for accountability mount
On Tuesday evening, more than 200 people gathered inside First Missionary Baptist Church in Fernandina Beach to demand more accountability for what they saw as racial harassment of Black athletes last week.
New Baldwin principal removed after gun found in his car at school
Michael Smith, the principal of Baldwin Middle-Senior High School, was removed Tuesday after police discovered a loaded handgun in his car at the schoo
‘World-class ingredients:’ Oxford Economics ranks Jacksonville as a top 5 city to watch
“Jacksonville is a standout city — even by fast-growing Florida standards,” the economics firm said.
Pediatric illnesses illuminate hunger challenge facing Northeast Florida families
Winn-Dixie, The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund and The Players Championship provided food to 31 families.
Second case of West Nile Virus found in Duval County
The Health Department and Jacksonville Mosquito Control are coordinating West Nile surveillance and prevention.
St. Johns County reverses course and denies 4,000-home development near Nocatee
The project sought approval under a new state law easing development of "agricultural enclaves."
THE JAXSON | Sugar Hill: Images of a lost Jacksonville neighborhood
A photographic glimpse into Sugar Hill, once one of Jacksonville’s most prominent African American neighborhoods
‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detainees were held in small metal cages, federal report says
The cages, usd as "calming areas," did not meet standards for humane treatment, the report said.
A hot start to the week across Florida, but relief is on the way
A cold front will move over the state Wednesday, bringing drier air to North Florida.
Gateway Jax seeks $70M in incentives for riverfront tower and Hotel Merrydelle
The Jacksonville City Council would have the final say on Gateway Jax's latest Downtown projects.
4 charged locally in nationwide COVID-19 aid investigation
Prosecutors said the four defrauded the Paycheck Protection Program, a COVID-19 relief effort.
Demolition begins on Regency Square Mall
Realco Recycling is taking down the mall between Impact Church and the closed JCPenney.
CuppaPug cafe to open Jacksonville location
The Beach Boulevard cafe wll pair coffee and pug playtime to support pug rescue and adoption.
National Hurricane Center monitors disturbance, but no US threat expected
Without another tropical cyclone, 2026 could become the second-quietest hurricane season since the 1800s.
OPINION | Moody blues: Debate dodge does voters grave disservice
Debate talks have stalled out between Democratic challenger Angie Nixon and Republican incumbent Sen. Ashley Moody.
Jax board greenlights initial plans for UF campus and Riverfront Plaza tower
The Downtown Development Review Board advanced projects by Gateway Jax Inc. and UF on Thursday.
How Jacksonville’s unprecedented commitment to girls’ sports sprouts opportunity
Investment in women’s sports in Jacksonville has never been higher at the professional, collegiate or varsity level.
Nassau County Schools investigating ‘racially offensive behavior’ at volleyball match
A parent said Fernandina Beach students held up a Black baby doll and made racial slurs, chants and gestures.