Jacksonville News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

One year after a lightning strike claimed the lives of close friends Randall Martin and Joey Nelson while fishing, their families grapple with unimaginable grief—memories of last conversations, the horror of finding their sons unresponsive, and the daily struggle to keep going. Randall’s dad channels his pain into song, while Joey’s mom battles the weight of losing her firstborn. Their communities...

Downtown St. Augustine turned into a smelling sensation when police accidentally unleashed a cloud of marijuana smoke from a malfunctioning incinerator—so strong it forced a nearby chocolate factory to shut down, refund customers, and worry about tainted treats. The department says this is the first time the equipment failed, and they’re now exploring private disposal options to avoid turning thei...

A Jacksonville teen faces life-altering charges after a March crash that killed a father and his two teenage sons—along with three others injured—when he drove at 98 mph, crossed the median, and slammed into a vehicle that caught fire. The 17-year-old, who had a suspended learner’s permit and tested positive for THC, was arrested in July during another speeding bust. Charges include multiple count...

Jacksonville’s aviation authority is preparing to sue City Hall over control of its $300 million budget, accusing officials of trying to “pickpocket” their cash and force unwanted projects — from a new jail to expanding a mechanic program — despite federal restrictions. City Council President Nick Howland insists the authority is defying local and state law, while the board considers hiring outsid...

Race-conscious scholarships for Black students are vanishing as colleges scramble to comply with the Supreme Court’s ban on race-based admissions — a move that could undo decades of progress in leveling the educational playing field. With over 25% of such scholarships now gone, providers are pivoting to income or first-in-family criteria to stay legal, sparking debate: supporters tout fairness, cr...

Sulzbacher is building a transformative new home for those experiencing homelessness — Enterprise Village — with groundbreaking underway on its next phase. The first 100-unit housing complex is nearly complete and set to open by end of 2027, while the new phase adds a 30,000-square-foot health center and a 14,000-square-foot job training hub, both open to the public. Moving from their downtown bas...

At 1:45 AM, a massive fire erupted at Island Oaks RV Resort’s maintenance facility and sewer plant, quickly spreading to a pole barn and igniting two 1,000-gallon propane tanks. One tank exploded, sending a fireball skyward and triggering a brush fire that threatened nearby homes. Authorities evacuated the entire RV park and a neighboring neighborhood as a precaution. Thankfully, no one was injure...

Two St. Johns County commissioners face criminal charges after a fraudulent voter guide falsely claimed GOP endorsements, allegedly swaying a close election — prompting a state rep to call for their removal and replacement by the August 18 winner of Arnold’s seat. The rep, also targeted by the misleading mailers, says the governor should act if legal proceedings suspend the commissioners — while r...

Jacksonville’s airport authority is poised to sue the city over a three-year standoff over airport profits — claiming federal law forbids using funds for non-airport projects like kids’ programs or power line upgrades. A 2023 city council push to redirect “excess” millions sparked legal warnings from the FAA, which confirmed the city’s demands likely violate federal rules. Meanwhile, city leaders...

A 17-year-old with a suspended license and a learner’s permit is facing multiple felony charges after a deadly crash in Jacksonville that killed a father and his two teenage sons and injured four others. The teen, caught speeding at 98 mph and later tested positive for THC, allegedly crossed a median on Atlantic Boulevard, causing a fiery head-on collision. Witnesses reported erratic driving and m...

The Jaguars’ roster is tighter this year, but that doesn’t mean surprises won’t emerge—especially from under-the-radar players like cornerback Jabbar Muhammad, who’s been a standout in camp and earned praise as the team’s most improved. Also watch JMari Taylor, an undrafted RB with explosive speed and special teams value, and second-year linebackers Jalen McLeod and Branson Combs, both battling fo...

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is auctioning off seized cars and gold jewelry—some starting under $5K—thanks to Florida’s Contraband Forfeiture Act. The online auction ends July 17, with in-person viewings available by appointment. Check the site to bid or call 904-630-8711 to schedule a look. It’s a wild way to turn confiscated goods into community deals—or just a bargain hunter’s dream. Listen in...

Groundbreaking begins on a $120 million mixed-income housing project in Jacksonville Beach, transforming the former Adventure Landing site into the first of its kind in Northeast Florida in decades—featuring 415 homes, 1,800 sq ft of retail, and a scenic waterway view platform, with pre-leasing set for early 2028. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/d...

Four children have drowned in South Florida in just three weeks — including a two-year-old found unresponsive in a lake — sparking alarm as the state leads the nation in drowning deaths, especially among toddlers under three. With summer peak season looming and no signs of foul play, experts are urging urgent action: constant supervision, water safety education, and vigilance to prevent more trage...

Sulzbacher just broke ground on a $28 million expansion of Enterprise Village in Northwest Jacksonville, set to deliver a new three-story health center and a 14,000-square-foot workforce training facility by end of 2027—services open to the whole community. This milestone, the result of eight years of planning, showcases powerful public-private collaboration, with Mayor Deegan calling it proof we...

Tragic Crash on I-295 Claims Two Lives | Jacksonville News

This Saturday, from 10 AM to 1:30 PM, the Pace Jacksonville Field on University Blvd North is hosting a massive, free community resource fair packed with everything families need—health screenings, mental health support, early education, job info, public safety, parenting tips, and fun giveaways—all under one roof. Over 25 local organizations, including Angel Kids Pediatrics and the Jacksonville S...

Fruit Cove Estates residents, clad in red, rallied against a long-delayed Daily’s gas station proposal on State Road 13, citing traffic chaos, safety risks, and a missing traffic study — leading the St. Johns County Planning Board to unanimously reject the plan after a decade of stalled development. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise o...

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters is closing his first term amid record shootings, immigration reporting mix-ups, and rising officer-involved incidents — but he’s also pushing forward with a new headquarters and a future jail, all while defending his department’s integrity and pledging to rebuild public trust. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. A...

From Madam C.J. Walker’s groundbreaking hair care empire a century ago to today’s trailblazing Black billionaires reshaping global industries, this episode celebrates the enduring power of Black entrepreneurship. Discover how icons like Robert L. Johnson, Alexander Karp, David Steward, and Robert F. Smith are building empires, investing in communities, and redefining success—not just through wealt...

Get ready to stargaze—two meteor showers are lighting up the sky this month, with the dazzling Perseids set to peak in late August. While the faint Southern Delta Aquarids need dark skies to be seen, the Perseids deliver bright streaks and fireballs, making them summer’s top skywatching event. Grab a blanket, head away from city lights, and let your eyes adjust—patience pays off with cosmic firewo...

Florida’s baking under relentless heat, with temperatures soaring into the 110s thanks to a stubborn high-pressure system and Saharan dust blocking any relief thunderstorms. Record highs are expected Friday and Saturday across the state, from Gainesville to the Gulf Coast, with even overnight lows stuck near 82. Officials warn of deadly heat risks — especially for kids and pets — as car interiors...

Veterans get a financial lifeline: Wounded Warrior Project and USAA are teaming up to invest $5 million over five years through the Warrior Secure Start program, offering personalized coaching, money-smart guidance, and a $1,000 grant to help service members stabilize their finances during those critical first two years after leaving the military — tackling the real, urgent need for emergency savi...

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Palatka has officially earned its spot on the National Register of Historic Places, honoring its legacy as one of Florida’s oldest active wooden African American churches. Built between 1883 and 1884, it served as a vital spiritual and community hub for African Americans after the Civil War. After a unanimous vote by the Palatka City Commission and community support,...

Jacksonville’s shelter dogs with heartworm are facing a tough break—Friends of Jacksonville Animals has paused its beloved “Red Folder” program, which once covered post-adoption treatment costs, due to a $10K monthly funding gap. Without this help, dogs must stay longer in the shelter, slowing adoptions and frustrating hopeful families. FOJA still funds emergency care and essentials, but the post-...