A franchise group wants to turn the closed Burger King in Mandarin into a DQ Grill & Chill, and the owners say they’re eyeing downtown Jacksonville too. City utility JEA is reviewing the request and the operator hopes to open by October.

A midday shooting in Palm Coast’s B‑Section sent one person to AdventHealth; deputies say the incident was isolated and the investigation is active.

A two-vehicle crash on U.S. 1 near 14193 U.S. Highway 1 left one person dead; the Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.

A 68-year-old Alachua woman was struck and killed Friday on County Road 241; a 22-year-old Jacksonville driver sustained minor injuries and troopers are investigating.

A 39‑year‑old woman died after suffering a medical emergency while in St. Johns County Sheriff’s custody following a traffic stop. The sheriff’s office says she showed signs consistent with an overdose and is investigating.

A 21-year-old Fernandina Beach man died after his motorcycle hit an SUV on State Road A1A late Thursday; troopers say the rider was wearing a helmet and the crash is under investigation.

Ascension has begun construction on a 27,000‑sq‑ft Family Birth Place at its St. Johns campus, adding a Level II NICU and 14 private delivery suites slated for 2027. The expansion aims to keep more births close to home in a fast‑growing county.

Attorney General James Uthmeier told school boards they must accommodate off‑campus religious "release time," while funding and transport remain the responsibility of families and providers.

Volusia County detectives arrested a 24-year-old Palm Coast man after authorities say he picked up two underage girls in Ormond Beach, bought them alcohol and had sex with them.

Westside neighbors say packs of loose dogs are chasing people and pets and pressing the city for faster action from animal-control officers.

Seventeen-year-old Mandarin High football player Mikah Howell is in critical condition after a Jacksonville shooting; his family has launched a fundraiser.

Fort Stewart briefly locked down after shots were reported nearby; a soldier surrendered and no injuries were reported. Officials say the situation is contained.

A 34‑year‑old Alachua woman was killed Monday after her sedan ran through the intersection of County Road 235 and NW 157th Street and struck a tree; troopers are investigating.