Florida widened eligibility for its free swim-lesson vouchers to ages 1–7 as officials cite a record 2025 for child drownings and warn demand still outstrips funding.

A man in his mid-20s was found shot in the face on West 18th Street and remains in critical condition; police say the attack appears isolated.

A Clay County teacher says gig work is all she can find after social posts about Charlie Kirk cost her job; an August hearing and a federal suit are pending.

GŪD Essence plans to convert a former downtown Burger King into Jacksonville's first Black‑owned cannabis dispensary, aiming for a late‑fall opening and wider Florida expansion.

Trevato has begun building 415 apartments at the former Adventure Landing site, including 30 affordable units and ground‑floor retail. Pre‑leasing is expected in 2028.

The Florida Bar says a St. Augustine attorney borrowed $16,000 from an elderly client; a June 24 order recommends at least five years off the roll.

Taco Bell is pursuing multiple Northeast Florida locations — four in Duval and three in St. Johns — including a proposed Baymeadows build at a former bank site.

Rip current statement in effect through 2 a.m. Saturday; highs in the 90s with heat index near 105°F. Swim in lifeguarded zones and expect afternoon storms.

Former Saints linebacker and Texas A&M All‑American Keith Mitchell has died at 51; Texas A&M and TMZ confirmed his passing. No cause has been released.

A Jacksonville teen will carry a flag onto the field at the FIFA World Cup final on July 19, giving a local youngster a rare moment on the global stage.

The Jacksonville NAACP says a judge’s denial of Stand Your Ground immunity in a Macclenny shooting has families and civil‑rights leaders pushing back. Two men face first‑degree murder charges as appeals proceed.

Dr. Lisa Sutherland steps in as Jacksonville University's interim president as Tim Cost moves to chancellor.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier subpoenaed FICO seeking pricing, licensing and bureau communications as part of a probe into possible anticompetitive conduct.