A Jacksonville mother says her 15-year-old was beaten and robbed near Melvin Park and is pressing city leaders for safety upgrades on the Westside.

Jacksonville lost roughly 3,500 jobs year‑over‑year in February 2026 even as the unemployment rate eased slightly to 5.0%. Financial and federal cuts led the shift.

Michael’s St. Augustine marked its 20th year and picked up a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence after relocating to the Hyatt Place in Vilano Beach. The move expanded the restaurant’s wine library and tasting options.

Clear, warm morning; highs near 90°F inland with a Fire Weather Watch Monday. Patchy morning fog and moderate rip currents at area beaches.

A 24-year-old Wayne County High School teacher was arrested in Jesup after investigators alleged sexual contact with a 17-year-old student. The GBI is investigating and the case will go to the Brunswick Judicial Circuit DA.

Grumpy's posted steady Q1 sales gains and franchisees are preparing a Fleming Island restaurant that would be its sixth Northeast Florida location.

Clay County health officials warned of blue‑green algae at Doctors Lake Center and testing is underway. Residents and pet owners should avoid contact with discolored water.

A federal indictment accuses Jacksonville broker Cedric Dewayne Griffin of PPP loan fraud as the SEC says his companies bilked nearly $5.9 million.

Plan‑review paperwork and business filings suggest Acai‑Licious is preparing a second Jacksonville location on Jammes Road. Owners have not set an opening date.

EggBred plans a May opening at 56 St. George Street, bringing egg-forward sandwiches and brunch staples to St. Augustine’s Historic District.

A 20-year-old Texas motorcyclist died after rear-ending a semi-truck on I-295 near Main Street, the Florida Highway Patrol says.

Florida education officials have proposed a rule to block applicants who can’t prove citizenship or lawful presence from enrolling at the state’s 28 public colleges. A May 14 hearing at Miami Dade College will take public testimony.

Alvin Brown, an ex‑NTSB vice chair and former Jacksonville mayor, sued the Trump administration, alleging racially motivated firings days after a White House report critiqued DEI. The filing turns a personnel fight into a national legal test over policy and presidential power.