Florida will bar SNAP purchases of soda, energy drinks, candy and shelf‑stable desserts beginning April 20, 2026; retailers must update registers and the state will report on results.

A Disability Rights Florida report ties at least six preventable deaths to missed safety checks, falsified logs and oversight gaps at state psychiatric hospitals.

Courtroom testimony in March 2026 tied the June death of an 11‑year‑old to an alleged child‑trafficking ring in Horry County. Prosecutors say minors were forced to clean clinics and were abused.

An early-morning shooting at Gregory Cove Apartments left one man dead and another injured. JSO detectives are seeking tips as the investigation continues.

A 35-year-old Middleburg man died after his car flipped in a two-vehicle crash on Normandy Boulevard near Carter Landing early Saturday.

A 64-year-old man and a 61-year-old woman from Lake City were killed after their motorcycle struck a boat being towed on U.S. 27 west of Mayo; the Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.

A downtown Jacksonville shooting on Grant Street left one person dead Friday as detectives detained several people while they investigate.

An argument at a Westside liquor store turned to gunfire early Saturday; a man was shot in the wrist and investigators are searching for the shooter.

Parker's Kitchen has filed plans for a full-service convenience store and kitchen at U.S. 17 and Creighton Road on Fleming Island. The build is part of a broader Northeast Florida expansion.

A fatal crash on Blanding Boulevard at Collins Road closed all southbound lanes Friday evening. Officials say Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and details remain limited.

Planning commissioners approved a partial conversion of the former Regions Bank at 1604 Margaret St. to a restaurant with a drive‑thru and five parking spaces. Neighbors raised traffic and parking concerns.

Thomas Foods says it will begin grinding imported beef at the former Tyson site in Jacksonville in Q4 2026, with automated packing, cold storage and new jobs planned. The conversion is already moving through city permitting.

UNF Arena’s run as host of the FHSAA state finals generated an estimated $3.1M, filled roughly 2,400 hotel rooms and drew more than 20,000 fans. Organizers say the event proved the city can stage multi-week sports tourism draws.