Joseph D. Spector, 38, was arrested after a 17-month Flagler County probe that found he allegedly abused two young girls. He’s being held on $150,000 bond.

JSO arrested a Jacksonville man and an Orange Park woman this week on manslaughter and drug charges tied to two separate overdose deaths. Investigators say phone forensics and medical‑examiner findings linked the suspects to the victims.

A DoorDash driver spotted eight puppies and their mother panting inside a 97-degree Flagler County garage, leading to an arrest and animal-control rescue.

Kaika Teppanyaki will close and reopen in late August as Iwa, trading hibachi shows for an all-you-can-eat sushi menu while keeping table service.

Jacksonville City Council kept the maximum millage rate at 11.1919 as leaders prepare to review a $2.03 billion budget and brace for a possible future property-tax shortfall.

A magnitude 3.9 offshore tremor near Florida looked less like an earthquake and more like a planned underwater blast.

Permit filings show Herman Miller is taking space at St. Johns Town Center; the city has approved a storefront split and a $590K build‑out is under review.

The Cici & Hyatt Brown Museum announced a roughly $145 million expansion and a rebrand as The Brown that aims to turn the Daytona Beach campus into a statewide draw. Plans are now in permitting and backed by major donor commitments.

Heat Advisory in Jacksonville has the city pointing residents toward libraries, pools and community centers for relief. The library’s Facebook post lists symptoms and first‑aid steps.

Sea hares have been washing up on Hutchinson Island and local marine biologists warn the purple ink can make dogs very sick. Pet owners should keep animals leashed and avoid any purple-stained blobs.

A St. Johns County corrections sergeant was arrested and fired after authorities say he violated a protective injunction; the sheriff’s office says the probe is active and details are limited.

After local reporting found chronic attendance problems, Jacksonville says it will add members and review how the Park Safety Council is organized. City leaders want the council to finish regular inspection reports.

A Tallahassee judge ruled July 27 that James Fishback can remain on Florida’s GOP primary ballot after a residency challenge from Lt. Gov. Jay Collins. The decision keeps the controversial candidate in the Aug. 18 race and could prompt an appeal.