Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized the Florida GOP’s debate thresholds that left Byron Donalds as the lone qualifier, warning the rules could alienate voters ahead of the Aug. 18 primary.

Ware County detectives arrested two people after a welfare check turned up explicit images of a child; both are being held and a magistrate denied bond.

DeSantis ordered state offices closed July 2 and July 6, stretching Independence Day into a five‑day holiday for nearly 100,000 state workers as part of America 250.

Fuller Seminary will take on the Robert E. Webber Institute’s programs as the Jacksonville school winds down independent operations after 27 years.

A Jacksonville family says a fake 911 call drew dozens of officers to their home at gunpoint after a son's livestream; authorities are investigating a possible swatting prank.

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.

Thick mats of sargassum have returned to Jacksonville Beach, producing a foul smell and complicating cleanup as crews juggle turtle protections and a June 13 festival.

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.

District 2 officers say they arrested a convicted felon after seizing rifles, handguns, a Glock switch, ammunition and bags of cocaine and meth in East Arlington. The sheriff’s office shared photos of the haul.

Alachua County deputies say an infant died after toxicology found methamphetamine; the child's mother, Rebecca Morris, was arrested and booked on aggravated manslaughter.

Pitney Bowes filed a WARN notice to close its Westside presort center, setting layoffs between Aug. 14 and Sept. 18 that will affect 68 workers.

Mid‑90s heat today with heat index over 100°F and a chance of late‑day storms. Beaches should watch for a moderate rip current risk.

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.