A 3-year-old gorilla named Kevin at Jacksonville Zoo died from a Shigella infection, making it the fourth loss in a bacterial outbreak affecting the facility's primates.

St. Johns County offers to extend fishing pier passes for each month the pier is closed due to beach renourishment works, ensuring no financial loss for pass-holders.

Jacksonville offers a range of free events including yoga, dance classes, movie nights, photography walks, and art classes to engage the community in downtown public spaces.

Jacksonville is set to get a new inland surf park by late 2027, using Wavegarden Cove technology for authentic surfing experience away from the coast. The project also promises local economic growth and tourism.

A juvenile dwarf sperm whale had to be euthanized after being stranded. A necropsy showed it suffered due to ingesting a plastic bag, highlighting the issue of ocean pollution.

The meeting on the development plan for Taum Sauk Mountain State Park has been rescheduled to December 7 due to flooding. Public input on the park's future is encouraged.

A zoo in Jacksonville closed due to a loose warthog during an event, causing an evacuation and shelter-in-place before guests left with police assistance.

Atlantic Beach has designated a new landmark "Ashby Park" at the corner of Dewees Avenue and Coquina Place, honoring the legacy of Eleanor and Garnett Ashby for their community contributions.

Atlantic Beach is celebrating Arbor Day by giving away trees and promoting its heritage tree program. The event includes a tree giveaway and an official ceremony honoring tree preservation efforts.

Ramona Boulevard Elementary School offers students experiential learning through an on-campus farm featuring chickens, goats, and a pig, aiding education and behavioral issues.

Jacksonville Zoo launches 'Sloth Crossing' habitat for two sloth species, part of a $52 million rejuvenation effort, featuring a rainforest-inspired environment with climbing structures.

Jacksonville Zoo has lost Archie, the oldest male southern white rhino in human care at age 55, to soft tissue sarcoma cancer. His legacy includes 60 descendants.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens was named the No. 4 Best Zoo in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, marking its first nomination and victory. The city celebrated the achievement, crediting local support and conservation efforts.

St. Johns County initiates beach tilling to aid sea turtle nesting, affecting beach access temporarily but enhancing conditions for the endangered species' survival.

St. Johns County imposes beach regulations to protect sea turtles during their nesting season, from May 1 to October 31, asking beachgoers to avoid certain activities and report distressed turtles.

The Jacksonville Zoo changed its name to Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, reflecting its focus on both animals and over 1,000 plant species. A new logo and tagline were introduced, emphasizing conservation and education.

Jacksonville University launches a Sea Turtle Program for research and conservation, led by Director Lucas Meers, with community involvement and educational outreach.

Jacksonville residents are invited by JaxParks to discuss the 10-year Land Management Plan for Pablo Creek Conservation Area on June 26 at the Pablo Creek Library.

Clanzel T. Brown Park in Jacksonville has a new Basketball Pavilion featuring 12 hoops in Ribault and Raines High School colors, lights for evening play, spectator bleachers, and shaded benches. The facility has gained positive community feedback.

St. Johns County Parks and Recreation announces a series of events in July to celebrate Park and Recreation Month, offering programs for all and chances to win prizes.

Municipal workers are set to trim local palm trees from July 7 to late August to improve their health and aesthetics, with residents advised to follow progress via the city's announcement.

North Beach Park in Vilano Beach will offer limited public access, including parking and beach walkovers, during Fourth of July weekend despite ongoing construction.

Atlantic Beach is combating the invasive Beach Vitex plant, which threatens local dunes and native flora, urging residents to report sightings for its control.

St. Johns County Parks and Rec hosted an All-Abilities Paddle event, enhancing inclusivity with adaptive kayaking equipment for people of all abilities.

23 sea turtle hatchlings were killed, likely by unleashed dogs, highlighting the importance of responsible pet ownership and wildlife protection efforts.

The St. Johns County Agricultural Center is holding its Fall Plant Fundraiser on Oct. 10, with plants for sale and educational opportunities for gardeners.

SJC Beaches alerts beachgoers to look out for Washback Sea Turtles stranded in seaweed, requiring human help to survive, with instructions to contact HCP Supervisor for assistance.

St. Johns County Beach Services sold a record 78,710 beach driving passes in 2025, buoyed by the new credit card payment option at toll booths and leading to improved budgeting and staffing forecasts.

St. Augustine promotes St. Francis Park as an ideal location for artists seeking to paint the city's historical charm, offering views of oak trees, fountains, and colonial architecture.

St. Johns County encourages residents to conserve water and support wildlife by using birdbaths, collecting rainwater, and planting native plants, as shared on their social media.

Jacksonville's Fishweir Park has been upgraded with a new playground, baseball field, multi-purpose field, basketball courts, picnic areas, and a walking trail, as showcased by JaxParks on social media.

St. Johns County Parks and Recreation announced the temporary closure of tennis and pickleball courts at Ron Parker Park from 9:30 a.m. to noon on January 12 for Deputy Marshal Ron Parker's memorial ceremony.

St. Johns County officials approved a $1.976 million upgrade for DeLeon Shores Park, which will include a skate park overhaul, dog park upgrade, new pickleball courts, walking path, restroom facility, and pavilions.

The City approved the removal of a historic 240-year-old Live Oak tree for development, despite protests from environmentalists. Compensation includes replacement trees or a monetary contribution to the Tree Protection Fund.

Organizers say a favorable scientific review has moved the Okefenokee’s World Heritage bid forward. The World Heritage Committee is set to vote in Busan this July.

Five major park projects are moving ahead along Jacksonville’s St. Johns River, adding playgrounds, art, wedding plazas and new riverwalk connections. Construction is already visible on both banks.

Dr. Robert B. Hayling Freedom Park in St. Augustine is a historical site named after a Civil Rights leader, featuring picnic areas, walking trails, and art installations like the "Let Freedom Ring" chimes.

A coyote wandered the docks at Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor Saturday; local footage captured the animal near slips and prompted reminders from wildlife officials.

A coalition of 32 groups is urging Florida lawmakers to tap trust‑fund receipts and boost appropriations after a state report found a roughly $759M parks repair backlog.

A troop of rhesus macaques at Silver Springs State Park offers dramatic wildlife sightings while prompting safety warnings and renewed questions about management.

A harbor seal was seen on a Mosquito Lagoon sandbar south of Ponce Inlet; Hubbs‑SeaWorld responders photographed it before it swam off. Officials ask the public to report sightings.

Volunteers patrolling Jacksonville’s Ortega River found multiple dead birds they say were killed by rodenticides. State and national groups warn those poisons threaten raptors.

A missed paperwork deadline cost Jacksonville a $1M state grant for James Weldon Johnson Park; the city already spent that money on early design and monument work.

A Facebook reel shows sharks swimming near the St. Johns County Ocean Pier in St. Augustine Beach. County officials and experts urge beachgoers to follow lifeguards and check updates.

St. Johns County has purchased about 33 acres adjacent to the Elkton fairgrounds to reserve land for a future regional park as part of its parks expansion. Officials say the buy supports a larger $123M parks program.

A Florida delegation hand‑delivered a letter to Congress warning H.R. 1897 would roll back decades of recovery for manatees, panthers and sea turtles.

Jacksonville will open 30 community pools for Memorial Day weekend; learn-to-swim registration, season hours and lifeguard hiring details are available online.

State officials say FSMI has completed airborne LiDAR and gathered most sonar data, revealing new reefs, paleorivers and offshore sand resources. Processed maps are due fall 2026.

After months in bankruptcy, Marineland reopens under local nonprofit ownership, keeping its dolphins and refocusing on conservation, education and research.

Conservation crews are juggling ATV patrols and fragile chicks as Florida's nesting season hits full swing.