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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.