Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan vetoes a 29% increase in garbage fees passed by the City Council, advocating fiscal responsibility and opposing the use of funds for non-operational expenses.

Duval County set a graduation record of 95.3% at traditional high schools, with a district rate of 90.9%, surpassing the state average without waived testing. The graduation rate has steadily increased over 32 points since 2009.

The St. Johns County School District announced five finalists for Teacher of the Year, with the winner to be celebrated at a banquet and compete for Florida Teacher of the Year.

The St. Johns County School Board will hold a public meeting on January 14 at 4:00 p.m. in the auditorium on Orange Street, also accessible via Webex with dial-in options available.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is hosting a neighborhood walk in Springfield to improve communication between citizens and law enforcement on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at 1601 N. Main Street.

Governor Ron DeSantis highlights over half a million Florida students have enrolled in the state's school choice program, fostering personalized education and expanding opportunities through various scholarships.

Jacksonville Housing Authority's top CEO candidate, George Guy, withdrew after his contract terms, including a $310,000 salary and a $300,000 buyout clause, were deemed excessive by the board.

A UNF alum, Dr. Cody Miller, attributes his career success as a scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory to his college mentor, Dr. Paul Eason, emphasizing the critical impact of guidance and opportunities received during his academic journey.

UNF ROTC leader Christopher Ricciardi was promoted to Major in a ceremony led by Colonel Jason Dumser, marking a milestone for both Ricciardi and the UNF program.

The St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier reopens on January 12 after a temporary closure for shoreline restoration work, with an extension for previously purchased passes.

Nassau County held a pre-construction meeting for Phase One of Westside Regional Park, focusing on logistics for the 107-acre project starting January 20, with completion due by April 30, 2026.

Opioid-related deaths in Florida have decreased, with a 5% drop in drug fatalities and 11% less fentanyl cases. The decline is attributed to law enforcement efforts and accessible naloxone.

Amazon aims to expand its presence in North Carolina, opening a new facility in Jacksonville, which is expected to generate jobs and economic growth in the region.