FLORIDA NEWS
‘Tallahassee has crept in’: Property tax plan heads to voters as local leaders warn of impact on police and fire funding
Read full article: ‘Tallahassee has crept in’: Property tax plan heads to voters as local leaders warn of impact on police and fire fundingA sweeping Florida property tax overhaul now headed to the November ballot is drawing growing concern from local leaders who warn it could reshape how cities and counties fund essential services like police, fire rescue and emergency response.
Florida property tax overhaul heads to November ballot; homeowners hopeful, local leaders warn of budget impact
Read full article: Florida property tax overhaul heads to November ballot; homeowners hopeful, local leaders warn of budget impactFlorida voters will decide in November on a property tax overhaul increasing homestead exemptions and limiting assessment hikes. Homeowners welcome relief, while local leaders warn of major revenue losses and service impacts.
Jumbo Shrimp welcome Nashville Sounds with Pride Night, bobblehead giveaway and family fun weekend
Read full article: Jumbo Shrimp welcome Nashville Sounds with Pride Night, bobblehead giveaway and family fun weekendThe five-game series features a packed lineup of themed nights, giveaways, Pride celebrations, a bobblehead giveaway and opportunities for fans to bring their dogs to the ballpark.
Jacksonville man who killed his girlfriend’s 5-month-old baby in 1996 executed 30 years later
Read full article: Jacksonville man who killed his girlfriend’s 5-month-old baby in 1996 executed 30 years laterA Jacksonville man who confessed to killing his girlfriend’s 5-month-old daughter and throwing her body in a pond three decades ago is set to be executed Tuesday evening.
Jacksonville-area leaders voice concerns as Florida Legislature passes property tax cut proposal
Read full article: Jacksonville-area leaders voice concerns as Florida Legislature passes property tax cut proposalFrom Democratic Mayor Donna Deegan to Republican controlled Clay County, leaders across the Jacksonville area are voicing concerns about local budget reductions that could result from a major property tax cut plan devised by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
From festering infections to untreated cancer, ICE detainees across the US describe medical neglect
Read full article: From festering infections to untreated cancer, ICE detainees across the US describe medical neglectImmigrant detainees across at least 33 states allege in court documents that the government is failing to provide them with adequate medical care.
Florida lawmakers tweak Gov. Ron DeSantis’ property tax cut proposal ahead of floor votes
Read full article: Florida lawmakers tweak Gov. Ron DeSantis’ property tax cut proposal ahead of floor votesAfter hours of debate, a major property tax cut plan devised by Gov. Ron DeSantis was changed by lawmakers Monday ahead of scheduled floor votes Tuesday.
30 years later, 5-month-old Gabrielle Hanshaw’s killer has been executed. We look back at the chilling Jacksonville case
Read full article: 30 years later, 5-month-old Gabrielle Hanshaw’s killer has been executed. We look back at the chilling Jacksonville caseOn June 2, 2026, Andrew Lukehart is set to be executed, more than 30 years after 5-month-old Gabrielle Hanshaw drew her last breath while in his care.
Florida lawmakers approve $114.5B budget after special session to get it done
Read full article: Florida lawmakers approve $114.5B budget after special session to get it doneHouse and Senate leaders reached a final deal on the state budget late Sunday night, the last step in an extended process that required a special session to complete for the second year in a row.
DeSantis signs 10th death warrant for husband who fatally stabbed wife in Orange County 34 years ago
Read full article: DeSantis signs 10th death warrant for husband who fatally stabbed wife in Orange County 34 years agoGov. Ron DeSantis signed his tenth death warrant of 2026 on Tuesday, this time for Dusty Ray Spencer, who has spent more than three decades on Death Row for murdering his wife in Orange County.
DeSantis calls on Florida lawmakers to pass property tax amendment for November ballot in special session
Read full article: DeSantis calls on Florida lawmakers to pass property tax amendment for November ballot in special sessionAfter over a year of crusading for property tax cuts, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that he’s calling a special session of the Florida Legislature, which will begin on Monday, to deal with the issue. This is the third special session for Florida lawmakers this year.
No gas tax cut, but Florida lawmakers line up breaks on guns and outdoor goods
Read full article: No gas tax cut, but Florida lawmakers line up breaks on guns and outdoor goodsThere won’t be a suspension of the gas tax this year in Florida, after a provision pushed by Democrats failed to make it into the tax cut bill negotiated by legislative leaders and approved late Sunday.
Want to grow papaya trees in your backyard? UF offers step-by-step guide to growing success
Read full article: Want to grow papaya trees in your backyard? UF offers step-by-step guide to growing successWell-suited to Central and South Florida conditions, papaya is an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking to grow fruit. With the right care, papaya trees thrive in Florida backyards, producing sweet fruit and flowers.
Lovebugs are back! Why the pesky pests appear in short bursts & what you can do about it
Read full article: Lovebugs are back! Why the pesky pests appear in short bursts & what you can do about itUF/IFAS experts say lovebugs are a common Florida nuisance, but they do not bite, sting, or spread disease despite persistent public myths.
Gov. DeSantis signs new law aimed at stopping athletic recruiting, school hopping at Florida high schools
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis signs new law aimed at stopping athletic recruiting, school hopping at Florida high schoolsA new Florida law aimed at tightening student-athlete transfer rules is drawing praise from some high school coaches and athletic leaders who say the changes could help restore fairness and stability in high school sports.
DeSantis calls last-minute federal ruling on extended red snapper season ‘disrespectful’ & a ‘bad decision’
Read full article: DeSantis calls last-minute federal ruling on extended red snapper season ‘disrespectful’ & a ‘bad decision’Just one day before Florida’s newly extended Atlantic red snapper season was slated to begin for eager anglers, a federal court halted the recreational fishing period under exempted fishing permits in the South Atlantic, effective immediately.
DeSantis signs bill that will raise Florida coaches’ pay after years of News4JAX reporting on low wages
Read full article: DeSantis signs bill that will raise Florida coaches’ pay after years of News4JAX reporting on low wagesAfter years of News4JAX reporting on Florida coaching pay issues, Gov. Ron DeSantis gave high school coaches across the state hope for a better financial future.
Red Snapper fishing season put on pause one day before Florida anglers set to hit the water
Read full article: Red Snapper fishing season put on pause one day before Florida anglers set to hit the waterJust one day before Florida’s newly extended Atlantic red snapper season was slated to begin for eager anglers, a federal court halted the recreational fishing period under exempted fishing permits in the South Atlantic, effective immediately.
Jumbo Shrimp bring back Honey Drippers Weekend with giveaways, themed nights and family fun
Read full article: Jumbo Shrimp bring back Honey Drippers Weekend with giveaways, themed nights and family funThe homestand is highlighted by the return of the popular Honey Drippers Weekend, along with themed nights, giveaways and special appreciation events throughout the week.
Help on the Home Front: News4JAX campaign for Military Appreciation Month with USO, Navy Federal Credit Union
Read full article: Help on the Home Front: News4JAX campaign for Military Appreciation Month with USO, Navy Federal Credit UnionNews4JAX is honoring Military Appreciation Month with Help on the Home Front, a community-driven campaign in partnership with the USO and presenting sponsor Navy Federal Credit Union.
Guy Harvey Resort St. Augustine Beach hosting career fair with seasonal, part-time job openings
Read full article: Guy Harvey Resort St. Augustine Beach hosting career fair with seasonal, part-time job openingsThe career fair will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, at the resort, located at 860 A1A Beach Blvd. in St. Augustine Beach.
Clara White Mission celebrates 31 years of Miracle on Ashley Street with food, music, community
Read full article: Clara White Mission celebrates 31 years of Miracle on Ashley Street with food, music, communityThe Clara White Mission is hosted its 31st annual Miracle on Ashley Street Friday — an event that’s raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years to support people experiencing homelessness here in Jacksonville.
Expected closure of Everglades detention center is no accident given timing, environmentalists say
Read full article: Expected closure of Everglades detention center is no accident given timing, environmentalists sayEnvironmental groups say the expected closure of a detention center in the Florida Everglades is linked to their lawsuit.
Vendors at Alligator Alcatraz told the immigration detention center is closing: report
Read full article: Vendors at Alligator Alcatraz told the immigration detention center is closing: reportFlorida’s controversial immigration detention center, known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” is expected to close as early as June, according to a report from The New York Times.
Florida AG sues Jacksonville for $5 million, alleges city kept ‘illegal’ gun registry
Read full article: Florida AG sues Jacksonville for $5 million, alleges city kept ‘illegal’ gun registryOn Tuesday, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that his office was taking legal action against the City of Jacksonville, alleging that the city knowingly and willfully maintained an illegal gun registry in violation of state law.
Florida homeowners’ eye possible changes to federal flood insurance as hurricane season nears
Read full article: Florida homeowners’ eye possible changes to federal flood insurance as hurricane season nearsWith hurricane season weeks away, Florida homeowners are watching Washington amid uncertainty over the future of FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program, which helps millions recover after floods.
Clara White Mission hosting 31st Annual Miracle on Ashley Street fundraising brunch on Friday
Read full article: Clara White Mission hosting 31st Annual Miracle on Ashley Street fundraising brunch on FridayThe Clara White Mission is hosting its 31st annual Miracle on Ashley Street this Friday, May 15 — an event that’s raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years to support people experiencing homelessness here in Jacksonville. And this year there’s a brand-new addition: A signature Southern Brunch Experience.
Crews battle South Florida wildfires that have burned thousands of acres
Read full article: Crews battle South Florida wildfires that have burned thousands of acresA pair of South Florida wildfires that torched thousands of acres in the Everglades over the weekend spread as fire crews worked to contain them.
DeSantis signs bill targeting foreign influence in Florida
Read full article: DeSantis signs bill targeting foreign influence in FloridaA bill limiting foreign influence from “countries of concern,” including adding penalties for businesses and prohibiting surrogacy contracts with Chinese nationals, was signed into law Friday by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Gov. DeSantis signs bill protecting Florida consumers from data center costs
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis signs bill protecting Florida consumers from data center costsFlorida utility customers won’t bear the additional costs brought by new large scale data centers that power artificial intelligence, under a bill signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday.
Florida Education Association files lawsuit over universal vouchers, citing constitutional standards
Read full article: Florida Education Association files lawsuit over universal vouchers, citing constitutional standardsA group of parents, students, educators, school board members and civil rights organizations has had enough, and now they’re taking the fight to court.
News4JAX hosts donation drive at Channel 4 to support Brantley County wildfire victims
Read full article: News4JAX hosts donation drive at Channel 4 to support Brantley County wildfire victimsNews4JAX is hosting a Positively JAX donation drive this Friday to support families impacted by the devastating wildfire in Brantley County, where dozens of homes were destroyed in recent weeks.
Jumbo Shrimp host Mother’s Day weekend at VyStar Ballpark
Read full article: Jumbo Shrimp host Mother’s Day weekend at VyStar BallparkJacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are bringing a full week of themed nights, food specials and family-friendly promotions to VyStar Ballpark as they face the Charlotte Knights from May 5–10.
Could Supreme Court decision on redistricting affect Jacksonville’s city elections?
Read full article: Could Supreme Court decision on redistricting affect Jacksonville’s city elections?After the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on a key provision of the Voting Rights Act, City Councilmember Rory Diamond is eager to see Jacksonville wade into the redistricting waters. But the current supervisor of elections argues there's really no need.
Death warrant signed for man who killed 5-month-old Jacksonville girl, threw her body in pond, claimed she was abducted
Read full article: Death warrant signed for man who killed 5-month-old Jacksonville girl, threw her body in pond, claimed she was abductedAndrew Richard Lukehart, 53, was convicted of first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse for the February 1996 death of 5-month-old Gabrielle Hanshaw, his girlfriend’s daughter, in Duval County.
Help on the Home Front: News4JAX launches campaign for Military Appreciation Month with USO, Navy Federal Credit Union
Read full article: Help on the Home Front: News4JAX launches campaign for Military Appreciation Month with USO, Navy Federal Credit UnionNews4JAX is honoring Military Appreciation Month with Help on the Home Front, a community-driven campaign in partnership with the USO and presenting sponsor Navy Federal Credit Union.
Take a look: How the proposal from Gov. DeSantis would change Florida’s congressional district map
Read full article: Take a look: How the proposal from Gov. DeSantis would change Florida’s congressional district mapFlorida lawmakers are now back in Tallahassee for a special session to consider redrawing the state’s U.S. House district lines.
Help on the Home Front: News4JAX launches campaign for Military Appreciation Month with USO, Navy Federal Credit Union
Read full article: Help on the Home Front: News4JAX launches campaign for Military Appreciation Month with USO, Navy Federal Credit UnionNews4JAX is honoring Military Appreciation Month with Help on the Home Front, a community-driven campaign in partnership with the USO and presenting sponsor Navy Federal Credit Union.
Soldiers leave classrooms, jobs to battle Florida wildfires with National Guard
Read full article: Soldiers leave classrooms, jobs to battle Florida wildfires with National GuardAs wildfires continue to burn across Florida, the Florida National Guard has stepped in to support firefighting efforts, deploying helicopters and aircraft to help suppress the flames. News4JAX reporter Andrea Snody has more on how the National Guard got involved and what that process looks like.
