A now-former school safety officer accused of inappropriately touching a teenager was arrested Tuesday by the Atlantic Beach Police Department on multiple charges, according to authorities.

A man described as a decorated veteran member of the Jacksonville Beach Police Department has died from complications related to COVID-19, according to a Wednesday news release. Sgt. Daniel Eugene Watts was 49 years old.

Starting on Thursday, Atlantic Beach police officers will begin wearing body cameras.

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – During a special meeting Wednesday evening, the Jacksonville Beach City Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution to terminate the city attorney who was recently accused of a sex crime. Christopher Ambrosio, 48, was arrested by the Atlantic Beach Police Department on a charge of lewd and lascivious molestation of a minor. He has the right to reply to the resolution, and if requested, the Council will fix a time for a public hearing. AdCouncil also approved termination of Ambrosio’s additional pay, which is effective April 1. It also approved termination of the attorney’s health, dental, vision and life insurance benefits, which is effective June 1.

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Jacksonville Beach City Attorney Chris Ambrosio has been arrested and accused of lewd and lascivious molestation of a minor, court records show. AdIn February, according to the report, Ambrosio and the alleged victim texted each other and Ambrosio invited them over for a sleepover. Ambrosio told police he was the attorney for the City of Jacksonville Beach and that he knows lots of police, according to the report. The city administration and the Jacksonville Beach City Council sent out a statement saying they are aware of the arrest and saying the council will hold a special meeting at 5 p.m. Thursday to talk about the arrest. Ambrosio was appointed a little over a year ago as City Attorney to all city departments, including Beaches Energy Services and the Jacksonville Beach Police Department and serves as general counsel to the City Council and boards.

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – K9s For Warriors donated three dogs to beaches police. Jamie is going to Jacksonville Beach police, Duke is going to Neptune Beach police and C4 is going to Atlantic Beach police. The three police departments’ new additions will be referred to as station dogs. Duke is going to the Neptune Beach Police Department. “We have a skyrocketing problem with first responder suicide, and K9s For Warriors has been watching this and we couldn’t sit on the sidelines any longer,” Diamond said.

DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. – The Atlantic Beach Police Department is searching for a sculpture that was stolen from the Town Center. Officials said the phoenix art piece went missing on or around September 20, 2020. It appears to have been cut at the base and removed from the pedestal, the department said. If you have any information on the suspect or where the sculpture is now, please contact Det. J. Fissel #1121 at 904-247-5859 ext.

ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. – There’s a new chief of police in Atlantic Beach. On Monday, Mayor Ellen Glasser and the Atlantic Beach City Commission confirmed City Manager Shane Corbin’s recommendation to appoint Victor Gualillo as police chief. Gualillo, a 29-year veteran with the Atlantic Beach Police Department who has led the department temporarily on three separate occasions, takes over for former Chief of Police Michelle Cook. She won that election last month when she defeated incumbent Darryl Daniels and a write-in candidate withdrew his candidacy. Cook was sworn in Sept. 1 to replace Daniels, who was suspended by Gov.

ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. – The Atlantic Beach Police Department announced Sunday on its Facebook page that Officer David Archer died. A cause of death was not released. The department said Archer was “the best story telling guy we ever had and those who worked with him are better.”

If you don't already have lunch or dinner plans Tuesday, consider heading out to Jumpin' Jax House of Food in Atlantic Beach to support Special Olympics Florida. The Atlantic Beach Police Department will be participating in a Tip a Cop event at the restaurant from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday. in Atlantic Beach. The event raises money for Special Olympics Florida by having officers assist with waiting tables as they collect donations from patrons. To learn more about Special Olympics Florida and the Torch Run, visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org.

ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. - The Atlantic Beach Police Department says the beach has reopened after an unknown device was cleared on 18th Street. Police and Florida Fish and Wildlife would not identify what the device was but officials with the Navy took it away from the scene. Police said the device had no connection to a ship that has run aground near 11th Street. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.