Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Department of Homeland Security officials will hold a joint news conference Wednesday evening in Homestead.

While voters still have to decide Amendment 3, which if passed, would legalize recreational use of marijuana it would not take effect for six months. This story looks at what happens during that six month window that anyone interested in using recreational marijuana should know.

In an ad that ran Monday morning, viewers can hear Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith say no one has arrested more people for marijuana than he has.

Amendment 3, the ballot initiative that would legalize marijuana for adults in Florida, is getting support from some unexpected places.

A mother and her two adult daughters were found shot to death early Tuesday morning at a home in Bradford County after an 11-year-old girl called 911 at 2 a.m. about what investigators called a “domestic incident.”

Johnnie Bernard Brown, 46, has been charged with three counts of second-degree murder for killing his wife Quinque “Cat” Robinson, 49, and her two adult daughters -- Denesha Sims, 27, and Winshay Roddey, 25 -- Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith said.

Johnnie Bernard Brown, 46, has been charged with three counts of second-degree murder for killing his 49-year-old wife and two adult stepdaughters, ages 25 and 27, the sheriff said. His wife’s 11-year-old granddaughter witnessed the shooting and was hit by bullet shrapnel.

A mother and her two adult daughters were found shot to death early Tuesday morning at a home in Bradford County after an 11-year-old girl called 911 at 2 a.m. about what investigators called a “domestic incident.”

The political divide affecting the United States is hitting Oregon hard.

Politicians, friends and colleagues paid tribute to the late U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch at a memorial service in Salt Lake City.

First responders throughout North Florida are mourning the loss of Dr. Peter Gianas, who died unexpectedly Wednesday.

Bradford County is offering free sandbags to its residents in preparation for the potential impacts of Tropical Storm Elsa.

A man suspected of intentionally starting a fire at the Economy Inn on U.S. 301 in Lawtey has been arrested, according to the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office.

JPMorgan Chase will promote two women to jointly manage the bank’s consumer finance division, potentially signaling that a woman may eventually run the nation’s biggest bank.

Nearly 33,000 Florida inmates say they want a COVID-19 vaccine, according to the Florida Department of Health. Public health officials say they intend to offer the vaccine to state prisoners within the next two weeks.

In addition to voting for president, in Congressional District 3, Florida Senate District 5, State House District 19, whether or not to retain judges and justices and for or against six amendments to the state constitution, Baker County voters will decide the local races below. Superintendent of SchoolsIncumbent Stacey Shuford Creighton faces NPA candidate Will Hartley. Supervisor of ElectionsAmanda Seyfang and won a Republican primary challenge and faces NPA candidate Storm Zedra Hamilton for this open position. Bradford County CommissionDistrict 1 : Carolyn Brown Spooner won a three-way Democratic primary in August and faces Republican Robby Stokley. District 5: Diane Andrews defeated two Republican opponents in the Republican primary and faces NPA candidate Carol Mosley.

STARKE, Fla. Area law enforcement officers are keeping a close watch on national tensions between police and protesters, some are reinforcing their training on use of force and de-escalation. "Im black and Im white, Desue pointed out. On Wednesday afternoon, News4Jax saw deputies and school guardians training in Starke, going over how to deal with conflicts and de-escalation, among other tactics. He said use of force should also be minimized and deputies wear body cameras and have dash cameras. They may look at you as black, they may look at you as white or they may look at you as blue.

Gordon Smith, president of the National Association of Broadcasters, sat down with Detroits WDIV to discuss the state of local journalism and freedom of the press. Smiths remarks come as journalists voice concerns about violence and aggression toward reporters and crews in the field while they cover unrest in cities across the country. Our fellow citizens deserve and need to hear what is reported to have context of whats happening in their communities, Smith told WDIV. And when theyre put under stress like this, where theyre subject to danger from protesters but even worse, I suppose, from police some police organizations that have pepper sprayed them and tear gassed them and even fired rubber bullets at them this is simply unacceptable.Listen to Smiths complete remarks in the clip above.

During these times, local news is more important than ever. With the most recent protests, we as journalists are concerned about the violence weve experienced directed toward us. News4Jaxs sister station WDIV spoke with Gordon Smith, president of the National Association of Broadcasters, about the importance of safety while working to get the news to you. Our fellow citizens deserve and need to hear what is reported, to have context of whats happening in their communities. To watch the full interview with Smith, press the play button above.

BRADFORD COUNTY Fla. - Deputies with the Bradford County Sheriff's Office have busted what Sheriff Gordon Smith called a "crack haven." The Clay County Sheriff's Office also helped in the operation. The sheriff personally delivered a letter to that house Friday saying its a nuisance and that deputies wont tolerate drugs there. Sheriff Gordon Smith in a Facebook video posted on the Bradford County Sheriff's Office page personally issued Suit a letter declaring the house a neighborhood nuisance. Clay County Fire Rescue was called to clear the scene due to the presence of the chemicals.

RAIFORD, Fla. – An inmate who walked off a Bradford County work detail Monday night was captured Tuesday by K-9 units who tracked him through the woods and swamp, Sheriff Gordon Smith said. According to the Bradford County Sheriff's Office, Brandon Fain, 30, walked off from work release around 4 p.m. Monday. He is serving a prison sentence in the New River Correctional Institute for drug crimes, weapon offenses and thefts committed in Bay County. Smith said Department of Corrections K-9 units who had been trailing Fain all night spotted him coming out of the woods just north of highway 301 "take a peek" along the road and he gave himself up willingly when they approached him. Smith said Fain is eaten up by mosquitoes and ticks after running through the swamp and woods all night but is otherwise in good health.

BRADFORD COUNTY, Fla. – The Bradford County Sheriff is holding several Town Hall meetings in May across the county to hear about community concerns. Sheriff Gordon Smith said he wants to talk about what's happening in Bradord county and hear about any concerns that community members may have. The location and dates of the Town Hall meetings are listed below: