BREAKING NEWS
Jacksonville Beach police investigating shooting that happened Thursday evening
Read full article: Jacksonville Beach police investigating shooting that happened Thursday eveningThe Jacksonville Beach Police Department is investigating a shooting at happened on Thursday evening in the 700 block of 2nd Avenue South.
Search turns to recovery effort for 15-year-old swimmer missing since Saturday in Jacksonville Beach
Read full article: Search turns to recovery effort for 15-year-old swimmer missing since Saturday in Jacksonville BeachOfficials have moved to search and recovery for a missing 15-year-old male at Jacksonville Beach last seen in the ocean on Saturday.
12-year-old among 15 arrested by Jacksonville Beach Police during busy Memorial Day weekend
Read full article: 12-year-old among 15 arrested by Jacksonville Beach Police during busy Memorial Day weekendA 12-year-old was among 15 arrests made by the Jacksonville Beach Police Department over a busy Memorial Day Weekend.
Jax Beach police offer accelerated hiring process to put more officers on the streets amid shortage
Read full article: Jax Beach police offer accelerated hiring process to put more officers on the streets amid shortageThe Jacksonville Beach Police Department is using an accelerated hiring process to address the officer shortage the department is facing.
Jacksonville Beach police release website to submit information, videos from Sunday’s 3 shootings
Read full article: Jacksonville Beach police release website to submit information, videos from Sunday’s 3 shootingsThe Jacksonville Beach Police Department joined with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to create a website where the community can upload videos from Sunday’s shootings in the downtown bar district.
Jacksonville Beach police identify 21-year-old killed in St. Patrick’s Day gun violence
Read full article: Jacksonville Beach police identify 21-year-old killed in St. Patrick’s Day gun violenceThe Jacksonville Beach Police Department on Tuesday released the name of the man killed in one of three shootings in the downtown bar district on Sunday.
Taking a closer look at video released by Jacksonville Beach police as investigation into 3 shootings continues
Read full article: Taking a closer look at video released by Jacksonville Beach police as investigation into 3 shootings continuesAs the Jacksonville Beach Police Department investigates Sunday’s triple shootings that happened in Jacksonville Beach’s bar district, News4JAX is looking into how police say this situation possibly started.
Jacksonville Beach City Council makes last-minute changes at meeting to address St. Patrick’s Day shootings
Read full article: Jacksonville Beach City Council makes last-minute changes at meeting to address St. Patrick’s Day shootingsThe impromptu topic of conversation at Monday’s Jacksonville Beach city council meeting was Sunday’s three separate shootings that left one person dead and three others injured.
Multiple guns used in shootings at Jacksonville Beach Sunday
Read full article: Multiple guns used in shootings at Jacksonville Beach SundayFlyers for “Drunk Day at the Beach” drew hundreds of young people to Jacksonville Beach on Sunday before the three separate shootings that left three people injured and one person dead.
Jacksonville Beach lights dark stretch of road where Jared Bridegan was murdered
Read full article: Jacksonville Beach lights dark stretch of road where Jared Bridegan was murderedThe previously dark and wooded stretch of Jacksonville Beach where father of 4 Jared Bridegan was murdered in February 2022 now has bright streetlights to make it safer.
Mugs released of 2 men accused of stealing roughly $4K in items from 5 Jacksonville Beach stores
Read full article: Mugs released of 2 men accused of stealing roughly $4K in items from 5 Jacksonville Beach storesThe Jacksonville Beach Police Department is sending a clear message after two men were arrested on multiple theft charges following a string of thefts at five Jacksonville Beach stores.
2 men arrested after stealing from multiple stores in Jacksonville Beach
Read full article: 2 men arrested after stealing from multiple stores in Jacksonville BeachTwo men were arrested Saturday after police say they robbed an Ulta Beauty store in Jacksonville Beach, according to the Jacksonville Beach Police Department.
Fourth of July fireworks celebrations across Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia
Read full article: Fourth of July fireworks celebrations across Northeast Florida, Southeast GeorgiaResidents across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia are ready to celebrate Independence Day with food, fun, fanfare -- and, of course, fireworks.
Jacksonville Beach police announce arrests in Georgia murder investigation
Read full article: Jacksonville Beach police announce arrests in Georgia murder investigationTwo people are in custody in connection with a murder investigation in Georgia, according to the Jacksonville Beach Police Department.
How law enforcement agencies are recruiting future officers in a difficult climate
Read full article: How law enforcement agencies are recruiting future officers in a difficult climateSmall towns and big cities alike are struggling to recruit and retain law enforcement officers amid national controversy over the police profession. Many veteran officers are retiring, leaving agencies in a bidding war for qualified candidates — as they try to hire the next generation to protect and serve.
Jacksonville Beach Police seeking public’s help after finding dead body near Beach Boulevard bridge
Read full article: Jacksonville Beach Police seeking public’s help after finding dead body near Beach Boulevard bridgeThe Jacksonville Beach Police Department is asking for the public’s help after a dead body was found along Beach Boulevard Sunday night.
‘Thomas is one of the good ones’; Jax Beach Police officer wins new Hyundai SUV
Read full article: ‘Thomas is one of the good ones’; Jax Beach Police officer wins new Hyundai SUVA Jacksonville Beach Police officer was chosen as the First Responder Hyundai Hometown Hero and will receive a 2022 Hyundai Tucson.
5K honors longtime local officer by raising funds for suicide prevention
Read full article: 5K honors longtime local officer by raising funds for suicide preventionParticipants gathered Saturday morning in Jacksonville Beach to honor the life of Cpl. Andy Lavender with a 5K charity race to raise awareness about suicide prevention among law enforcement and first responders.
Jacksonville Beach police cruiser collides with car on I-95, strikes light pole: FHP
Read full article: Jacksonville Beach police cruiser collides with car on I-95, strikes light pole: FHPAn officer with the Jacksonville Beach Police Department was not injured in a crash Friday afternoon on Interstate 95 in Jacksonville near the St. Johns County border, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Reward increased to $55K for information in murder of father of 4
Read full article: Reward increased to $55K for information in murder of father of 4The reward for information leading to an arrest and prosecution in the killing of a St. Johns County father in Jacksonville Beach has been increased to $55,000, according to his widow.
Crime Stoppers now offering $13K reward for information leading to arrest in father of 4′s murder
Read full article: Crime Stoppers now offering $13K reward for information leading to arrest in father of 4′s murderThe Jacksonville Beach Police Department on Monday announced an increased reward of $13,000 from First Coast Crime Stoppers for information leading to an arrest in the deadly shooting of a 33-year-old father of four children.
Father of 4 targeted in close-range Jacksonville Beach murder, police say
Read full article: Father of 4 targeted in close-range Jacksonville Beach murder, police sayJacksonville Beach police have released the name of a 33-year-old father of four who was gunned down in front of his 2-year-old daughter.
Jax Beach police make another plea for public’s help after father of 4 killed in front of 2-year-old daughter
Read full article: Jax Beach police make another plea for public’s help after father of 4 killed in front of 2-year-old daughterThe Jacksonville Beach Police Department on Friday made another plea for information from the public in the death of a 33-year-old father of four who was gunned down in front of his 2-year-old daughter on Wednesday evening.
Jax Beach police plead for information in death of father of 4 gunned down in front of 2-year-old daughter
Read full article: Jax Beach police plead for information in death of father of 4 gunned down in front of 2-year-old daughterA 33-year-old father of four killed Wednesday night in a Jacksonville Beach neighborhood was gunned down in front of his 2-year-old daughter, authorities said.
Man accused of taking photos of woman in Jax Beach Goodwill dressing room
Read full article: Man accused of taking photos of woman in Jax Beach Goodwill dressing roomA man has been charged with video voyeurism following an incident in a dressing room of Goodwill store located in Jacksonville Beach, according to an arrest report.
Jacksonville Beach Police Department to host bicycle registration event
Read full article: Jacksonville Beach Police Department to host bicycle registration eventThe Jacksonville Beach Police Department will be registering residents’ bikes using a new technology that aims to help prevent bicycle theft.
Sgt. with Jacksonville Beach Police Department dies from COVID-19 complications
Read full article: Sgt. with Jacksonville Beach Police Department dies from COVID-19 complicationsA 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.
‘Just good vibes’ at Orange Crush Festival beach day on Saturday
Read full article: ‘Just good vibes’ at Orange Crush Festival beach day on SaturdayJacksonville Beach was crowded Saturday as many people from out of town gathered for the Orange Crush Festival and police responded with an increased presence.
Traffic homicide investigating after pedestrian hit by vehicle in Jacksonville Beach
Read full article: Traffic homicide investigating after pedestrian hit by vehicle in Jacksonville BeachOfficers with the Jacksonville Beach Police Department are investigating after a pedestrian was struck Monday night by a vehicle on Beach Boulevard.
Food delivery driver accused of stealing teacup poodle puppy from Jacksonville Beach condo
Read full article: Food delivery driver accused of stealing teacup poodle puppy from Jacksonville Beach condoJACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – A man was arrested after snatching a puppy while delivering food to a Jacksonville Beach home on Saturday, the Jacksonville Beach Police Department said Sunday. Police said that when Chilito arrived with the food at the family’s home inside a condominium building on First Street South, the poodle exited the residence. Block said the food delivery driver was caught on surveillance video walking into an elevator with the dog before leaving in a blue Ford Focus. We confirmed the individual charged with this crime was not a Grubhub driver and has never been contracted with us. The Blocks said they will be donating that money to the Jacksonville Beach police lodge as a way to say thank you for bringing Lexi home.
K9s For Warriors donates dogs to beaches police departments
Read full article: K9s For Warriors donates dogs to beaches police departmentsJACKSONVILLE 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.
2 Jacksonville Beach police cruisers struck by suspected impaired drivers in 6 weeks
Read full article: 2 Jacksonville Beach police cruisers struck by suspected impaired drivers in 6 weeksThe Jacksonville Beach Police Department is reminding the public to drive carefully and sober. The message comes after two police cruisers were struck by suspected impaired drivers in the last six weeks, according to the Police DepartmentThe Police Department said the officers suffered minor injuries and the cruisers were totaled. “Cars can always be replaced, a life cannot, but the at-fault drivers’ insurance will only pay a portion of the approximately $80,000 to replace these cars,” the Police Department said in a Facebook post Tuesday.
3-year-old dead in domestic incident at Jacksonville Beach home, sources say
Read full article: 3-year-old dead in domestic incident at Jacksonville Beach home, sources sayJACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Police are investigating after a child died after being found in a Jacksonville Beach home. While Jacksonville Beach Police are only calling it a death investigation, multiple sources say a 3-year-old boy died at the hospital and his mother is the suspect. News4Jax spoke to D’Arienzo in broad terms about similar cases and what could be the driving factor in those situations. “A parent can be acutely psychotic or number two there is a history of child treatment, where a child has been battered or this is an unattended death,” D’Arienzo said. “There can be altruistic reasons where it’s an act of love where they’re trying to help the child avoid perceived suffering.
Man shot in burglary of Jacksonville Beach business, police say
Read full article: Man shot in burglary of Jacksonville Beach business, police sayJACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – An early Monday break-in at a Jacksonville Beach business ended in gunfire with one person shot, according to the Jacksonville Beach Police Department. When police arrived, they learned the business owner had shot the burglary suspect, who took off. (WJXT 2020)The business owner told investigators he got a phone call shortly after 2:20 a.m. about a “glass break” inside the business, according to Nwobi’s arrest report. Among other things, Sheen said, the unnamed business owner lamented how things turned out. “People work their whole lives for something and he wants to protect it and someone else is taking it, so it’s emotional,” Sheen told News4Jax.
Police: Man enters Jacksonville Beach home, tries to rape woman
Read full article: Police: Man enters Jacksonville Beach home, tries to rape womanJACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – A woman was attacked in a home in the middle of the night and almost raped, according to the Jacksonville Beach Police Department. It happened just before 3 a.m. Wednesday in South Jacksonville Beach. Police said the woman left a door unlocked, and a man came into her home and tried to rape her. News4Jax crime and safety expert Ken Jefferson talked about what investigators will be doing to try to solve the case. If you know anything, call Jacksonville Beach police right away at 904-270-1667.
Police look for new evidence in 1968 disappearance of Jax Beach boy
Read full article: Police look for new evidence in 1968 disappearance of Jax Beach boyJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Local police are partnering with a special task force in hopes of uncovering new evidence in the missing persons case of a 3-year-old boy who disappeared in 1968. The Florida Times-Union calls the search for Jonathan “Jon Jon" Hagans the oldest missing persons case in the state. The little boy went missing while on a family trip with his family to Jacksonville beach on June 11, 1968. Recently, the police agency's Special Victims Unit welcomed to the force Jon Jon, a bloodhound puppy named after the missing boy. Investigators initially thought Jon Jon drowned.
Police: Man, 21, killed in high-speed Jacksonville Beach crash
Read full article: Police: Man, 21, killed in high-speed Jacksonville Beach crashJACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – A 21-year-old man was killed in a high-speed crash late Monday evening in Jacksonville Beach, police said. The Jacksonville Beach Police Department said it is looking to see whether the other driver was using drugs or alcohol. The two-vehicle crash happened about 11:30 p.m. on Third Street North near 11th Avenue North. Third Street North between 10th Avenue North and 13th Avenue North was shut down after the crash until about 8 a.m. Tuesday. Jacksonville Beach police were asking business owners to look at their security cameras to see whether they have any video of Monday night’s crash or anything before it.
16-year-old arrested after Jacksonville Beach skate park shooting
Read full article: 16-year-old arrested after Jacksonville Beach skate park shootingJACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. - A 16-year-old who was wanted on a felony charge in connection with a shooting at a skate park in Jacksonville Beach turned himself in to authorities, police said Wednesday. Lendall Wade Brooks was wanted on a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. The Jacksonville Beach Police Department said Wednesday he surrendered at the Duval County jail. According to police, Brooks was identified by witnesses as the shooter. Officers responded Friday afternoon to the shooting at the skate park at South Beach Park.
Woman charged in hit-and-run of 2 people at Jax Beach bus stop
Read full article: Woman charged in hit-and-run of 2 people at Jax Beach bus stopJACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. - A woman is facing several charges after a crash that seriously injured two people sitting at a bus stop early Saturday morning in Jacksonville Beach. The Jacksonville Beach Police Department said Taylor Wells, 25, struck a car in the intersection of First Avenue North and Third Street North around 1:40 a.m. Police said her car veered towards City Hall and struck a JTA bus stop bench where two people were sitting. Investigators said three people in the car ran from the scene but were detained shortly after. Police have not released the victims' names or conditions. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.
2 pedestrians seriously injured in Jax Beach crash
Read full article: 2 pedestrians seriously injured in Jax Beach crashJACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. - A woman is facing several charges after a crash Saturday morning that seriously injured two people sitting at a bus stop on Third Street North in Jacksonville Beach. The Jacksonville Beach Police Department said Taylor D. Wells hit a car in the intersection of 1st Avenue North and 3rd Street North around 1:40 a.m. Police said she then veered towards City Hall and struck a JTA bus stop bench where two people were sitting. Investigators said three people in the car ran from the scene but were detained shortly after. Wells was arrested and faces the following charges:DUI - causing serious bodily injury Leaving the scene without rendering aid DUI - causing damage to person or property (2 counts) DUI - driving under the influence Driving while license suspended Careless drivingThe two people injured at the bus stop were transported to the hospital with serious injuries but are expected to survive. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.
Man wedges 4 putters into his pants at Jacksonville Beach golf shop
Read full article: Man wedges 4 putters into his pants at Jacksonville Beach golf shopJACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. - The search is on for a man suspected of stealing four golf clubs from a Jacksonville Beach store by wedging them into his pants. The caper happened about 6 p.m. Sept. 18 at Edwin Watts Golf on 3rd Street South, according to the Jacksonville Beach Police Department. The photos appear to show a heavyset man wearing baggy clothing and a fitted Dallas Cowboys cap. The man left the business with an unidentified woman in a white-colored two-door Lincoln. Anyone with information on the individuals identities is asked to contact the police department by dialing 904-233-6686 or via email at tipline@jaxbchfl.net.
Bicyclist killed in crash near Adventure Landing
Read full article: Bicyclist killed in crash near Adventure LandingJACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. - A bicyclist has died after he was hit by a car near Adventure Landing, according to the Jacksonville Beach Police Department. Larry Smith said the 29-year-old man was a transient who was hit at10:37 p.m. on Beach Boulevard and 20th Street North. He was transported to Memorial Hospital with serious injuries where he later died. Officers said the driver was cooperating and did not appear to be at fault. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.
Renewed push for information in Jacksonville Beach father's death
Read full article: Renewed push for information in Jacksonville Beach father's deathJACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. - Investigators with the Jacksonville Beach Police Department on Monday made a renewed push for information in the shooting death of a father of three. Hall was killed just steps away from his apartment in Jacksonville Beach. RELATED: 28-year-old killed in Jacksonville Beach shootingDONATION SITE: "Justice for Jake Hall" GoFundMe account to help with expenses, children's futureA neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous, said he heard gunshots on the night of the shooting. Larry Smith originally told News4Jax that investigators have found no motive and do not have any suspect information. Anyone with information about the case can call the Jacksonville Beach Police Department at 904-270-1661 or call Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS (8477).
28-year-old killed in Jacksonville Beach shooting
Read full article: 28-year-old killed in Jacksonville Beach shootingJACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. - The family of a father of three who was shot and killed steps from his Jacksonville Beach apartment Thursday night is pleading for answers. Police said 28-year-old Jake Hall was shot about 9:40 p.m. near the intersection of 17th Avenue North and Second Street North. A neighbor said he heard several gunshots, ran outside and found Hall's youngest daughter alone in the doorway of his apartment. Hall's parents spent most of Friday morning at the Jacksonville Beach Police Department talking to detectives. Anyone with information about the case can call the Jacksonville Beach Police Department at 904-270-1661 or call Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS (8477).
Suspected pimp 1 of 3 arrested in prostitution sting
Read full article: Suspected pimp 1 of 3 arrested in prostitution stingJACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Three people, including a suspected pimp, were arrested in a joint prostitution sting conducted by the FBI with help from the Jacksonville Beach Police Department. Moments later, police entered the room and arrested the woman for prostitution. He was charged with two counts of human trafficking, one count of prostitution and one count of living off the money of a prostitute. Another woman was also arrested in the sting and charged with prostitution. Investigators have not confirmed if they were suspected prostitutes or victims of human trafficking.
Active shooter drill scheduled at Jacksonville Beach school
Read full article: Active shooter drill scheduled at Jacksonville Beach schoolJACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. - Active shooter training was scheduled to take place Wednesday at a Jacksonville Beach school, police said. The Jacksonville Beach Police Department said Wednesday morning that it would be conducting active shooter training at St. Pauls Catholic School on Second Avenue North. Police said the training was in conjunction with school officials and staff. If you notice police and rescue activity at St. Pauls Catholic Church and School in Jacksonville Beach - its an active shooter DRILL. @wjxt4 @COJB_Government @JaxBeachPD @JFRDJAX pic.twitter.com/W6tbaxYrvU Vic Micolucci WJXT (@WJXTvic) July 17, 2019Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.
Missing 16-year-old girl found safe
Read full article: Missing 16-year-old girl found safeJACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. - The Jacksonville Beach Police Department on Saturday asked for the public's help finding a missing teenage girl. On Sunday, police said she returned home safely. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.
South Carolina man, 22, killed in Jacksonville Beach crash
Read full article: South Carolina man, 22, killed in Jacksonville Beach crashJACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. - A 22-year-old South Carolina man died after he was struck by a car late Thursday in Jacksonville Beach. Police said the driver, 31-year-old Joshua Lovingood of Jacksonville, was not hurt. When she arrived, she found a man lying in the grass. It didn't take her long to find a second man lying lifeless in the middle of the road. Court records show Lovingood was arrested in 2018 on suspicion of driving under the influence and driving with a suspended license.