INSIDER
1 year after deadly racist attack at Jacksonville Dollar General, community remembers the lives lost
Read full article: 1 year after deadly racist attack at Jacksonville Dollar General, community remembers the lives lostA new memorial now honors the lives of Angela Carr, Jerrald Gallion and A.J. Laguerre Jr., one year after the three were killed in a racially-motivated attack at a Dollar General in Jacksonville.
Memorial, soil collection ceremony to be held for Dollar General victims 1 year after racist attack
Read full article: Memorial, soil collection ceremony to be held for Dollar General victims 1 year after racist attackAt the Dollar General on Kings Road in Jacksonville’s Grand Park neighborhood, three makeshift memorials still stand adjacent to the road in front of the store paying tribute to the three victims of the racist attack.
Historic marker to honor victims of racist Dollar General attack to be unveiled during ceremony
Read full article: Historic marker to honor victims of racist Dollar General attack to be unveiled during ceremonyCouncilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman, in collaboration with the City of Jacksonville and the Inaugural Memorial and Soil Collection Community Planning Committee, will host a ceremony to honor the victims and survivors of the tragic 2023 Dollar General shooting in Jacksonville.
Councilwoman supports Norwood Plaza tenants looking to hold landlord accountable for unkept building conditions
Read full article: Councilwoman supports Norwood Plaza tenants looking to hold landlord accountable for unkept building conditionsJacksonville Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman stood with Brentwood business owners at the Norwood Plaza Wednesday to address ongoing building concerns.
City Council considers emergency bill to install historic marker for victims of racist attack at Dollar General
Read full article: City Council considers emergency bill to install historic marker for victims of racist attack at Dollar GeneralA historic marker to honor the victims killed in a racially motivated Dollar General shooting last year is planned for the Grand Park neighborhood.
Clara White Mission overbilled U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by more than $95K, investigation finds
Read full article: Clara White Mission overbilled U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by more than $95K, investigation findsThe Clara White Mission is one of the most popular nonprofits in the River City which has been headed by City Council member Ju’Coby Pittman for more than 30 years.
More than 100 volunteers work together to clean historic park on Jacksonville’s Northside
Read full article: More than 100 volunteers work together to clean historic park on Jacksonville’s NorthsideMore than 100 volunteers spent Saturday morning cleaning up a historic park on Jacksonville’s Northside.
City leaders, local organizations hold annual Jacksonville Emancipation Celebration
Read full article: City leaders, local organizations hold annual Jacksonville Emancipation CelebrationCity leaders and different organizations are holding a celebration for the annual Jacksonville Emancipation Celebration at James Weldon Johnson Park.
What you need to know for Emancipation Celebration Day at James Weldon Johnson Park
Read full article: What you need to know for Emancipation Celebration Day at James Weldon Johnson ParkCouncilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman, The Ritz Theater & Museum and the City of Jacksonville are excited to announce the fourth annual Jacksonville Emancipation Celebration taking place in James Weldon Johnson Park. The festival will take place on Sunday, May 19, 2024 in an effort to educate the community about the historical significance of Florida’s observed Emancipation Day. Cities like Jacksonville in the State of Florida are acknowledging this special day of freedom.
Table Roots Act I: A Farm to Fork Experience on February 25
Read full article: Table Roots Act I: A Farm to Fork Experience on February 25The Clara White Mission is hosting Table Roots Act I: A Farm to Fork Experience on February 25 at 4 pm. Tickets are $125 per person. Tickets are on sale now at tableroots.eventbrite.com. The goal is to raise $5,000 to fund youth programming focused on agriculture, conservation and the arts.
Health, economic development & education are just a few core values Councilwoman Pittman wants to focus on
Read full article: Health, economic development & education are just a few core values Councilwoman Pittman wants to focus onDistrict 10 Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman is laying out her plan to help the community she serves.
‘Big concern’: Councilman calls for inspections, improvements after 2 vehicles fly off bridge onto I-95 over 2-year span
Read full article: ‘Big concern’: Councilman calls for inspections, improvements after 2 vehicles fly off bridge onto I-95 over 2-year spanA Jacksonville overpass that’s had two vehicles go over it in about two years is now under a microscope.
Brentwood residents continue to push back against new Medical Examiner’s Office
Read full article: Brentwood residents continue to push back against new Medical Examiner’s OfficeResidents in Jacksonville’s Brentwood area are not happy after the site of a new Medical Examiner’s Office was rezoned from commercial to public at Tuesday’s city council meeting.
Pastor who emceed vigil after racist attack says it was a ‘mistake’ to offer Florida governor the mic
Read full article: Pastor who emceed vigil after racist attack says it was a ‘mistake’ to offer Florida governor the micThe pastor who emceed a vigil held one day after the racist attack at the Dollar General says he mistakenly offered Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis the microphone to speak at the event. Since then, the incident has caused controversy and Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman has endured criticism for her actions in response to the governor’s presence at the vigil as well.
Beaches community plans vigil focused on healing after racially motivated attack at Dollar General
Read full article: Beaches community plans vigil focused on healing after racially motivated attack at Dollar GeneralThe Beaches community plans to come together Tuesday night for a prayer vigil to focus on healing after a racially motivated shooting at a Jacksonville Dollar General that investigators have called a hate crime.
‘It was my role to take control’: Councilwoman defends actions that made her a target for criticism at community meeting
Read full article: ‘It was my role to take control’: Councilwoman defends actions that made her a target for criticism at community meetingTempers flared over the weekend in an already tense environment as the New Town community came together for what was supposed to be a meeting focused on healing after the racially motivated triple shooting.
Argument unfolds at community meeting to provide healing one week after Dollar General shooting
Read full article: Argument unfolds at community meeting to provide healing one week after Dollar General shootingAn argument broke out after a community event hosted by city leaders that was intended to focus on healing just a week after the neighborhood was impacted by a racially motivated shooting that killed three people.
City, faith leaders come together at prayer vigil after deadly mass shooting
Read full article: City, faith leaders come together at prayer vigil after deadly mass shootingCommunity members, faith and city leaders joined together Sunday at a prayer vigil to remember the live of three victims who were violently killed in a Saturday’s mass shooting at a Dollar General.
Mayor Deegan announces $21.7M budget for city’s Mowing & Landscape Maintenance Division
Read full article: Mayor Deegan announces $21.7M budget for city’s Mowing & Landscape Maintenance DivisionMayor Donna Deegan on Wednesday announced a huge budget increase of $21.7 million for Jacksonville’s Mowing and Landscape Maintenance Division — a 95-percent increase from the 2022 budget.
Ken Knight Drive residents have been plagued by floods. City leaders met with them to discuss buyouts
Read full article: Ken Knight Drive residents have been plagued by floods. City leaders met with them to discuss buyoutsCity leaders on Wednesday met with Ken Knight Drive residents to discuss solutions to the neighborhood’s flooding problems.
No fences, no warning signs at city-owned retention pond in Spring Park where 4-year-old boy drowned
Read full article: No fences, no warning signs at city-owned retention pond in Spring Park where 4-year-old boy drownedA 4-year-old boy died Sunday night after drowning in a pond in the Spring Park neighborhood.
Institutional investors buying rental houses ‘serious problem’: COJ report
Read full article: Institutional investors buying rental houses ‘serious problem’: COJ reportThe I-TEAM found more than 9,600 houses across Duval County are owned by such investors — their real estate investments generate wealth for clients, rather than local families.
Jacksonville’s Emancipation Celebration festival returns to James Weldon Johnson Park
Read full article: Jacksonville’s Emancipation Celebration festival returns to James Weldon Johnson ParkThe festival honoring Emancipation Celebration Day in Jacksonville has become an annual tradition for James Weldon Johnson Park.
Why giant investment company rentals are being blamed for affordable housing issues in Jacksonville
Read full article: Why giant investment company rentals are being blamed for affordable housing issues in JacksonvilleA News4JAX I-TEAM analysis of Jacksonville property records found more than 9,600 homes across Duval County are owned by large, institutional investors, which are companies that have more than 1,000 homes nationwide in their portfolio.
Some Jacksonville candidates say their campaign signs are being destroyed
Read full article: Some Jacksonville candidates say their campaign signs are being destroyedThe election for Jacksonville City Council and Jacksonville Mayor is March 21, and two candidates running for office tell News4JAX their campaign signs are being destroyed.
Residents of Northside apartment complex still waiting for power to be restored following flooding, fire during Nicole
Read full article: Residents of Northside apartment complex still waiting for power to be restored following flooding, fire during NicoleResidents of a Northside apartment complex are saying enough is enough.
HUD secretary says changes made at Hilltop Village, calls it ‘success story’
Read full article: HUD secretary says changes made at Hilltop Village, calls it ‘success story’Marcia Fudge, the secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, met Monday with residents from properties in Jacksonville that receive assistance from HUD.
2nd Annual Emancipation Celebration Day
Read full article: 2nd Annual Emancipation Celebration DayCouncilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman, James Weldon Johnson Park and the City of Jacksonville are hosting the 2nd annual Jacksonville Emancipation Celebration Day following last year’s successful event. The festival will take place on Saturday, May 21, 2022 from 4pm to 9pm in James Weldon Johnson Park. Fresh from his star making turn on NBC’s The Voice, Paris Winningham will headline the festival’s entertainment. Other great local performers include Jacksonville Arts and Music School, Taryn “Love Reigns” Warwood, Mal Jones and MJbaker. In addition, Jacksonville’s Emancipation Celebration will feature local African American food trucks and vendors and fun activities for the kids.
Proposed center that would provide men with permanent housing gets pushback from community
Read full article: Proposed center that would provide men with permanent housing gets pushback from communityThere’s a push to put new housing for men trying to get off the streets, but residents around Golfair Boulevard are raising concerns.
‘Residents are tired’: Councilwoman leads meeting at Hilltop Village Apartments amid complaints over living conditions
Read full article: ‘Residents are tired’: Councilwoman leads meeting at Hilltop Village Apartments amid complaints over living conditionsCity Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman on Wednesday evening met with representatives of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and residents of the Hilltop Village Apartments.
‘New beginnings’: The Players makes $100K donation for Northwest Jacksonville park
Read full article: ‘New beginnings’: The Players makes $100K donation for Northwest Jacksonville parkWith the area’s marquee sporting event just 50 days away, The Players was there to announce a donation of $100,000 to help revitalize the Clanzel Brown Community Center and Park in Northwest Jacksonville.
‘Black Men Engaged’ group hands out turkeys, hams and COVID-19 information to Durkeeville neighbors
Read full article: ‘Black Men Engaged’ group hands out turkeys, hams and COVID-19 information to Durkeeville neighborsJacksonville City Council member Ju’Coby Pittman wants to be an example for the people she represents in the neighborhoods of District 8.
15 concerns: Clara White Mission board chair criticizes CEO Pittman in resignation document
Read full article: 15 concerns: Clara White Mission board chair criticizes CEO Pittman in resignation documentThe News4Jax I-TEAM is hearing from leaders of the Clara White Mission as the local nonprofit faces intense scrutiny.
Jacksonville’s growing population could change who on City Council represents you
Read full article: Jacksonville’s growing population could change who on City Council represents youThe latest census data shows the city’s population has grown by more than 100,000 over the last ten years. Now, Jacksonville City Council members are debating how the districts they represent could change as a result of the 2020 census.
Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman released after COVID-19 hospitalization
Read full article: Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman released after COVID-19 hospitalizationWeeks after News4Jax learned City Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman was in intensive care following a COVID-19 diagnosis, she confirmed she was released Friday from the hospital.
Clara White Mission shut down after employee COVID-19 death
Read full article: Clara White Mission shut down after employee COVID-19 deathThe Clara White Mission, which offers meals for the hungry and transitional housing for the homeless, has shut down after an employee died due to complications from COVID-19.
Jacksonville City Council approves bill to help tenants move out of mice-infested apartments
Read full article: Jacksonville City Council approves bill to help tenants move out of mice-infested apartmentsMembers of the Jacksonville City Council on Tuesday evening approved a bill to help people move out of the Hilltop Village Apartments.
Jacksonville leaders meet with state regulators on child drownings in retention ponds
Read full article: Jacksonville leaders meet with state regulators on child drownings in retention pondsAfter the drowning deaths of two children with autism this year, city council members are meeting with state regulators to figure out how to move forward with new safety requirements for retention ponds across Duval County.
City Council’s new historic leadership; Hilltop Village Apartments; new downtown development project
Read full article: City Council’s new historic leadership; Hilltop Village Apartments; new downtown development projectThis edition of “This Week in Jacksonville” features three guests and several topics of conversation.
I-TEAM: Retention pond complaints to city include damaged gates, missing locks
Read full article: I-TEAM: Retention pond complaints to city include damaged gates, missing locksAs city leaders explore making changes, the News4Jax I-TEAM found that barriers are not currently installed around all the city retention ponds.
Gaffney mulls requiring fences for ponds in new communities after child’s death
Read full article: Gaffney mulls requiring fences for ponds in new communities after child’s deathHours after the body of 4-year-old Gavin Douyon was found in a retention pond in a Northside neighborhood, Jacksonville councilman Reggie Gaffney promised to explore the possibility of passing legislation that would mandate fences be added around retention ponds for new planned communities.
Jacksonville councilwoman wants tenants in mice-infested apartments moved
Read full article: Jacksonville councilwoman wants tenants in mice-infested apartments movedJacksonville City Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman on Wednesday morning sent a letter to the property management company that oversees Hilltop Village Apartments requesting that all tenants living in buildings infested with rodents be moved and given hotel vouchers while Cambridge Management works to rid the 14 apartment buildings of rodents and correct other code violations.
Emancipation Celebration Day Tomorrow! | River City Live
Read full article: Emancipation Celebration Day Tomorrow! | River City LiveCouncilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman, James Weldon Johnson Park and the City of Jacksonville are excited to announce the first annual Jacksonville Emancipation Celebration. The festival will take place on Thursday, May 20, 2021 in an effort to educate the community about the historical significance of Florida’s observed Emancipation Day.
‘A huge blessing’: Hundreds helped at annual ‘Miracle on Ashley Street’ food giveaway
Read full article: ‘A huge blessing’: Hundreds helped at annual ‘Miracle on Ashley Street’ food giveawayThe second Miracle on Ashley Street "Pop Your Trunk, get your miracle on the go" event will take place on Friday.
Change is coming, leaders promise tenants at mice-infested apartment community
Read full article: Change is coming, leaders promise tenants at mice-infested apartment communityJacksonville City Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman held a community meeting Thursday evening with tenants at the Hilltop Village Apartments in Northwest Jacksonville.
I-TEAM: Inspection reports reveal mice infestation in all 14 buildings at Jacksonville apartment community
Read full article: I-TEAM: Inspection reports reveal mice infestation in all 14 buildings at Jacksonville apartment communityThe I-TEAM has obtained inspection reports that not only reveal that all 14 buildings at the Hilltop Village Apartments have a mice infestation -- but there are other safety violations as well.
Councilwoman on mice-infested complex: ‘They need to be shut down’
Read full article: Councilwoman on mice-infested complex: ‘They need to be shut down’After witnessing an active mice infestation while going door-to-door at apartments at Hilltop Village, a subsidized housing complex in Northwest Jacksonville, City Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman is mad.
Surprise visit from city inspectors after I-TEAM report on mice infestation at local complex
Read full article: Surprise visit from city inspectors after I-TEAM report on mice infestation at local complexAfter our investigation, Jacksonville’s code enforcement showed up for a surprise inspection Tuesday and Sen. Marco Rubio’s Office launched its own investigation.
Jacksonville councilwoman concerned out-of-town homeless residents being dropped off
Read full article: Jacksonville councilwoman concerned out-of-town homeless residents being dropped offJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville City Councilwoman is expressing concerns that the city’s plan to shelter its homeless residents could lead to an influx of homeless people from out of town. Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman told News4Jax that she’s worried law enforcement agencies in neighboring counties are transporting their homeless residents here, which could give them a false sense of hope about the resources available. “Last week I was here and I saw one of the police cars from Camden County and they dropped off a couple people,” Pittman said. All of them said they do not transport homeless residents out of their county. After 30 days pass, the bridge shelter will be closed, but resources will continue to be available through Urban Rest Stop.
Fence going up as city begins to move people out of downtown homeless camp
Read full article: Fence going up as city begins to move people out of downtown homeless campJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Starting next Tuesday, the people living at a homeless camp in downtown Jacksonville will no longer be allowed to stay there. The City Of Jacksonville told News4Jax people who live at the camp are encouraged to go to existing homeless shelters now and will not be able to stay at the site nicknamed “Tent City” after next Tuesday. Spears moved to Tent City last week but has been homeless for the past seven years. The camp will close on March 9 but the city is hoping some people will begin moving into shelters before then. Several shelters had bed availability Tuesday night including four dozen beds at City Rescue Mission right across the street from Tent City.
Jacksonville to move people living on streets into hotels
Read full article: Jacksonville to move people living on streets into hotelsResidents say they have been told to leave the property by MondayJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Help is days away for those living in a homeless camp in Downtown Jacksonville. At a news conference Wednesday, the city said eight to 10 extended-stay hotels will be participating. Rapid Rehousing specialists will be available at those hotels starting Monday to help people get checked in. This project is a collaboration with the city, Sulzbacher, Mental Health Resource Center, Changing Homelessness, additional area homeless providers, Downtown Vision and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. The mission is across the street from the homeless camp.
People living in Jacksonville homeless camp hope to soon have help
Read full article: People living in Jacksonville homeless camp hope to soon have helpJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Help could soon be on the way for people who live in a homeless camp in Downtown Jacksonville. The city said a plan could be released as soon as Wednesday that will help these people get back on their feet. Catherine Creed is one of many people living in the homeless camp. Volunteers Jason Pugh and Charlie Griffin told News4Jax they have been coming to the homeless camp every Tuesday for three months. The mission is across the street from the homeless camp.
As Jacksonville homeless camp grows, city hopes to gain more funding
Read full article: As Jacksonville homeless camp grows, city hopes to gain more funding“A lot of people don’t care and some people do care,” Creed told News4Jax. Sometimes you might get one meal a day.”At 62 years old, Creed should be planning for retirement or spending time with loved ones. Ju’Coby Pittman is the CEO and president of the Clara White Mission, which helps Jacksonville’s homeless people. “We do need help. This is not the way I want to live.”LINK: Jacksonville homeless shelters & servicesThe city is looking forward to more Cares Act funding to help homeless people and get more of them in hotels.
Pittman aims to make Trout River Boulevard safer
Read full article: Pittman aims to make Trout River Boulevard saferJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Trout River Boulevard is a scenic bypass to traffic on Lem Turner Road, but it can also be dangerous to drive. City Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman, whose district covers Trout River Boulevard, said conditions on that road are unacceptable. Driving along Trout River Boulevard, it’s not hard to find curves that require drivers to slow down. “This area the last couple of years has increased with traffic because there are new developments in this area,” Pittman said. To improve roadway safety in the area, Pittman said a field review and analysis has already been completed.
Clara White Mission feeds hundreds at outdoor pre-Thanksgiving luncheon
Read full article: Clara White Mission feeds hundreds at outdoor pre-Thanksgiving luncheonNinety-three volunteers helped prepare and serve the meals for the line of people that stretched from Clara White Mission Center, south a block to Church and Broad. At least 50 people were waiting in line for a Thanksgiving meal when our News4Jax cameras were there. “We’re still doing a lot of the same services we have always provided, that hasn’t changed,” said Michelle Paul, Board president for Clara White Mission. Drop-off for food donations/contributions will be accepted from Wednesday, Nov. 25 until Tuesday, Dec. 22 at the Clara White Mission in historic LaVilla on the corner of Broad & Ashley streets. For more information on how to donate or volunteer, call the Clara White Mission at 904-354-4162 or visit our web site at www.clarawhitemission.org.
Locals are remembering Eartha White who was known to help everyone in her community, including veterans
Read full article: Locals are remembering Eartha White who was known to help everyone in her community, including veteransAs Veteran’s Day approaches, locals are remembering Eartha White, the creator of the Clara White Mission, named after her mother. White was known to help everyone in the community, including veterans, often she would lay wreaths on Veteran’s Day. Dozens came to honor the woman who has helped so many in the community, including veterans. She was known of one of a few African American women that could go between the black and white community, to get a lot of social issues addressed. Veteran’s Day is November 11th.
Activist has concerns over councilwoman’s proposal to restrict large outdoor gatherings
Read full article: Activist has concerns over councilwoman’s proposal to restrict large outdoor gatheringsJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A local activist is sharing his concerns over a Jacksonville City Council member’s proposal to add restrictions for unlawful gatherings. Ben Fraizer with the Northside Coalition feels it could lead to discrimination and unnecessary arrests in the Black community. Pittman is now proposing adding restrictions for unlawful gatherings to an anti-loitering law that has been in place since 1970. We need to get together all the shareholders, the public sector, the private sector and the community itself. Pittman said there is a public notice meeting where the proposal will be discussed on Oct. 28 at 4 p.m.
Councilwoman says she’s committed to finding money to complete septic tank phaseout program
Read full article: Councilwoman says she’s committed to finding money to complete septic tank phaseout programJacksonville City Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman, who represents District 8, said Wednesday she’s 100% dedicated to finding the money to complete the septic tank phaseout program. “I feel very slighted and I’m quite sure everyone in this area would feel the same way about it," Cherry said. Pittman said she’s committed to trying to find an alternative funding source after the septic tank phaseout of two other communities ended up costing the city more than expected. “If we can find money for Lot J, I also feel we can find funding for communities that have been left behind,” Pittman said. Pittman said the City Council likely won’t have a dollar amount until the end of the year or sometime early in 2021.
10.5 acre farm breaks ground in Moncrief food desert
Read full article: 10.5 acre farm breaks ground in Moncrief food desertJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Clara White Mission broke ground Thursday morning on a new farmers market and training center. “We crave healthy, fresh, delicious food so it’s been a really good response to the farm so far,” Schott said. RELATED: Jaguars Foundation, Sysco Foods, more companies chip in to support Clara White MissionThe Clara White Mission said the second phase will help improve access to fresh food for people in the community. The revamped farm and new farmers market is set to open in Summer 2021. Clara White Mission relies on donations from generous community partners and members in order to operate.
7 shot in 3-day span in violent weekend in Jacksonville
Read full article: 7 shot in 3-day span in violent weekend in JacksonvilleJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Seven people were shot, two fatally, in a span of three days in Jacksonville. According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, seven separate shootings, including a double shooting, were reported between late Friday morning and Sunday evening across the city. According to the Sheriff’s Office, one man was struck in the lower leg and the other was shot in the upper torso. “One of my priorities is to clean the main streets of Northwest Jacksonville," Pittman said. Anyone with information that could help investigators is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 904-630-0500 or email JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org.