A Florida congressman is calling for the closure of the Baker County Detention Center in Macclenny after a whistleblower report and a complaint alleging civil rights violations at the facility.

Farm Share, the state’s largest food bank, will host a food distribution Saturday in Macclenny.

Afternoon storms could damper your plans in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia

Farm Share, the state’s largest food bank, will host a food distribution Saturday in Macclenny.

A family in South Georgia is trying to rebuild a week after a fire destroyed their home as one of the residents starts chemo treatments.

Farm Share will distribute food at 9 a.m. Saturday at St. James’s Free Food Distribution in Macclenny.

Farm Share will distribute food at Cornerstone Methodist Church in Macclenny on May 30 at 11 a.m.

A young mother and her 2-month-old child were found dead on Monday in a Macclenny home, according to the Baker County Sheriff’s Office.

As people around the world watch the horror play out as fighting continues in Israel, there are people from Northeast Florida who were caught in the melee and are making their way home.

The parents of baby Ariya attended a rally for their child

A Macclenny man was sentenced to 10 months in prison on Wednesday for felony and misdemeanor charges related to his actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol.

The government and defense have filed their sentencing recommendations, and the Department of Justice is asking the judge for a 27-month prison term.

A 10-month-old girl from Macclenny died Wednesday after her babysitter left her inside a hot vehicle in a garage for five hours, according to the Baker County Sheriff’s Office.

A helicopter crashed in an attempt to take flight Saturday afternoon in Macclenny, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday announced more than $15 million in awards to five rural communities through the Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF) program to support community economic development projects aimed at strengthening public infrastructure and expanding job opportunities for residents.

A man from Pennsylvania was killed and a Macclenny woman and infant were hurt Tuesday in a head-on crash on Interstate 10.

After obtaining the latest inspection report and a letter addressed to President Joe Biden, the News4JAX I-TEAM has learned some major changes are in the works for the Baker County Detention Center, where there have been complaints of inhumane conditions and the mistreatment of immigrants.

Baker County Sheriff Scotty Rhoden on Friday night announced charges against three people in the deadly shootings of two men that in August of 2022 he described as an “execution-style murder.”

Civil rights activists, attorneys and supporters of detainees gathered Friday on the footsteps of the federal courthouse in Jacksonville, calling for the Baker County Detention Center to be shut down over the alleged mistreatment of immigrants detained at the jail.

A woman who ran a Baker County nonprofit is now accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from it.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida and other groups are calling for the end to an agreement that allows the Baker County Sheriff’s Office to house immigrants at its detention facility.

A 37-year-old man from Macclenny was hit and killed in Baker County Tuesday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The Baker County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation into the deaths of two men who Sheriff Scotty Rhoden said were found “brutally murdered” at a home in Macclenny.

The Baker County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation into the deaths of two men who Sheriff Scotty Rhoden said were found “brutally murdered” at a home in Macclenny.

Sheriff Scotty Rhoden of the Baker County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday revealed new information about the deaths of two men, who he said were found “brutally murdered” at a home in Macclenny.

Two men were found dead in a Baker County home, authorities said Monday.

The News4JAX I-TEAM obtained an inspection report from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the federal wing of the Baker County Detention Center, which was described in a federal complaint as a “living hell.”

Civil rights groups have filed a complaint over what they describe as “inhumane conditions” at the federal wing of the Baker County Detention Center.

A 72-year-old Macclenny man was killed in a crash Thursday afternoon on U.S. 301 in Duval County, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

The daughter of a man killed inside the Northeast Florida State Hospital in Macclenny turned to the News4JAX I-TEAM, asking for help in getting answers about her father’s death.

An overturned semi-truck on I-10 has eastbound lanes blocked in Macclenny.

As Jax Food Porn King, I have gained a reputation as a connoisseur of wings.  One of our viewers suggested that I roll up to Macclenny to try MotLee’s fried chicken thighs.  With my taste buds watering for my next decadent experience, imagine my surprise when I discovered MotLee’s is more than chicken.  Burgers, shrimp and grits, salads and more, my eyes were bigger than my stomach.  I put on my drool bib and chatted with Laurence Lee and Sam Sotille about the launch of the new venture and future plans.

Deputies and detectives on Friday pursued a stolen vehicle and arrested five people after the car crashed on U.S. Highway 90, east of downtown Macclenny, the Baker County Sheriff’s Office said.

Two men died in a car crash Friday night.

Four restaurants in our area are back open after emergency shutdowns by inspectors with the Department of Business and Professional Regulations.

As Tropical Storm Elsa swept across North Florida on Wednesday, emergency management officials in Baker County kept a close eye on rising water levels in Cedar Creek, which feeds into the St. Marys River.

People living near the St. Marys River in Baker County said Tuesday that the river was high from all the rain they’ve had, but they’re prepared for impacts from Elsa.

Fire Capt. Thomas Barber was remembered Tuesday as a man with a bright smile who committed his life to serving others.

The hot button issue of critical race theory will become a topic of discussion Wednesday when Florida Department of Education leadership hosts a public forum in Baker County.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Jacksonville, Orange Park and Macclenny through 4:15 p.m., Duval County Public Schools announced Wednesday afternoon that all after-school activities would be canceled because of the approaching severe weather. District Atlhetic Director Tammie Talley said “the safety of our student-athletes, coaches and fans are the most important.”All afterschool activities & athletics in @DuvalSchools are canceled today due to the severe weather approaching. Be Safe — Tammie K Talley (@talleymama) January 27, 2021The district said activity buses would run as normal for students who use them for transportation. Because of the weather, the district said families should expect delays in transportation, particularly for middle school students. “Please be patient as we work to get all students home safely,” the district said.

They said it was his cousin is who told Fraser to call his father, a former deputy, who then told him to call 911. Dominic DJ Broadus was killed February 3, 2018, by Gardner Fraser in what he told deputies was self-defense. (Family photo)In a two-hour sentencing hearing, several of Broadus’ family members, including his father, mother and 13-year-old son, were visibly grieving as they delivered victim impact statements. The favoritism, that’s here,” said Anita “Baker” McGoogin, who co-organized protests supporting the Broadus family. Earlier this month, the Broadus’ family filed a lawsuit against Fraser with the Baker County Clerk of Courts seeking damages in excess of $30,000.

MACCLENNY, Fla. – A “major” water main break in Macclenny on Saturday left residents experiencing a citywide water outage. The city said in a Facebook post that crews were working quickly to repair the line and have service restored as soon as possible. The city asked citizens to check its Facebook and city website pages for updates. A post on The Baker County Press Facebook page said the city manager reported the water main break was north of the aboveground tank near Christian Fellowship Temple on Ohio Avenue. A boil water notice was issued by the city until further notice.

Davis recently created a blessing box in the city. “The givers just really want to give that are able to, and the ones who needed have benefited immensely from the blessing box,” Davis said. On Sunday, Davis and her mother went to refill the box that was empty that morning. They say they are very gracious with the box and encourage people to take what they need. The blessing box is located at 1014 W. Macclenny Ave.

MACCLENNY, Fla. – A Baker County man convicted of attempting to kill his ex-wife was sentenced to three life sentences on Wednesday. Now that he’s locked up for life, Evans is relieved knowing that Tisdale won’t put her or anyone else through a nightmare again. Photos provided by the Baker County Sheriff's Office of Ricky Tisdale and the car that deputies say Tara Evans was kidnapped in. (Baker County Sheriff's Office)Evans, who had several surgeries and spent more than 60 days in the hospital and a rehab facility, has a message for others in domestic violence situations. Resources for domestic violence victims are available throughout Northeast Florida:

According to the Baker County Sheriff’s Office, Tisdale tied up the second woman, Shauna Mills, and took Evans at gunpoint. How can I ease out of my back door,” Evans said. Finally, Tisdale turned the car around and returned to Baker County where he was arrested and Evans was taken to a hospital. Photos provided by the Baker County Sheriff's Office of Ricky Tisdale and the car that deputies say Tara Evans was kidnapped in. (Baker County Sheriff's Office)Evans had several surgeries and spent more than 60 days in the hospital and a rehab facility.

Macclenny, FL – An unregistered ultralight vehicle crashed in Baker County Saturday, according to Baker Country Sheriff’s Office. The incident happened near Highway 121 North, just 4 miles north of Macclenny and less than 2 miles away from the Georgia border. According to BCSO, the ultralight vehicle was flying East from a hanger behind Mt. That’s when the 53-year-old pilot tried turning the vehicle back to the hanger, but started to rapidly lose altitude instead. The FAA was called to the scene, but said they will not investigate the incident because unregistered ultralight vehicles are not considered aircraft.

MACCLENNY, Fla. – City Manager Phil Rhoden announced Tuesday that Macclenny’s popular annual Christmas Parade would not be taking place this December because of concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. “You cannot control the number of people there and you cannot control social distancing,” Rhoden told the commissioners. “If we do have the parade, half the people are going to be mad, and we have put people at risk,” Rhoden explained. “We just don’t see any way to do it and do it safely and feel comfortable in doing that,” Rhoden said. He suggested that if the pandemic gets under control by spring they could hold a new event to celebrate the community.

A 14-year-old girl was injured in an ATV crash on North Forty Circle in Macclenny on Saturday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The girl was driving the ATV when it failed to negotiate a curve, causing the vehicle to overturn, troopers said. Three other teen girls who were passengers in the vehicle didn’t suffer injuries, troopers said.

MACCLENNY, Fla. It appears the new coronavirus cases in Baker County are from community spread and not from long-term care facilities or jail and prison facilities. In Baker County, 17 new COVID-19 cases were added Monday and 20 additional cases were recorded on Tuesday. Its wildBut even with her concerns, she wants her outgoing daughter, Jaycee, to start school among peers. The Florida Department of Education approved the Baker County School Districts reopening plan on July 30. While most of the larger school districts in Northeast Florida have pushed back school start dates, Baker County voted to keep its original start date of Aug. 10.

MACCLENNY, Fla. – The Baker County Courthouse mural depicting three hooded Ku Klux Klan members riding on horses has been a controversial topical for nearly two decades. During Tuesday evening’s Baker County Board of Commissioners meeting, commissioners discussed for a while moving the mural from the courthouse but they did not formally vote to move it. Chairman James Bennett, who acknowledges this is a sensitive topic, seemed to suggest he would approve moving the mural if there is first a place confirmed for the mural to go. PREVIOUS STORIES: Baker County Courthouse mural causes stir on social media | Baker County residents weigh-in on controversial courthouse muralA group of lawyers is demanding the mural’s immediate removal. All five county commissioners had not responded to News4Jax’s request for comment as of early Wednesday evening.

MACCLENNY, Fla. When students return to Baker County classrooms Aug. 10, they will have the option to wear masks in addition to other safety precautions being taken to prevent the spread of coronavirus. In its reopening plan posted on the districts website, educators said its guidelines were reviewed by the Baker County Health Department. According to the district website, they plan for all students to return to campuses while taking safety precautions. I believe kids should wear masks, Rollins said Friday. Some parents said its going to be hard for students Rileys age to keep masks on.

MACCLENNY, Fla. A Navy man was arrested Monday night in Baker County, accused of pulling beside a motorist on the interstate and pointing a gun at her, according to an arrest report. The driver behind swerved, pulled beside her, rolled down his window, raised a black handgun and pointed at her as he passed. The victim said she called 911 and followed the vehicle until deputies could respond and make a traffic stop. The report said the driver, Kyle Byrne, 24, admitted tailgating the other driver but denied pulling a handgun or pointing one at her. A search of his vehicle turned up a black, 9mm Sig Sauer handgun, deputies said.

MACCLENNY, Fla. Every day, Baker County patients turn to Ed Fraser Memorial Hospital for medical help. The hospitals CEO, Edward Anderson says despite being the community hospital in a small county, the hospital was denied federal money meant to help rural hospitals. He hopes by touring Ed Fraser, Congressman Lawson will see and address any concerns. Even without the money, Anderson says the mission in caring people hasn't let up. Congressman Lawson is touring Ed Fraser Memorial Hospital at 11:00 Thursday morning.

MACCLENNY, Fla. – The Baker County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help after identifying a man that was found dead in a wooded area near Glen St. Mary as a 35-year-old from Jacksonville. David Lee Hunt’s body was found the evening of June 3 off Webb Haven Road. Deputies didn’t say how he died but said they suspect foul play. Anyone with information about the victim or why he was in that area is asked to contact Det. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 888-277-8477.

Parker's senior defensive back did so, holding Baker County quarterback Alex Bowen three yards shy of the end zone with 29 seconds left. With the Wildcats facing fourth-and-3 from the Braves 4, Demetri McDougal stopped Jamarian Baker two yards short of the marker. Baker County was set up with third-and-goal from the three but was stopped for no gain. Baker County drove to the Braves 26 midway through the second quarter. Even without injured leading rusher Scooby Graham, Baker County rolled up 141 rushing yards from Baker and 117 from Jaquan Paige.

MACCLENNY, Fla. - Two high school students were treated for injuries when they fell from a homecoming parade float in Macclenny, according to a news release from the Florida Highway Patrol. Troopers said the float, which was being towed by a pickup truck, turned onto West Stansell Avenue from West Boulevard. During the turn, two students fell from the float. Both students were hospitalized. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

MACCLENNY, Fla. - Days after a 3-year-old boy was rescued from a hot car in Baker County, News4Jax spoke with the deputies who answered that 911 call. The call came into the Baker County Sheriffs Office about 1:30 p.m. Aug. 22. Deputies learned the boy was passed out inside a locked car that wasnt running as temperatures reached 94 degrees outside. By the time deputies got there, the childs parents had smashed a window to free their son. The mother was released from the Baker County jail Monday after posting $5,000 bond on the condition that she has no contact with the victim.

MACCLENNY, Fla. - Two nursing assistants who worked at the Macclenny Nursing and Rehab Center have been arrested after they were accused of abusing an elderly patient, according to an arrest report from the Baker County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office said the nursing assistants were helping an 85-year-old woman get dressed for breakfast on Aug. 2 when the incident took place. The Sheriff's Office said the woman was then thrown into a wheelchair. According to the Sheriff's Office, the patient is legally blind, has osteoporosis and was being treated for a spinal injury. Macclenny Nursing and Rehab said Davis and Wilkerson were fired.

MACCLENNY, Fla. - Macclenny Fire-Rescue was awarded $26,758 worth of lifesaving equipment Tuesday by the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The donation includes two thermal imaging cameras and two thermal imaging camera upgrades which will increase the departments speed and accuracy when performing searches for citizens and firefighters. Local first responders, lead fire instructor at Florida Gateway Community College Billy Brideson and local Firehouse franchisee Jeremy Cain participated in a ceremony Tuesday at Macclenny Fire-Rescue Station One. Cain and his daughter, firefighter Lyric Murphy, wore turnout gear donated by the Foundation to the Macclenny Fire Department and Baker County Fire Department. Since 2005, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has granted more than $44 million to hometown heroes in 49 states and Puerto Rico, including more than $7.2 million in Florida.

MACCLENNY, Fla. - Residents of Macclenny are upset about a dozen ducks shot to death. But Macclenny resident Blas Rivera had plenty to say, as he brought one of his pet ducks there to live. According to Rivera, the pond outside the Macclenny Nursing and Rehab Center was a perfect place for Skirt, while Felicia was brought to another duck pond. According to a Sheriffs Office incident report, 12 ducks were killed. Anyone with any information on the shooting is asked to call the Sheriffs Office at 904-259-2231 or the FWC at 1-888-404-3922.

MACCLENNY, Fla. – Residents of Macclenny are upset about a dozen ducks shot to death. According to Rivera, the pond outside the Macclenny Nursing and Rehab Center was a perfect place for Skirt, while Felicia was brought to another duck pond. According to a Sheriff’s Office incident report, 12 ducks were killed. The Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are investigating the incident. Anyone with any information on the shooting is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 904-259-2231 or the FWC at 1-888-404-3922.

MACCLENNY, Fla. - Steel Bridge Road at Lonnie Wilkerson Lane in Baker County was blocked late Sunday afternoon after a deadly crash involving two motorcycles, Florida Highway Patrol. Fatal Crash: Baker County. Steel Bridge Rd. @ Lonnie Wilkerson Ln. pic.twitter.com/OXyvMbADE0 FHPJacksonville (@FHPJacksonville) June 30, 2019Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

GLEN ST. MARY, Fla. - A Baker County man was charged with second-degree murder after a 36-year-old woman was struck and killed while walking along a highway south of Glen St. Mary, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. When the driver was located at a home less than a mile from the scene, Baker County deputies learned he knew and apparently targeted the victim. WATCH: Man charged with murder after hit-and-run of womanFHP report said Knox died at the scene. When Baker County deputies questioned Jackson, he said he suffered from schizophrenia but had been off his medication for two years. Royal told News4Jax that Knox told her before leaving Jackson's house that she was going to walk to her mother's home.

MACCLENNY, Fla. – A man was arrested in connection with a 2016 robbery at the Walgreens in Macclenny, the Baker County Sheriff's Office announced Wednesday. Brad Curtis Stewart, 23, of Sanderson, was being held in the Baker County jail on $250,000 as of Wednesday. On June 11, 2016, according to the Sheriff's Office, two masked people went into the Walgreens on South Sixth Street and demanded money from the store clerk. Over the last month, detectives with the Sheriff's Office began to review the previously closed case and examine the evidence. The Sheriff's Office said the investigation is ongoing and more information will be released as the case develops.

MACCLENNY, Fla. – A Baker County tow truck driver working the graveyard shift is being credited for possibly saving an elderly woman’s life. "I went about a mile down the road and I was like, 'This doesn't look right,'" he recalled. SLIDESHOW: Tow truck driver rescues woman trapped in carWhen he opened the car's door, he found a 77-year-old woman seated inside. As Miracle learned, the unnamed woman's vehicle had veered off the road after an apparent mishap with her medication. Based on how well the woods hid the car, Miracle doesn't think it's likely he would have noticed it without the flashing lights.

Macclenny, Fla. – The Florida Highway Patrol says three teens suffered minor injuries after a Jeep overturned multiple times and hit a cable box, mailbox, and the corner of a home. FHP says the driver is 15-years-old and the two passengers are 11. FHP says the driver failed to maintain control, veering to the left on Islamorada Drive in Macclenny on Saturday morning. The teen driver was charged with careless driving.

MACCLENNY, Fla. – Loved ones of DJ Broadus and their supporters marched in Macclenny, demanding answers in the 31-year-old's death. That message is directed at investigators, pressuring them to get answers in the man's untimely death. "DJ was, you can see, loved by a lot of people, loved by me, his sister, his brother, his friends. He was the one that kept all the stories going in the family," said Broadus' mother, Delmesha Swain. Broadus' loved ones and advocates say the person who was questioned has ties to a prominent Baker County family, and think that may have protected him from being arrested.

MACCLENNY, Fla. – A Baker County mother is warning all parents about suspicious men following women and children at a popular store. The woman said once she walked to a different section of the store, she noticed one of the men following her. The woman said as she walking out into the parking lot with a Walmart employee, she saw the same man following her -- standing 10 feet from her car. News4Jax called the Sheriff's Office to see whether security video would be released, but has not yet heard back. Walmart sent News4Jax the following statement: “After a thorough examination of the video, we cannot verify this customer’s accounts of the events.”

MACCLENNY, Fla. – A Macclenny woman on Monday warned people in her community about a strange man who she said tried to lure her into the woods. She said she saw a strange man Friday while she was on her way to the Quick-N-Handy store on North Sixth Street. Inside the store, Robinson said, she was getting a fountain drink when the strange man started talking to her. She said she drove away as fast as she could and called the Sheriff's Office. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 904-259-2231.

MACCLENNY, Fla. – Baker County prosecutors have upgraded the charges against a Baker County mother and her boyfriend in the death of a 4-year-old autistic boy to manslaughter. Heather Stevenson's son, Chance Vanderpool, died in November, after her boyfriend, Jonathan Todd Register, reported finding Chance not breathing the morning of Nov. 22 and told deputies he performed CPR until paramedics arrived. The boy died at the Ed Frazier Hospital. Stevenson, 33, and Register, 30, had previously been charged with aggravated child abuse and child neglect in connection with her 2-year-old son. Deputies continued to investigate how Chance died.

MACCLENNY, Fla. – The manager of the McDonald's in Macclenny was arrested after he attacked several customers, including a teenage boy, inside the fast-food restaurant, the Baker County Sheriff's Office said. Rafiel Morgan, 40, is charged with child abuse, battery and disorderly conduct. Deputies were called Sunday night to the McDonald's on Sixth Street, just north of Interstate 10, after receiving a report of a fight. There was an argument between a customer and employees, during which Morgan attacked several customers, including a 15-year-old boy who received serious facial injuries, according to deputies. Morgan drove off before deputies arrived, but was taken into custody Monday after a warrant was issued for his arrest, the Sheriff's Office said.

MACCLENNY, Fla. – A Baker County woman whose 4-year-old autistic son died last year has been charged with aggravated child abuse and child neglect in connection with her 2-year-old son. Heather Stevenson's son, Chance Vanderpool, died in November. Chance died at Ed Frasier Memorial Hospital. Register was later charged with aggravated child abuse and aggravated battery in connection to the younger boy's injuries. Deputies continued to investigate how Chance died.

MACCLENNY, Fla. – The family of a woman being treated at a local mental hospital says she’s being abused and needs help. That’s why her family and others protested outside the facility where Ben Aharon has been since July, after spending time at another mental health facility in Central Florida. But the spokesperson did say the hospital and all state mental health treatment facilities take the care of their residents extremely seriously. DCF officials said any allegations of abuse reported to the Florida Abuse Hotline, even at a state facility like Northeast Florida State Hospital, are thoroughly investigated. Ben Aharon's family, though, said it plans to keep fighting.

A Baker County woman called it an answer to prayer: Her 8-year-old son with autism missing since midday Saturday was found in dense woods Monday afternoon, scratched up but alive.