BREAKING NEWS
Thunderstorms move across Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia
Read full article: Thunderstorms move across Northeast Florida, Southeast GeorgiaStrong thunderstorms were impacting many Northeast Florida including parts of Nassau and Duval counties Monday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
Severe weather: Government office, other closures in Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia
Read full article: Severe weather: Government office, other closures in Northeast Florida, Southeast GeorgiaSevere weather anticipated Tuesday, including the potential for heavy downpours, tornadoes and small hail, led government and other offices around the area to announce closures for the day.
Hard freeze warning issued for Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia counties: NWS
Read full article: Hard freeze warning issued for Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia counties: NWSIt's chillier today under clear skies and highs only reaching the mid to upper 50s this afternoon. Tonight will be colder in the mid-30s in town with low 40s east of I-95 to the coast.
Severe storm risk this evening into overnight
Read full article: Severe storm risk this evening into overnightLight shower activity is moving into Nassau and Duval County this morning but none of this is expected to be severe throughout the morning. Temperatures across the area are in the low to mid 50s, a cool start.SATURDAY SEVERE: Later on, showers and thunderstorms will increase over the viewing area where the SPC has highlighted the I-95 corridor and our coastal areas for a slight risk of severe storms (level 2/5) with a 5% tornado risk area over the I-95 corridor from Fernandina beach all the way down to the Palm Coast where isolated Flood watches, coastal flood advisories, high surf advisory and wind advisories have been issued through Sunday morning. TIMING: Scattered severe storms will push from the south after 4PM this afternoon and the tornado potential increases heading into the evening and overnight as a gulf low moves over our area. Best chance for the risk of tornadoes is 7PM Saturday-Sunday Morning along with severe winds (65+mph possible)SUNDAY: Scattered severe storms will continue overnight into the early morning hours. The severe threat will dwindle after lunch time, but showers and gusty winds will continue throughout the day on Sunday. Winds will be from the West 15-20 MPH gusts up to 30 MPH.Rest of the week: Monday sunshine will return with cool temperatures all around. Highs in the upper 50s and 60s and overnight frost into Tuesday will be possible.
Florida has handed out grades for every school and school district. Here’s how our 11 area districts fared
Read full article: Florida has handed out grades for every school and school district. Here’s how our 11 area districts faredThe Florida Department of Education (FDOE) on Monday released school grades for the 2022-23 school year.
Tornado Watch Through 5pm
Read full article: Tornado Watch Through 5pmGood morning and happy Sunday!Patchy dense fog across our southern counties this morning. Morning temperatures region wide are in the upper 50s inland and mid 60s elsewhere. Severe storms will be possible heading into the afternoon where a Marginal risk (level 1 out of 5) for the risk of severe weather exist across the viewing area.Main risks will be damaging winds (65+) and an isolated tornado threat.The tornado threat will be potentially after 2 PM in our area as a line of storms approaches mostly north of 1-10 including Lake City and the tornado threat includes SE GA.Jacksonville and the beaches south are not in the tornado threat zone, but severe storms may roll through our area in the evening hours after 4-5PM with the damaging wind risk.Storms clear out after 9 PM Sunday and cold air starts to funnel in.Rest of the week: Dry and cool conditions will dominate the weather pattern after the cold front moves through. Highs on Monday will be in the upper 50s and cool overnight lows in the upper 30s to 40s so frost conditions may return for Monday and Tuesday morning.Temperatures quickly rebound during the week and rain chances return by next weekend.
Volunteers help count homeless population in 3 local counties
Read full article: Volunteers help count homeless population in 3 local countiesDozens of volunteers with Changing Homelessness and other groups will collect valuable data on the homeless population in Duval, Clay and Nassau Counties this week. The counting will start on Tuesday and go until Thursday.
Drugs, youth violence & violent crimes all topics on State Attorney’s radar
Read full article: Drugs, youth violence & violent crimes all topics on State Attorney’s radarState Attorney Melissa Nelson explained the challenges and opportunities of enforcing the law in District 4, which includes Duval, Nassau and Clay counties to a local philanthropy group Monday.
Hearing on FTX founder's extradition to US set for Wednesday
Read full article: Hearing on FTX founder's extradition to US set for WednesdaySam Bankman-Fried will have a hearing Wednesday in a Bahamian court on his possible extradition U.S. in the coming days to face criminal charges related to the collapse of cryptocurrency exchange FTX.
Democrats set aside donations from ex-FTX CEO Bankman-Fried
Read full article: Democrats set aside donations from ex-FTX CEO Bankman-FriedThe three primary committees charged with electing Democrats are setting aside more than $1 million in donations from disgraced crypto mogul Samuel Bankman-Fried this election cycle.
Florida First District Court of Appeals judicial retention
Read full article: Florida First District Court of Appeals judicial retentionRulings from six North Florida judicial circuits, including the Fourth Circuit (Clay, Duval and Nassau counties) and the Eight Circuit (Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist Levy and Union counties), are appealed to the First District Court of Appeals.
Former state senator announces his candidacy for Florida’s newly-redrawn 4th Congressional District
Read full article: Former state senator announces his candidacy for Florida’s newly-redrawn 4th Congressional DistrictDemocrat Tony Hill launched his campaign for 4th Congressional District at the Longshoremen’s Union Hall in Jacksonville Tuesday.
Florida COVID-19 cases surge; positivity rates up sharply
Read full article: Florida COVID-19 cases surge; positivity rates up sharplyFlorida’s COVID-19 weekly situation report out Friday shows all the indicators going in the wrong direction. Jacksonville added the most coronavirus cases in one week since mid-February.
Tuesday will be final prep day before Elsa impacts the area
Read full article: Tuesday will be final prep day before Elsa impacts the areaMonday evening downpours continue to push off the coast. Nassau and Camden counties seeing the bulk of the tropical downpours the past few hours. Plus, light to moderate rains extend all throughout Southeast Georgia. These too will roll of the coast before midnight.
Quick showers but its the breeze breaking the heat
Read full article: Quick showers but its the breeze breaking the heatShowers are riding the breeze off the Atlantic with coverage mostly between St. Johns Duval and Nassau counties. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Much of the rain will weaken west of the St. Johns River. Spotty showers dissipate this evening.
Final hot day ends with showers, storms this evening
Read full article: Final hot day ends with showers, storms this eveningIt is hot even with the breezy SW flow gusting over 25 mph at times. The high hit 92 and we will dip below 90 by 7 pm. It is pretty dry now but some showers or isolated storms may spark toward the evening across Duval and Nassau counties and up into southern Georgia through 8 pm.
Tornado watch for NE Florida, SE Georgia expires
Read full article: Tornado watch for NE Florida, SE Georgia expiresThe tornado watch has been canceled in the Georgia counties of Brantley, Camden, Charlton and Glynn. The tornado watch continues until 6 p.m. in the Florida counties of Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Gilchrist, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns and Union. The National Weather Service has canceled a tornado warning for Clay and Duval counties. The watch continues for Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns and Union counties in Georgia. Tornado Warning including La Crosse FL, Brooker FL, Worthington Springs FL until 3:30 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/qcJrcaIkP1 — NWS Jacksonville (@NWSJacksonville) March 18, 2021This comes as a Tornado Watch continues across Southeast Georgia and Northeast Georgia until 6 p.m.
Florida adds 5,922 COVID-19 cases, 144 more deaths Friday
Read full article: Florida adds 5,922 COVID-19 cases, 144 more deaths FridayJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida’s Department of Health confirmed 5,922 new COVID-19 cases on Friday and reported an additional 144 deaths attributed to the virus. The state has now verified 1,898,223 cases since the outbreak began and 31,162 deaths, according to health department data. For the first time in weeks, there were no deaths in Duval County in Friday’s report. FDOH did list three additional deaths in Nassau and Putnam counties and two more in St. Johns County. As of Friday afternoon, there were 3,864 people hospitalized in Flordia with a primary diagnosis of COVID-19.
After delays, Publix stores in Duval, Columbia and Nassau back
Read full article: After delays, Publix stores in Duval, Columbia and Nassau backAppointments filled quickly Wednesday morning when Publix reopened its online reservation system for COVID-19 vaccine appointments for select stores, including in Columbia, Duval and Nassau counties. Reservations had been on hold because shipments of the vaccine were delayed last week due to winter storms across the country. The grocery chain is resuming its schedule of offering new appointments on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Customers with appointments for their second dose were not impacted by the shipping disruptions caused by last week’s inclement weather. Appointments may not be available in every county during every scheduling opportunity.
2nd candidate emerges to fill Cord Byrd’s Florida House seat
Read full article: 2nd candidate emerges to fill Cord Byrd’s Florida House seatTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – With state Rep. Cord Byrd, R-Neptune Beach, planning to run for the Senate in 2022, a second candidate has emerged to seek his Northeast Florida House seat that currently covers parts of Duval and Nassau counties. Hilliard Republican Bo Wade Hodges opened a campaign account this week to run in what is now House District 11, according to the state Division of Elections website. The filing came a week after Jacksonville Beach Republican Heath Brockwell opened an account for the race. The district boundaries -- and potentially the number -- will change before the 2022 elections because of the once-a-decade reapportionment process.
225 additional deaths from COVID-19 reported in Florida
Read full article: 225 additional deaths from COVID-19 reported in FloridaJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida continues to see rates of new coronavirus infections below the peak seen early in the new year, but the number of deaths added to the Department of Health’s count on Tuesday continues to be among the state’s largest daily increases. Of 225 additional deaths reported by the state Tuesday, three were in Duval County, two were in Alachua County and there was one death each in Nassau and Putnam counties. There have now been 29,659 deaths of residents or visitors to Florida attributed to COVID-19 since last March. The 6,297 new cases of COVID-19 reported by the case on Tuesday bring the state’s total to 1,837,285. Of the new cases, 279 were in Duval County.
Round 2 of today’s rain won’t pack the same punch, milder mid week ahead
Read full article: Round 2 of today’s rain won’t pack the same punch, milder mid week aheadWednesday’s rain chances represent a situation that could be confusing, it’s a numerically low chance- 30%, but only because the showers tomorrow will be confined to a certain area, not because we won’t see showers. Not all of our counties have a chance for showers, but the counties in Southeastern Georgia can expect passing showers throughout the day. Expect cloudy skies and mild temperatures climbing into the low 70s. Thursday will be the best day this week, expect partly sunny skies and mild temperatures topping out around 77 degrees. There is only an isolated chance for a stray shower.
Storms drop heaps of hail and rainfall in Northeast Florida
Read full article: Storms drop heaps of hail and rainfall in Northeast FloridaJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Strong to severe thunderstorms are producing penny-sized hail covering lawns in Baker, Clay, Duval, and Nassau counties right now. Areas are seeing blinding downpours, resulting in reduced visibility and temporary flooding. — NAS Jacksonville (@NASJax_) February 9, 2021Behind the line of strong storms is more moderate to light rain, which will add insult to injury for areas already seeing flooding. We could see another .5-1 inch of rainfall within the back end of this round of showers. We’ll see a small break in the rain before the next round of showers and storms pushes through our area, where we may see similar rainfall rates in the strongest storms, but hail will be less of a possibility.
Severe thunderstorm warning for Nassau and Duval County
Read full article: Severe thunderstorm warning for Nassau and Duval CountyJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for Nassau and Duval Counties until 12:15 a.m. The passing storm is capable of producing winds up to 60 mph with heavy rainfall and lightning. Up in Georgia strong storms continue to track east across portions of coastal SE GA producing heavy rainfall and gusty winds up to 50 mph. A few strong storms with gusty winds are likely. Both days expect sunny skies and afternoon temperatures only in the mid to low 50s.
Downpours move through, temperatures turning chilly
Read full article: Downpours move through, temperatures turning chillyThursday will be sunny, chilly and windy with temperatures topping out only in the mid 50s. Expect a chilly breeze out of the north around 15 mph. On Friday, temperatures will only make it into the upper 50s under sunny skies. Sunday looks nicer, waking up in the low 50s and warming up into the mid 70s. We expect another round of showers and thunderstorms Monday, plunging us back into the chilly zone on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Mild and cloudy evening, rain headed our way Wednesday afternoon to turn us chilly
Read full article: Mild and cloudy evening, rain headed our way Wednesday afternoon to turn us chillyJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Today was warm, topping out in the lovely upper 70s. Wednesday starts out with fog clearing as we warm up into the upper 70s. A more thin, less intense round of showers will push through later, during the evening hours. Expect clearing skies and dropping temperatures behind the rain, as the cold front pushes through our area. Sunday we will see a few clouds with increasing winds, but temperatures will make in into the mild mid 70s.
Jury trials, in-person proceedings suspended in 3 Jacksonville-area counties until late February
Read full article: Jury trials, in-person proceedings suspended in 3 Jacksonville-area counties until late FebruaryJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Because of a surge in reported COVID-19 cases during the holidays, the presiding judge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit has suspended jury trials and in-person court proceedings until Feb. 22. Any jury trial scheduled for Feb. 22 or after may remain scheduled pending further notice, according to an email. During the suspension, there will be no in-person proceedings in any courthouse facility. For Lisa Rucker’s family, losing her sister and the back-and-forth with lawyers and courts for years has been mentally taxing. Despite precautions like plexiglass courtrooms and zoom hearings, Charlie Cofer, Duval County public defender, said there’s no controlling the spread outside of their reach.
Cloudy and not as chilly tonight, warm end to the year
Read full article: Cloudy and not as chilly tonight, warm end to the yearWe wake up in the upper 50s and warm up into the upper 70s under mostly sunny skies. We wake up in the mid to low 60s and warm up into the upper 70s, near 80° for the afternoon. Expect partly sunny skies and breezy southerly winds around 15 mph. Friday night our chances for showers starts to build, expect 50% chances for showers and thunderstorms overnight under mostly cloudy skies as temperatures dip into the low 60s. Sunday will be sunny and chilly, starting out around 50° and only warming into the low 60s.
Florida reports 4th highest single-day COVID-19 increase
Read full article: Florida reports 4th highest single-day COVID-19 increaseJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Multiple counties in Northeast Florida on Thursday reported single-day records for the number of new coronavirus cases as the statewide surge of continued ahead of Christmas Day. With 13,147 additional cases of the coronavirus reported Thursday, it was the fourth highest single-day increase in Florida. The Florida Department of Health also announced another 122 people in the state have died with COVID-19. Nine of the 11 Florida counties tracked by News4Jax had positivity rates in double digits. Florida and Duval County daily COVID-19 cases since June 1Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration dashboard shows 5,619 people hospitalized in the state Thursday afternoon.
Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign ends Christmas Eve, and you can still help
Read full article: Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign ends Christmas Eve, and you can still helpJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle campaign is ending Thursday. And at this time, even in the midst of a pandemic, the Salvation Army says it’s already up 25% to 30% more in donations than last year. We blasted that number over what our expectations were and today is the final push,” said Maj. Keath Biggers, area commander for Salvation Army of Northeast Florida. This is a 129-year tradition, the Red Kettle program. Diamond Ring Taped to Dollar Bill Dropped in Salvation Army Red Kettle in JacksonvilleThe local Salvation Army campaign made news earlier this month with the donation of a diamond ring that was taped to a dollar bill and dropped into a red kettle.
State signs off on Duval, Clay school districts’ plans for spring reopening
Read full article: State signs off on Duval, Clay school districts’ plans for spring reopeningJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Education has signed off on the Duval County and Clay County school districts’ plans for spring reopening. Under the state’s COVID-19 emergency order, school districts have to continue offering in-person classes five days a week. The reopening plans allow the districts in Duval and Clay counties to continue receiving state COVID-19 relief funds. School districts in Nassau, St. Johns and Bradford counties have not had their plans approved yet. Click here for the list of approved plans.
Shaking off the cold as temperatures will be bouncing back for a Thursday
Read full article: Shaking off the cold as temperatures will be bouncing back for a ThursdayThere will still be freezing temperatures in the normally cold locations just west of Jacksonville to inland Southeastern Georgia. Thursday starts off chilly with inland frost, but warms up into the upper 60s, hitting 70° for an afternoon high. Expect increasing clouds in the afternoon skies and light winds. Saturday we may wake up damp, but the cold front behind the showers pushes through, clearing our skies and cooling us down. We will hit the mid 60s under partly sunny skies.
Chilly night with inland frost, warming slightly by Friday
Read full article: Chilly night with inland frost, warming slightly by FridayThursday starts off chilly with inland frost, but warms up into the upper 60s, hitting 70° for an afternoon high. Expect mostly sunny skies and light winds. We will hit the upper 60s under mostly sunny skies. Sunday is a tad cooler, waking up in the mid 40s and warming up into the low 60s under mostly cloudy skies. Monday and Tuesday look sunny and cool, only topping out in the low 60s.
West Nassau hoops star Deebo Coleman picks Georgia Tech
Read full article: West Nassau hoops star Deebo Coleman picks Georgia TechCALLAHAN, Fla. – Dallan “Deebo” Coleman is bound for Georgia Tech. The West Nassau senior basketball guard announced his college commitment on Wednesday afternoon in the school’s gym. He enters the 2020-21 season with 1,797 career points and is poised to reach the 2,000-point mark, a benchmark that has served as a elite for area players. Among area players who have been among upper echelon basketball prospects in the 2010s, few have been top 70 players. Patric Young (Providence, ESPN No.
News4Jax hosting only televised debate between Rutherford & Deegan
Read full article: News4Jax hosting only televised debate between Rutherford & DeeganJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – News4Jax, in partnership with Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute, will host the only televised debate between U.S. Rep. John Rutherford and challenger Donna Deegan in the 4th Congressional District race, which covers Nassau and parts of Duval and St. Johns counties. We’ve compiled biographies and questionnaire responses for both Rutherford and Deegan as part of our Voter’s Guide — check it out. We’ll carry the debate live on Channel 4 and it will be streamed live on News4Jax.com. News4Jax Political Anchor Kent Justice is the moderator for this debate. The candidates may have the chance to ask each other questions during this hour-long debate.
Authorities: Armed woman who made threats shot, killed by Nassau deputy
Read full article: Authorities: Armed woman who made threats shot, killed by Nassau deputyAuthorities: Armed woman who made threats shot, killed by Nassau deputyPublished: October 7, 2020, 6:25 pmThe woman threatened to harm multiple people, which can be heard on the 911 calls.
Early Thursday morning Duval downpours, yes even before the sunrises
Read full article: Early Thursday morning Duval downpours, yes even before the sunrisesJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Just after midnight and showers and a few downpours are rolling across Duval, Clay and St. Johns counties. Later into the evening these rains will be mainly well west of Jacksonville, along I-75. On Wednesday, Gainesville airport had more than an inch of rain with a couple of heavy downpours. Starting out in the 70s and warming into the mid to upper 80s with widespread chances for passing rounds of showers. The best chance to see rain will be between 2-7 p.m.Friday, Saturday, and Sunday also look similar with rounds of showers and not as hot temperature topping out around 89°.
Sea turtle hatchlings found dead along Northeast Florida coast after eating plastic
Read full article: Sea turtle hatchlings found dead along Northeast Florida coast after eating plasticJACKSONVILLE, Fla. Several dozen sea turtle hatchlings found along northeast Florida beaches are eating plastic pollution and turning up dead. Hard plastic fragments recovered from the 2016 post-hatchlings were significantly larger than those recovered from the 2017 post-hatchlings despite more plastic pieces being ingested in 2017. In comparison to another survey in south Florida, the north Florida average plastic-to-body mass ratio is 162% higher than those from South Florida. While weathering breaks the physical shapes of plastics down, the tiny particles remain in the ocean for centuries as more plastic pollution spills into the seas at unprecedented scales. Upcoming research will see how the long-term health and survival impacts of plastic pollution along with its associated chemical additives impact the reptile population.
Once found throughout Florida, this bird now calls Duval & Nassau counties home
Read full article: Once found throughout Florida, this bird now calls Duval & Nassau counties homeJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A tiny bird that once ranged across much of Florida is now only found around the St. Johns River in Duval and in Nassau counties due to increasing human development. The marsh wren’s range in Florida has contracted by 80 percent from its historical extent. The marsh wren’s range contraction, small population size and restricted distribution led to the species being listed as threatened in the state. Researchers looked for Marsh Wren nests at five sites on the Nassau River and Clapboard Creek in Duval and Nassau counties in 2016 and 2017 and found troubling issues. Survey points sampled for Worthington’s Marsh Wrens and MacGillivray’s Seaside Sparrows during 2014 and 2015 breeding seasons.
Counties pull together to secure 10K hotel rooms in 2 days for Republican Convention
Read full article: Counties pull together to secure 10K hotel rooms in 2 days for Republican ConventionJACKSONVILLE, Fla. Thousands of hotel rooms throughout Northeast Florida needed to be secured before the Republican National Convention heads to Jacksonville for President Trumps renomination speech. Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau and St. Johns counties pulled together to get the needed 10,000 rooms in just two days. If you had told me when the request first came in that we were going to be able to secure 10,000 hotel rooms, a written commitment for 10,000 hotel rooms in 48 hours, I wouldve said no way, Corrigan said. But thats exactly what the region did.RELATED: Jacksonville will host President Trumps GOP renomination conventionCorrigan said the task wasnt easy. With an inventory of 18,000 hotels rooms in Jacksonville, getting 10,000 rooms nights was quite difficult, Corrigan said.
Scattered weekend rain chances
Read full article: Scattered weekend rain chancesWere off to a mild start in the upper 60s low 70s with some scattered showers moving on shore and staying east of the I-95 corridor. Our chance for scattered storms will increase later this morning into the afternoon. Ahead of the rain the National Weather Service has issued at Flash Flood Watch starting at 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. tonight. Sunday will bring another below average day in the 80s with a 50% chance for scattered showers. Rain sticks around Monday before we start to dry out on Tuesday through the rest of the week.
TRAFFIC ALERT: Overturned semi slows I-95 southbound at Nassau-Duval line
Read full article: TRAFFIC ALERT: Overturned semi slows I-95 southbound at Nassau-Duval lineJACKSONVILLE, Fla. An overturned tractor-trailer Monday morning is blocking two of three southbound lanes of Interstate 95 at Mile Marker 368.2 -- near the Duval-Nassau county line, according to the Flordia Department of Transportation. Nassau County Fire-Rescue responded to one person injured. Expect slow traffic in the area until the accident is cleared.
Nassau sheriff: Man shot, killed by officer during drug bust outside Casey Liquors
Read full article: Nassau sheriff: Man shot, killed by officer during drug bust outside Casey LiquorsNassau sheriff: Man shot, killed by officer during drug bust outside Casey LiquorsPublished: May 29, 2020, 6:13 pmThe sheriff noted that the man who was shot and killed was a three time convicted felon, but he didn’t give details about the felonies.
Airbnb: Northeast Florida rentals now welcome, parties are not
Read full article: Airbnb: Northeast Florida rentals now welcome, parties are notJACKSONVILLE, Fla. With the state's approval of vacation rentals to safely reopen in Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties, Airbnb issued a warning Thursday that parties and large gatherings won't be permitted. The company said it usually leaves decisions for house rules up to its hosts when it comes to events and parties, but right now, public health must come first. Airbnb initially announced the no-party policy in early April when it disabled the event-friendly search filter typically used to find venues for responsible parties and gatherings. Northeast Floridas vacation rentals are opening just as many high school and college students will be graduating and just in time for Memorial Day weekend all events worth celebrating, Airbnb said. Airbnb said it will ban guests who try to throw an unauthorized party and will cooperate with law enforcement for investigations if guests violate the no-party policy.
Fire Watch program combats veteran suicide epidemic
Read full article: Fire Watch program combats veteran suicide epidemicCNN, POOLJACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Five counties in Northeast Florida are teaming up to end the growing crisis of veteran suicides across the nation. The city of Jacksonville has joined Baker, Clay, Nassau and St. Johns counties to save lives through a program called "The Fire Watch." The program is designed to help veterans like Christopher Dempsey, who has battled suicidal thoughts. More than 20 veterans die by suicide every day, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. With the right relationships, proper tools and resources, Dempsey turned his life around.
5 counties team up to battle veteran suicide through The Fire Watch
Read full article: 5 counties team up to battle veteran suicide through The Fire WatchCNN, POOLJACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Five counties in Northeast Florida are teaming up to end the growing crisis of veteran suicides across the nation. The city of Jacksonville has joined Baker, Clay, Nassau and St. John's counties to save lives through a program called "The Fire Watch." More than 20 veterans die by suicide every day, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. "The truth of the matter is veteran suicide is actually getting worse every day, not better... we decided to step up, get off the sidelines and get into the battle." Jacksonville will serve as the legal home of "The Fire Watch" and coordinate with the surrounding counties via inter-local agreements.
I-TEAM: Agency tasked with managing foster care cases loses its contract
Read full article: I-TEAM: Agency tasked with managing foster care cases loses its contractJACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The lead agency for foster care and adoption in Duval and Nassau counties has ended its contract with an agency it tasked with managing hundreds of foster care cases in Northeast...
Got a suspended license? Operation Green Light can help
Read full article: Got a suspended license? Operation Green Light can helpIf you live in Duval or Nassau counties and have had your driver's license suspended for overdue traffic tickets, you have a chance to get your driving privileges back and save money. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.
Got a suspended license? Operation Green Light can help
Read full article: Got a suspended license? Operation Green Light can helpOperation Green Light will continue throughout the week through Oct. 18 during regular 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., at the Duval County Courthouse, the Duval County Tax Collectors office as well as any tax collectors branch location during those hours. The Duval County Clerks of Courts says this is a great way for people to get their lives back on track. The last Operation Green Light was four years ago and it was a one-day event raising more than $500,000. According to the Duval County Clerk of Courts, the money raised through the first Operation Green Light helped more than 30 entities throughout the county. Here's how Operation Green Light works in Nassau County:The Nassau County Clerk of Court offices will work to help restore driver licenses of people who have suspended drivers licenses due to overdue traffic fines.
Flash drought preceding Jacksonville's driest month
Read full article: Flash drought preceding Jacksonville's driest monthJACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Yes, we had very heavy rain this week, but flash drought is still a growing risk across Florida and the Southeast. Duval County is among others in the Southeast facing rapidly developing "flash droughts" popping up in areas from Virginia south into northern Florida. A flash drought often begins as a small rain deficit in one county and then expands like fire across the landscape. The term "flash drought" first appeared in a 2001 research paper by Svoboda and was not widely used until after 2012. As Jacksonville heads into the driest month of the year in November, the potential for a flash drought will grow without persistent rain in the forecast.
Rutherford & Waltz back bill to preserve Northeast Florida's heritage
Read full article: Rutherford & Waltz back bill to preserve Northeast Florida's heritageST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - Northeast Floridas historic coastline is the target of a bill introduced by Florida congressmen. U.S. Reps. John Rutherford and Michael Waltz announced Monday theyre backing legislation that would designate parts of Duval, Flagler, Nassau and St. Johns counties as a National Heritage Area. The bill, known as the Nations Oldest Port National Heritage Area Act, would recognize the region for its historical value. That funding would offset the costs absorbed by the museum during the heritage areas creation. A 2012 study showed the Alliance of National Heritage Areas contributed nearly $13 billion annually to Americas economy and supported almost 148,000 jobs.
Bahamas schools damaged by hurricane
Read full article: Bahamas schools damaged by hurricaneWater, water everywhere. Public schools in undamaged areas, such as Nassau, re-opened Sept. 9, and some private schools across the islands reopened last week for the start of their school year. At least five private schools were among the first on Grand Bahama to reopen after the storm. On South Abaco, which escaped the worst of the hurricane, Moore's Island Public School and Crossing Rocks Primary School reopened. Henfield, the first-grade teacher, has no answer for frustrated parents who want to know when public schools on the island might reopen their doors.
Hurricane Dorian survivors still face uncertain future
Read full article: Hurricane Dorian survivors still face uncertain futureNOAA via CNN(CNN) - As Tropical Storm Humberto passed by the Bahamas before becoming a hurricane, residents recovering from Hurricane Dorian worried they would be pummeled again before being able to recover. Humberto resurfaced feelings of terror for Dorian survivors -- just two weeks after the Category 5 storm decimated much of Grand Bahamas and Abaco Islands. "I lift my brother ... lift him, literally lift him with my hands and the other friends bring him by the road," she said. Silien says she told the government about her mother, brother, and a cousin who all died during the storm. But government officials have said repeatedly that all Dorian victims will be treated equally when it comes to disaster relief.
Nassau Humane rescues some of 97 dogs saved in Bahamas home
Read full article: Nassau Humane rescues some of 97 dogs saved in Bahamas homeThe Nassau Humane Society has rescued 27 of the dogs that Chella Phillips kept in her home as the wind and rain battered the Bahamas for days. As part of that effort to help the Bahamas, Nassau Humane reached out to Phillips' rescue and other rescues that were assisting her and offered to take in some of the dogs. PHOTOS: Nassau Humane Society rescues some of 97 dogs saved in Bahamas home |WATCH: Nassau Human Society operations director talks about 'Nassau helping Nassau' on 'The Morning Show'Nassau Humane Society's shelter was nearly empty after community support to help clear the shelter before Hurricane Dorian. Nassau Humane Society is accepting donations for both people and animals in the Bahamas and the dogs rescued from the islands. Anyone wishing to make a donation can visit the Nassau Humane Society website.
Florida shipping water to Bahamas
Read full article: Florida shipping water to BahamasIn this USCG handout image, views of the Bahamas from a Coast Guard Elizabeth City C-130 aircraft after Hurricane Dorian shifts north Sept. 3, 2019. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - After being largely spared by Hurricane Dorian, Florida and the state's largest electric utility are sending more than a half-million bottles of water to storm-ravaged parts of the Bahamas. Together with Governor @RonDeSantisFL and the state of Florida, we stand ready to help our neighbors in the Bahamas by donating nine truckloads of water. #BahamasStrong pic.twitter.com/JEN1T1AVpK FPL (@insideFPL) September 10, 2019In advance of Dorian, Florida deployed 860,000 bottles of water and 1.8 million meals to counties that faced threats from the storm, and another 819,000 gallons of water were ready for distribution. Still, DeSantis and Florida Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz said the state likely will make other contributions along with donating the water.
'Nassau helping Nassau': Shelter's relief efforts go beyond animals
Read full article: 'Nassau helping Nassau': Shelter's relief efforts go beyond animalsOne Northeast Florida organization launched an effort, "Nassau helping Nassau," to help both people and animals across the Bahamas. This is an effort that needs to go hand in hand or hand in paw," said Christina Sutherin, operations director at Nassau Humane Society. While Nassau Humane Society said it is definitely focused on the animals on the islands, they're also focused on the Bahamians. Nassau Humane Society is accepting donations. Anyone wishing to make a donation can visit the Nassau Humane Society website.
Bahamas PM assures evacuees they will be able to return home soon
Read full article: Bahamas PM assures evacuees they will be able to return home soonThe UK Ministry of Defence has released aerial images of the damage from Dorian on Great Abaco, in the Bahamas. FREEPORT, Bahamas - Nearly 5,000 residents have fled the Bahamas after a violent Category 5 storm ripped through their neighborhoods and left the islands in shambles. "I want to assure evacuees that as we start rebuilding their communities they will be returned home," Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said Monday. What the ferry operator should have doneStephen Silvestri, acting port director for the CBP at Port Everglades, said that the evacuees were ordered off the boat by the ferry operator and not by any US government entity. Death toll expected to riseBy Monday, the death toll had risen to 50, the Royal Bahamas Commissioner of Police said.
Bahamas still recovering after Hurricane Dorian devastation
Read full article: Bahamas still recovering after Hurricane Dorian devastationThe UK Ministry of Defence has released aerial images of the damage from Dorian on Great Abaco, in the Bahamas. COCOCAY, Bahamas - After Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas, families are desperate. He and his family huddled together as Hurricane Dorian churned through Grand Bahama, destroying their home. Help is here in the Bahamas, but resources are spread thin, making it hard for victims to find out what's next. Let's always be there for one another," said Joyce Arty, from the United Association of Haitians in the Bahamas.
Vic Micolucci heading to Bahamas to cover Hurricane Dorian relief efforts
Read full article: Vic Micolucci heading to Bahamas to cover Hurricane Dorian relief effortsNews4Jax anchor and reporter Vic Micolucci will be heading to the Bahamas to cover the rescue and recovery of the hurricane-ravaged islands. Micolucci and News4Jax photojournalist Jesse Hanson will be leaving from Cape Canaveral on Friday evening on the Mariner of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. It's part of the cruise line's fleet that is helping deliver supplies to the Bahamas, which slammed by Hurricane Dorian with 185 mph winds. From there, the News4Jax crew hopes to document the rescue efforts. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.
Foreign aid arrives in Bahamas to join Dorian relief efforts
Read full article: Foreign aid arrives in Bahamas to join Dorian relief effortsVolunteers receive relief supplies at the New Providence Community Center bound for devastated Abaco Island and Grand Bahamas survivors on Sept. 4, 2019, in Nassau, the Bahamas. (CNN) - Days after Hurricane Dorian inflicted "generational devastation" on islands in the Bahamas, foreign aid has arrived to support rescue efforts, feed the displaced and assess the damage that's being described in apocalyptic terms. The only international airport on the island of Grand Bahama was devastated and cannot serve as a staging ground for medical evacuations or emergency aid deliveries. Volunteers wade through the floodBefore foreign aid could reach the islands, local volunteers were on the scene and braving the harsh conditions to save others. Hotels on the Abaco and Grand Bahama islands are closed, the tourism ministry said.
Bahamas' tourism could struggle for long time after Dorian
Read full article: Bahamas' tourism could struggle for long time after Dorian(CNN) - Hurricane Dorian is the strongest storm ever to hit the Bahamas, and the country will struggle to get its tourism-based economy back on track for quite some time. Bahamas is the most tourism-dependent economy in the Caribbean and tourism accounts for 60% of the Bahamas' $9 billion economy. Newton expects the Abacos and Grand Bahama Island will be "offline for awhile." The airports on Grand Bahama and Marsh Harbour, Abaco are currently closed. Many homes and businesses are destroyed or heavily damaged and parts of Grand Bahama Island is underwater.
Sunny, breezy and warm today
Read full article: Sunny, breezy and warm todayJACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Today will be breezy, dry and sunny. The northeasterly winds will drive a higher volume of water against our coastline, making for minor coastal and river flooding during times of high tide. Expect breezy northeasterly winds between 10-15 mph. Minor river flooding will be an increasing concern during high tide with the consistent northeasterly winds. Expect afternoon highs in the upper 80s.
Florida governor declares state of emergency over Hurricane Dorian
Read full article: Florida governor declares state of emergency over Hurricane DorianRon DeSantis on Wednesday declared a state of emergency for 26 counties in anticipation of a powerful hit from Hurricane Dorian during the Labor Day weekend. On Thursday morning, the State Emergency Operations Center will activate to a Level 2, enhancing the coordination between federal, state and local emergency management agencies. Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said Wednesday his city's Emergency Operations Center was starting to ramp up and would begin full-time operations Thursday morning. In 2016, Hurricane Matthew caused damage as it skirted the East Coast, and Hurricane Hermine knocked out electricity in the Tallahassee area. Hurricane Irma barreled through much of the state in 2017, and Hurricane Michael devastated parts of the Panhandle last year.
Tropical Trouble just off the Florida Coast
Read full article: Tropical Trouble just off the Florida CoastJACKSONVILLE, Fla. - As we discussed earlier Thursday, it had become more clear that a weak circulation had developed near Nassau in the Bahamas. Surface winds had shifted into a westerly and northwesterly direction over Cuba and this strongly suggests a circulation center had formed. Winds around the center were weak and very light, mainly under 25 mph. In my humble opinion, if we see any significant increase in the thunderstorms on Friday, we will have at least a tropical depression by tomorrow (Friday) evening. That suggests the NHC should be comfortable making this at least a tropical depression -- sooner rather than later.
Feels like temperatures between 104-112
Read full article: Feels like temperatures between 104-112JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Expect potentially dangerous heat Friday afternoon. Actual temperatures will climb into the mid to upper 90s and feels like temperatures, or when you consider the temperatures and the humidity, will top out between 104-112. A Heat Advisory has been issued for Duval, Clay, St Johns, Nassau, Camden, Glynn and Brantley counties from noon until 6 p.m.A Heat Advisory is issued when the combination of hot temperatures and high humidities creates heat indices of 108 degrees or higher. The heat index is a measure of how hot it feels when the effect of humidity combines with the temperature. High heat index values can create dangerously hot conditions where individuals may become critically exhausted if outdoors.
Woman killed in mobile home fire near Duval-Nassau county line
Read full article: Woman killed in mobile home fire near Duval-Nassau county lineJACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A woman died Tuesday in a mobile home fire near the Duval-Nassau county line, authorities said. According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, there were several people in the home who escaped the blaze, but a woman died. Police said they had heard the woman had gone back into the home to try to save dogs, but could not confirm that. The Sheriff's Office said it believes three people were living in the home, but it's unclear how many were inside at the time of the fire. According to the Sheriff's Office, no foul play is suspected at this time.
Dry, mild evening- here's how long the dry weather lasts
Read full article: Dry, mild evening- here's how long the dry weather lastsJACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A dry start to the week with near seasonal temperatures as wind turns onshore. Formation chances remain low as upper level wind and windsheer are less than conducive for development. Today: Partly cloudy with afternoon highs in the upper 80s to low 90s inland, mid 80s along our beaches. Isolated afternoon showers and thunderstorms may develop across our inland counties, south of I-10, 20-40 percent, 10-20 percent along the beaches. Afternoon highs in the upper 80s to low 90s inland, 80s along the beaches.
Culver's restaurant officially opens in Middleburg
Read full article: Culver's restaurant officially opens in MiddleburgCLAY COUNTY, Fla. - Culvers restaurant has officially opened in Northeast Florida! Franchise owner Don Lichte and his daughter opened Culver's doors at 9:00 a.m. on Monday in Middleburg. Culver's restaurant serves burgers, cheese curds, shakes and more. Click here to make your mouth water. 1767 Blanding Blvd Middleburg, FL 32068Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.
American woman killed in Bahamas shark attack while snorkeling with family
Read full article: American woman killed in Bahamas shark attack while snorkeling with family(CNN) - An American woman died after a shark attack in the Bahamas Wednesday, according to a spokesperson for the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Jordan Lindsay, 21, of Torrance, California, had been on a snorkeling expedition with her family near Rose Island, according to CNN affiliate WPLG. Around 2 p.m. she was attacked by three sharks, Deputy Commissioner Paul Rolle told the station. Her family saw the oncoming sharks and tried to warn her, but Lindsay did not hear them in time, he told the station. She was pulled from the water and taken to Doctor's Hospital in Nassau, where she was pronounced dead, Reserve Superintendent Ronnie Bannister told CNN.
4th District Circuit Court judge
Read full article: 4th District Circuit Court judgeCIRCUIT COURT JUDGE (Of 16 judges on the circuit bench in Clay, Duval and Nassau counties, only one race is contested and will appear on the primary ballot.) Website: MaureenHorkanForJudge.comSocial media: FacebookCharles McBurneyAge: 61Candidate's family: Wife: Deborah; 2 adult children and 7 grandchildrenOccupation: AttorneyEducation: University of Florida, B.A. Political experience: Florida House of Representatives 2007-2016; Chair, Justice Appropriations Subcommittee 2012-2014; Chair, Judiciary Committee 2014-2016; Chair, Judiciary Budget Conference 2014; Chair, Duval County Legislative Delegation 2012-2013Summarize your political platform in 10 words or less. How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot? What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
Baptist evacuates hospitals in Jacksonville Beach, Fernandina Beach
Read full article: Baptist evacuates hospitals in Jacksonville Beach, Fernandina BeachJACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – At least two hospitals located in evacuation zones, Baptist Beaches and Baptist Nassau, began moving patients and staff on Friday. Patients from Baptist Beaches were being relocated to Baptist South. Baptist Nassau evacuees were taken to Baptist Downtown. A spokesman for the hospital told News4Jax that they made the declaration of mandatory evacuations in Jacksonville Beach and Nassau County and that the decision was made out of an abundance of caution. Anyone with a family member hospitalized at Baptist Beaches or Baptist Nassau who has not heard from the hospital should call 904-202-2000.
Dense fog advisory issued; drive safely
Read full article: Dense fog advisory issued; drive safelyJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The National Weather Service has issued a dense fog advisory until 9 a.m. Tuesday for Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, and Union counties. Quiet weather patterns, with consistent broad swings in temperature make for fog prone mornings. Fog dissipates when temperatures warm up. Many times, fog will be more persistent and linger over large bodies of water, like the ocean or the river. The two most important safety measures when you driving in fog are to slow down and turn on your low-beam headlights.