DeSantis says Florida AG, law enforcement will launch criminal probe of apparent Trump assassination attempt
Gov. Ron DeSantis is slated to speak Tuesday morning with law enforcement in West Palm Beach.
Florida to launch probe of apparent Trump assassination attempt; former federal prosecutor calls it a โpolitical stuntโ
Gov. Ron DeSantis is slated to speak Tuesday morning with law enforcement in West Palm Beach.
DeSantis pushes back on allegation that AHCA is using platform to illegally influence voters on abortion amendment
Governor Ron DeSantis is pushing back against allegations that the state government is illegally using its platform to influence voters on Amendment 4, which would expand voting access in Florida.
DeSantis awards $122M to Florida counties to improve rural infrastructure
Governor Ron DeSantis announced $122 million for Florida counties to improve rural transportation infrastructure at a press conference on Tuesday in Lake City.
โIrreversible damageโ: Northeast Florida leaders speak out against Anastasia State Park development plans
Northeast Florida leaders are taking a stand against plans to develop Anastasia State Park and eight other state parks around Florida.
Mayor Deegan supports Amendment 3 on marijuana legalization: report
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan expressed her support for Amendment 3, a November ballot initiative that if approved would legalize the use of marijuana in Florida for those 21 years and older, according to a report by Florida Politics.
Sheriff Waters on Amendment 3: Not good for Florida; โmarijuana smoke is the most offensive smell to me everโ
During a Jacksonville Sheriffโs Office town hall meeting on Thursday, Sheriff T.K. Waters came out strongly against Amendment 3, a ballot initiative that if approved would legalize the use of marijuana in Florida for those 21 years and older.
Fact Check: If passed, would recreational marijuana tax money benefit Florida schools?
Amendment 3 commercial claims recreational marijuana sales tax will lead to "safer communities and schools". We are finding out if this is 100% accurate.
Hurricane Debby makes landfall on Floridaโs Big Bend coast
As of the 11 p.m. National Hurricane Center update, the tropical storm has become Hurricane Debby and is expected to make landfall in the Florida Big Bend area on Monday.
Evacuation order issued for Alachua County residents; officials say 3 shelters now open
Alachua County officials have issued an evacuation order for residents who live in vulnerable homes ahead of Tropical Storm Debby.
Tropical Storm Debby expected to become a hurricane soon; Tornado Watch extended until 6 a.m.
As of the 8 p.m. National Hurricane Center update, Tropical Storm Debby is still strengthening as itโs expected to become a hurricane Sunday night and make landfall in the Florida Big Bend area on Monday.
Georgia declares State of Emergency for all 159 counties ahead of Tropical Storm Debby
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a State of Emergency for all 159 counties ahead of Tropical Storm Debby making landfall along the Florida Big Bend on Monday.
Florida price gouging hotline activated, state agencies ready to respond as Tropical Storm Debby approaches
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) continues to monitor and prepare for the potential impacts of Tropical Storm Debby.
LIST: Where to get sandbags in Northeast Florida ahead of Tropical Storm Debby
As Tropical Depression 4 approaches Florida, many Northeast Florida counties are hosting sandbag distributions to ensure residents are prepared for the storm.
County-by-county: Northeast Florida increasing preparation efforts ahead of Tropical Storm Debby
As Tropical Depression 4 approaches the Gulf, Northeast Florida counties are increasing their efforts to prepare for the storm, which is expected to have the biggest impact in our area overnight Sunday into Monday morning.
Tropical Storm Debby gaining strength; Tropical Storm Watch issued for portions of Northeast Florida, Southeast GA
As of the 8 a.m. National Hurricane Center update, hurricane hunters found that Tropical Storm Debby is still gaining strength as it turns northward toward the Florida panhandle and will continue to move northeast at 13 mph through Sunday.
SJSO warns about โdangerousโ social media trend where teenagers seek out, confront sexual predators
The St. Johns County Sheriffโs Office is sending an urgent warning to parents after deputies confirmed theyโre investigating two separate cases involving a potentially dangerous social media trend.
UNF Poll: Florida amendments to legalize marijuana, enshrine abortion rights continue to have strong support
A UNF poll of likely voters in Florida released on Tuesday found strong support for amendments that would legalize marijuana and enshrine abortion rights in the state.
Arrest of 4 women accused of retail theft in Nassau County points to nationwide issue
The arrest of four women accused of pulling off multiple heists at stores in Nassau County highlights a greater issue of organized retail theft.
New regulations making it more difficult for organizations, people to help others register to vote in Florida
New regulations are making it more difficult for organizations and individuals to help other people register to vote in Florida as the presidential election year heats up.
Local state rep says there will be โmassive teacher cutsโ at Duval County schools, blames expansion of voucher program
Local State Rep. Angie Nixon said there will be massive teacher cuts at Duval County public schools.
Crisis in the classroom: The overwhelming response when we asked about the teacher shortage
Crisis in the classroom: The overwhelming response when we asked about the teacher shortage. We received more than a thousand responses from people when we asked the top three reasons behind teacher shortages. Florida leads the nation in teacher shortages, but the national data from Brown University doesn't explain why. Teachers play a crucial role in preparing the next generation and often spend more time with our kids than we do. Lack of pay, hours, stress, and politics are cited as major factors contributing to the shortage.
Mayor Deegan says UF Florida Semiconductor Institute would be โgame changerโ if it lands in Jacksonville
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan is calling a plan that could bring a high-tech computer institute and manufacturing center to Jacksonville a โgame changer.โ
By the Numbers: 130 Florida manatee deaths reported in first two months of 2024
A reported 130 manatees died in Florida during the first two months of 2024. Here are the counties with the most manatee deaths.
Gov. Ron DeSantis talks law and order for Florida spring break hot spots
Gov. Ron DeSantis is holding a news conference Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the Miami Beach Convention Center. He will be joined by FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass and FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner.
Florida Senate to consider bill that would limit people without homes from sleeping, camping in public
The Florida Senate will consider a controversial bill Monday that would ban people from sleeping or camping in public.
โTheyโre all peopleโ: Pro-Palestinian group rallies in downtown Jacksonville
Emotions ran high at a pro-Palestinian rally held in Downtown Jacksonville as organizers and protestors said they want people to see the death toll in Gaza as more than just a statistic.
TELL US: How do you feel about anyone under 18 years old needing a license to drive a golf cart in St. Johns County?
The St. Johns County Commission approved a second reading of a golf cart ordinance Tuesday requiring anyone 18-years or younger to possess a valid learners or driverโs license in order to operate one. This matches a state law that passed last year.
DeSantis says heโd bring back a 1950s-era immigration policy if elected
A 1950โฒs-era immigration policy that resulted in the deportation of more than an estimated one million migrants could be resurrected if Ron DeSantis wins the presidential election.
Florida State Guard raising eyebrows over how it plans to deal with migrants
The Florida State Guard โ a volunteer force established in 2022 by Governor DeSantis โ is raising eyebrows over how it plans to deal with migrants.
Florida has handed out grades for every school and school district. Hereโs how our 11 area districts fared
The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) on Monday released school grades for the 2022-23 school year.
TRUST INDEX: Fact checking claims made during the DeSantis/Newsom debate
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and California Governor Gavin Newsom squared off in a a contentious debate Thursday night and News4JAX is running some of the statements they made through the Trust Index. The two clashed on several issues including the economy, and gun control, and the city of Jacksonville was also mentioned in the governorsโ discussion about crime rates.
Appeals court hears arguments after judge ruled North Florida Black congressional district was purposely dismantled
Lawyers representing Black voters told a three-judge federal panel that Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis violated the U.S. Constitution by deliberately dismantling a congressional district that favored Black candidates.
National civil rights leaders plan hate crime summit in Jacksonville
Nearly one week after a gunman killed three Black people in New Town, National civil rights leader Al Sharpton, the family of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, and the Anti-Defamation League announced plans Monday to bring a hate crime summit to Jacksonville.
President Biden announced $95 million to help Maui recover from wildfires
President Biden to talk about what the federal government can do to respond to the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia in Florida and the recent deadly wildfires in Maui.
Racially motivated deadly mass shooting brings attention to New Town neighborhood
The racially motivated murders in Jacksonvilleโs New Town community have created grief and additional strain in an urban neighborhood that was already experiencing challenges. There are no grocery stores in New Town, no restaurants, or access to shopping.
City, faith leaders come together at prayer vigil after deadly mass shooting
Community 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 Saturdayโs mass shooting at a Dollar General.
Floridaโs insurance crisis: DeSantis says โknock on woodโ during hurricane season
Gov. DeSantis is also making news after addressing the topic, on a conservative talk show, where DeSantis is urging patience and hoping for no hurricanes this season.
โGood first stepโ: Florida resident applauds new law raising legal age to drive golf cart on public roads
A new law will increase the legal age to drive a golf cart in Florida.
Gov. Ron DeSantis expected to launch presidential campaign next week, reports say
Sources close to Florida Gov. DeSantis said he plans to officially file with the Federal Election Commission to formalize his presidential candidacy.
Who voted? A look at Tuesdayโs election turnout in Duval County
Taking a closer look at Tuesday's election results โ which saw more voters show up - than in the March election. And, it wasnโt just how many turned out โ but who those voters were.
Florida sending troops, officers to Texas to help with border control
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday said Florida โstands readyโ and will send Florida National Guard troops and law-enforcement officers to Texas to help with border control as he nears an expected announcement of a White House bid.
Tristyn Bailey Foundation helps pass law blocking release of minorโs crime scene photos, videos
The law under public records no longer requires the release of photos, video, audio recordings, and autopsy reports related to domestic violence.
Disney sues Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis citing efforts to retaliate and hurt business
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against Gov. Ron DeSantis and others on his Central Florida Tourism Oversight District for โdeclaratory and injunctive relief.โ
New bill intends to decrease frivolous lawsuits, make changes to Floridaโs negligence system
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new law in March that impacts the ability to file civil lawsuits in the state of Florida.
2023 Trooper of the Year: Florida trooper honored for saving runners from drunk driver
The American Association of State Troopers (AAST) nationally recognized Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Master Trooper Toni Schuck as the 2023 Trooper of the Year on Friday.
New death penalty law raises questions about on-going cases
One day after Governor DeSantis signed new legislation which lowers the threshold for a jury vote on death penalty cases, there's one very important unanswered question, in which cases will the law apply?
NAACP Florida chapters recommend travel advisory amid DeSantis policies
At its statewide conference in Orlando, member organizations of the Florida NAACP voted unanimously to recommend that the national NAACP board issue a nationwide travel advisory against moving or visiting the Sunshine State.
Statewide teachers union, other groups file lawsuit challenging Floridaโs library book rules
Several groups are now challenging Floridaโs rules that restrict what books and media are available in public schools.
Poll: UNF students โstrongly disagreeโ with removal of DEI programs, courses
A poll of more than 800 students, and a handful of faculty, staff and others, at the University of North Florida showed overwhelming approval of the institutionโs diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, programs and courses.
Students, faculty, alumni blast Gov. DeSantisโ collection of โgender dysphoria servicesโ info from public universities
Governor Ron DeSantis, R-Florida, has collected information from the stateโs public universities about the number and ages of individuals who have received or even sought gender-affirming care over the past five years.
TELL US: What do you think about mandatory menstrual cycle reporting for high school athletes?
The Florida High School Athletic Association's 16-member board of directors, made up of 14 men and 2 women, will vote on whether or not to make high school athletes report on their menstrual cycle.
Analyzing the data: DeSantis wins by largest margin of any Fla. governor in 40 years
Gov. Ron DeSantis handily won his reelection Tuesday night by the largest margin of any Florida governor in 40 years.
Gov. DeSantis, Charlie Crist make campaign stops in Northeast Florida ahead of election
Charlie Crist, the democratic candidate for governor visited a Jacksonville nonprofit, and Governor DeSantis rallied voters in Clay County Friday to campaign for the midterm election.
Deegan, Fried call for all elected officials to speak out against rising antisemitism in Florida
State and Local leaders continue to denounce the antisemitic language projected onto TIAA Bank Field following the Georgia-Florida game and seen on local buildings last weekend.
VIDEOS: Coast Guard makes heroic rescues in area hit hardest by Hurricane Ian
An aircrew from Air Station Miami, U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin, rescued several people stranded in Sanibel Island Thursday. On Friday, the U.S. Coast Guard District 7 shared the body camera video of the rescues.
Mayor Curry: โWe canโt afford to be complacentโ as Ian approaches
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry on Sunday morning urged Jacksonville residents to be prepared as the city is expected to feel the effects of Tropical Storm Ian in the coming days.
I-TEAM: Gov. DeSantis gets backlash from Hispanic leaders and political challenger Charlie Crist over transporting migrants
On the heels of a federal lawsuit filed against Governor Ron DeSantis, the State of Florida and other state officials over transporting 50 migrants to Marthaโs Vineyard from Texasโฆ DeSantisโ challenger in the governorโs race - Charlie Crist - held a virtual meeting with leaders in the Hispanic community. They allege the migrants were misled before boarding the planes, which they say is a violation of the law.
DeSantis, Biden butt heads over Floridaโs migrant flights to Marthaโs Vineyard
DeSantis said more flights and buses were likely after he secured $12 million in relocation funding from the state legislature.
UN committee says Floridaโs โanti-riotโ law โunduly restricts the right to peaceful assemblyโ
A Florida law is getting international attention from a special United Nations committee aimed at combatting racial inequality around the world.
Duval County School Board candidate shows favor for DeSantis endorsing local candidates, Duval Democrats speak out
Gov. DeSantis made his rounds around Florida Sunday on his Education Tour. He made a stop in Jacksonville and brought out some of the candidates heโs endorsing for school board positions in the area.
Teachers union leader worries DeSantisโ plan to address teacher shortage could backfire
Some education workers worry the governorโs new plan to fix the statewide teacher shortage could backfire.
Gov. DeSantis says he wonโt declare state of emergency against Monkeypox
Governor Ron DeSantis said he will not declare a state of emergency against monkeypox. However, Florida has the third most cases in the nation.
Monkeypox vaccine program expands in Glynn County, available at Health Dept. starting Friday
The Georgia Department of Public Health on Wednesday announced the Coastal Health Districtโs monkeypox vaccination program was expanding.
Clay County School Board, District 5
Two candidates are seeking the votes for Clay County School Board, District 5. This is a nonpartisan office appearing on the August ballot and will be selected by all voters in the district, regardless of party.
Analysis: Florida Supreme Court will have 3 options to consider with Floridaโs abortion ban
The new law is in effect for now because the judgeโs order wonโt have an impact until he puts the ruling in writing.
Responsible Fatherhood law offers opportunities to local non-profits
The child welfare bill focuses on encouraging fathers to take an active role in their childrenโs lives and provides grants to community-based membership programming.
Freedom Week in Florida: Hereโs what you can buy without paying sales tax
Just in time for the summer, starting July 1, you can save money on entertainment purchases and recreational sporting and outdoor items.
Gov. Ron DeSantis flags on the USS Orleck raise questions about politics and non-profits
This weekend, flags for Governor Ron DeSantis were up, and some people are asking, 'Can political flags be posted on a ship thatโs run by a non-profit?'
Community organizations throw Pride rally, party outside Duval County School Board
Equality Florida said they want to ensure Duval County provides a safe and inclusive environment for all LGBTQ students.
Redistricting: Appeals court reinstates Governor DeSantis map
An appeals court Friday reinstated a stay against a circuit judgeโs decision that blocked a congressional redistricting plan pushed through the Legislature by Gov. Ron DeSantis, pointing to a โhigh likelihoodโ that the judge erred.
I-TEAM: Newly released documents reveal which items were flagged as Critical Race Theory in textbooks
The News4JAX I-TEAM is digging through thousands of documents just released by the Florida Department of Education. They reveal what textbook reviewers flagged as Critical Race Theory (CRT) and other prohibited topics which led to the rejection of 54 unpublished math books. Governor DeSantis has targeted Critical Race Theory -- saying the book authors are trying to โindoctrinateโ Florida students.
Florida tax relief bill focuses on saving money for families with young children
A wide-ranging tax package topped by sales-tax โholidaysโ and a gas-tax break was one of 17 bills that the Legislature formally sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday.
Gov. DeSantis, local lawmakers weigh in after draft Roe v. Wade opinion leaked
News4JAX has been speaking with politicians on both sides of the aisle about what the end of Roe could mean for abortion rights in Florida.
Whatโs next? Local representatives weigh in on new redistricting map
Governor DeSantis signed the new congressional maps into law on Friday -- triggering voting rights groups to sue Florida saying it will diminish the stateโs Black representation and benefit Republicans.
Floridaโs Education Dept. rejects 54 school textbooks for โprohibited topicsโ
In its review of 132 math textbooks that were submitted for consideration, the Florida Department of Education rejected 54, claiming they contain โprohibited topicsโ such as critical race theory, social-emotional learning and Common Core frameworks.
Controversial โviewpointโ survey sent to Floridaโs colleges draws criticism from faculty
The survey is in response to HB 233 signed into law in 2021 by Governor DeSantis, who, at the time, claimed universities were prone to suppressing certain political viewpoints, though he did not cite any specific examples or elaborate on which viewpoints were being suppressed.
New Florida financial literacy requirements can help students navigate student debt, expert says
All Florida high school students must pass a financial literacy class to graduate starting in fall 2023.