The Jacksonville Focal
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Independent local news for Jacksonville, FL. https://focalnews.org/jacksonville-fl
Jacksonville police were responding Friday afternoon to a report of a person shot on Summer Breeze Drive, north of Duval Station Road. The person’s condition was not immediately known.
JSO responds to reported shooting on Summer Breeze Drive in Jacksonville
Jacksonville police were responding Friday afternoon to a report of a person shot on Summer Breeze Drive, north of Duval Station Road. The person’s condition was not immediately known.
focalnews.org
October 16, 2026 at 6:20 PM
Jacksonville police were responding Friday afternoon to a report of a person shot on Summer Breeze Drive, north of Duval Station Road. The person’s condition was not immediately known.
A marked Gainesville police SUV struck a stopped school bus during a Friday morning pickup in Marion County. The officer was seriously injured; the bus driver, an aide and a 9-year-old student suffered minor injuries, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Marion County school bus collision sends Gainesville officer and three others to hospital
A marked Gainesville police SUV struck a stopped school bus during a Friday morning pickup in Marion County. The officer was seriously injured; the bus driver, an aide and a 9-year-old student suffered minor injuries, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
focalnews.org
October 16, 2026 at 5:42 PM
A marked Gainesville police SUV struck a stopped school bus during a Friday morning pickup in Marion County. The officer was seriously injured; the bus driver, an aide and a 9-year-old student suffered minor injuries, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The Blue Angels headline a two-day air show at NAS Jacksonville on Saturday and Sunday, with organizers warning of major traffic delays and strict entry rules. Admission and parking are free, but visitors must enter through the Allegheny Gate and show required identification.
NAS Jacksonville expects 200,000 for free air show; gates open at 9 a.m.
The Blue Angels headline a two-day air show at NAS Jacksonville on Saturday and Sunday, with organizers warning of major traffic delays and strict entry rules. Admission and parking are free, but visitors must enter through the Allegheny Gate and show required identification.
focalnews.org
October 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM
The Blue Angels headline a two-day air show at NAS Jacksonville on Saturday and Sunday, with organizers warning of major traffic delays and strict entry rules. Admission and parking are free, but visitors must enter through the Allegheny Gate and show required identification.
The University of Florida plans a community workshop Oct. 20 at the Ritz Theatre & Museum to discuss its Jacksonville campus design. Organizers say they will present the design process and ask how LaVilla’s history and heritage can be reflected in the project.
UF to seek LaVilla input on Jacksonville campus design
The University of Florida plans a community workshop Oct. 20 at the Ritz Theatre & Museum to discuss its Jacksonville campus design. Organizers say they will present the design process and ask how LaVilla’s history and heritage can be reflected in the project.
focalnews.org
October 16, 2026 at 4:18 PM
The University of Florida plans a community workshop Oct. 20 at the Ritz Theatre & Museum to discuss its Jacksonville campus design. Organizers say they will present the design process and ask how LaVilla’s history and heritage can be reflected in the project.
After parents and neighbors raised concerns about congestion and student safety, regional planners outlined possible changes around Mandarin Middle School. The draft ideas include a 15 mph school zone, crosswalks and traffic-signal improvements, but no changes have been approved.
Mandarin Middle safety review weighs slower school-zone speeds and new crossings
After parents and neighbors raised concerns about congestion and student safety, regional planners outlined possible changes around Mandarin Middle School. The draft ideas include a 15 mph school zone, crosswalks and traffic-signal improvements, but no changes have been approved.
focalnews.org
October 16, 2026 at 2:49 PM
After parents and neighbors raised concerns about congestion and student safety, regional planners outlined possible changes around Mandarin Middle School. The draft ideas include a 15 mph school zone, crosswalks and traffic-signal improvements, but no changes have been approved.
Duval County Public Schools says it is investigating reports of unsupervised and inappropriate behavior involving Fletcher High School student-athletes, on and off campus. The team’s coach has been removed while the district also examines concerns involving the coach.
Fletcher volleyball coach removed while Duval schools investigate team conduct
Duval County Public Schools says it is investigating reports of unsupervised and inappropriate behavior involving Fletcher High School student-athletes, on and off campus. The team’s coach has been removed while the district also examines concerns involving the coach.
focalnews.org
October 16, 2026 at 4:32 AM
Duval County Public Schools says it is investigating reports of unsupervised and inappropriate behavior involving Fletcher High School student-athletes, on and off campus. The team’s coach has been removed while the district also examines concerns involving the coach.
A Putnam County jury deliberated about an hour before finding Caylen Deller guilty of first-degree murder in the 2024 shooting death of Chad Mullen. An attorney who followed the case said jurors may have been influenced by Deller’s conduct after the shooting, including false statements to police and
Post-shooting conduct featured in Caylen Deller’s Putnam County murder conviction
A Putnam County jury deliberated about an hour before finding Caylen Deller guilty of first-degree murder in the 2024 shooting death of Chad Mullen. An attorney who followed the case said jurors may have been influenced by Deller’s conduct after the shooting, including false statements to police and
focalnews.org
October 16, 2026 at 2:56 AM
A Putnam County jury deliberated about an hour before finding Caylen Deller guilty of first-degree murder in the 2024 shooting death of Chad Mullen. An attorney who followed the case said jurors may have been influenced by Deller’s conduct after the shooting, including false statements to police and
A proposed hotel and retail project at the old Atlantic Boulevard Kmart is scheduled for review Oct. 21. The plan is also prompting a study of how Lemon Street could handle added traffic and connect the development with the beach area.
Neptune Beach weighs 150-room hotel and shops at former Kmart site
A proposed hotel and retail project at the old Atlantic Boulevard Kmart is scheduled for review Oct. 21. The plan is also prompting a study of how Lemon Street could handle added traffic and connect the development with the beach area.
focalnews.org
October 16, 2026 at 2:24 AM
A proposed hotel and retail project at the old Atlantic Boulevard Kmart is scheduled for review Oct. 21. The plan is also prompting a study of how Lemon Street could handle added traffic and connect the development with the beach area.
City Council approved nearly $31.5 million for three Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Fire and Rescue Department projects. The fire department’s $2 million carbon-dioxide system is designed to remove contaminants from gear and get it back into service faster.
Jacksonville funds $2 million gear-cleaning system aimed at reducing firefighters’ toxic exposure
City Council approved nearly $31.5 million for three Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Fire and Rescue Department projects. The fire department’s $2 million carbon-dioxide system is designed to remove contaminants from gear and get it back into service faster.
focalnews.org
October 16, 2026 at 12:46 AM
City Council approved nearly $31.5 million for three Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Fire and Rescue Department projects. The fire department’s $2 million carbon-dioxide system is designed to remove contaminants from gear and get it back into service faster.
Mayor Donna Deegan has lowered the number of members needed for Jacksonville’s Park Safety Council to conduct business, after repeated attendance problems left it unable to carry out its oversight role. The council has issued only one public report since it began meeting in 2021.
Jacksonville reduces Park Safety Council attendance threshold to three members
Mayor Donna Deegan has lowered the number of members needed for Jacksonville’s Park Safety Council to conduct business, after repeated attendance problems left it unable to carry out its oversight role. The council has issued only one public report since it began meeting in 2021.
focalnews.org
October 15, 2026 at 11:38 PM
Mayor Donna Deegan has lowered the number of members needed for Jacksonville’s Park Safety Council to conduct business, after repeated attendance problems left it unable to carry out its oversight role. The council has issued only one public report since it began meeting in 2021.
Bryce Scott, 23, was shot near Bert Road on Oct. 5, and Jacksonville police have not named a suspect. His mother says she hopes someone who saw what happened will help investigators; the family plans a memorial service Oct. 23.
Family urges witnesses to come forward in fatal Arlington shooting
Bryce Scott, 23, was shot near Bert Road on Oct. 5, and Jacksonville police have not named a suspect. His mother says she hopes someone who saw what happened will help investigators; the family plans a memorial service Oct. 23.
focalnews.org
October 15, 2026 at 9:33 PM
Bryce Scott, 23, was shot near Bert Road on Oct. 5, and Jacksonville police have not named a suspect. His mother says she hopes someone who saw what happened will help investigators; the family plans a memorial service Oct. 23.
Duval County Public Schools says it is investigating reports of unsupervised and inappropriate behavior involving Fletcher High School volleyball players, both on and off campus. The coach has been removed from the position while the district also examines concerns involving the coach.
Fletcher volleyball coach removed while Duval schools investigate student-athlete conduct
Duval County Public Schools says it is investigating reports of unsupervised and inappropriate behavior involving Fletcher High School volleyball players, both on and off campus. The coach has been removed from the position while the district also examines concerns involving the coach.
focalnews.org
October 15, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Duval County Public Schools says it is investigating reports of unsupervised and inappropriate behavior involving Fletcher High School volleyball players, both on and off campus. The coach has been removed from the position while the district also examines concerns involving the coach.
Florida investigators are seeking records on JTA spending, contracts, scholarships and ridership, including data tied to its autonomous vehicle program. The probe comes as the authority confronts a $39 million budget gap and plans layoffs and service reductions.
State subpoena seeks JTA records as transit agency faces deep cuts
Florida investigators are seeking records on JTA spending, contracts, scholarships and ridership, including data tied to its autonomous vehicle program. The probe comes as the authority confronts a $39 million budget gap and plans layoffs and service reductions.
focalnews.org
October 15, 2026 at 6:56 PM
Florida investigators are seeking records on JTA spending, contracts, scholarships and ridership, including data tied to its autonomous vehicle program. The probe comes as the authority confronts a $39 million budget gap and plans layoffs and service reductions.
A developer is seeking approval for a hotel and roughly 90,000 square feet of retail at 500 Atlantic Blvd., where a Kmart closed in 2016. Neptune Beach’s Community Development Board is scheduled to consider the plan and requested variances Oct. 21.
Neptune Beach board to hear plans for 150-room hotel at former Kmart site
A developer is seeking approval for a hotel and roughly 90,000 square feet of retail at 500 Atlantic Blvd., where a Kmart closed in 2016. Neptune Beach’s Community Development Board is scheduled to consider the plan and requested variances Oct. 21.
focalnews.org
October 15, 2026 at 6:24 PM
A developer is seeking approval for a hotel and roughly 90,000 square feet of retail at 500 Atlantic Blvd., where a Kmart closed in 2016. Neptune Beach’s Community Development Board is scheduled to consider the plan and requested variances Oct. 21.
Deller testified that she shot her boyfriend in September 2024 to defend herself after he choked her and advanced with a hammer. Prosecutors challenged her account, pointing to her decision to hide his death and avoid contacting police; closing arguments were expected Thursday.
Caylen Deller tells jury she shot Chad Mullen after alleged hammer threat
Deller testified that she shot her boyfriend in September 2024 to defend herself after he choked her and advanced with a hammer. Prosecutors challenged her account, pointing to her decision to hide his death and avoid contacting police; closing arguments were expected Thursday.
focalnews.org
October 15, 2026 at 2:38 PM
Deller testified that she shot her boyfriend in September 2024 to defend herself after he choked her and advanced with a hammer. Prosecutors challenged her account, pointing to her decision to hide his death and avoid contacting police; closing arguments were expected Thursday.
A three-year National Security Agency grant will fund a Northeast Florida partnership to bring AI and cybersecurity lessons into Duval County middle and high schools. Jacksonville University will develop a four-week teacher-training program with regional college and school partners.
Duval teachers to get AI and cybersecurity training through $720,000 federal grant
A three-year National Security Agency grant will fund a Northeast Florida partnership to bring AI and cybersecurity lessons into Duval County middle and high schools. Jacksonville University will develop a four-week teacher-training program with regional college and school partners.
focalnews.org
October 15, 2026 at 1:33 PM
A three-year National Security Agency grant will fund a Northeast Florida partnership to bring AI and cybersecurity lessons into Duval County middle and high schools. Jacksonville University will develop a four-week teacher-training program with regional college and school partners.
A proposed residential tower on the former Haskell headquarters site is advancing to a Downtown Investment Authority board vote on $49 million in incentives. If built, the 31-story project would be the tallest in Brooklyn and add hundreds of residents to the downtown neighborhood.
Fleet Landing’s 31-story Brooklyn project heads to incentive vote
A proposed residential tower on the former Haskell headquarters site is advancing to a Downtown Investment Authority board vote on $49 million in incentives. If built, the 31-story project would be the tallest in Brooklyn and add hundreds of residents to the downtown neighborhood.
focalnews.org
October 15, 2026 at 1:00 PM
A proposed residential tower on the former Haskell headquarters site is advancing to a Downtown Investment Authority board vote on $49 million in incentives. If built, the 31-story project would be the tallest in Brooklyn and add hundreds of residents to the downtown neighborhood.
Arlington residents questioned the cost and traffic effects of a proposed 1.6-mile University Boulevard project at a community meeting. The plan adds roundabouts and shared-use paths while narrowing part of Arlington Road; design is expected to start in 2027.
Jacksonville says $32 million University Boulevard redesign is funded, with work slated for 2029
Arlington residents questioned the cost and traffic effects of a proposed 1.6-mile University Boulevard project at a community meeting. The plan adds roundabouts and shared-use paths while narrowing part of Arlington Road; design is expected to start in 2027.
focalnews.org
October 15, 2026 at 3:06 AM
Arlington residents questioned the cost and traffic effects of a proposed 1.6-mile University Boulevard project at a community meeting. The plan adds roundabouts and shared-use paths while narrowing part of Arlington Road; design is expected to start in 2027.
Jennifer Cruz, 41, was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty to assaulting officers during a January immigration operation in Jacksonville. The Florida trooper she punched told the court she still has lasting hand injuries.
Jacksonville woman gets 15 months in prison after assaulting officers during immigration operation
Jennifer Cruz, 41, was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty to assaulting officers during a January immigration operation in Jacksonville. The Florida trooper she punched told the court she still has lasting hand injuries.
focalnews.org
October 15, 2026 at 12:57 AM
Jennifer Cruz, 41, was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty to assaulting officers during a January immigration operation in Jacksonville. The Florida trooper she punched told the court she still has lasting hand injuries.
A county review found 16 domestic violence-related homicide cases in Duval County last year, with at least one fatal case in every Jacksonville police district. Hubbard House is using October’s awareness campaign to highlight the toll and connect survivors with support.
Duval report records 21 deaths in domestic violence cases during 2025
A county review found 16 domestic violence-related homicide cases in Duval County last year, with at least one fatal case in every Jacksonville police district. Hubbard House is using October’s awareness campaign to highlight the toll and connect survivors with support.
focalnews.org
October 14, 2026 at 10:55 PM
A county review found 16 domestic violence-related homicide cases in Duval County last year, with at least one fatal case in every Jacksonville police district. Hubbard House is using October’s awareness campaign to highlight the toll and connect survivors with support.
Florida State College at Jacksonville has opened a fully automated manufacturing lab where students can train on equipment used in semiconductor production. The skills also apply to industries including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, automotive and consumer goods.
FSCJ’s new Jacksonville lab prepares students for semiconductor and factory work
Florida State College at Jacksonville has opened a fully automated manufacturing lab where students can train on equipment used in semiconductor production. The skills also apply to industries including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, automotive and consumer goods.
focalnews.org
October 14, 2026 at 10:10 PM
Florida State College at Jacksonville has opened a fully automated manufacturing lab where students can train on equipment used in semiconductor production. The skills also apply to industries including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, automotive and consumer goods.
Caylen Deller testified that she shot her boyfriend twice in self-defense after he choked her and advanced with a hammer. Prosecutors challenged her account and questioned why she did not contact police after the shooting or report her concerns about her daughter to authorities.
Putnam County murder trial: Caylen Deller says she shot Chad Mullen after alleged attack
Caylen Deller testified that she shot her boyfriend twice in self-defense after he choked her and advanced with a hammer. Prosecutors challenged her account and questioned why she did not contact police after the shooting or report her concerns about her daughter to authorities.
focalnews.org
October 14, 2026 at 9:18 PM
Caylen Deller testified that she shot her boyfriend twice in self-defense after he choked her and advanced with a hammer. Prosecutors challenged her account and questioned why she did not contact police after the shooting or report her concerns about her daughter to authorities.
A new Florida Attorney General’s Office subpoena seeks years of JTA communications involving agency leaders, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and former CEO Nat Ford, along with contracts, travel and payroll records. The records are due Oct. 30 as the transportation authority confronts a budget short
Florida subpoena demands JTA records as agency faces $39 million gap
A new Florida Attorney General’s Office subpoena seeks years of JTA communications involving agency leaders, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and former CEO Nat Ford, along with contracts, travel and payroll records. The records are due Oct. 30 as the transportation authority confronts a budget short
focalnews.org
October 14, 2026 at 8:34 PM
A new Florida Attorney General’s Office subpoena seeks years of JTA communications involving agency leaders, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and former CEO Nat Ford, along with contracts, travel and payroll records. The records are due Oct. 30 as the transportation authority confronts a budget short
A regional transportation study found that 78% of reported e-bike crashes resulted in injuries, prompting Jacksonville Beach officials to review possible local rules. Recommendations include a 10 mph limit in pedestrian areas, a minimum rider age of 15 and bike registration.
Jacksonville Beach weighs e-bike age, speed and registration rules
A regional transportation study found that 78% of reported e-bike crashes resulted in injuries, prompting Jacksonville Beach officials to review possible local rules. Recommendations include a 10 mph limit in pedestrian areas, a minimum rider age of 15 and bike registration.
focalnews.org
October 14, 2026 at 6:29 PM
A regional transportation study found that 78% of reported e-bike crashes resulted in injuries, prompting Jacksonville Beach officials to review possible local rules. Recommendations include a 10 mph limit in pedestrian areas, a minimum rider age of 15 and bike registration.
A teenage boy was in stable condition after being shot early Wednesday in Moncrief. Jacksonville police are investigating and seeking information from the public.
Teen hospitalized after overnight shooting on Jacksonville’s West 30th Street
A teenage boy was in stable condition after being shot early Wednesday in Moncrief. Jacksonville police are investigating and seeking information from the public.
focalnews.org
October 14, 2026 at 10:55 AM
A teenage boy was in stable condition after being shot early Wednesday in Moncrief. Jacksonville police are investigating and seeking information from the public.