FLORIDA NEWS
‘Failed experiment:’ Florida committee unanimously OKs plan to scrap HOAs
Read full article: ‘Failed experiment:’ Florida committee unanimously OKs plan to scrap HOAsAfter a state lawmaker brought up eliminating HOAs last year, a new Florida bill would allow residents to do exactly that, according to a report from our sister station WKMG in Orlando.
Why the YMCA backs proposed legislation to widen swim voucher ages, create new water rules for rental properties
Read full article: Why the YMCA backs proposed legislation to widen swim voucher ages, create new water rules for rental propertiesThe Florida Department of Health lists drowning as the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1-4, and state lawmakers in Tallahassee are considering two bills aimed at reducing those deaths.
Bodycam takes direct hit as Volusia deputy is shot twice during battery investigation, sheriff says
Read full article: Bodycam takes direct hit as Volusia deputy is shot twice during battery investigation, sheriff saysA deputy is conscious and alert after being shot twice on Monday evening, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Former police officer convicted of raping 11-year-old girl in 1987 to be executed
Read full article: Former police officer convicted of raping 11-year-old girl in 1987 to be executedJames Aren Duckett, a former police officer convicted of the rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in 1987, will be executed by lethal injection later this month after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed his death warrant Friday.
Is this Florida’s hardest-working city? New report says yes
Read full article: Is this Florida’s hardest-working city? New report says yesA new report by WalletHub on Tuesday details the hardest-working cities in America. And one city in particular took the top spot for Florida, according to a report by our sister station WKMG in Orlando.
More than 60 people charged for speeding in St. Johns County since Florida’s ‘Super Speeder’ law went into effect
Read full article: More than 60 people charged for speeding in St. Johns County since Florida’s ‘Super Speeder’ law went into effectRecords show 63 charging affidavits have been submitted in St. Johns County for excessive speeding since the “Super Speeder” law took effect in Florida last year.
‘You’re going to have something on the ballot’: Gov. DeSantis pushes Florida property tax cuts as key affordability fix
Read full article: ‘You’re going to have something on the ballot’: Gov. DeSantis pushes Florida property tax cuts as key affordability fixDuring a news conference Wednesday in St. Augustine, News4JAX was able to ask Gov. Ron DeSantis about how he plans to improve affordability for Floridians.
‘Damaging’ winter freeze leaves Florida’s citrus growers with over $3 billion in losses
Read full article: ‘Damaging’ winter freeze leaves Florida’s citrus growers with over $3 billion in lossesWith farmers caught shorthanded and with crops not ready for harvesting, a pair of winter storms at the beginning and end of January potentially inflicted more than $3.17 billion in losses to the state’s agricultural industry.
Florida e-bike injuries rising: Local attorney says he’s seeing cases daily as lawmakers push new safety bill
Read full article: Florida e-bike injuries rising: Local attorney says he’s seeing cases daily as lawmakers push new safety billLegislation moving through the Florida Capitol would create new guardrails for electric bike riders, a move that comes as Wolfson Children’s Hospital reported 19 cases in January alone involving children injured while riding e-bikes.
What to know about the Florida bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport for Trump
Read full article: What to know about the Florida bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport for TrumpFlorida lawmakers approved a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport after President Donald Trump.
Looking for a job? Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp announce 2 preseason job fairs for 2026 season
Read full article: Looking for a job? Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp announce 2 preseason job fairs for 2026 seasonIf you’re looking for a fun, flexible job in a high-energy environment this spring, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are hiring.
Florida led the nation in shark bites in 2025, new report shows. Here’s why researchers say it tops the list
Read full article: Florida led the nation in shark bites in 2025, new report shows. Here’s why researchers say it tops the listFlorida once again leads the nation in shark bites, according to newly released data that comes just as beach season ramps up.
Florida House votes to name Palm Beach Airport after Donald Trump
Read full article: Florida House votes to name Palm Beach Airport after Donald TrumpFlorida lawmakers on Tuesday moved closer to placing President Donald Trump’s name on the Palm Beach International Airport despite turbulence over state funding, trademarking rights and his personal conduct.
Allegations of abuse, neglect prompt request for state to investigate Union County Animal Control
Read full article: Allegations of abuse, neglect prompt request for state to investigate Union County Animal ControlMore than 50 people from 12 different animal advocacy organizations and shelters in Florida have signed a 197-page complaint, requesting the state launch a criminal investigation into the Union County Animal Control office.
DeSantis: Florida ranked No. 1 in workforce education, goal reached 5 years ahead of schedule
Read full article: DeSantis: Florida ranked No. 1 in workforce education, goal reached 5 years ahead of scheduleFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis highlighted on Tuesday the state’s achievements in workforce education.
‘We’ll send you packing:’ Florida AG takes aim at yet another nurse after controversial video
Read full article: ‘We’ll send you packing:’ Florida AG takes aim at yet another nurse after controversial videoFor the third time in recent weeks, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is putting a nurse in his crosshairs over a controversial video was posted online.
Rhode Island man accused in sextortion case involving Green Cove Springs girl booked into Clay County jail, records show
Read full article: Rhode Island man accused in sextortion case involving Green Cove Springs girl booked into Clay County jail, records showA man in Rhode Island accused of soliciting sexual abuse images from a Green Cove Springs girl has been booked into Clay County jail to be prosecuted, jail records show.
Florida lawmakers advance legislation to reduce telemarketer scams targeting seniors
Read full article: Florida lawmakers advance legislation to reduce telemarketer scams targeting seniorsA panel of Florida state senators advanced legislation Wednesday that would make it harder for fraudulent telemarketers to mask their true identities, a move aimed at reducing scams targeting senior citizens.
Ocala woman, 4-year-old daughter killed, estranged husband dies by suicide during Georgia traffic stop: police
Read full article: Ocala woman, 4-year-old daughter killed, estranged husband dies by suicide during Georgia traffic stop: policeA tragic incident that began with the murder of a 34-year-old Ocala woman and her 4-year-old daughter ended Tuesday night when the woman’s estranged husband took his own life during a traffic stop in Kingsland, Georgia, according to multiple law enforcement agencies.
Metal detectors will be added to all Duval County middle schools by end of April, chief says
Read full article: Metal detectors will be added to all Duval County middle schools by end of April, chief saysDuval County Public Schools is in the process of installing metal detectors at Springfield, Mandarin, Oceanway and Ribault middle schools this week.
Man convicted of killing a traveling salesman in Gainesville has become the 1st person executed in Florida this year
Read full article: Man convicted of killing a traveling salesman in Gainesville has become the 1st person executed in Florida this yearMan convicted of killing a traveling salesman has become the first person executed in Florida this year.
All of Florida is at risk thanks to 2 invasive termite species that have now formed a hybrid, experts say
Read full article: All of Florida is at risk thanks to 2 invasive termite species that have now formed a hybrid, experts sayA new study from the University of Florida has revealed that two invasive species of termites in Florida have begun to spread farther than experts previously predicted.
2 children among 4 dead in Marion County home. Sheriff’s office suspects carbon-monoxide poisoning as cause
Read full article: 2 children among 4 dead in Marion County home. Sheriff’s office suspects carbon-monoxide poisoning as causeMarion County detectives investigating four “suspicious” deaths outside of Ocala believe they may have been caused by carbon-monoxide poisoning, according to a report from our sister station WKMG in Orlando.
‘Parents have to wake up!’: Charges in sextortion case involving abuse of Green Cove Springs girl, Florida AG says
Read full article: ‘Parents have to wake up!’: Charges in sextortion case involving abuse of Green Cove Springs girl, Florida AG saysA man in Rhode Island who solicited sexual abuse images from a Green Cove Springs girl is facing charges in the sextortion case and will be extradited to Florida to be prosecuted, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Monday.
Florida driver’s license tests now offered only in English. State transportation officials cite safety for sudden change
Read full article: Florida driver’s license tests now offered only in English. State transportation officials cite safety for sudden changeStarting Friday, all driver’s license knowledge and skills examinations will be administered exclusively in English across the state of Florida.
Lawsuit challenges DeSantis’ authority to call special session for redistricting
Read full article: Lawsuit challenges DeSantis’ authority to call special session for redistrictingA lawsuit claims Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis lacks the authority to call a special session to redraw congressional maps mid-decade.
Florida lawmakers advance ‘school guardian’ bill to arm college, university faculty during school shootings
Read full article: Florida lawmakers advance ‘school guardian’ bill to arm college, university faculty during school shootingsAn effort to expand the armed “school guardian” program to colleges and universities, following a deadly on-campus shooting near the Capitol last year, took another step forward in the House Tuesday.
Bahama Breeze restaurants in Florida are closing permanently, company says
Read full article: Bahama Breeze restaurants in Florida are closing permanently, company saysFans of Bahama Breeze restaurants are being met with unwanted news this week, as the company behind the chain announced that all locations will soon be shut down, News4JAX sister station WKMG in Orlando reported.
22 initiative-based proposals fail to meet Florida requirements for placement on 2026 ballot, Department of State says
Read full article: 22 initiative-based proposals fail to meet Florida requirements for placement on 2026 ballot, Department of State saysSecretary of State Cory Bryd’s Department of State had posted that “All twenty-two active proposed constitutional amendments by initiative petitions failed to meet the requirements of Florida law for placement on the 2026 General Election ballot.”
Measles ‘outbreak’ in Jacksonville as state records now show 4 cases reported in Duval County in 2026
Read full article: Measles ‘outbreak’ in Jacksonville as state records now show 4 cases reported in Duval County in 2026According to state health data, four cases of measles have now been reported in Duval County in 2026. A pediatric infectious disease doctor in Jacksonville explained that just three cases, “by definition, is an outbreak.”
Operation Fentanyl Free America sees success but also uncovers new drug trends, smuggling tactics in Southeast Georgia
Read full article: Operation Fentanyl Free America sees success but also uncovers new drug trends, smuggling tactics in Southeast GeorgiaThe Atlanta DEA's Operation Fentanyl Free America has led to a decrease in fentanyl overdoses but has also uncovered new smuggling tactics and drug trends in Southeast Georgia, highlighting ongoing challenges in the fight against illegal drugs.
More frigid temperatures expected in much of US after a weekend of heavy snow
Read full article: More frigid temperatures expected in much of US after a weekend of heavy snowForecasters warned that dangerous extra-cold conditions will persist for a huge swath of the U.S. from the Gulf Coast into New England.
Detainees pepper-sprayed on 2 occasions at Florida ‘Deportation Depot’ immigration detention center
Read full article: Detainees pepper-sprayed on 2 occasions at Florida ‘Deportation Depot’ immigration detention centerDetainees have been pepper-sprayed on at least two occasions at a Florida immigration detention center, dubbed “Deportation Depot,” since opening this past September.
Florida wildlife officials investigate 101 reported vulture deaths at state park
Read full article: Florida wildlife officials investigate 101 reported vulture deaths at state parkThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating the reported deaths of dozens of vultures at Blue Spring State Park, according to an FWC spokesperson.
Viral TikTok video costs Florida nurse her license. Here’s what she said
Read full article: Viral TikTok video costs Florida nurse her license. Here’s what she saidAfter a Florida nurse lost her job over a viral TikTok video, state records show she’s now had her license taken away, as well, according to reporting from News4JAX sister station WKMG in Orlando.
40 years after the Challenger disaster: Lessons from a tragedy that still resonate today
Read full article: 40 years after the Challenger disaster: Lessons from a tragedy that still resonate todayWednesday marked 40 years since the space shuttle Challenger accident that killed seven crew members. The mission was not just to launch satellites but to launch the first teacher in space.
Clay County teacher suspended over Charlie Kirk comments files lawsuit against Florida education commissioner
Read full article: Clay County teacher suspended over Charlie Kirk comments files lawsuit against Florida education commissionerA Clay County teacher who was suspended in September over comments they made about Charlie Kirk following his assassination has filed a lawsuit against Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas, according to federal court dockets.
Publix no longer the top grocery store in Florida, study finds
Read full article: Publix no longer the top grocery store in Florida, study findsA fan-favorite grocery chain has just surpassed Florida’s very own Publix brand of stores, according to the latest report by the American Customer Satisfaction Index.
Byron Donalds speaks in Ponte Vedra on Florida immigration enforcement, property taxes, vaccine mandates
Read full article: Byron Donalds speaks in Ponte Vedra on Florida immigration enforcement, property taxes, vaccine mandatesByron Donalds, Florida Representative and GOP candidate for governor endorsed by President Donald Trump, recently discussed key issues shaping the state’s future, including immigration enforcement, property taxes, and vaccination policies.
