Wildfires tearing through the South this week have forced hundreds of residents in Georgia to flee in minutes.

As wildfires continue to burn across Florida, the Florida National Guard has stepped in to support firefighting efforts, deploying helicopters and aircraft to help suppress the flames. News4JAX reporter Andrea Snody has more on how the National Guard got involved and what that process looks like.

As some Brantley County residents struggle with the loss of their homes and others who were forced to evacuate worry they might be next, the tight-knit community is rallying to help in any way they can.

Jacksonville faces a severe drought and wildfire threat as smoke advisories continue. News4JAX’s meteorologist shares the latest updates on air quality, burn bans, and what’s ahead for local weather.

Dry conditions are prompting burn bans and water restrictions across several counties in Georgia and North Florida, with officials urging residents to take conservation seriously.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed two bills from this year’s legislative session into law Wednesday afternoon, during a news conference at the Florida State College of Jacksonville’s South Campus.

Smoke drifting from fast-moving brush fires burning miles away is impacting air quality across Duval County and surrounding areas, prompting at least one local school to cancel outdoor activities and health officials to issue warnings.

Nahunta isn’t the only area trying to rally to help wildfire victims.

Wildfires have intensified intensifying across the U.S. Southeast.

A proposed water treatment plan could send millions of gallons of treated wastewater from Jacksonville into North Florida rivers — raising both hope and concern among residents, environmental advocates and water management leaders.

Wildfires don’t just burn. When they get intense enough, they can generate their own weather. We’re talking tornadoes, powerful wind systems, and even thunderstorms.

Gators Online insider Corey Bender breaks down Florida's top 2026 recruiting targets at every position before summer heats up.

President Donald Trump is suggesting the federal government could help keep Spirit Airlines afloat while also calling for a buyer to step in.

Georgia voters will have a chance to shape the future of their state during this election year, with an open seat for governor highlighting the races on the 2026 ballot, with the first votes to be cast for the May 19 primaries.

Georgia voters will have a chance to shape the future of their state during this election year, with an open seat for governor highlighting the races on the 2026 ballot, with the first votes to be cast for the May 19 primaries.

Georgia voters will have a chance to shape the future of their state during this election year, with an open seat for governor highlighting the races on the 2026 ballot, with the first votes to be cast for the May 19 primaries.

Georgia voters will have a chance to shape the future of their state during this election year, with an open seat for governor highlighting the races on the 2026 ballot, with the first votes to be cast for the May 19 primaries.

Georgia voters will have a chance to shape the future of their state during this election year, with an open seat for governor highlighting the races on the 2026 ballot, with the first votes to be cast for the May 19 primaries.

Georgia voters will have a chance to shape the future of their state during this election year, with an open seat for governor highlighting the races on the 2026 ballot, with the first votes to be cast for the May 19 primaries.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the Office of Statewide Prosecution has launched a criminal investigation into OpenAI and its artificial intelligence app, ChatGPT, following a review of chat logs between the program and the gunman who opened fire at Florida State University in April 2025.

Florida has paved the way for new SNAP restrictions starting April 20.

A Florida man who set his neighbor on fire when she came upon him burglarizing her home has been executed.

If you lived in Florida in the late 90s, you might remember when the state saw devastating fires that burned 500,000 acres across Florida.

Alachua County declared a local state of emergency as multiple wildfires burned near Gainesville, forcing road closures and neighborhood evacuations while officials warned that dangerous drought conditions could persist for weeks.

Two wildfires raging near the Clay-Putnam County lines that are expected to merge into one massive 3,000-acre blaze have effectively shut down all Amtrak traffic in and out of Florida.

Visibility concerns as smoke lingers over inland counties

The Justice Department has subpoenaed several witnesses to testify before a federal grand jury in Washington as part of its investigation into former CIA Director John Brennan.

Florida has paved the way for new SNAP restrictions starting April 20.

With no rain in the near future, gusty winds, and warm temperatures, fire threats remain critical.

A cold front is pushing through our area today, approaching from the northwest. Northwesterly winds are expected to range from 15-20 mph, with gusts reaching 25-30 mph.

A bill headed to Florida's special session would give parents more options when it comes to required school vaccines. Senator Clay Yarborough plans to file legislation that would expand exemptions to include personal reasons, among other provisions.

Nearly three years after a judge in southwest Florida handed down a death sentence for a man convicted of killing an 11-year-old girl and her babysitter in 1990, the Supreme Court on Friday denied the killer’s appeal, sending him to death row.

House and Senate leaders still don’t have a deal on topline budget numbers, although offers continue to be exchanged between the chambers, one top negotiator said Friday.

The News4JAX I-TEAM has uncovered new details about an anonymous mass text message campaign targeting two prominent Jacksonville leaders.

A former defensive tackle at the University of Alabama is accused of wearing makeup and wigs to impersonate NFL players in a fraud scheme that bilked investors of $20 million.

Bolles announced the hiring of Mike Pickett on Friday afternoon as the girls soccer program’s new head coach.

Talking about AI expediting processes for Community projects

Big: Culture & Arts Festival returned for its fourth consecutive year, blending nationally touring musicians, circus arts and street culture while spotlighting Florida artists, including some from Jacksonville.

One year after a shooting at Florida State University left two people dead and six others injured, the campus is pausing to remember — while investigators, lawmakers, and university leaders continue working to understand what happened and prevent it from happening again.

Undocumented immigrants would be barred from admission to state colleges under a proposed rule by the Florida Department of Education.

The Artemis II astronauts who ignited a lunar renaissance are giving high marks to their moonship for its performance during reentry — especially the heat shield.

Weak cold front offers little relief as rain chances remain slim

Tiger Woods' attorney plans to fight prosecutors' attempts to subpoena the golfer's prescription drug records.

Nearly two years after a mass shooting at a Dollar General in Northwest Jacksonville left three people dead, city and state leaders say they are investing millions into the community — with the goal of preventing violence before it starts.

Lionel Messi is being sued by a Miami-based event promoter, saying the international soccer icon violated terms of a $7 million contract by missing an exhibition match last year.

Gov. DeSantis will hold a news conference in Lake Wales on Wednesday.

Hurricane season officially begins June 1, but experts at Security First Insurance say the time to prepare is right now.

If drivers are caught going 50+ miles over the speed limit or at least 100 miles per hour, they face a criminal misdemeanor.

A lawyer says guards severely beat and pepper-sprayed detainees at a state-run immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Florida Everglades.

A lawyer says guards severely beat and pepper-sprayed detainees at a state-run immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Florida Everglades.

Nowadays, it seems like every time you’re on the road, you spot someone looking at a phone while driving. Florida passed a hands-free law in 2019 to curb distracted driving — but law enforcement says it’s still a persistent problem.

Before Florida voters cast their ballots for high-profile 2026 elections in a few months, some Clay County voters have already completed the process on matters that will directly impact them.

A grand jury indicted a Florida doctor on manslaughter charges for allegedly removing a patient’s liver, instead of his spleen, during a 2024 surgery.

The FBI says rapper Offset was ambushed by a large group outside a Florida casino last week.

Gov. Ron DeSantis will hold a news conference in Tallahassee on Tuesday.

Gov. Ron DeSantis will hold a news conference in Tallahassee on Tuesday.

News4JAX wants to help you get the most out of the gas in your tank. Mechanic Aaron Nelson from Aaron’s Car Care joins us now to walk us through some simple steps we can all take to cut down on how much gas we consume in our cars to help save us some money.

The FBI says rapper Offset was ambushed by a large group outside a Florida casino last week.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said during a news conference on Tuesday in Ocala that a recent case ended with a record-breaking $5.4 million in cryptocurrency recovered.

Amid ongoing scrutiny of Jacksonville’s public utility, the JEA Board of Directors will take part in a detailed budget workshop on Tuesday, where they will hear recommendations for rate increases.

The timeline is tightening as states attempt to redraw U.S. House districts ahead of the November midterm elections.

Community donation drive at Greater Moncrief Missionary Baptist Church

A growing number of Americans are carrying significant credit card debt, and new data shows Jacksonville ranks among the highest in the nation.

After much speculation, well-known attorney John Morgan of Morgan & Morgan addressed a popular question: Will he run for governor of the state of Florida?

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder and aggravated sexual abuse in Florida in the death of his 18-year-old stepsister on a Carnival Cruise ship, the U.S. Justice Department said Monday.

At a news conference in South Florida on Monday, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced a milestone for the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir Project.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law on Friday bringing new specialty plates to the state, according to a report from News4JAX sister station WKMG in Orlando.

Meteorologist Katie Garner warns Jacksonville area about ongoing severe drought, heightened fire risk, warm temperatures in the 80s and 90s, and reduced visibility due to smoke. Water conservation and fire safety are top priorities this week.

If you like low 80s and sunshine, today is your day.

Nearly 1,000 people came out to Friendship Fountain Saturday morning for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s annual Walk MS event.

New Florida coach Jon Sumrall went 5 for 5 in his quest to keep running back Jadan Baugh, receiver Vernell Brown III, linebacker Myles Graham, receiver Dallas Wilson and edge rusher Jayden Woods.

A Jacksonville city council member said he is working to address growing concerns about traffic safety on Zoo Parkway after two school bus crashes happened on the same road within one week.

Right now, families who open a new Florida Prepaid 529 plan will receive a $50 contribution to their account.

House of Color provides color analysis sessions conducted by certified stylists like Jamie Lambert in Ponte Vedra, Florida, who use draping tests under natural light to determine a client’s seasonal color palette, such as cool Summer with soft blues and silvers. These sessions involve comparing fabric drapes near the face to identify tones that harmonize with skin, eyes, and hair, while noting how incorrect colors can create shadows or blur features. Participants receive a personalized color fan and may opt to purchase cosmetics specific to their palette. Jamie Lambert’s House of Colour Ponte Vedra can be found on Instagram at @houseofcolourpontevedra.

Jon Sumrall gives blunt roster evaluations ahead of Florida's spring game, calling out corners, the O-line, and more.

Jacksonville Aviation Authority leaders and local officials met Wednesday to discuss plans aimed at turning Cecil Airport into an aerospace hub, a pitch they say could bring hundreds of high-tech jobs and new investment to the region.

Home sales in Northeast Florida picked up momentum in March as median prices rose modestly and more sellers listed properties, boosting available inventory across the six-county region, the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors reported Thursday.

NAS Jax, Mayport and Craig Field log gusts topping 47 mph

There won’t be a special session to work on the budget next week, legislative leaders announced Wednesday.

Florida is the worst state in the nation for renters, according to a ConsumerAffairs Research Team analysis that cites high housing costs and the absence of statewide tenant protections as the main factors behind the ranking.

Recently, local attorney Millicent Daniels joined us to explain what you need to know about DUI arrests in the wake of Tiger Woods’ South Florida crash that made headlines across the country.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the launch of a new Statewide Prosecution Cold Case Task Force in Miami, targeting more than 21,000 unsolved murders.

Jacksonville is the best large U.S. housing market for first-time homebuyers this spring, according to a new analysis released by Zillow.

This month’s Positively JAX winner, Waste Not Want Not, is proving that a simple idea can create a powerful impact across an entire community.

Residents in Bradford County are pushing back against a proposal that could bring another immigration detention facility to Northeast Florida.

Video showed flames shooting from a garbage truck in the Oakleaf neighborhood in Clay County Tuesday morning.

News4JAX is getting answers to questions about the new cameras that are mounted on nearly 900 Duval County public school buses to catch drivers who do not stop when they are supposed to when buses drop off and pick up students.

Much-needed rain covers Jacksonville and northeast Florida, bringing temporary relief to drought, with gusty winds, mild temperatures, and safety reminders from The Weather Authority.

The cost of living in Florida has accelerated at nearly five times its previous pace over the last decade, driven largely by housing, insurance and rent increases that are outstripping wages and forcing some residents to consider leaving the state.

Environmental groups have asked a federal appellate court panel to lift its temporary halt on closing an immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is holding a joint press conference with Texas Governor Greg Abbott in Miami.

With cowbells ringing in the stands, Bryan Baker was fired up after striking out Pete Crow-Armstrong to give the Tampa Bay Rays a triumphant return to Tropicana Field.

Rising gas prices are squeezing Jacksonville food truck owners, forcing some to raise prices, rework their menus, and rethink where they park.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a law allowing Florida leaders to label groups as domestic or foreign terrorist organizations.

Florida's skill position talent could be the SEC's most dangerous. We break down Singleton, Baugh, and Faulkner's explosive offense.

Easter Sunday will stay on the dry side for most of us, but don’t put the umbrella too far away.

Despite more students passing exams last year, Duval County and other districts are actually set to lose funding from a fixed pot of state money.

The Jaguars are signing edge rusher Travon Walker to a four-year, $110 million contract extension, according to his agency Elite Loyalty Sports. The deal includes $77 million in guarantees and $50 million fully guaranteed at signing.

A family whose child was aboard a school bus struck from behind by a semi-truck on Thursday is pursuing legal action, the family’s attorney said.

A fast-moving wildfire has scorched close to 4,000 acres near the Florida-Georgia border.