DC promises a 'very, very robust' police presence to maintain public safety over July 4 holiday
With a flood of visitors and tourists expected, officials in the nationโs capital are mobilizing additional police officers and dozens of teams of civilian peacekeepers in an attempt to keep rising violent crime rates from marring the holiday weekend.
First responders amp up security to ensure safe fourth of July beach day
Jacksonville beaches were filled with tens of thousands of people hitting the sand and the surf to celebrate Independence Day on Monday. People came from all over to soak up the sun, which means extra lifeguards, police and firefighters working to ensure everyone stayed safe.
Heavy police presence expected on water for 4th of July weekend to improve safety
The roadways in Northeast Florida wonโt be the only place people will see a beefed-up police presence for the Fourth of July weekend. Law enforcement will also pay extra attention to the waterways as part of Operation Dry Water.
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What exactly was Mark Zuckerberg riding in that viral Fourth of July video?
If youโve been scrolling around on social media this month, then you may have noticed that over the Fourth of July weekend, Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg was riding on some sort of wakeboard on a lake with an American flag in tow.
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Timing will be everything for outdoor plans
Deep tropical moisture continues to hang over the area. The result has been for days and days of off and on downpours. Rainfall amounts have been heavy for some (greater than 3โณ) whereas most places have seen just the constant anytime threat, along with an actual downpour. Like Friday, we will see a shift in these conditions. Subtle but important.
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St. Johns County prepares for Labor Day beach crowds
ST. JOHNS, Fla. This labor day weekend will look much different than Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. St. Johns County is getting ready for all the people expected to visit the beaches. Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest times at county beaches. St Johns County is gearing up for the influx of people expected to hit the beach. St. Johns County is offering a free shuttle service from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday through Monday, weather permitting.
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Jacksonville has deadly weekend with multiple shootings
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ It was a violent Fourth of July weekend for the River City. We now have details about two deadly Jacksonville shootings that happened within 90 minutes of each other on Sunday, and a third that happened Sunday evening. The second happened on Broadway Avenue, where police found a man shot to death in a yard. Sundayโs shootings follow multiple shootings that happened on Friday and Saturday. In total, 10 people in Jacksonville were injured or killed in shootings this weekend.
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St. Johns County fireworks store sees boom in sales
ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. โ With the Fourth of July right around the corner and social distancing still a major concern, many counties have canceled or postponed their firework shows. Candice Bryant, general manager of Phantom Fireworks off County Road 210, told News4Jax the store has seen a climb in sales over the last week. RELATED: St. Johns County COVID-19 cases nearly double in a weekAaron Lundy and his family walked the aisles of Phantom Fireworks Monday afternoon, looking for the perfect fireworks display. Tony Fiano, who lives in St. Johns County, wants to make sure the holiday still spreads joy despite these trying times. And with the increase in sales, the store is doing its best to keep the shelves full.
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By launching 4th of July fireworks from 6 spots, city hopes to spread out crowds
By launching 4th of July fireworks from 6 spots, city hopes to spread out crowdsPublished: June 28, 2020, 6:43 pmMayorโs chief of staff says itโs more important than ever to have something for people to look forward to
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Nassau County prohibits professional fireworks for 4th of July
NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. โ Nassau County has issued an executive order prohibiting professional fireworks in the county, including for the Fourth of July. According to the executive order, which was signed Saturday by County Manager Michael Mullin, the ban does not include fireworks on a private residential property. READ: Nassau County Executive Order No. 15The order shows the county is prohibiting professional fireworks this year because the increase of COVID-19 cases in Nassau County and the state โcauses concerns for activities that increase public gatherings.โA violation of the order is considered to be a second-degree misdemeanor, and anyone who violates it could face a $500 fine and/or up to 60 days in jail.
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Karim Zabaneh crowned winner of โOh Say Can You Singโ competition
Four talented singers competed Thursday night in the โOh Say Can You Singโ finale at 1904 Music Hall, for a chance to sing the national anthem just before the fireworks display over the St. Johns River on the Fourth of July. At the end of the night, Karim Zabaneh was crowned the winner! In addition to singing the national anthem during Channel 4โฒs โRed, White and Boomโ special, Zabaneh receives a $500 prize. Like most annual events and milestones that should have happened for the past few months, the 2020 โOh Say Can You Singโ contest was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike previous years, open audition calls that usually created long lines at local malls and gathering places had to be moved online.
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4th of July fireworks are on in Jacksonville
JACKSOVILLE, Fla. โ Mayor Lenny Curry announced Thursday that not only will the city put on its normal Fourth of July fireworks display over the St. Johns River, but Jacksonville will also provide fireworks in other parts of town to ensure people can celebrate the nationโs birthday without congregating downtown. โThis year weโre looking to make it bigger, better and safer,โ Curry said. As we do every year, News4Jax will televise and stream the cityโs fireworks spectacular as well as others around Northeast Florida, although those will be in short supply this year. Jacksonville Beach postponed its Independence Day fireworks show to New Years Eve. St. Augustine canceled its display, but more recently decided to reconsider that decision as the event gets closer.
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Jacksonville Beach officials decide to postpone 4th of July fireworks
JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. โ Jacksonville Beach leaders decided Monday to postpone the annual Fourth of July fireworks show. Staffopolous said other communities in Florida are also choosing to cancel or postpone the Fourth of July events. Evanoff said even though sheโll miss the fireworks this year she understands the reason for postponing. โItโs definitely another impact, another thing we have to lose out on but we have to do it for the community to be safe,โ Evanoff said. Jacksonville and St. Augustine are still debating their fireworks decisions.
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Cancellation of 4th of July fireworks still up in the air
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. โ The city of St. Augustine addressed concerns over whether or not the annual Fourth of July Fireworks display will be held this year amid the coronavirus pandemic. A Special City Commission meeting was held Monday night where they decided to cancel the fireworks celebration based on a presentation from City Manager John Regan about similar firework cancellations in neighboring communities. Regan then issued an apology Tuesday for presenting inaccurate information about decisions from Jacksonville Beach and Daytona Beach. โI presented information regarding the City of Jacksonville Beach and the City of Daytona Beach fireworksโ celebration that was not fully vetted for accuracy. Flagler Beach has cancelled their fireworks and parade,โ Regan said.
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Because Florida: Donโt ring in the new year with gunfire
He headed for the amusement parkโs first aid center after his wife noticed blood soaking his shirt. It seems like every year a new round of reports trickle in about people injured or killed by celebratory gunfire. The same CDC report found the majority of celebratory gunfire injuries are to the chest, head or shoulders. โIt could come down on an object, a person or it could come down on you and injure you or even kill you. Since itโs illegal, you could also face criminal charges even if you donโt hit anyone.

Operation Knot Lit nets 370 traffic stops, 43 arrests over holiday weekend
Flagler deputy running radar dressed as Uncle Sam during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. - Flagler County deputies made 370 traffic stops during the long Fourth of July weekend, 43 people were arrested, seven of them for driving while intoxicated, according to authorities. One deputy dressed up as Uncle Sam holding a sign that read; We want you to keep your money! The Flagler County Sheriff's Office Marine unit stopped 4 boats but no arrests were made in its boating under the influence crackdown. There were no traffic deaths in Flagler County during the holiday weekend.
Portland shelters, animal hospital busy after the Fourth
CNN image(KPTV) - PORTLAND, Oregon -- Its a busy couple days for animal shelters and hospitals, as they care for more sick and stray pets from the Fourth of July. This Fourth of July they cared for 87 animals Thursday alone, compared to their 61 patients on an average day. We checked in with shelters in the area who also had quite a few lost pets. And Multnomah County Animal Services took in 21. As for this weekend, Multnomah County Animal Services will be waiving impound and board fees through Sunday as long as the pet is picked up by Tuesday.

Man arrested for pretending to be officer, pulling over deputy
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. - A Hillsborough County, Florida deputy sheriff arrested a 35-year-old man on Fourth of July after being accused of pretending to be a law enforcement officer. Hastings told him "he was a law enforcement officer and his credentials were at the office." He told the deputy he could follow him back to the "station" so he could obtain and show him his credentials. Shortly after exiting on Branch Forbes, Hastings was stopped by a Hillsborough County deputy, where he was detained while they interviewed the off-duty deputy. No handcuffs or firearms were located in the vehicle," the Sheriff's Office said.

Adorable! Atlantic Beach 2-year-old sings 'God Bless America'
ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. - A two-and-a-half-year-old girl sang "God Bless America" for the Fourth of July, and now everyone wants to know her story. Little Amelia Day Bubenik learned to sing the national anthem at just 29 months old -- and mastered this tune in just a few days. Her mom started teaching her the lyrics right after memorial day. Amelia's mom says the tot loves watching the videos of herself singing. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

World War II veteran crosses country on foot for second time
Over the course of two years and 10 months, over 2,631 miles, he crossed the country on foot, running from California to Georgia. At age 95, the World War II veteran has decided to do it again. He's clocked 175 miles into his second coast-to-coast trek, which he began in March when he left from Georgia's St. Simons Island. He hopes to run 13 miles a week through grueling heat or freezing cold for as long as he can. As he runs, the Navy veteran is raising funds to sail a restored World War II tanker to Normandy for a D-Day anniversary, a feat that he says will cost millions.

Where to eat on the 4th of July
If you end up ditching the grill and decide to eat out, here are the places you'll want to check out or avoid. Hungry bargain-hunters headed up to the Pecan Park Flea market may need to look elsewhere for food. Once again, inspectors found rodent droppings- 45 of them throughout the floors and under a drink machine. Krispy Kreme Reward members can get a free dozen of Glazed donuts with the purchase of a dozen others. 4 Rivers Smokehouse is offering a free classic sandwich to all military members, veterans and first responders.

Operation Dry Water: Don't drink and drive a boat
During the national "Operation Dry Water" campaign officers will focus on removing impaired operators from the water and educating boaters about safety. The Fourth of July holiday is one of the busiest boating holidays all over the U.S., including here in Florida. MORE: FWC 2018 Boating Accident Statistics LinkHaskins said the FWC is just making sure everyone stays safe and makes it home. The accidents and tragedies that happen because individuals choose to drive impaired, on land or on the water, are preventable. The national Operation Dry Water weekend will take place July 5 through 7.

Happy Birthday, Malia Obama! First Daughter Turns 21 on Fourth of July
America's wasn't the only birthday celebrated on the Fourth of July, as first daughter Malia Obama turned 21 on Thursday. Former President Barack Obama took to social media to wish his and first lady Michelle Obama's oldest daughter happy birthday. "Happy Fourth of July, everybody! This is always a great day in the Obama family: a chance to celebrate America and Malia's birthday, too," Obama wrote on Twitter. That same year, her father spoke of the bittersweet moment of dropping her off to begin her college career.

What's open and what's closed on the Fourth of July
We're here to answer the most important Fourth of July questions: What's open, and what's closed? OPENStores and restaurant chains are likely to be open on July 4, but it's always good to call aheadTarget -- Open regular hoursWalmart -- Open regular hoursKroger-- Open regular hoursTrader Joe's -- All stores will be closing at 5, so don't procrastinateMovie theaters -- We can't think of a better way to ring in America's birthdayLiquor stores -- So, this depends. Your bank is probably closed, but if you need cash the ATM is always an option. Your favorite local spot -- Varies by location! In general, local restaurants will probably be closed, but some morning-only spots (things like your favorite bagel or doughnut spot) might still be open during the day.

Easiest way to get fishing license in minutes, without leaving the lake
Regardless, if fishing might be or already is on your to-do list this weekend and you don't have your fishing license for this year, we've got some good news: You can EASILY get it on your phone within minutes -- like, even if you're already on the waters with fishing pole in hand. The digital age makes life so convenient, doesn't it? Having said that, click or tap here to get started on your license. It will only take minutes and youll have your digital copy in hand. [Download from the Apple app store | Download from Google Play]Its worth noting that out-of-state fishing and hunting licenses are not valid in Florida.

Florida inmates will spend their Fourth comforting shelter dogs
Instead of watching fireworks, some Florida inmates will be cuddling dogs this Fourth of July. (CNN) - Instead of watching fireworks, some Florida inmates will be cuddling dogs this Fourth of July. Dogs often get frightened and anxious because of fireworks and other loud noises from July Fourth celebrations. So Brevard County designed a program to comfort the dogs as well as "help add purpose to the lives of inmates incarcerated at the Brevard County Jail." A 2007 study found that prisoners who participated in an animal program learned important values including patience and helping others.