Hilliard football club says AR-15 raffle has happened before without any issues
Some News4JAX viewers expressed concerns over a raffle for an AR-15 pistol created to raise funds for school football teams. We asked the booster club โ the Pride Of Hilliard Football Club โ about the fundraiser, and a spokesperson said theyโve done it before without any issues.
2nd candidate emerges to fill Cord Byrdโs Florida House seat
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. โ With state Rep. Cord Byrd, R-Neptune Beach, planning to run for the Senate in 2022, a second candidate has emerged to seek his Northeast Florida House seat that currently covers parts of Duval and Nassau counties. Hilliard Republican Bo Wade Hodges opened a campaign account this week to run in what is now House District 11, according to the state Division of Elections website. The filing came a week after Jacksonville Beach Republican Heath Brockwell opened an account for the race. The district boundaries -- and potentially the number -- will change before the 2022 elections because of the once-a-decade reapportionment process.
Woman drives around cross arms, hit by oncoming train
HILLIARD, Fla. โ Railroad crossing arms and warning signals were going off on Andrews Road and U.S. 1 north in northern Nassau County when a 38-year-old woman continued to cross, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Her car was hit by a southbound CSX train around 4:44 p.m. Friday. Her sedan was pushed off the tracks into an electrical box off to the side. The woman died. The CSX train activated its emergency stopping protocolTroopers are looking into the incident and working to identify the Hillard woman.
FAA closes Jacksonville control center for second time in 9 days
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ The federal air traffic control center in Hilliard that controls air space throughout North Florida and South Georgia closed Wednesday -- the second time the center has closed this year. Several flights in and out of Jacksonville International Airport were delayed anywhere from a few minutes to 3 ยฝ hours. The FAA JAX Center in Hilliard is temporarily closing this afternoon into the evening which may cause extensive delays and/or cancellations. According to George Winterling, retired News4Jax Weather Authority chief meteorologist, the air traffic control center first opened in December 1941 at Imeson Field -- also known as Jacksonville Imeson Airport. In February 1961, the air traffic control center moved to Hilliard.
Flight cancellations, delays triggered by deep clean at FAA Jacksonville control center
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ A day after someone at the Jacksonville Air Traffic Control Center in Hilliard tested positive for COVID-19, News4Jax learned the center closed Monday evening for cleaning. A tweet from Jacksonville International Airport warned passengers that the closure โmay cause extensive delays and/or cancellations. So this is a historic event.โA spokesperson for the FAA said the Hilliard facility covers flights from the panhandle to Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa. According to George Winterling, retired News4Jax Weather Authority chief meteorologist, the air traffic control center first opened in December 1941 at Imeson Field -- also known as Jacksonville Imeson Airport. In February 1961, the air traffic control center moved to Hilliard.
FHP: Two people struck by speeding pickup in Hilliard
A man and a woman were taken to the hospital with serious injuries after they were struck by a speeding pickup truck in Hilliard, according to FHP. HILLIARD, Fla. โ According to Florida Highway Patrol, a man and a woman were rushed to the hospital with serious injuries after being struck by a pickup truck in downtown Hilliard Saturday night. Troopers say the 39-year-old driver was speeding eastbound on Pecan Street at around 8:20 p.m., when he struck the couple at the intersection with CR-108. According to FHP, the pedestrians were crossing Pecan Street at the time of the crash and did not realize the pickup was headed their way because the driver was speeding. The man and woman were transported to UF Health with serious injuries.
Unbeaten Hilliard looks to keep football season rolling along
Back in March, the Red Flashes basketball team reached the state final for the first time since 1965. The Red Flashes are 6-0 and riding a six-game winning streak that ties the longest in school history. This yearโs early season success doesnโt come as a surprise to Pate. With two games left in the regular season, Hillard is knocking on the door of its first undefeated regular season in school history. The Red Flashes will host Mayo Lafayette on Nov. 13.
Photo of plane crash wreckage provides clues for investigators, aviation expert says
HILLIARD, Fla. โ A photo provided to News4Jax gives a look at the wreckage of a plane crash that killed the pilot Monday afternoon north of Hilliard. Booth said the primary piece of evidence that leads him to believe engine trouble caused the crash is the propeller. Booth said thatโs a sign that the propeller was not in motion when the plane crashed. Had it been in motion, Booth said, the propeller would have been bent or distorted during the crash. Booth said the photo of the wreckage also gives investigators two more clues:Fuselage intact on the ground, meaning the plane didnโt break apart in flight.
911 callers detail moments before deadly plane crash near Hilliard
HILLIARD, Fla. โ A series of 911 calls paint a picture of what witnesses saw and heard moments before a 74-year-old pilot died in a plane crash Monday north of Hilliard. One of the witnesses told News4Jax she saw the single-engine plane fly over the top of the trees before it crashed around 2:30 p.m. Monday in the woods off Trinity Lane near County Road 121. Moments before the crash, multiple people called 911 to report what they witnessed. One woman gave the 911 operator specific details about the condition of the plane as it descended into the wooded area. The same woman called 911 again moments later to let the operator know that she located the plane wreckage.
74-year-old pilot killed in plane crash north of Hilliard
HILLIARD, Fla. โ A pilot died when a single-engine, homebuilt plane crashed Monday afternoon in a wooded area near the Florida-Georgia border, authorities said. The FAA said the pilot was the only person aboard the plane, which was registered out of Palm Coast. While itโs too early to say wind played a factor in the crash, Booth said it canโt be ruled out. Booth said if the plane caught on fire after the crash, thatโs a sign the plane was not out of fuel. NTSB is investigating the September 21, 2020 crash in Hilliard, FL, involving an RV-8 aircraft.
โHeโs our miracle': Former Hilliard QBโs journey back from brain injury has been wild ride
Dowie went headfirst across the goal line on the score and went end over end. On Hilliardโs final offensive possession of the game, Dowie was intercepted and gave chase on the return. He had made it through emergency brain surgery, yet here he was, straining to get oxygen into his lungs. It was crazy [to not be able to talk].โโHeโs our miracle'A year after brain surgery, Dowie isnโt slowed down at all by his head injury. โI think itโs funny.โAs for regrets about how his senior year went, Dowie said that he doesnโt think like that.
High school football 2020: Team-by-team schedules, results from around the area
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ After a long delay to start the season due to a global pandemic, high school football season kicks off on Sept. 4 around Florida and Georgia. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced quite a few adjustments to schedules in 2020 and many teams have yet to finalize their schedules. Teams that donโt have opponents for a certain date or their schedules have not been provided are marked with a TBA. FLORIDAAll games start at 7 p.m. unless indicated. There will be no district champions declared in 2020, so district games are not identified.
Teen airlifted to hospital after crash in Nassau County
HILLIARD, Fla. โ A teenage boy was airlifted to a Jacksonville hospital following a two-vehicle crash Saturday night near Hilliard, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Just before 9 p.m., according to FHP, a 35-year-old Hilliard man and a 13-year-old Hilliard boy were in a pickup truck traveling west on Murrhee Road, approaching U.S. 1. The tractor-trailer spun through the roadโs median and across the southbound lanes before finally coming to a rest on the west shoulder of U.S. 1. The Highway Patrol said the teenage passenger in the pickup was airlifted to UF Health Jacksonville with critical injuries. Troopers said the driver of the pickup truck suffered minor injuries and the 29-year-old Jacksonville man driving the tractor-trailer was not hurt.
FHP: Driver killed in Friday night crash in Nassau County
HILLIARD, Fla. โ The Florida Highway Patrol said a 25-year-old driver died Friday night after swerving out of her lane on County Road 108 in Nassau County. That 25-year-old was driving eastbound on County Road 108 around 9:10 p.m. Friday when she strayed out of her lane and struck a car with two people headed westbound. The driver of the first car died and the other driver and passenger both sustained serious injuries. According to FHP, no one involved in the crash was wearing a seat belt.
Hilliard VFW leader urges Florida governor to let posts reopen
HILLIARD, Fla. The leader of a Hilliard Veterans of Foreign Wars post is hoping to get Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis attention, urging him to let the nonprofit reopen its doors to veterans. David Lewis, the commander of VFW Post 10095, posted a video to Facebook on Thursday. He said that he believes since posts in Florida closed due to COVID-19 that its played a role in the mental health of veterans. For the past two months, since ordered to close, Ive personally seen an increase in depression among our veterans," Lewis says in the video.
Nassau County woman accused of shooting dog with crossbow
HILLIARD, Fla. โ A Nassau County woman was arrested Wednesday and accused of shooting an arrow through a dogโs head using a crossbow, according to the Nassau County Sheriffโs Office. Luckily, the dog survived the May 16 incident and was being treated by Nassau County Animal Control. Nassau County Animal Control Director Tim Maguire said the arrow ended up ricocheting off the dogโs skull and only lifting the skin. The Sheriffโs Office said the original owner turned over the right to the dog to Nassau County Animal Control due to the veterinary care that was needed. Nassau County Animal Control said if you are having a hard time taking care of your animals during the pandemic -- call your local shelter or humane society because they can help.
Nassau County man claims $1M top prize from scratch-off game
Published: March 3, 2020, 9:45 am Updated: March 3, 2020, 9:51 amNASSAU COUNTY, Fla. โ A 63-year-old Hilliard man just won a $1 million top prize from a $30 scratch-off game. The Florida Lottery announced that Robert Thrift claimed the first $1 million top prize from the new THE FASTEST ROAD TO $1,000,000 Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. He chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $790,000.00. Thrift purchased his ticket from Smile Line, located at 5633 East Highway 98 in Parker. The $30 game launched in February and features 155 top prizes of $1,000,000 and over $948 million in cash prizes.
Woman accused of torching Hilliard-area motel room
NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. โ The state fire marshal has charged a woman with arson after she was accused of torching a Hilliard-area motel room last month. According to an arrest report obtained by News4Jax, Jones was inside Room 5 of the Holiday Terrace Motel on U.S. 1, just outside Hilliard city limits, on Feb. 13 when she used a propane torch to ignite clothing on the floor. An investigator noted in the report that the door to the room was deadbolted from inside the room and window slats on the back window had been removed to allow Jones to exit out that window. The arrest report stated there were motel guests staying in two adjacent rooms, but itโs unclear if they were affected by the fire. The report shows the substance tested positive for methamphetamine, so Jones received an additional charge of narcotics possession.
Caribbean earthquake felt in Hilliard, across nation
People in Miami, 440 miles from the epicenter of Tuesdayโ Caribbean earthquake, felt the ground shake. Ground shaking caused tall buildings in Miami to shake as longer period earthquake ground waves traveled out away from the Caribbean. These slower waves travel along the perimeter of the Earth from the earthquake to the recording station. Each circle in the visualization represents earthquake recording stations and the color indicates the amplitude, or height, of the earthquake wave detected by the stationโs seismometer. Blue represents downward ground motion, red represents upward ground motion, and darker colors indicate larger amplitudes.
Woman hit, killed by train in Nassau County
NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. - A pedestrian was struck and killed by a train Friday afternoon just north of Hilliard, authorities said. It happened about 2:30 p.m. on the railroad tracks at Andrews Road near U.S. 23. Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper told News4Jax a woman stepped out in front of the train. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the woman, identified as 62-year-old Rosalina Wolf, was walking south on the railroad tracks when she was struck by the train, which was traveling southbound. The crash remains under investigation, the Highway Patrol report shows.
Man claiming self-defense in shooting death of mother's boyfriend
The petition claims Skyler Cole Johnson, who is charged with second-degree murder, fired at his mother's boyfriend, Richard Crews, as Crews came toward him. The petition alleges Crews assaulted Johnson's mother during the argument, and that Johnson warned Crews to stop. According to the petition, Crews responded by threatening to kill Johnson and his mother. Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper previously said the fight between Johnson's mother and Crews, 38, was sparked by a dispute over household finances. Deputies said Crews and Johnson's mother are not married but have two children in common.
Community gathers to raise funds for hospitalized Hilliard quarterback
HILLIARD, Fla. - Friday night football has not been the same since Hilliard Middle Senior High School quarterback Nathan Dowie was injured during the season-opening game against Oak Hall High School. "It feels good because, I mean, we're a small town, so pretty much everybody knows everybody," Isaac Hunter said. "We're just looking forward to the day he comes home and has a full recovery," Dallis Hunter said. When Dowie makes that full recovery, Hunter and the entire community want to make sure the student's medical bills are paid. "I hope it just excites him," Dallis Hunter said.
Community gathers to raise funds for hospitalized Hilliard quarterback
HILLIARD, Fla. - Friday night football has not been the same since Hilliard Middle Senior High School quarterback Nathan Dowie was injured during the season-opening game against Oak Hall High School.... Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.
Sheriff: 24-year-old shot, killed mother's boyfriend during argument
HILLIARD, Fla. - A 24-year-old Hilliard man has been charged with shooting and killing his mother's boyfriend after the couple got into an argument Monday, Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper said. Skyler Cole Johnson was booked into the Nassau County Jail on a charge of second-degree murder. Leeper said the fight Monday afternoon between Johnson's mother and her boyfriend, Richard Crews, 38, was sparked by a dispute over household finances. Deputies said Crews and Johnson's mother are not married but have two children in common. Leeper said that's when Johnson shot Crews several times with a 9 mm handgun.
Sheriff: 24-year-old shot, killed mother's boyfriend during argument
HILLIARD, Fla. - A 24-year-old Hilliard man has been charged with shooting and killing his mother's boyfriend after the couple got into an argument Monday, Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper said. Skyler Cole Johnson was booked into the Nassau County Jail on a charge of second-degree murder. Leeper said the fight Monday afternoon between Johnson's mother and her boyfriend, Richard Crews, 38, was sparked by a dispute over household finances. Deputies said Crews and Johnson's mother are not married but have two children in common. Leeper said that's when Johnson shot Crews several times with a 9mm handgun.
Hilliard quarterback makes progress after suffering game injury
HILLIARD, Fla. - Hilliard Middle-Senior High School quarterback Nathan Dowie has made significant progress since he was hospitalized following Fridays game with bleeding on the brain. Dowie, 18, was injured when he was hit while scoring a touchdown in the third quarter of Hilliards 21-18 loss to Oak Hall. "I winced whenever I saw (the hit)," Dowies father, Sean, told News4Jax. In text messages, Crews told News4Jax on Monday that the team followed the head injury protocol outlined by the Florida High School Athletic Association when it came to the hit Dowie suffered. While Dowie remains in the hospital, a banner carrying his name, picture and number hangs outside Hilliard Middle-Senior High School.
Hilliard quarterback stable after head injury at game
HILLIARD, Fla. - Hilliard Middle-Senior High School quarterback remained sedated in the hospital Sunday after a head injury he suffered during a Friday night game. Related Story: Hilliard High player rushed to hospital after gameThe 18-year-old quarterback got hit while scoring a touchdown. "In a text message, Hilliard assistant coach Byron Crews said, Nathan Dowie was definitely checked out. Initially, it may come off as a rather insignificant head injury, it may even be confused with a concussion. We have a statute that says it is everybody's responsibility to recognize when a concerning head injury has occurred and advocate for that student-athlete.
Troopers: 1 dead, 1 seriously injured in head-on crash near Hilliard
NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. - A Hilliard man was killed and a Yulee man was seriously injured in a head-on crash early Wednesday evening in Nassau County, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The crash happened just before 5 p.m. Wednesday on County Road 108 near Pineridge Road, just east of Hilliard city limits. Troopers said a red Chevrolet Camaro was traveling west on C.R. That's when troopers said the Camaro traveled across the centerline and collided head-on with a white Lincoln Town Car was traveling east. The driver of the Camaro, a 67-year-old Yulee man, was taken to UF Health hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, troopers said.
HIlliard man charged with aggravated assault with deadly weapon
Joel Lovitt, 45, accused of threatening to kill a woman during an argumentHILLIARD, Fla. - A Hilliard man has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and violating an injunction for a protection order. Joel Lovitt, 45, was arrested just after midnight Sunday outside a home on Pine Tree Drive. Deputies said they saw Lovitt loading things into a car outside the home and he became aggressive toward them. Deputies found a hunting knife on the kitchen floor after interviewing the victim and neighbors who said they saw Lovitt chase the victim, knock her down and kick her. During the investigation, deputies discovered that Lovitt had an active injunction for protection between the two and a no-contact order had been issued.
Woman killed in crash with semi in Nassau County
HILLIARD, Fla. - A 29-year-old woman was killed Thursday morning when her car collided with a tractor-trailer on U.S. 1 in Nassau County, the Florida Highway Patrol said. According to the FHP report, the woman, whose name has not been released yet, pulled out of a private driveway onto U.S. 1 into the path of the semi and was hit. The driver of the semi was not injured, troopers said. The woman died at the scene. She was wearing a seat belt.
Town of Hilliard lifts ban on sale of liquor
HILLIARD, Fla. โ You can now legally buy hard liquor in Hilliard. Up until January, the town had imposed a ban on the sale of liquors, such as whiskey and vodka. But that changed once the town council voted unanimously last month to lift the ban. The American Legion Post 401 became the first establishment to begin selling liquor to its members. Before the new law was introduced, the town allowed businesses to sell beer and wine, except for anytime before 2 p.m. on Sundays.
Nassau County sheriff: Teen accidentally shot, killed self with handgun
HILLIARD, Fla. โ An 18-year-old was shot and killed while holding a loaded handgun Thursday night in the bedroom of his Hilliard home, according to Nassau County Sheriff' Bill Leeper. Travis Thompson said his nephew knew how to handle a firearm, and it doesn't make sense that Rhoden would accidentally take his own life. Thompson believes his nephew knew better than to twirl a loaded gun. According to family members, Rhoden was not alone in the room when the shooting happened. Family members created a fundraising account to help with funeral costs.
Nassau County deputies search for 'endangered' 41-year-old woman
NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. โ Deputies are searching for a missing 41-year-old woman who is considered endangered, the Nassau County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday. Kimberly Moore Hensley was last seen March 1 at Day Spring Village in Hilliard, deputies said,She was reportedly wearing a black short-sleeve shirt, black leggings with a white stripe down the side, black closed-toed sandals and sunglasses. Deputies described Hensley as being 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 250 pounds and having blue eyes and brown hair. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to call detectives at 904-548-4034. To remain anonymous, contact First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.
After 30 hours without heat, power back on at many Nassau County homes
Earlier Thursday morning, thousands of customers in Nassau County were without power. Wednesday afternoon, Nassau County opened a cold weather shelter at Hilliard Middle-Senior High School located at 1 Flashes Avenue, just west of U.S. 301, because of the power outages. RELATED: Nassau County opens shelter due to power outages in Hilliard area | Winter storm knocks out power in NE Florida, SE Georgia | Remember to protect the 5 Ps during cold weather | National Weather Service watches, warnings, winter weather forecastOther Nassau County residents made do without heat and electricity. A fire was crackling in the fireplace and a generator was running during the 30 hours that the Davis family went without power. Nassau County residents still without power are reminded that the shelter at Hilliard Middle-Senior High School will be open overnight.
Boil water notice canceled in Hilliard
HILLIARD, Fla. โ A boil water notice for residents of Hilliard in Nassau County was canceled Thursday. The precautionary advisory was issued Tuesday after a water main broke at U.S. 1 and First Avenue, Town of Hilliard Public Works Director David Thompson said. Residents were advised to use bottled water or bring water to a rolling boil of one minute before using for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth or washing dishes. The notice remained in effect until the water main was repaired and a bacteriological survey showed that the water is safe to drink.The order was rescinded at 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Anyone with questions can call the town hall at 904-845-3555 or 904-813-3314.
Boil water notice canceled in Hilliard
HILLIARD, Fla. โ A boil water notice issued Tuesday for residents of Hilliard in Nassau County has been canceled. The precautionary advisory was put into effect after a water main broke at Henry Smith Road and County Road 108, the town's Public Works Director David Thompson said. Residents were advised to use bottled water or bring water to a rolling boil of one minute prior to using for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth or washing dishes. The notice remained in effect until the water main was repaired and a bacteriological survey showed that the water is safe to drink. The order was rescinded just before 1 p.m. ThursdayAnyone with questions may contact the town hall at 904-845-3555 or call 904-813-3314.