Jacksonville homeowner stuck with $63,000 in solar panels that don’t work after company goes out of business
A Jacksonville homeowner is looking for answers after being stuck paying tens of thousands of dollars for solar panels that don’t work and the company she bought them from is no longer in business.
City leaders look into unusually high water bills after multiple complaints at Westside mobile home park
The City of Jacksonville is looking into complaints of unusually high water bills at the Three Seasons Mobile Home Village — a mobile home community on the Westside — after the News4JAX I-TEAM received several messages from affected residents and discovered the owners were at the center of an investigation for the same issue at a mobile home park near Columbus Ohio.
Owner of Jacksonville mobile home park where residents saw massive water bills investigated for same issue in Ohio
The owner of Three Seasons Mobile Home Village — a mobile home community on the Westside where residents complained about receiving water bills as high as $1,700 for one month — was previously investigated by the Ohio Department of Commerce, after tenants at a mobile home community there also complained of outrageous bills.
Fence company owner at center of I-TEAM investigation admits to taking thousands from customers without finishing work
More than a year after the News4JAX I-TEAM exposed the owner of a Jacksonville fence company for taking thousands of dollars from customers without doing the work, 64-year-old Glen Northrup pleaded guilty to organized fraud – a second-degree felony. He will have to wait until next month to find out what his sentence will be.
‘Something is not right’: Mobile park home tenants demand answers after unusually high water bills
Nearly a dozen tenants of a local mobile home park are sharing their concerns over unusually high water bills after the News4JAX I-TEAM reported the case of a disabled veteran who was being threatened with eviction if she didn’t pay a $2,200 water bill.
I-TEAM: Disabled veteran gets $2,200 water bill, landlord threatens to evict her if not paid
A local disabled veteran is turning to the News4JAX I-TEAM after her landlord threatened to evict her if she didn’t pay a $2,200 water bill for her mobile home. Kelly O’Neil who lives at the Three Seasons Mobile Home Park off Collins Road, says her bill normally averages $30 a month.
I-TEAM: Troubled Eastside apartment complexes under new ownership, renovations to come in next 60 days
A Jacksonville nonprofit and a developer have purchased a pair of troubled apartment complexes on the city’s eastside, paving the way for renovations and property improvements. Nonprofit LIFT JAX and real estate company Joined Development announced on Tuesday that they official purchased Eastside Terrace and Eastside Gardens for $6.2 million. The agreement was years in the making. They expect to begin renovations within 60 days.
I-TEAM: Fix problems or don’t get paid, city tells landlords of troubled apartments
Fix the problems by Saturday or don’t get paid. That’s the message Jacksonville housing officials have for the landlords of a troubled apartment complex that the News4JAX I-TEAM first exposed last month. City leaders tell the I-TEAM that management at the Cascade Apartments in Grand Park has been told to correct all problems by Saturday otherwise affected residents can withhold their rent.
I-TEAM: Owner dubbed ‘slumlord’ cites federal underfunding for apartment problems
In the News4JAX I-TEAM’s ongoing investigation into failing apartment complexes in Jacksonville, the spotlight has shifted to the Eastside Terrace and Eastside Gardens properties, where government subsidies help many pay their rent. The two sister properties, just a mile north of the sports complex, have been under scrutiny for years due to substandard conditions.
Failing Jacksonville apartments to get new ownership, renovations after I-TEAM exposes years of problems
A Jacksonville nonprofit and a developer plan to buy and renovate two troubled apartment complexes on the Eastside the I-TEAM first exposed back in 2021 for unsanitary and unsafe conditions. It’s a deal that’s years in the making.
Run-down Jacksonville apartments scrutinized by mayor issued 86 code violations, $750 in fines in less than 2 years
City officials said that since October 2021, code enforcement inspectors have found 86 code violations at a Jacksonville apartment complex that has come under scrutiny after residents revealed they have been dealing with mold, crumbling staircases, rodents and more.
Renters Rights: When you can withhold your rent
How bad do things have to be for you to get out of a lease? When is it legal to withhold your rent payments? James Tyer, an attorney with Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, said you CAN stop paying rent, but you do have to give your landlord a written notice.
You probably own a security camera. The St. Johns County Sherriff’s Office wants to use it to fight crime
Is it a helpful tool to solve crime, or an encroachment on civil liberties? Surveillance and doorbell cameras seem to be everywhere, and now local sheriffs are asking homeowners and business owners who have them to essentially — connect.
I-TEAM: Hearing set for Staycation Pools & Spas after complaint filed
There is an update Thursday to an I-TEAM investigation on a pool company accused of not finishing contracted work in the Jacksonville area. The license holder of the company is due before the Constructions Trades Qualifying Board in Duval County August 2.
Federal complaint: Church planting organization masterminded conspiracy to frame pastors
The former lead pastors and founders of Celebration Church filed a new federal complaint accusing a church planting organization and three other pastors of masterminding a conspiracy to take over the church and oust the founders from their roles.
Duval jail healthcare provider accused after death of former inmate says it ‘delivered quality medical care’
For the first time since it was accused of failing to provide an inmate his essential medication — which his family says led to his death — News4JAX heard from the company that provides healthcare at the Duval County jail.
Why giant investment company rentals are being blamed for affordable housing issues in Jacksonville
A News4JAX I-TEAM analysis of Jacksonville property records found more than 9,600 homes across Duval County are owned by large, institutional investors, which are companies that have more than 1,000 homes nationwide in their portfolio.
JSO is searching for man charged with organized fraud. The SEC says he ran a $5.9M Ponzi scheme.
JSO is searching for a man accused of organized fraud. The Securities of Exchange Commission has also filed a civil lawsuit against the suspect, claiming Cedric Griffin scammed more than 100 victims into contributing nearly $6 million to a real estate Ponzi scheme.
Letter from Douglas Anderson alumni asks that investigation look into possible financial links to teacher misconduct
The Duval County Public School’s special meeting was abruptly canceled Friday, leaving some former Douglas Anderson School of the Arts students disappointed that they didn’t have a chance to discuss their ideas as the investigation into longtime music teacher Jeffrey Clayton, who is now charged with lewd behavior involving a student, continues.
I-TEAM: Duval County Schools superintendent’s job in jeopardy amid Douglas Anderson scandal, sources say
The Duval County Schools Superintendent’s job could be in jeopardy, according to three News4JAX I-TEAM sources familiar with the matter. This comes amid scandal at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, which saw a longtime teacher, Jeffrey Clayton, arrested last month and charged with lewd behavior involving a student.
I-TEAM: ‘Disingenuous and disappointing,’ African American pastor reacts to punishment of JSO Sergeant
JSO Sgt. Douglas Howell was accused of posting racist tweets. In one, he said America’s biggest problems are marijuana abuse and Black people. He also called members of the LGBTQ community sick and demented, and he made disparaging remarks about Mexicans. Following a six month investigation, internal affairs found that Howell did indeed violate two counts of JSO’s social media policy, but they did not find evidence to prove that his bias affected the way he does his job,
I-TEAM looks at Florida’s red flag law in wake of another shooting
Kentucky's governor is calling for red flag laws in the state following a shooting at a downtown Louisville bank that killed five people and injured eight others. Florida already has a red flag law in place, put in place in 2018 after the Parkland school shooting. Surrounding states like Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi do not have such laws
Door opened for more talks with DCPS, security contractor says, following I-TEAM report
School campus safety is once again in the spotlight following the deadly shooting at a Nashville Christian school, and on Tuesday, the News4JAX I-TEAM reported that a $36,000 contract for active shooter training and campus evaluations in Duval County hasn’t been used 10 months after leaders announced it.
How law enforcement agencies are recruiting future officers in a difficult climate
Small towns and big cities alike are struggling to recruit and retain law enforcement officers amid national controversy over the police profession. Many veteran officers are retiring, leaving agencies in a bidding war for qualified candidates — as they try to hire the next generation to protect and serve.
I-TEAM: Local contractor accused of taking money and not finishing the job
Local contractor and owner of North Florida Leisure, James Couturier, owes tens of thousands of dollars to several Jacksonville homeowners who said they either paid him for screened patios that were not finished, or he didn’t start the work.
How a Jacksonville mental health program is keeping people arrested dozens of times out of jail & hospitals
It’s all about breaking the cycle and keeping people out of jail and cutting down on homelessness in Jacksonville — and saving taxpayers money at the same time. And a team of mental health and legal professionals believe they’re on the right track with a program that identifies and treats repeat offenders with severe mental illness and substance abuse problems.
Consumer Investigative Reporter
WJXT-TV is hiring a Consumer Investigative Reporter to join the I-Team. We need a problem solver who works independently and understands the power of good storytelling and reporter involvement in every story and live shot. Must excel at enterprise reporting on all content platforms and public records requests. WJXT-TV thrives on teamwork. Reporters change gears quickly because of breaking news. Reporters wear a lot of hats and help with general assignment reporting as needed. The consumer reporter is also on the solutions journalism team for Graham Media Group that investigates stories about “what is working.”
I-TEAM: State voting records show 22 people convicted of felony sex offenses voted in 2020 general election in Duval County
The News4JAX I-TEAM has found more than 20 people convicted of felony sex offenses who, according to state law, were ineligible to vote, cast ballots in the 2020 general election and were not purged from the voter rolls until nearly two years later.
Conspiracy that led to Jaren Bridegan’s murder began just over a month before targeted ambush shooting in Jax Beach: court records
The state attorney’s office filed the formal charges against the man arrested in connection with the shooting death last year of a father of four in Jacksonville Beach, Duval County court records show.
I-TEAM: Body cameras to be deployed in Baker County Detention Facility
After obtaining the latest inspection report and a letter addressed to President Joe Biden, the News4JAX I-TEAM has learned some major changes are in the works for the Baker County Detention Center, where there have been complaints of inhumane conditions and the mistreatment of immigrants.
I-TEAM: Baker County Sheriff’s Office found hospital staff reported crimes late, altered evidence
In a harsh email sent this past May, the Baker County Sheriff’s Office found the staff at the Northeast Florida State Hospital, or NEFSH, reported crimes late and destroyed or altered evidence in criminal investigations.
Aiden Fucci’s mental health likely to be a focus during sentencing hearing, attorney says
In a St. Johns County courtroom on Monday, when Aiden Fucci pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the death of his 13-year-old schoolmate Tristyn Bailey, the 16-year-old disclosed the medications he is currently taking.
Guns, Drugs & Gangs: An inside look at how Jacksonville police address violent crime
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters believes high-tech, targeted crime fighting will help decrease violence as the city struggles with a high number of shootings and homicides. In January, JSO allowed the I-TEAM to spend several days and nights with special units attached to the project.
Family adamant others involved in ‘mass conspiracy’ to murder Jared Bridegan in Jacksonville Beach
The widow and brother of a father of four killed last year in what police believe was a targeted ambush shooting in Jacksonville Beach opened up Thursday to the News4JAX I-TEAM about the arrest in the case and the questions still left in the investigation.
Man charged in ambush murder of Jared Bridegan to be arraigned exactly 1 year after shooting
The 61-year-old man arrested in connection with the targeted ambush shooting of a father of four in Jacksonville Beach last year will be arraigned on the charges Feb. 16 -- a year to the day that Jared Bridegan was gunned down with his toddler daughter in the back seat of his SUV.
Suspect arrested in ambush murder of Jared Bridegan in Jacksonville Beach ‘did not act alone,’ state attorney says
Nearly a year after a father of four was gunned down in what police believe was a targeted ambush shooting in Jacksonville Beach, police and the state attorney’s office announced an arrest in the case Wednesday.
Activists call for Baker County jail to be shut down over alleged mistreatment of immigrant detainees
Civil rights activists, attorneys and supporters of detainees gathered Friday on the footsteps of the federal courthouse in Jacksonville, calling for the Baker County Detention Center to be shut down over the alleged mistreatment of immigrants detained at the jail.
Right before JSO killed a robbery suspect, an officer turned off his bodycam because of a ‘bright blinking light.’ Does that violate policy?
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office’s pledge to be transparent under Sheriff T.K. Waters is being challenged by a mother who still wants answers following her son’s death.
Video: Man crashes during high-speed chase after stealing pizza delivery driver’s car, police say
The News4JAX I-TEAM uncovered new information Thursday about a man accused of carjacking a pizza delivery driver and leading police on a high-speed chase that ended in a crash with a police cruiser last week.