On Saturday, Jacksonville will host its inaugural “Holiday River Fest” event, which is set to include the iconic Light Boat Parade, a fireworks display, and a variety of family-friendly activities. The event is free and will stretch across the north and south banks of downtown Jacksonville.

Jacksonville native 23-year-old Paris Richardson hit the stage last night representing Florida in the Miss America pageant, taking home the second runner-up title.

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and Miss Florida 2025 Paris Richardson will host a River City Readers event at Dinsmore Elementary School on Wednesday.

A 23-year-old Jacksonville health care visionary will represent Florida in the Miss America Pageant in September.

Competing as Miss Gainesville, Ribault High School alum and recent University of Florida graduate Paris Richardson took home the title of Miss Florida on Saturday.

The 23-year-old is the reigning Miss Gainesville, a future healthcare leader, and just earned her Master’s in Health Administration at the University of Florida.