The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) shares annual reminders on how to be BearWise® as bears become more active.

Gov. Ron DeSantis hasn’t used his veto power much following the latest legislative session, but he nixed two more bills on Friday.

As July 1 nears, when more than 100 new laws will take effect in Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed another eight measures into law on Friday.

Today in Jacksonville, Florida, expect hot and humid summer conditions with a mix of sunshine and increasing clouds. Afternoon temperatures will climb into the mid-90s, with heat index values making it feel even hotter. There is a chance of scattered thunderstorms developing during the afternoon and early evening, bringing brief heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and frequent lightning to some areas. Any storms will diminish after sunset, leaving partly cloudy skies and warm overnight temperatures in the mid-70s. Residents should stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and remain alert for rapidly changing weather conditions.

Inland areas can expect low temperatures to settle in the lower to mid-70s, while coastal communities will hold a touch warmer in the mid-70s.

Newly released, unredacted text messages from outgoing Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico show him discussing a potential land deal involving utility JEA and the Boys & Girls Clubs, raising fresh questions about whether political appointments and the utility’s property decisions were linked.

Two officers were attacked by an inmate wielding an “improvised contraband weapon” at Florida State Prison on Friday, the Florida Department of Corrections confirmed to News4JAX.

A 20-year-old Jacksonville man was arrested Wednesday after a Florida Highway Patrol trooper clocked him driving 108 mph on Interstate 295, according to his arrest report.

Clay County drivers are days away from a major new commuting option. The Florida Department of Transportation expects to open the final Clay County segment of the First Coast Expressway by noon Monday, June 29. Once open, the expressway will connect three northeast Florida counties, completing a project that began in late 2019.

At a news conference Friday in Lakeland, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis celebrated what he called historic student performance results in testing from the previous school year.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed another 15 bills on Thursday, including a measure to name two Florida roads after slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk and President Donald Trump.

Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed three bills late Thursday, including highly anticipated new rules for riding electric bicycles (SB 382).

The City of Cape Canaveral recently shared a message saying Brevard County is asking for help spotting Argentine black and white tegus, an invasive species that state wildlife officials say can threaten native wildlife.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said it is aware of a large “car meetup afterparty” planned to be held on Friday evening in Downtown Jacksonville.

Duval County Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland announced Thursday that precinct boundaries and polling places have changed for the 2026 primary election on Aug. 18.

More than 24,000 Duval County homeowners who appear to potentially qualify for Florida’s homestead exemption have not filed for the tax-saving benefit, according to a News4JAX I-TEAM analysis.

A Marion County man is $10 million richer after winning big in a recent Powerball drawing.

The Florida Board of Governors is scheduled to meet Thursday afternoon, with two significant regulatory changes on the agenda affecting the state’s public university system — one dealing with how baccalaureate degrees are awarded and another reshaping who can enroll in Florida’s most competitive universities.

A large plume of Saharan dust is making its way across the Atlantic Ocean and is expected to arrive across Texas and even Florida and much of the Gulf Coast over the next several days.

A YouTube channel that once featured motorcycles appearing to weave dangerously through Central Florida traffic at speeds exceeding 150 mph may be coming to an end — and the creator is pointing to Florida’s new “Super Speeder” law as the reason.

A woman seen in a Ring doorbell video appearing to strike a child during an Instacart delivery in St. Augustine has been arrested, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.

Mayor Donna Deegan on Thursday unveiled the Childcare Solutions for Early Learning Task Force report and recommended a new initiative, River City Care, aimed at making child care more affordable and accessible while strengthening Jacksonville’s workforce.

Florida lawmakers have broadened the state’s public nuisance statute, adding gambling houses to the list of properties that can be declared public nuisances — and eliminating a previous cap on total fines that could be imposed.

It’s about this time every year that we look for Saharan dust to make its several thousand-mile trip across the Atlantic.

Elizabeth Higgins, now homeless and living in her car, is mourning the loss of her 25-year-old son, Anthony Elrod, who died in a workplace accident at BAE Systems’ Jacksonville shipyard.

Why analysts see Jon Sumrall's Florida Gators sneaking into the 2026 College Football Playoff as a legit dark horse.

Six people were taken to a hospital following a fire aboard the USS Indianapolis (LCS 17) at Naval Station Mayport Wednesday, a spokesperson told News4JAX.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed two pieces of legislation Wednesday he says will increase transparency, accountability and fiscal discipline in local government while advancing property tax relief for Florida homeowners.

The Jaguars checked off another big offseason priority, signing tight end Brenton Strange to a three-year contract extension on Wednesday afternoon.

Customers and employees at a Jacksonville discount store have been dealing with uncomfortable — and potentially dangerous — conditions for months. The Roses Discount Store on Lem Turner Road on the city’s Northside has been without working air conditioning, and now the property owner is headed to court.

Florida House Bill 35, known as “Isaiah’s Law,” is set to take effect July 1. The measure passed the Florida Legislature during the 2026 session.

Chick-fil-A has been dethroned as the most satisfying fast food chain in the country, according to American Customer Satisfaction Index’s latest ranking.

A proposed $7.5 million sidewalk project along Art Museum Drive has become the latest target of criticism from state and local officials questioning government spending.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a Civil Investigative Demand to CVS Health Corporation, the owner of the Caremark pharmacy benefit manager and hundreds of CVS retail pharmacies across the state.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting about 1 in 5 Americans by age 70. And it might surprise you that more than 5 million cases are diagnosed every year. Health experts say most cases are preventable, but only if you’re protecting your skin the right way.

Fundraising event for future scholarships

If you’re new to Florida, you might wonder why the Sunshine State has a special period every year promoting python hunting, complete with prizes totaling $25,000. Well, Burmese pythons are not native to Florida and have a big negative impact on our native wildlife.

The cult-favorite convenience chain Buc-ee’s is set to open several new locations in the Sunshine State — but one location in particular may be a good fit for the company, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

We’re settling into a classic late-June Florida weather pattern this week: hot, humid, and mostly sunny with only isolated afternoon storms. Temperatures will climb into the mid-90s each afternoon, with heat index values frequently topping 100° and approaching 105° Tuesday. Tuesday also looks breezy, with west winds gusting up to 25 mph at times. By Wednesday and Thursday, sunshine dominates with highs around 93°, while only a stray afternoon shower or thunderstorm develops along the sea breeze. The bottom line: prepare for a stretch of summer heat, stay hydrated, take breaks outdoors, and don’t be surprised if a quick afternoon thunderstorm briefly interrupts plans.

Attorney General James Uthmeier signed an emergency rule that took effect immediately to control highly concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7‑OH) and several related chemical products being sold across Florida.

How the Gators closed late to steal linebacker Tre Geathers from Tennessee, plus the latest Florida 2027 recruiting class updates.

A 28-year-old Florida man told troopers he thought he saw the anti-Christ before losing control and crashing his pick-up truck early Friday morning on I-75 in Hernando County, according to multiple news reports. Then the man tried to steal a medical helicopter that was called to the scene, investigators said.

Florida gas prices dropped 20 cents as about 4.6 million residents prepare to travel for Independence Day, AAA said, with the majority — about 4.08 million — expected to take road trips.

More than a decade after losing her son, Trayvon Martin’s mother says the pain of gun violence never truly goes away.

Saturday brings a mix of clouds, showers and thunderstorms to much of Florida and Southeast Georgia, and for some, flooding is already a serious concern.

Parents looking for something active and meaningful for their high-schoolers this summer may want to consider volunteering at Camp “I Am Special,” an immersive program run by Catholic Charities that pairs teen “buddies” with kids and adults who have special needs.

Winn‑Dixie will celebrate the opening of its new Brentwood store Saturday, marking the final Harveys Supermarket to be converted to the Winn‑Dixie banner across Florida and southern Georgia, the company said.

Jacksonville was named the “Best-Run City in Florida” and ranked 18th best-run city in the nation out of 148, according to WalletHub’s 2026 Best- & Worst-Run Cities in America ranking.

A scaly predator has quietly expanded into the Florida Everglades -- and it's not our native alligators, according to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

A new Florida law filed back in October is set to take effect next month, adding further restrictions on where sexual offenders may live in the state, according to WKMG in Orlando.

Thousands of Northeast Florida residents could soon lose in-network access to Baptist Health hospitals and providers as contract negotiations between Baptist Health and Cigna remain unresolved days before a June 24 deadline.

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly is warning parents that their teens could “get capped” during the social media door kick challenge.

Ian Marlow, the founder and CEO of tech leader FITECH, joined us on The Morning Show to discuss what’s likely to work and what’s not when it comes to online safety laws.

New questions are being raised about newly released public records tied to Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico and a state investigation into the attempted appointment of his boss to the JEA board.

Condos and commercial buildings covered by state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corp. could be more easily transferred to lightly regulated surplus lines companies under a bill signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis late Tuesday.

A motorcyclist was killed Wednesday afternoon on I-95 near State Road 200 in Nassau County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Fernandina Beach is one step closer to new rules for e-bikes and other personal mobility devices after city commissioners unanimously approved the ordinance on its second reading.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed another 14 bills into law that deal with everything from trust funds and property insurance to crime and how law enforcement interacts with those on the Autism Spectrum.

A Jacksonville man is facing multiple charges after Nassau County deputies say he was driving recklessly and under the influence with three young children in his vehicle.

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has refused to release a cruise ship passenger exposed to hantavirus from the Nebraska quarantine facility where she is being held.

Are you financially stressed? A new study by Coinfully.com, which analyzed Google searches tied to money worries, found Florida and Georgia rank among the top states where people are searching for help.

Two recent dog attack cases in Jacksonville have put a spotlight on a question many Floridians may not know the answer to: Can a dog owner — or even someone simply watching a dog — face criminal charges when an animal seriously injures or kills someone?

Jacksonville is facing strong to severe storms this week with high temperatures in the 90s and a nearby tropical system bringing heavy rain to the Gulf states, according to News4JAX’s meteorologist Katie Garner.

A new bill has finally been sent to the governor after being approved by the Florida Legislature, paving the way for potential E-Bike speed limits.

We continue to monitor an area of low pressure across Texas. As of 11 a.m. Tuesday, the National Hurricane Center has designated this disturbance as Potential Tropical Cyclone 1.

AAA is cutting insurance rates in Florida. The Auto Club Group announced reductions of up to 5% on AAA-branded home and auto insurance policies. The association says that equates to more than $28 million in annual savings to Florida policyholders.

With school out for summer, Florida parents might think hosting a teen party at home is the safer choice. But Millicent Daniels, a criminal defense attorney, told News4JAX that the decision could carry serious criminal and civil consequences.

Governor Ron DeSantis on Tuesday signed a package of public safety bills aimed at strengthening penalties for violent and repeat offenders, curbing emerging drug threats and updating gang and offender-registration laws.

The Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether states can use juries made up of only six people in criminal cases, instead of the usual 12.

It would have been unthinkable at the start of the 2022 World Cup to suggest Cristiano Ronaldo was anything other than the undisputed leader of the Portugal team.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sued TikTok, alleging the popular social media platform violated state law by actively targeting and contracting with minors and deceiving parents about the app’s dangers.

Florida Gators host Jalen Brewster, Easton Royal, and Raheem Floyd on official visits as Kennedee Jackson flips to Georgia.

Curaçao is preparing for its historic World Cup debut against Germany with excitement and pride.

Over 100 male manatees chase single female, stranding trio on St. Johns County shore

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced that state officials will have a little extra time to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

With summer break starting for schools across the region, FBI Jacksonville is urging families to stay vigilant and protect children from online predators and exploitation.

RCL Summer Music Festival

Mandarin soccer star Robert Calazans added one more big award to his trophy case.

A Duval County Schools student created a documentary to explore how book bans impact students nationally. She says the idea came from her own experience of not being able to access books in her school library.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has a new plan to stop teen takeovers, and he’s making clear the state has no patience for violence. The announcement came just 10 days after Uthmeier reposted his disappointment over a massive teen takeover at Clearwater Beach on June 1, where a 17-year-old was shot by another teen and taken to the hospital.

Two former local elected officials and a nonprofit group filed suit Thursday in Leon County Circuit Court against the property tax cut amendment placed on the November ballot by lawmakers, alleging it is misleading.

Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico’s attorney says the public is not entitled to all of Carrico’s text messages and emails turned over under subpoena, arguing personal communications do not automatically become public records under Florida law.

It has been a very busy offseason for high school football teams in the area as the head coaching changes encroach on nearly 20.

All lanes are closed on Interstate 10 West at Interstate 295 in Duval County due to a fatal crash.

Two teenagers were shot in Jacksonville in incidents police are calling accidental, and legal experts say that label does not necessarily shield adults from criminal or civil liability.

After potential safety threats posed by its latest AI model were brought to light, Anthropic is releasing a version with tweaks it says make it “safe” for the general public.

A multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 295 West before mile marker 1 in Duval County has closed the right lane.

SEC reveals 2026 kickoff times as Florida Gators recruiting flip targets Jalen Brewster and Easton Royal heat up against Texas.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a death warrant Wednesday for Dennis Michael Sochor, who was convicted of strangling an 18-year-old woman he met at a New Year’s celebration in a Broward County bar 44 years ago.

Clay County projects a $44.5 million General Fund deficit next year, before any property tax reform impacts. Officials warn proposed changes could cut revenue further, pressuring services and budgets.

The University of Florida’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Wednesday to select Dr. Stuart R. Bell as the university’s next president.

Storms bring temporary relief as heat and humidity are set to surge

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is holding a press conference with Florida Department of Education Commissioner Stasi Kamoutsas on Wednesday.

Gov. DeSantis signed 17 bills into law on Tuesday, with some having local impacts in Duval and Nassau County.

A 2-year-old boy who drowned Monday on Jacksonville’s Northside was found in a neighbor’s backyard pool, according to one woman who told News4JAX she helped with the search for the missing child.

Nassau County commissioners approved a 12-month moratorium Monday night on accepting, reviewing or approving applications tied to data center facilities — giving the county time to study potential impacts before deciding how to handle future projects.

A sweeping tax cut for homestead property owners pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis now waits for voters to act in November. But what exactly will be on your ballot?

University of North Florida students are pulling pieces of history from the banks of the St. Johns River — unearthing pottery from indigenous people who lived in the Jacksonville area more than 1,000 to 2,000 years ago.

Top junior Miles Russell is headed to his first U.S. Open.

The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Communications Center received several calls from residents reporting the shaking.