Heavy police presence shuts down part of East Bay Street in downtown Jacksonville

A fight between groups of women in downtown Jacksonville turned into a shooting in the early morning hours of July 12, 2026, leaving two men hit by gunfire near the Hyatt on East Bay Street. One man in his early twenties was shot in the head and remains hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. A second man in his mid-twenties was shot in the thigh and is expected to recover. Neighbors who live nearby say they heard what they initially thought were fireworks before realizing it was gunfire and watching police flood the scene. JSO says a fight broke out between several groups of women at approximately 3:21 AM near 300 East Bay Street. An unknown suspect or suspects opened fire during the altercation. No arrests have been made and there is no suspect description at this time. Crime scene detectives processed a large area spanning multiple downtown city blocks. Investigators are canvassing for surveillance video and interviewing witnesses. If you have information about this incident, contact: Jacksonville Sheriff's Office: 904-630-0500 JSO Crime Tips: JSOCRIMETIPS@JAXSHERIFF.ORG First Coast Crime Stoppers: 1-866-845-TIPS