JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 48-year-old man from Jacksonville Beach was killed Monday morning in a crash involving two trucks on Interstate 295 at State Road 202, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The fatal collision occurred around 8:30 a.m. in the northbound lanes of I-295, according to a report. According to troopers, the man’s truck struck the rear of a semi-truck that had stopped for traffic in the center lane. The impact caused the victim’s vehicle to spin and come to rest on the right shoulder, facing southeast. The semi-truck was moved to the shoulder as well. The driver of the semi-truck, a 46-year-old man from Orlando, was not injured. Authorities confirmed the man who died was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. His next of kin have been notified. The name of the victim has not yet been released. Video from the crash site shows extensive vehicle debris scattered across the roadway. As a result, traffic is being diverted onto J. Turner Butler Boulevard (JTB). Troopers were urging drivers to avoid the area and expect significant delays as the investigation and cleanup continue. As of 1:30 p.m., all lanes were back open. Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved. Kaitlyn is a Jacksonville native who started her career at Channel 4 in 2012 as a producer and now oversees the News4JAX+ streaming channel. She graduated from Fletcher High School and is a proud Florida Gator. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines TV Listings Email Newsletters RSS Feeds Contests and Rules Contact Us Careers at WJXT / WCWJ Closed Captioning / Audio Description WJXT Public File WJXT EEO Report WCWJ Public File WCWJ EEO Report Terms of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Info FCC Applications Copyright © 2025 News4JAX.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group JACKSONVILLE – News4JAX is highlighting Duval County’s beaches for this month’s 4 Your Neighborhood special there are some hidden gems at the beaches that you don’t want to miss For almost 24 years, hidden along the Intracoastal Waterway of Jacksonville Beach, Cradle Creek Preserve has been home to birds and humans who want to explore the serene beauty of both swamp and forest life the more than 43 acres of nature trails and elevated boardwalks overlooking the Pablo Creek Estuary offer an adventurer’s paradise The preserve includes a landing pier for launching canoes and kayaks as well as plenty of spots for birdwatching and possible sightings of raccoons and manatees Visitors can access the Preserve via the Fairway Lane entrance They can also enter by canoe or kayak from the Intracoastal Waterway via Cradle Creek a natural creek that runs along the Preserve’s southern boundary and connects with the Intracoastal Waterway at several points near Marker 37 Biking, hiking, fishing, and floating are what draw locals and visitors to Dutton Island Preserve in Atlantic Beach. With 9,000 feet of nature trails, a fishing and viewing pier, a canoe and kayak launch, picnic areas, pavilions, camping spaces, and parking, this preserve is a paradise for all outdoor lovers right here in our backyard. They even offer wheelchairs that you can reserve at no cost. According to locals, the Island is a great hidden gem in Mayport, from fishing off the pier to walking the trails along the southern part of the Island. From the fresh breeze that blows off the Intracoastal to the abundance of wildlife, the preserve is a great place to go and get away from the world for a few hours. Dutton Island Preserve can be accessed from Mayport Road and is open from sunrise to sunset daily. Michelle McCormick joined News4Jax in December 2023 and in February 2024, she happily accepted the opportunity to officially join the News4Jax Weather Authority team as the weekend morning meteorologist. She is a member of both the American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association. JACKSONVILLE BEACH – The beach is associated with beautiful weather and fun and Jacksonville Beach is no exception; however local law enforcement is reminding visitors to prioritize their safety as they have a good time a crime prevention specialist with the Jacksonville Beach Police Department said she really wants people to focus on a simple mantra: Three beaches “As everybody comes out with the beautiful weather...we just want the message out there to come out and have fun at our beaches but be responsible when you do and follow all the rules and regulations,” she said She is also aware of the increased likelihood that people who come to the beach are looking to enjoy a few alcoholic beverages people may drink a little more than they normally do which increases the demand for responsible behavior you tend to drink a little bit more than you might usually,” Tator said Adults have a right to come out and have some good drinks but be responsible about it and make sure you get a safe ride home if you’ve had a little bit too much to drink.” RELATED: Atlantic Beach City Commission approved new legislation to improve e-bike safety. These are the new rules “E-bikes are really popular now, it seems like they’re trading out bicycles for e-bikes now,” Tator noted. “They have to adhere, just like bicycles, to the state laws. That means they have to stop at stop signs, they have to yield to pedestrians.” Tator also said e-bikes are technically not allowed on the beach, but when they’re on the road, she urged adults to ensure that their children wear helmets when operating them. “Please wear helmets, particularly for kids,” she said. “Adults, lead by example, explain to your kids the importance of adhering to the traffic laws, of stopping, and make sure they have a properly fitted helmet.” For those looking to get their helmets properly fitted, the Jacksonville Beach Police Department offers resources to help children get fitted properly, effectively reducing their chances at suffering a major injury. Veteran journalist and Emmy Award winning anchor Victor Rodriguez – Ed Malin sits in a booth at Angie’s Subs and the sub shop in Jacksonville Beach just opened for the day Employees man the register and prepare the sweet tea gifts and finds that fill the walls and hang from the ceiling as customers begin to flow in and place their orders “Just looking around in here and being in this dining room,” he said Malin has owned Angie’s Subs for 26 years. Growing up on the First Coast as a third-generation beach resident, Malin said this place has been a staple in the Jacksonville Beach community. “Angie’s has been around pretty much my whole life—almost 50 years,” Malin said. “I bought Angie’s 26 years ago, and it has been a fantastic business for me.” And the sub shop has grown since Malin took over. He said it was just 17 feet wide and operated as takeout only. Now, it hosts an outdoor patio and dining room for guests to explore. They even added a new location in Atlantic Beach just four weeks ago. Reflecting on the past 26 years, Malin said it’s been a blessing. “Our average subs were about 40 sandwiches per day,” he said. “Friday will probably do 800 sandwiches. Saturday, we’ll probably do 1,300. Three-and-a-half subs a minute.” But while customers come for the sandwiches, Malin said they stay for the memories. “You see different things when you sit in different seats,” Malin said. As he walks around the room, he knocks on interesting trinkets, explains who they came from, and the story behind them. He does that again and again. He described the dining room’s design as a “garage sale atmosphere,” filled with items that tell stories of its past. “There’s a story behind everything that’s in here,” he said. “It’s been fun to build and it kind of represents my character,” he said. “I’m kind of a collector.” And he said that collection isn’t possible without the beach communities. He said he often finds items on the side of the road or has customers bring them in. He even said some customers take the liberty of posting things on the walls themself. “I want us to be a part of the community,” he said. “I want to be in the fabric.” He said Angie’s Subs has some plans in the works for other locations. He said he may step back, slow down and spend more time on his boat. But he said the community will always be a part of it. “I want Angie’s to remain a part of the community after I step back,” he said. “I want us to still sponsor the ball club, the cheerleaders, the churches and the schools.” He said those connections are what make the Jacksonville Beach community so special as it continues to grow. “It’s crowded compared to what it used to be, but it’s still retaining that beach flavor,” he said. Chris Will has joined the News4JAX team as a weekend morning reporter, after graduating from the University of Florida in spring 2024. During his time in Gainesville, he covered a wide range of stories across the Sunshine State. His coverage of Hurricane Ian in southwest Florida earned a National Edward R. Murrow Award. An Orlando native, Victor has been a Photojournalist at WJXT since 2022. He works daily with reporters to create critical content that celebrates and educates local Jacksonville communities. Carlos Acevedo NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. – News4JAX is learning more about new developments in Neptune Beach. There is a lot of talk about what is going to happen to the Seahorse Oceanfront Inn and the old Kmart. A big talker already in the works is redeveloping the Seahorse Oceanfront Inn and Lemon Bar. Jaguars owner Shad Khan bought this property, and there are plans to remake all of it into a private club, along with a new hotel with boutique restaurants, a spa, maybe some retail. Then there is that lingering question that’s been asked for many years now. What is the fate of the site of the old K Mart? News4JAX covered several stories over the years about original plans to turn the site into apartments and a hotel. Both were rejected. One half of the building is already seeing some new life. Developers converted the right side of the property into a boutique, grocery store, a Japanese restaurant, nail salon, and a Pilates studio. Nothing is official just yet for the other side, but some ideas that have come up recently include additional retail, a restaurant, a brewery and possibly a hotel. News4JAX spoke with Heather Whitmore, who is Neptune Beach’s community development director, about all the plans on the horizon. She said the focus needs to be on what is best for families and communities as the plans take shape. “We are a community of residential folks and schools,” Whitmore said. “That is going to be the key. All of the redevelopment that we bring in is going to meet the needs of the community, and everybody’s going to feel comfortable, staying here and remaining in place in their residential community.” Other projects include a new office building being built in front of Jarboe Park, similar to one that was added a few blocks away on Third Street last year. Whitmore says the new building will reignite visions for the park. She expects some new amenities to be added to the park for children and bikers in the future. A Chipotle Mexican Grill is taking the spot where BurgerFi used to be on Atlantic Boulevard. A 7 Brew Coffee shop is on the way not too far away. It will be built near the Winn-Dixie, possibly by the end of 2025. The last significant project is happening at the notable five-way intersection at Florida Boulevard and Penman Road. It is turning into a roundabout that will come with pedestrian beacons. All of that is a part of a larger Penman Road project aimed at improving traffic flow and safety. The project also includes the addition of several other roundabouts along Penman Road. It is the same intersection where a 15-year-old was hit by a car while riding his bike home from a Fletcher High School homecoming game in October 2024, according to the Neptune Beach Police Department. Police say he went through the crosswalk on Penman Road when a driver going north hit him. Carlos Acevedo is a photojournalist at WJXT News4Jax and a University of North Florida graduate with a degree in Communications, concentrating in Digital Video Production. Since joining News4Jax in 2024, he has been responsible for shooting compelling news stories that capture and share important events with the community. If your dog loves to feel the sand in their paws, Duval County offers several pet-friendly beaches, but each has rules about when our fur friends can visit their shores. Pet owners should also know before they head to any of the area’s beaches that wherever you take your dog in Jacksonville, it must have a current rabies license and a city pet tag if you and your pet are residents of the city. And you must scoop the poop! No burying it in the sand or letting the tide wash it away. When it comes to beach territory, Jacksonville Beach starts at the St. Johns County Line and heads about 4 miles north, ending at Seagate Avenue. It’s one of the larger beaches in the area, and has many dog-friendly restaurants, so it’s a popular destination for dog owners, according to Visit Jacksonville. In Jacksonville Beach, dogs must be leashed and are not allowed on the beach from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April 1 through Sept. 30. Pets are allowed on the beach at any hour from Oct. 1 through March 31. And remember, the city requires you to pick up the poop! (Matching outfits are optional, but always adorable!) Cats are also welcome on the beach, but they must have city tags. If you want to let your dog loose, Visit Jacksonville recommends Paws Park, a members-only playground with separate large-dog and small-dog areas with much more flexible visiting hours. Heading north, the next beach on the Duval County coast is Neptune Beach, which picks up at Seagate Avenue and continues north to Atlantic Boulevard. Visit Jacksonville says Neptune is one of the more pristine beaches in the area, and the pedestrian-friendly community makes walking your dog a breeze. In 2023, Neptune Beach updated its rules because dog owners had so much confusion over the different rules between Neptune and Atlantic beaches. Now, dogs are allowed on both beaches year-round with no time restrictions. The Neptune Beach ordinance requires owners to keep their dog on a “leash physically connected to the dog” (no electronic collars), and it needs to be 12 feet or less. The ordinance also allows for dogs to swim in the ocean with their owners without a leash as long as the leash is put back on as soon as they’re out of the water. Walking your dog in the surf doesn’t count, so keep them leashed unless they’re swimming. Neptune Beach also added a provision to protect dogs’ health, saying that if you’re on the beach with your pup for more than half an hour, you have to make sure they have drinkable water and shade. Atlantic Beach starts at Atlantic Boulevard and continues north to the Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park borderline. With the updates to Neptune Beach’s rules for dogs on the beach, the two beaches now follow the same policy. Dogs are allowed year-round with no time restrictions but must be on a leash no longer than 12 feet. Dogs can swim in the ocean with their owners off leash. The 1.5-mile stretch of public beach in Hanna Park runs from Atlantic Beach to historic Mayport Village. The 450-acre park is also dog friendly and includes over 20 miles of trails and a 60-acre freshwater lake. Because of the natural wildlife in the park, including birds, alligators, foxes and sea turtles, dogs must be kept on a leash (up to 8 feet) at all times, and owners are limited to bringing two pups at a time. The entry fee for the park is $3 for pedestrians and $5 per vehicle. North of Hanna Park, the white sand beach of Mayport Naval Station also allows pups. Leashed dogs are permitted daily until dusk, just so long as they—and their handlers—don’t stray south of the area around the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society building, according to Visit Jacksonville. A Jacksonville native and proud University of North Florida alum, Francine Frazier has been with News4Jax since 2014 after spending nine years at The Florida Times-Union. Ciara Earrey Jud Hulon JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – You know it as a place that serves tacos, guac and tequila. But did you know it’s also got a haunted history? Taco Lu on Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville Beach has a ghost. You must go back in time to get to the bottom of the paranormal activity that people who work there tell you is just haunting. The building was originally a boarding house built in 1932. It was run by Miss Alpha Paynter. After about 15 years, Ms. Paynter turned it into a restaurant — The Homestead, serving good old-fashioned Southern cooking. Well, Alpha Paynter died in 1962. Legend has it that her ghost roams the building today. Waiters, waitresses and bartenders will all tell you — Ms. Paynter never left. Some people say they’ve seen her reflection in the mirror in the ladies’ room. A place where lights reportedly flicker for no reason. Her ghostly presence has been felt near the fireplace right there in the middle of the dining room. Paynter — at least they think it’s Paynter —has even been heard humming in the restaurant. Don Nichol and his wife Deb bought the old Homestead in 2012 and breathed new life into that old cabin. But there’s one life they apparently couldn’t scare away — the original owner. Paynter was a woman with a reputation for being charming, kind and a keen businesswoman. And she apparently also has a reputation for — how shall we put this — making sure her legacy lingers! That’s why the “Lu” has the reputation of being one of the most haunted places in Jacksonville. This Emmy Award-winning television, radio and newspaper journalist has anchored The Morning Show for 18 years. Ciara joined the News4JAX team in 2018 and now works as the Special Projects Producer where she specializes in issues surrounding Social Justice. Ciara’s passion for creating meaningful stories for her hometown of Jacksonville has earned her multiple awards. JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – When turning the corner at Beach Boulevard and 3rd Street South, it’s hard to miss the sprawling, yellow-toned building with the beautiful veranda. The building’s exterior may differ from what some would expect for a museum but the local treasures within are worth a visit “We tell the history of the six beaches area,” explains Jon Wolf but they’re so entwined with the beach community that we tell their story.” The largest room immediately to the left is where the museum houses its permanent exhibit every nook and cranny contains artifacts and informational placards to familiarize each visitor with the history of a specific beach’s location and time period This includes the history of indigenous tribes (including the Timucuans) with some artifacts dating as far back as the 13th century There are also exhibits highlighting the Jacksonville Beach Boardwalk including a vintage swimsuit and swim boots Another eye-catching piece is a model of the SS Gulfamerica it was operating off the coast of Jacksonville,” Wolf said “It was actually subject to an attack by a German U-boat It was sunk right off the coast of Jacksonville Beach The surprising end to that story is the captain of the U-boat wrote a book of his experience in the war where he met with the families of some of the people who died in his attacks.” Another exhibit tells the story of the old resort hotels Wolf said the early history of Florida was centered around these resorts to spend their time here in Florida,” Wolf said Wolf said that though the permanent exhibit is home to a multitude of history there are plans to redo it and make it better adding that the plan is currently in the ideas phase with a contractor The permanent exhibit room is just the beginning The adjacent room is a space designed to showcase the creations of local artists “We rotate between art and history exhibits once a quarter,” Wolf explained. “Right now, we’re showing ‘Salt Run and the Sea’, which is an art exhibit by Jenna Alexander.” Wolf said the next exhibit highlighting the history of war and its impacts on the beaches is expected to be revealed in the coming weeks If you’re looking to plan your trip to the Beaches Museum To learn more about the Beaches Museum and everything it has to offer, visit their website. Ashley Harding joined the Channel 4 news team in March 2013. She anchors News4Jax at 5:30 and 6:30 and covers Jacksonville city hall. Jud Hulon ATLANTIC BEACH – If you’ve ever attended a Cirque du Soleil show and wondered if you could perform those incredible tricks Jax Beach Aerial Arts in Atlantic Beach is offering classes for people of all ages to learn circus skills They offer classes starting at ages 6 and up and you can learn skills on everything from aerial silks to hoop Co-owners Rachel Mullins and Chanel Pereira emphasize that there is a class for everyone and everyone gets better with practice,” Mullins said “If it’s something that you want to do and something you think you might be interested in then I would encourage you to just give it a try.” Not only do they make the studio welcoming Pereira shared that they also make sure it’s safe and all instructors are certified to ensure a safe learning environment and we just go to every person to make sure they’re comfortable with the moves,” Pereira said While you may not run away to join the circus you can train like a circus star and even perform like one “Our oldest student is actually 72 years old “I started my aerial journey when I was 39 and a half,” Mullins said “A lot of people think that they’ve grown out of that as something that kids who are gymnasts do but you can absolutely start this as an adult.” For those interested in getting their kids involved in circus classes Jax Beach Aerial Arts will offer workshops over the summer To learn more or sign up for a class, visit the Jax Beach Aerial Arts website. Ariel Schiller joined the News4Jax team as an evening reporter in September of 2023. She comes to Jacksonville from Tallahassee where she worked at ABC27 as a Weekend Anchor/Reporter for 10 months. Jud has worked at News4JAX since August 2010, all on the night beat. Not only does he help bring stories to life as a photojournalist, but Jud also monitors public meetings, court progress and other critical goings on to ensure the public stays up to date and informed. The annual “Opening of the Beaches” parade And this month — May 23 — will mark the 100th anniversary of the day Pablo Beach was renamed Jacksonville Beach On that day, Times-Union columnist Bill Foley wrote decades later “Jacksonville Beach arrived with the first official opening of the Beaches 1925.” but the name had changed and now everything was new and improved and onward and upward.” So this seems like a fitting month to write an ode to our beaches in 2025 touting some list of the top beaches in America as a potential column topic I’ll sometimes glance to see what Florida beaches are on the list Not even the Boneyard Beach of Talbot Islands TripAdvisor has three Florida beaches on its top 10 of 2025 “Best of the Best Beaches” in the United States: No As a Gannett employee, I probably should mention that USA TODAY is inviting readers to vote for their favorite Florida beach by May 19 in its 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. And as someone who not only lives in Duval County but sincerely believes we have some of the best beaches in th state I probably should encourage people to vote for Jacksonville Beach But I have mixed emotions about our beaches being on these lists I covered surfing contests at Cocoa Beach and hung out at some classic beach bars I went to beaches up and down the Gulf Coast that often end up on these lists (my sister got married on one of them) sit at the News Cafe and watch the people go by I understand the appeal of some of these other beaches the places that feel like they’re straight out of Jimmy Buffett song Some of it involves the actual beaches — I’ll come back to that — but some of it is simply the matter of getting to the beach making your way to the sand and trying to find an open patch somewhere Every time I go to Hanna Park and find hundreds of open parking spots I always think about how different this is from other parts of the state And then when I walk up one of the wooden boardwalks and the tree canopy opens up to a panorama — rolling dunes the expanse of water — I think my wife is right when she says it’s one of the prettiest views in Jacksonville There’s a gazebo where she used to take her wheelchair-bound mother They’d sit there for hours and listen to the ocean listen to old music that made her mom tap her fingers and Maybe this is where I should confess: I’m not a beach person Or at least not in the sense of setting up an umbrella My ideal beach day might be the start of one A few clouds to make the sky more dramatic when the sand is firm enough to drive on — but thankfully that isn’t allowed Our beaches are some of the best anywhere for walking you’ll see a beach that looks like a parking lot for Model Ts still places where you can drive on Florida beaches While I get the appeal of it — we’ve parked our campervan on the sand at Huguenot — I’ll take a beach without cars When I walked across Jacksonville, from west to east, I made a point not just to end on First Street, or at Pete's Bar, but to finish walking on the beaches. the day before another Opening of the Beaches I know some people (including my wife) love summer at the beach but I’ll gladly take a slightly chilly morning before the crowds return An idea for another paradeWhen I think about people who know and love our beaches Bill Longenecker is one of the first to come to mind But he has spent much of the last 72 years on the sand and in the water “I still remember my first night at the beach,” he said “We stayed at a motel that doesn’t exist anymore He didn’t just grow up at the beach and get hooked on surfing. For more than 40 years of his adult life, he got up before dawn, headed down to the edge of the ocean, checked the surf conditions, then filed a phone report. That tradition came to an end in late January doomed by the age of online surf reports and surf cams But most mornings, Longenecker still is at the beach by sunrise, getting in a swim with friends. And he’s still going to elementary schools, telling students about how our beaches actually are “retired mountains.” When I asked him about the Opening of the Beaches The opening is a tradition that goes back to when many oceanside businesses would close for the winter And Longenecker says those are his favorite times when the crowds fade but the water is still warm “I always wanted to have a parade in September and march backwards for a block to close the beach,” he said A potential SpaceX rocket launch is on the horizon — and if all goes according to plan Below is more information on rocket launches from NASA and Cape Canaveral and suggestions on where to watch them from this part of Florida Rocket launch tally: Here's a list of all the missions from Cape Canaveral, Florida (psst, there's a lot) For questions or comments, email FLORIDA TODAY Space Reporter Rick Neale at rneale@floridatoday.com or Space Reporter Brooke Edwards at bedwards@floridatoday.com. For more space news from the USA TODAY Network, visit floridatoday.com/space The best views to watch a rocket launch from here is along the beach Readers have also mentioned seeing a rocket launch from New Smyrna Beach • South New Smyrna Beach (Canaveral National Seashore) New Smyrna Beach features 17 miles of white sandy beaches despite its reputation as the "Shark Bite Capital of the World," New Smyrna Beach has always been a haven for surfers who come for the waves The nearby riverside park area is across South Atlantic Avenue with tennis courts The river by the park can be a great viewing spot for manatees • Apollo Beach at Canaveral National Seashore (south of New Smyrna Beach) Canaveral National Seashore runs along Florida's East Coast in Volusia County and Brevard County then travel east until it turns into State Road A1A • Oak Hill riverfront is the southernmost city in South Volusia County This location has about 350 feet of beautifully restored shoreline picnic tables and kayak launching facilities Facilities include a 520-foot observation pier with two covered decks and seating • Bird Observation Pier on River Road across from A.C Facilities include a 100-foot observation pier JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Grab your sunscreen and beach chairs because Jacksonville Beach is set to host the Opening of the Beaches Parade on Sunday. RELATED: It’s a great day for a parade with much-needed rain for some on the way The annual sandcastle competition kicked things off on Saturday, and around 2 p.m. on Sunday, the parade will take over the Jax Beach streets, beginning at the corner of 5th Ave North and 2nd Street. Once it starts, the parade will head to 11th Avenue North and 2nd Street, then turn east toward the ocean. As it reaches 1st Street, the parade will turn south and continue to Beach Boulevard, where it will come to a close. Here’s some important information for attendees to know about traffic and parking. All city lots were closed at 6 a.m., but paid parking will resume at 4 p.m. once the parade concludes. Police began closing avenues from Beach Boulevard to 5th Avenue North, including 1st and 2nd Streets, starting at 9:30 a.m. This area will be the staging ground for the parade. Businesses have already been advised to avoid deliveries on Sunday if possible. Additionally, once the police department shuts down the parade area, access to the lots and streets mentioned will be restricted to emergency use only. The event is free to attend and is expected to draw a large crowd, which, coupled with perfect weather, should make it enjoyable for all who wish to participate. Caleb Yauger joined the WJXT team in February 2025. He previously worked as a reporter and weekend evening anchor for Erie News Now (WICU, WSEE) in Erie, Pa., covering both news and sports. has been serving members of the Beaches community who find themselves suddenly in crisis and unable to pay their rent Some clients have lost their jobs or experienced a financial change that prevents them from being able to afford their basic needs BEAM offers rent assistance and helps pay their utility bill lettuce and fruit grown in its Grace Garden Click here to see our stories from last year showcasing BEAM’s garden and advice from its garden manager showing us the secrets to growing your own vegetables at home BEAM also offers its donors an opportunity to sponsor one of its 60 garden boxes or one of its nine lettuce towers each year where they can watch their donation literally grow into food provided in its pantries In addition to providing meals to home-bound senior citizens BEAM volunteers forge connections with vulnerable senior citizens and help them complete home repairs for free or low-cost so they can safely stay in their homes BEAM has a program that helps single mothers receive workforce training so they can build a career The intensive 2-year program provides financial assistance mentorship and financial classes to single mothers Click here to read more about a local mother’s journey through the program BEAM has three thrift stores in Jacksonville Beach where it welcomes gently used clothing and furniture It asks for any Beaches residents who are moving or spring cleaning to consider its thrift stores for your donations These items can be picked up by BEAM’s staff The money generated by the sale of these items is tremendous for BEAM’s goal The need within the beaches communities is great considering BEAM spent nearly $900,000 in 2022 to cover rent and utilities for its clients and provides more than 925,000 meals each year to anyone facing hunger BEAM always needs volunteers and donations as it serves individuals and families who live or work in Mayport Neptune or Jacksonville beaches and a handful of communities along the Intracoastal Waterway Click here for more information about its mission and to learn how you can help. Jennifer, who anchors The Morning Shows and is part of the I-TEAM, loves working in her hometown of Jacksonville. – Jacksonville Beach Police Department Chief Gene Paul N Smith said his agency “stopped something really bad from happening” during two events that brought hundreds to the Beaches RELATED | Jacksonville Beach ramps up St. Patrick’s Day security following last year’s violence police said an “HBCU Beach Day” event was not an issue but police still recovered four handguns (one was a realistic replica) from two groups of people under the age of 18 One of the recovered handguns was stolen from a vehicle in Jacksonville Beach a month ago Smith said the same “event” was held St. Patrick’s Day 2024 by the same “promoter.” Last year, three separate shootings on St Patrick’s Day left a 21-year-old man dead and three others injured in Jacksonville Beach and police said they were out in full force last weekend to prevent further violence On Friday, during Senior Skip Day, officers said they also recovered two rifles and two handguns from two different vehicles “full” of rival gang members from Jacksonville. “We will be here ready to enforce any and all laws with surge personnel for the next four weeks, just like we have been for the last four weeks. We have been warning anyone who plans to violate the law not to come here because we’ll be waiting for you,” Smith said. Digital Executive Producer who has lived in Jacksonville for over 30 years and helps lead the News4JAX.com digital team. – The Florida Department of Health confirmed to News4JAX on Friday that the coyote linked to a series of recent Atlantic Beach attacks was rabid The DOH issued a rabies alert for 60 days for the following boundaries in Duval County: The DOH advised residents to avoid physical contact with wild animals (e.g., raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, coyotes), which carry a higher risk of human exposure and a need for rabies post-exposure treatment. Here are tips for precautions to prevent rabies exposure: Dr. Shalika Katugaha is the medical director of infectious diseases for Baptist Health. She said the first thing to do after a bite is to thoroughly wash the wound. “Wash it with soap and water for 15 minutes to decrease the risk of rabies transmission,” Katugaha said. “After that, if you have something that kills viruses like Povidone Iodine, you should apply that. Then you should head to the emergency room for what we call post-exposure prophylaxis.” Following the antibody treatment, you should immediately undergo a series of rabies vaccine shots. “And those vaccines are on day 0. Then the 3rd day, the 7th day, and the 14th day,” Katugah said. But while you’re in the ER undergoing your first round of rabies shots, you could also find yourself receiving a tetanus shot. Tetanus is also a potentially life-threatening disease that attacks the nervous system. Doctors advise patients to receive a tetanus shot every 10 years to prevent a cut or wound from becoming severely infected. But if you get bitten by a wild animal and it’s been at least five years since your last tetanus shot, you’ll likely get another shot just to be safe. The final step is to receive additional antibiotics. “Animals carry a lot of different bacteria, especially in their mouth, and so doctors will see if you need common antibiotics like Augmentin to cover that,” she said. Award-winning broadcast and multimedia journalist with 20 years experience. because May will see a ton of them in the Jacksonville area You can use the full name if you want (eight flags have flown over Amelia Island in its long history) but just say “shrimp festival” and everyone will know what you’re talking about. There’s more to it than just shrimp — a pageant, a parade, a 5K run, a beard contest, an ice cream-eating competition, fireworks, a pirate invasion, a shrimp-fleet blessing and, of course, the Swingin’ Medallions. Info: shrimpfestival.com The annual arts festival includes three dozen events — theater, comedy, classical music, storytelling, visual arts, chamber music, jazz, dance, blues — at 20 or so venues. Info: romanzafestivale.com Booyah! It’s the fifth – and final – year for the annual festival that celebrates all things ‘90s. Sisqo and C&C Music Factory provide the tunes, Hulk Hogan serves as host and you’ll find vendors, food trucks, a water slide and a photo booth. Info: asifthe90sfest.com Augustine Brewers FestMay 3 at Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park Pick up a tasting cup and sample the lagers, IPAs and brown ales from more than two dozen local and national breweries. Attendance is limited to 850 and it’s been known to sell out well before the gates open. Info: stabrewersfest.com Learn all about William Bartram, who explored the St. Johns River 250 years ago. Shuttles will run from a parking lot at Hickory Creek Elementary School. Info: visitstaugustine.com It’s easy to forget what a naturally gorgeous place Northeast Florida can be. Learn all about the environment with hands-on exhibits. New this year is a Children’sEntrepeneur Market, featuring goods made by kids ages 5-17. Info: keepnassaubeautiful.org Jacksonville Jazz FestivalMay 23-25 at Tailgaters Parking The festival is moving again, this time to a parking lot across the street from EverBank Stadium. Kool & the Gang, Maysa, Spyro Gyra, Janelle Monae, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, the Roots, Boney James and the Branford Marsalis Quartet are on the bill, and you can see it all for free or buy a VIP package for better seats. Info: jacksonvillejazzfest.com Florida Folk FestivalMay 23-25 at Stephen Foster Folk Culture State Park It’s a bit of a road trip from Jacksonville, but people have been making the trek since 1953 to listen to folk music, participate in workshops and marvel at the banjo and fiddle contests. Info: floridastateparks.com The fest is one of the biggest events of the year in Palatka, with waterski shows, vendors, food trucks, kids’ games and live music by Confederate Railroad, Nappy Roots and Preston Pohl from “The Voice.” Info: palatkabluecrabfestival.com The Memorial and Veterans Recognition Ceremony, with a military flyover, which also includes bounce slides, vendors, food trucks, live music and fireworks. Info: exploreclay.com This is not your grandma’s Bingo. This version runs for three hours and includes dance-offs, lip-sync battles and confetti showers. Info: deccalive.com More than 200 varieties of whiskey will be available for tasting. Info: whiskeyriot.com Get your geek on with cosplay contests for kids, teens and adults, an artists alley, comics, Storm Troopers and robots. Info: jaxpubliclibrary.org Where’s a home-schooled kid supposed to go for prom? The Christian music venue is throwing a prom that’s open to high-schoolers from all over the city. Info: murrayhilltheatre.com The zoo has been on the banks of the Trout River for a hundred years now. The annual fundraiser, with vendors and live jazz, celebrates the anniversary. Info: jacksonvillezoo.org Thomas doesn’t call himself a magician; he’s an “illusionist.” He’s performed in 50 countries, so he must be doing something right. Info: floridatheatre.com Celebrate Star Wars Day with an electronic dance rave with live DJs, costume contests, glow-stick light sabers and video screens showing highlights. Info: mythexperience.com Monthly LGBTQIA+ marketplace is held in front of Riverside Church. Info: instagram.com 2,000 Englishmen raided Spanish-held St. Augustine in 1586. Re-enactors will recreate the raid on May 11 at the Orange Street Redoubt, in front of Ann O’Malley’s. They’ll also set up an era-appropriate settlement at the Oldest House Museum Complex, with drills and weapons demonstrations. Info: visitstaugustine.com A charter bus holding 55 people will leave the A. Philip Randolph location at noon and take a load of shoppers to five Black-owned businesses. Info: melanincollaborativegroup.org USS Orleck GalaMay 23 at the Jacksonville Naval Museum The retired warship-turned-museum is the venue for a Great Gatsby-themed party with music from the Chris Thomas Project. Info: jaxnavalmuseum.org The Jacksonville storytelling series continues, with speakers riffing on the topic of “Trail.” Info: floridatheatre.com May 30 at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens The Friday evening series continues, with free admission, live music and outdoor games. Info: cummermuseum.org Jax Parks Monopoly TournamentMay 31 at the Jacksonville Main Library Grab your racecar or tophat and get rolling in an officially sanctioned Monopoly tournament. Games are limited to 75 minutes, which allows organizers to get in three rounds. Info: jacksonville.gov They’re calling it the “rebirth” of Funk Fest, which drew big crowds to the riverfront back in the day. This time out, they’ve got Charlie Wilson, King George, 112 and Carl Thomas on the Friday lineup and Trey Songz, Boosie, Donnell Jones and 8Ball and MJG on Saturday. Info: funkfesttour.com Swims has an unusual background for a guy with a least a little hip-hop cred: He did musical theater in high school, fronted several Atlanta hair metal and alternative bands and knows how to play ukulele. Whatever, it seems to have worked: “Lose Control” was one of 2023’s biggest hits, and he’s sold-out his Jacksonville show. Info: dailysplace.com Forrest Frank isn’t a household name, but Christian music fans sure know who he is. The “Good Day” singer topped the Christian charts with last year’s “Child of God” album, and the floor and lower bowl of the arena are just about sold out for his Jacksonville show. Elevation Rhythm opens. Info: forrestfrank.com Jacksonville’s JJ Grey & Mofro return with their two-day festival Childers is Appalachian to the core, coming from the same corner of Kentucky that produced Loretta Lynn, Chris Stapleton and Sturgill Simpson. By the way, if you’re just dying to hear him play “Feathered Indians,” you should probably know that he hasn’t played it since 2020. Info: jaxevents.com Other concerts coming to the Jacksonville area in May: Wayans has been in so many successful movies and TV shows ("Scary Movie," "White Chicks," "In Living Color") that you sort of wonder why he bothers doing live shows. Clearly, he loves it. This show was postponed from September, and tickets for that show will be honored. Info: floridatheatre.com Mom loves a good laugh, right? Celebrate Mother’s Day by taking her to see comics Sheryl Underwood, A-Train, Skeet Carter and Junior from “The Steve Harvey Morning Show.” Info: jaxevents.com He was Puddy on “Seinfeld,” Kronk in “The Emperor’s New Groove.” He’s been The Tick and Hymie, the robotic secret agent in “Get Smart.” He’s done 319 episodes of “The Family Guy.” But is Patrick Warburton funny in person? Here’s your chance to find out. Info: comedyzone.com “Lady Dynamite” from the Netflix series brings her unique twist on comedy to the intimate Terry Theater. Info: jaxevents.com Gutfield is more of a pundit than a comic and you can pretty well guess who everyone in the crowd voted for in the last election. Info: jaxevents.com Guest conductor Shih-Hung Young leads the Jacksonville Symphony as it plays the score while the final film in the Potter series shows on an overhead screen. Info: jaxsymphony.org at North Florida School of Special Education The Civic Orchestra of Jacksonville wraps up its season with a pair of shows featuring works by Piazolla, Marquez and Ravel. Info: civicorchestrajax.org The First Coast Wind Symphony welcomes the 2025 Concerto Competition winner. Info: fcwinds.com Scenes from the popular anime series will be shown while a live orchestra plays the score. Info: fscjartistseries.org The children who are learning classical music as part of the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras’ Repertory and Philharmonic ensembles get a chance to play with the pros from the Jacksonville Symphony. Info: jaxsymphony.org The Jacksonville Symphony performs while strongmen, acrobats, aerialists, contortionists and juggler do their thing. Info: jaxsymphony.org Jacksonville Dance Theatre presents its annual showcase. Info: floridatheatre.com Organist Tim Tuller and the First Coast Wind Symphony put on a show Mom will love. Info: fcwinds.org The Jacksonville Symphony welcomes the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus and a handful of guest vocalists for Mozart’s towering “Requiem.” Info: jaxsymphony.org The San Marco Chamber Music Society, which will perform this summer on a tour of Italy, first does a show for the Sons of Norway. Info: sanmarcochambermusic.org Dancers from the Florida Ballet and Jacksonville Dance Theatre perform to music from the Jacksonville Symphony. The Thursday performance is a Symphony in 60 event, which wraps up in an hour. Friday’s performance is a matinee. Info: jaxsymphony.org The traditional start to the Jazz Festival sees five jazz pianists, accompanied by a top-notch rhythm section, performing for prestige and a spot on the big Met Park stage on Saturday afternoon. Info: floridatheatre.com The Jacksonville symphony goes pop, playing hits from Olivia Newton-John, Cyndi Lauper and other ‘80s ladies. Info: jaxsymphony.org Theater‘Beautiful’Through May 11 at Alhambra Theatre & Dining Carole King was a force in popular music throughout the 1960s and ‘70s. “Beautiful” uses her own songs to tell the story of her rise from hit songwriter to big-time performer. Info: alhambrajax.com Puppeteers and actors bring Gobo, Red, Mokey, Wembley and Boober Fraggle from Henson’s long-ago TV series to life. Info: floridatheatre.com Ripped-from-the-headlines show features a news desk relating “Florida Man” stories between Southern rock classics played by a live band. Info: ameliamusicalplayhouse.com Other theater productions coming to the Jacksonville area in May: SportsJacksonville Dixie Blues women’s professional football7 p.m Orlando Anarchy at Andrew Jackson High School Info: dixiebluesfootball.net Info: jaxsharks.com Info: milb.com/jacksonville Scott Johnson Erik Avanier – Following reports of multiple coyote attacks on residents and pets the City of Atlantic Beach is urging everyone to be cautious in the area of Begonia including one witnessed Wednesday night by a News4JAX crew Most of the attacks have been reported in the area of Begonia Street which is surrounded by trees and is not too far from Dutton Island Preserve The city has set up traps and said it is investigating the multiple reports “We do actually have a coyote management plan in Atlantic Beach so we have protocols that we observe when something like this happens and we’re asking our citizens to use good common sense but also follow the plan,” Atlantic Beach Mayor Curtis Ford said Wednesday “We’re not suggesting that the coyote has rabies Thomas Cathey told News4JAX on Wednesday that he’s still recovering from his shocking attack on Tuesday According to the city a coyote approached another person Wednesday morning The city said the dog was injured during the incident There was also another report of a second person being bitten Wednesday morning The city said it considers the reports to be credible Atlantic Beach Police Chief Victor Gualillo said people can use whatever measures are necessary to protect themselves “Remember that if you do fire a weapon and that bullet exits your property and goes across to someone else’s property that could be a great liability to you,” he said “So you need to make sure you’re doing it safely and it’s really necessary that you decide to use that kind of force these animals are going to run away as soon as they see or hear something that’s scary to them.” If you spot a coyote approaching people closely or acting in a n aggressive manner you’re urged to call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-8922 Atlantic Beach resident Ashton Kennedy was walking his German Shepherd when our crew first spotted a coyote Wednesday night along with Kennedy running from the animal Kennedy said the coyote jumped out of a wooded area near Jasmine and 6th streets and it even followed them back to his house And then the coyote started following us back to the house.” The Atlantic Beach Police Department and Jacksonville Fire Rescue quickly responded to the incident Medics said Kennedy would need a rabies shot A neighbor’s ring camera (watch below) captured the coyote walking out from behind a car Investigators believe multiple coyotes might be on the loose in the area so residents are still urged to be cautious officer firing shot (WARNING: Video includes mild expletives) Thomas Cathey said a coyote attacked him near Donald Dagley’s Workshop a junkyard not far from Begonia Street where he works A fellow worker was able to take a photograph of the coyote MORE | Multiple reports of coyote attacking people in Atlantic Beach; residents asked to keep pets inside got me a couple places here...still trickling blood a little here,” he said and they took care of me at the emergency room.” “We’ve been around here for years and it doesn’t happen I don’t know if the animal’s sick or something.. Ed Vanvoorhis witnessed part of the attack “It came out of nowhere and started sniffing and going after the dog and looked like his leg too and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and police are patrolling the area coyotes are medium-sized mammals in the same family as dogs Their fur is generally salt-and-pepper gray Adults in Florida weigh between 20 and 35 pounds on average and males are generally larger and heavier than females Coyotes are found in several habitat types and are common in rural, suburban, and even some urban landscapes. According to a 2007 FWC report the presence of coyotes has been documented in all 67 Florida counties FWC said encounters between people and coyotes in Florida are occurring more often so sightings of coyotes during the day may increase FWC said unprovoked coyote attacks on humans are very rare According to FWC, coyotes may be taken as a furbearer year-round on private property with landowner permission by rifle, shotgun, pistol, muzzleloader, air gun, crossbow, or bow. Briana Brownlee is excited to call Jacksonville home and join the News4JAX team. She joins us from Southwest Florida, where she reported at Fox 4 News in Fort Myers. Before making it to the Sunshine state, she got her start in Rapid City South Dakota as the morning reporter and later transitioned into the weekend Sports Anchor. Scott is a multi-Emmy Award Winning Anchor and Reporter, who also hosts the “Going Ringside With The Local Station” Podcast. Scott has been a journalist for 25 years, covering stories including six presidential elections, multiple space shuttle launches and dozens of high-profile murder trials. May the fourth, er, Force be with SpaceX the fourth day in May became Star Wars Day because of the franchise's iconic phrase "May the force be with you," which is used by Jedi masters (a specially trained group of leaders and peace-keepers) the date has become a pun — as in “May the 4th be with you.” Florida rocket launches could be seen from Ponte Vedra Beach NASA or Atlas V rocket launch in Jacksonville there have been sightings of a SpaceX Falcon 9 or United Launch Alliance Delta Heavy rocket launch over the skies of Jacksonville which is north of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center Keep scrolling to see Instagram photos and tweets posted by people in Jacksonville and their unique view of a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral or Kennedy Space Center Where to see a rocket launch in Jacksonville Photos of Jacksonville rocket launch from Twitter ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about the presence of Portuguese man o’war on St. Johns County beaches. It’s vibrant blue and purple with tentacles and has a dangerous sting. Because it has been sighted, a purple beach flag is currently up to warn about the presence of these dangerous sea creatures at the beach. Beware of man o’ war and remember not to touch them! According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), man o’ war are called jellyfish but are actually siphonophores. “A siphonophore is unusual in that it is comprised of a colony of specialized, genetically identical individuals called zooids — clones — with various forms and functions, all working together as one," NOAA says. A man o’ war can sting you even days after it dies. So beware! Walter Pendergrass – Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue is warning people about beach safety ahead of the summer The Fernandina Beach Police Department said a man in his 40s drowned on Friday at Main Beach This comes days after a teen drowned on Easter at Hanna Park in Jacksonville RELATED: Teenager drowns on Easter Sunday at Hanna Park: JSO The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the teen was caught in a rip current while swimming Lieutenant Maxwell Ervanian said that as we get closer to summer more people will start coming to the beach and filling it up He said to pay attention to the different colored flags that indicate ocean conditions these flags should dictate whether you get in the water or how far out you go Ocean Rescue said the number one thing they want to stress is to never swim alone and always swim in front of a lifeguard “The second biggest thing that we want to stress to anyone whether they are enjoying the beach or going into the water or what have you is in case of any land or water emergency In the event you don’t see one is to immediately call 911,” Ervanian said He added that if you see someone in distress in the water don’t try to help them if you aren’t trained Click here if you want to know the condition of the water before you head there. Khalil Maycock joined the News4JAX team in November 2022 after reporting in Des Moines, IA. Before joining the “night beat” at WJXT in 2024, Walter spent 10 years in Miami at WSVN and CBS Miami.  Walter first picked up a camera in 1998 in Charleston, SC. In his off time, Walter loves playing sports and spending time with his family. JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Jacksonville Beach Police said a 21-year-old man drove his father’s car into the ocean on Wednesday morning because he was angry with him. Officials said the father allowed his son to borrow the car, but he didn’t return it. Police said that at around 1:15 a.m., he drove the car to Beach Proper North. He tried to use a cinder block to send the car into the ocean, but the block kept getting stuck on the brake. He then removed the block, got into the driver’s seat, turned on all the lights and made sure no one was nearby before driving into the ocean, The arrest report said that while driving, “he grinned and wished he could point his middle finger at his father and aunt.” He left the scene and returned to his mother’s home. Police found him because his father pinged the location of his phone. The man was not injured and he was charged with felony criminal mischief. His father pressed charges and reported a loss of $6,500. Hailing from Detroit, Jonathan is excited to start his media career at News4JAX in November 2023. He is passionate about telling stories that matter to the community and he is honored to serve Jacksonville. – As warmer weather and spring break increase activity around Jacksonville’s beaches the Jacksonville Beach Police Department is taking a firm stance against “unauthorized” and “unpermitted” events RELATED: Jacksonville Beach ramps up St. Patrick’s Day security following last year’s violence The police department said it will enforce a zero-tolerance policy of these types of gatherings in response to St. Patrick’s Day last year, which was marred by three separate shootings. Jacksonville Beach police are proactively addressing the situation this year, sharing a message on Facebook stating, “Unauthorized and Unpermitted Events are AGAINST THE LAW.” The post further warned that promoters of such events would face criminal and civil liabilities, and attendees breaking the law could be arrested. The message concluded with a stark warning: “No warnings. No do-overs. No second chances. Just some handcuffs and a trip to jail.” On Saturday, law enforcement was visibly present following reports of large gatherings on Friday. Despite the busy atmosphere, with many people enjoying the sun and playing football, the crowd was notably more spread out compared to past events. The police department encourages beachgoers to enjoy their time at the beach, provided it is done safely and legally. This website is unavailable in your location It appears you are attempting to access this website from a country outside of the United States therefore access cannot be granted at this time holding its final day of service on Sunday RELATED: Bartaco opens 1st area location in Riverside The restaurant posted the closure announcement about two weeks ago, citing high construction costs and staffing shortages that “made it difficult for the business to ever have financial success.” On Sunday, General Manager Robbie Smith said the decision to finally close Bearded Pig’s doors was “very sad.” “We’re very thankful for everything that the beach has done for us, welcoming us into the community,” Smith said. “It’s just tough times with everything that’s been going on.” Smith adds that the restaurant’s San Marco location is “thriving,” and plenty of staff from the Jacksonville Beach location will be moving over there. “We’re going to keep producing great barbecue for the city of Jacksonville and everybody in the community, so if they wanna come visit us, we still have a great product in San Marco,” he said. Comments under the social post announcing the restaurant’s closure were filled with people expressing sadness. “Nooooooo, the only restaurant close to home that has the best gluten-free options!” one comment read. “Breaks my heart. Just moved to JAX Beach and have become a regular,” another one read. Smith said that type of support from the community means everything. “There’s not a lot of barbecue places in Jacksonville,” he explained. “[But] to have a staple place in Jacksonville, barbecue’s hard to do, not everyone wants to do it, we were fortunate that we could provide a great product for everybody within the city on a day-to-day basis.” He also had a final message to all of the Bearded Pig’s supporters. “Thank you for all your support. We appreciate everything for the four years, our staff is grateful as well. Just continue to support local businesses and the Bearded Pig as a company itself in San Marco.” – The City of Jacksonville Beach implemented a zero-tolerance policy to ensure safety as college students are expected to flood the beach for spring break The measure is intended to prevent incidents like the St. Patrick’s Day shooting that killed one person and injured three others last year Jacksonville Beach police and city leaders warned visitors to adhere to the rules or face the consequences who were unaware of the previous year’s events expressed relief after learning about the increased police presence Jenifer Lachance from Buffalo commented on the visible patrols, saying, “I think it’s great for the community.” “It’s nice to see the patrol and see the cruisers going by,” Ryan Lachance added. The zero-tolerance policy focuses on three main goals: Jacksonville Beach Mayor Chris Hoffman emphasized the importance of setting expectations to maintain a safe environment for visitors and residents. “We want to make sure that our visitors as well as our residents and our business owners know what the expectations are in advance so we can really set the tone to have a safe and spring break and summer for everyone who is here,” Hoffman said. Reflecting on last year’s unpermitted event that attracted hundreds, police will be vigilant about organized events lacking legal permits this year. The city aimed to prevent any repeat of past disturbances and ensure a safe spring break for everyone. A massive, 1,400-pound white shark known for making a great white shark "drawing," pinged off the Florida coast Saturday Breton was tagged in 2020 by the research group OCEARCH during an expedition in Nova Scotia His pings are tracked when the satellite tag attached to his dorsal fin moves above water long enough to send location information Breton is a repeat visitor to Florida His tracker shows he's visited here the past four winters as many snowbirds do: enjoying the warm waters and plentiful food sources around the Sunshine State And on the OCEARCH shark tracker map He spent a little over two years making a "self-portrait." His pings between September 2020 and January 2022 connect to show what appears to be the outline of a huge shark the body along the east coast and head pointed at Florida's east coast "You can track Breton, the white shark that made this self-portrait on the OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker," the research group posted on X Breton was the first shark tagged during OCEARCH's 2020 expedition in Nova Scotia 3-inches long and weighed in at a whopping 1,437 pounds for the people of Cape Breton where he was tagged Breton has traveled 46,994 miles since he was tagged A fishing charter off Destin, Florida, encountered a 14-foot great white shark on April 10 even mouthing the back of the vessel before swimming away what I thought I saw in the water was a submarine and I was waiting next for the periscope to pop out of the water,” charter boat captain Taylor Bankston said and then the submarine turned into something that had giant teeth and a giant eyeball,” he said Great white sharks are opportunistic and enjoy a diverse diet of fish Juvenile white sharks mostly eat bottom fish while larger great white sharks also eat seals and sea lions and are known to feed on whale carcasses While great white sharks are often characterized as apex predators meaning they top the food chain in their environment In environments where orcas, also known as killer whales, are present, they top the food chain and have been known to hunt great white sharks for their nutrient-rich livers an Orca was observed off the South African coast hunting and killing an 8-foot great white shark eventually eviscerating it and carrying a portion of the shark's liver in its mouth Great white sharks have an endless supply of teeth Great white sharks have about 50 exposed teeth with five to six rows of teeth constantly developing behind them ready to replace any that wear down or fall out But the Police Department said it has measures in place to try to curtail any possible repeat of such violence “The critical incidents of St. Patrick’s Day 2024 stand out as a turning point for the Police Department and the city,” Chief Gene Paul Smith posted on the department’s Facebook “We have experienced various iterations of the following circumstances over the last 30 years heroic actions of officers and the substantial shortage of officers due to vacancies/light duty.” Smith established a set of goals and surplus staffing that began on March 1 for the spring Perform directed enforcement by surging personnel to conduct zero tolerance operations for illegal guns and illegal drugs;Perform directed enforcement by surging personnel to conduct strict enforcement operations for quality-of-life crimes; andCreate an atmosphere where law-abiding citizens feel safe while boldly discouraging criminal behavior.The measures are planned for six weeks but may be extended for an additional two weeks if needed The following notable factors/events will be considered when adding personnel: the chief said: “The department’s core functions such as responding to calls for service will not be affected … [The units that] will bear the brunt of surge operations for the duration of the detail … will be working most weekends so special consideration will be applied during the week.” As for the investigation into the separate shootings that night “No arrest in the death investigation of Mr said about 21-year-old James “Duke” Jones III In reference to the other shooting investigations detectives are following up on active leads and working with the State Attorney’s Office The logistics in any large-scale investigation of this nature takes a considerable amount of time and resources to properly process in its entirety while working closely with the State Attorney’s Office.” The Times-Union requested any video images that could be provided after authorities set up a website seeking videos from the public and security footage from homes and businesses Four months after her son was killed during the melee Jones’ mother also expressed her displeasure at a Beaches Watch police panel with not getting any answers about the case Jones was an Oakleaf High School graduate with a 3-month-old daughter The police chief provided the following account of what happened last year in the 400 block of the boardwalk near the Best Western hotel after police were already there because of intel that 250 to 400 young people were going to gather The activities included football “Oklahoma Drills,” boxing matches fights and other incidents that caused officers to try to disperse the crowd That’s when the first shooting happened with two people wounding each other and a bystander St. Patrick's Day shooting: Here's what an organizer of Jacksonville Beach gathering had to say about shootings officers saw someone running by The Ritz bar with a pistol and firing a shot they responded to another shooting behind Sneakers Sports Grille This was also when the department issued an active threat alert locking down the bars and evacuating the downtown area Anyone with information in the case can contact the police at (904) 270-1661 or First Coast Crime Stoppers at (866) 845-8477 (845-TIPS) or text **8477 or email rewards@fccrimestoppers.com to remain anonymous and be eligible for rewards – The City of Atlantic Beach is investigating multiple reports of coyote attacks in Atlantic Beach on Wednesday there were confirmed reports of a coyote biting a person on Tuesday and a coyote attacking but not biting another person Wednesday morning Press play below to watch the full update from city officials Jacksonville Fire and Rescue said one person was transported from the area on Tuesday Officials said the man who was bitten was not seriously hurt But the City of Atlantic Beach said it considers the reports to be credible All of the incidents occurred on or near Begonia Street an area of the city that backs up to the Intracoastal The city had a similar issue in 2018 when one resident said their cat was killed by a coyote MORE | FWC guide to living with urban coyotes The incidents have been reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission It’s important for everyone in Atlantic Beach to follow these guidelines carefully,” the city said in an emailed alert to residents Stay informed by checking the city’s website at www.coab.us/coyotes for updates Atlantic Beach Police Chief Victor Gualillo said coyote sightings started to increase in the area in 2013 The last documented sighting was in November 2024 “We are living in many cities these days with coyotes as wildlife that are kind of in our neighborhoods now as long as we do it safely and understand how to interact with them that’s the best knowledge to arm yourself with,” he said According to FWC, coyotes may be taken as a furbearer year-round on private property with landowner permission by rifle, shotgun, pistol, muzzleloader, air gun, crossbow, or bow. Gualillo said people can use whatever measures are necessary to protect themselves, their property, and their family, but he also said to be careful. “Remember that if you do fire a weapon and that bullet exits your property and goes across to someone else’s property, that could be a great liability to you,” he said. “So you need to make sure you’re doing it safely, and it’s really necessary that you decide to use that kind of force. Generally, these animals are going to run away as soon as they see or hear something that’s scary to them.” JACKSONVILLE BEACH | A popular Beaches restaurant known for small plates with big global-inspired flavors plans to close ― temporarily ― as it reinvents itself under new ownership The G.O.A.T. Tapas & Bar will shut its doors at the end of service midnight Friday to "undergo a complete re-concepting of our restaurant." "This exciting change will allow us to bring you a fresh and innovative dining experience. … We are thrilled to unveil our new concept Feb. 15, 2025," the restaurant announced on its website updates and a "sneak peek" will be forthcoming on social media The restaurant also thanked customers and the community for their support and patronage over the years "It has been an absolute pleasure serving you and we cherish the relationships we have built with our wonderful community … We look forward to welcoming you back soon," the restaurant said in the announcement The couple have worked at the restaurant since it opened 3 1/2 years ago The restaurant's sale "was all kind of a surprise to us," Carlson told the Times-Union Neither the new nor former owners could be reached for comment immediately The G.O.A.T. neighbors Jax Spice and Brix Taphouse in the Urbana Retail Center about two blocks from the beach offered an eclectic menu focused on fresh-from-scratch dishes with seasonal ingredients that reflect authentic cuisines from across the world inspired by the travels of its original executive chef and owners The restaurant also became known for its wine selection and craft cocktails Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at tstepzinski@jacksonville.com If you're a subscriber, thank you. If not, become a subscriber to get the latest dining coverage Briana Brownlee Ashley Harding Aaron Farrar – With the Blue Angels set to soar over the skies of Jacksonville Beach again this year in October the Jacksonville City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve $200,000 in funding for the Sea & Sky Air Show The council had removed the allocation from its budget when it appeared the Blue Angels would not be returning for this year’s show a proposal to set aside the $200,000 for the popular event was approved Tuesday Those funds help cover the costs of bringing the Blue Angels to town taking care of the massive shuttle system to get people to the beach and back to their cars and advertising for the show -- among other needs Bruce and Barbara Mize are among the countless people who are relieved to know the Blue Angels are coming back “It’s good history that they’re from Jacksonville said the show provides a great return on investment for Duval County and they come see the Jacksonville beaches They get excited about our community and will come back,” Diamond said Jacksonville Beach was not on the schedule for the Blue Angels in 2025 was canceled and the squadron will perform in Northeast Florida instead “The Sea & Sky Air Show will bring families and visitors together to experience an unforgettable display of skill and teamwork,” said Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan “We are grateful to the Blue Angels for their service and for bringing the thrill and magic of naval flight back to our proud military community.” The U.S. Navy Blue Angels known for their precision flying and dynamic aerial maneuvers are a hometown favorite and their free annual shows are always packed The United States Navy Flight Exhibition Team’s first demonstration took place on June 15 which was also the squadron’s first home base family-friendly air show will also feature award-winning civilian and military aerobatic performances over the Atlantic Ocean The executive director for the city of Jacksonville’s Office of Sports and Entertainment the Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs will go head-to-head at their iconic yearly matchup in Jacksonville The Blue Angels performed at NAS Jax on Oct. 19-20 last year. The city will share more details as the event approaches For more information about the 2025 Sea and Sky Air Show, visit jaxseaandsky.com. The squadron will also perform in Florida at these locations in 2025: – Thousands of people are expected to flock to Jacksonville Beach for the annual Springing the Blues music festival The three-day event runs April 4-6 at the SeaWalk Pavilion The Jacksonville Beach Police Department says officers will patrol the event to ensure safety They also want to remind attendees of the following rules: For more information on the event, including the lineup of performers, visit the festival’s website. JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – A beloved figure in the Jacksonville Beach community, Father William “Bill” Kelly, died on Tuesday at the age of 90. Known for his decades of dedicated service, Father Kelly led St. Paul’s Catholic Church for nearly 40 years, growing it into one of the largest Catholic communities in the area and leaving a lasting impact on countless lives. For more than 50 years, Father Kelly dedicated his life to the Church, embodying faith and service. Born in Castlerea, Ireland, he arrived in Florida in 1959 and served in various parishes across the state before settling in Jacksonville Beach in 1977. Under his leadership, St. Paul’s expanded significantly, both in congregation size and community outreach. He was instrumental in supporting local charities, including Mission House and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Father Kelly’s service extended beyond the parish. He played a key role in launching the Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (BEAM), which continues to support local families facing financial hardships. He also served on the board of Pablo Towers, a retirement community, advocating for low-income seniors. Even after retiring in 2015, Father Kelly remained deeply involved in ministry, visiting the sick, celebrating Mass, and mentoring younger priests. His impact reached beyond the pulpit, earning him recognition from both the Church and the Jacksonville Beach community. On Thursday, Angie’s Subs in Jacksonville Beach updated their marquis to say “Father Kelly, Thank you.” Owner Ed Malin said Father Kelly leaves behind a big legacy. To honor Father Kelly, Angie’s Subs is running the “Father Kelly” special starting Friday. Traditionally offered during Lent, it’s a fried fish sandwich with American cheese and homemade tartar sauce. “We’ll definitely continue that tradition, even though he’s gone on, he can smile down on it every year around Easter and see his name at Angie subs,” Malin said. The Diocese of St. Augustine wrote that Father Kelly’s personal style of ministry made a lasting impression on countless lives. “The priesthood is a difficult but rewarding life,” Father Kelly once said. “I’m glad I could be involved in so many people’s lives and be there for them when they need me. I’ve tried to make the world around us a little better. Working with other people to do this is especially rewarding. You meet some great people.” His funeral will take place at St. Paul’s Catholic Church on March 4, with a livestream available for those unable to attend. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, 523 Pablo Ave., Jacksonville Beach. There will be no visitation after the Vigil. The Vigil Service, also at St. Paul’s, will begin at 7:00 p.m. The presider and homilist will be Father Thomas Willis. The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s, with Bishop Erik Pohlmeier as the presiding celebrant. Msgr. Vincent Haut will be the homilist. The Mass will be livestreamed with a link posted on St. Paul’s website. Committal will take place at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Cemetery at St. Peter Mission following the funeral mass. Tiffany comes home to Jacksonville, FL from WBND in South Bend, Indiana. She went to Mandarin High School and UNF. Tiffany is a former WJXT intern, and joined the team in 2023 as Consumer Investigative Reporter and member of the I-TEAM. JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – A massive white shark, the largest ever tagged by OCEARCH in the northwestern Atlantic, has been spotted swimming offshore Jacksonville Beach. This isn’t just any shark; it’s “Contender,” a 13.8-foot, 1,652.8-pound mature male, and he’s swimming well offshore. Tagged on Jan. 17, 2025, about 45 miles off the Florida/Georgia coast, Contender has been hanging around, cruising south, and recently pinging his location on Wednesday afternoon. He’s been swimming south against the Gulf Stream current, sticking to its western wall. These species are like the snowbirds of sharks where they typically arrive out in our shelf waters during the winter after migrating from Canadian and New England nearshore coastal habitats during the summer. View this post on Instagram A post shared by OCEARCH (@ocearch) This big guy is the largest white shark tagged by Ocearch in the northwest Atlantic and will contribute to vital shark research and ocean conservation. Thanks to a SPOT tag, we’ll be able to track his movements for the next five years, learning more about white shark migration patterns. Scientists have also collected biological samples for analysis. Contender’s name honors Contender Boats, a key OCEARCH partner. Their boats are essential for these research missions, helping scientists explore and protect our oceans. Is Contender looking for a friend? Another white shark, “Danny,” a smaller 9.5-foot subadult, was also tagged on the same day. Danny has been spotted a couple of miles offshore of Miami Beach and is swimming south near Elliot Key. After covering the weather from every corner of Florida and doing marine research in the Gulf, Mark Collins settled in Jacksonville to forecast weather for The First Coast. Copyright © 2025 News4JAX.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. View this post on Instagram A post shared by OCEARCH (@ocearch)