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 a city that shaped his meteoric rise—and the moment he walked back into Coach Prime’s office The Jacksonville Jaguars’ rookie star made an unannounced visit to the Colorado Buffaloes facility, catching Coach Deion Sanders off guard in the best way possible Hunter’s appearance delivered a reminder of just how deep the bond runs between the two A Full-Circle Moment for Coach and Protégé Hunter’s return was more than a courtesy call—it was symbolic. After being drafted No. 2 overall by the Jaguars in the 2025 NFL Draft the two-way phenom came back to where it all began “I can come down there and get some good fishing Really good fishing,” Sanders joked “I already jumped in and caught a six-pounder,” Hunter fired back showing he’s already adapting to his next chapter the conversation turned practical—Hunter is preparing to move his life across the country “That’s why I put a whole AirTag in every box,” he said “I ain’t got nothing that can break The moment captured Hunter’s signature cool and drive For fans who watched him play with relentless energy in Folsom Field Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter Despite his NFL future Hunter made it clear that Boulder—and Coach Prime—will always be part of his story The warmth in their reunion proved this wasn’t a one-time player-coach relationship don’t be surprised if Hunter makes regular trips back to Boulder Are wide receivers and cornerbacks at all less likely to get injured While wide receivers and cornerbacks take fewer big hits and endure less contact overall than linemen and backs Wide receivers and corners also run more during games and practices than linemen so there is an increased risk of strain and "mileage" on the legs at those positions – which can lead to injury That's particularly true the more wear and tear the legs of those players endure throughout the course of a long NFL regular season This latter part is where the Jaguars' strength and conditioning staff will align with coaches to determine how to best manage rookie cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter's workload as he plays two positions Word is that you are angling to become Travis Hunter's fishing buddy This would benefit Hunter not in the least – either in companionship or fishing skills Johns River at Riverbend Apartments in Arlington Drew's father gave me the smallest of fishing poles – or it may have been a hook tied to a piece of fishing line I proceeded to swing the hooked string around at which time the hook attached itself painfully and bloodily to the end of a finger on my opposite hand – thus ending my fishing day I later fished a time or two in the Adirondacks while in high school with a small line on the end of a stick baited with bread I believe I even hiked back to the family cabin with the fish on a string Cautiously optimistic about the team this year Can you tell us when the schedule is released The NFL will release its 2025 schedule May 14 I heard about you guys drafting Travis Hunter The Jaguars wouldn't have traded a first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft and a second-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft to the Cleveland Browns to move up three selections to select Hunter if they felt otherwise What kind of stats would you need to see from TH to be considered for the regular-season Most Valuable Player award Better ones than most of the other elite players in the NFL that season I would guess he would need to be near the league leaders in touchdowns and yards receiving with multiple interceptions Not to put excess pressure on our newest potential superstar I propose adoption of the following Slogan/Cheer Gene Frenette is/was one of the writers with a vote for the NFL Hall of Fame Will he continue in that role now that he is retired from the Florida Times-Union will another writer who covers the Jaguars be replacing him as a Hall of Fame voter Former longtime Florida Times-Union sports columnist and Northeast Florida cultural icon/thought leader Eugene P "Gene" Frenette was not a Pro Football Hall of Fame voter Former WJXT sports director Sam Kouvaris remains Jacksonville's Hall voter When do we elect a new Eugene "The Apostle" Frenette realize you can't and move on knowing what's going on now is just less than it once was Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen and General Manager James Gladstone say they haven't reached the point where they are thinking about the number of wins in the upcoming season but when you trade next year's first-rounder it has to come up in a big way in the pros and cons of that trade I don't believe Gladstone makes that trade if he figures it's a top 10 pick I firmly believe the new regime thinks that will be a late first-round pick The Jaguars do not expect the '26 first-round selection they traded to the Browns in the Hunter trade to be a Top 10 selection any word on how much money ESPN lost when Jags traded to second and ESPN missed out on the planned 15-minute commercial break during fifth Looking at some of the names on our roster it seems like quite a few won't be on this team next year There are 90(ish) players on the Jaguars' roster Fifty-three make the active regular-season roster with 16 on the practice squad and a few others on injured reserve or other designations yes … some of the players now on the roster won't be on the team in 2025 just a shout out for the O-Zone James Gladstone Podcast It was one of your best ones yet and I really liked the Blood Sweat and Tears answer at the conclusion of your podcast I admired and respected Gene Frenette as a journalist and will miss his keen insight In your recent article entitled "Jaguars Addressed Key Needs in the 2025 Draft: Defensive Line Poised for Major Improvement," Gladstone was quoted as saying "I think that whole group is about to take a jump." I hope he is right but I have learned that wishing and hoping do not always come to be It is true that we have improved our defensive line by adding a third edge rusher in Emmanuel Ogbah and "buck linebacker" Jalen McLeod Moving Arik Armstead back inside where he belongs and hope for continued improvement from Maason Smith and Jordan Jefferson is wishful thinking that I hope comes to fruition It is also wishful thinking to hope that DaVon Hamilton returns to pre-back infection form What we needed in the draft and were unable to secure is a big I know that the draft board did not fall our way and I'm glad we didn't reach for perceived need We did get Keivie Rose in undrafted free agency but he is not "intangibly rich." We may pick up a NT after June 1 or even when teams trim rosters to 53 I am afraid we will continue to struggle to stop the run I don't expect the Jaguars to make a major move on the defensive interior before the season The Jaguars' decision-makers see their interior defensive line differently than you if the plan for Hunter is to play on third downs wouldn't an offense be able to stop him from being on the field by going into hurry up Just feels like there are a lot of ways for opposing offenses to keep Hunter off the field if he's only playing part time on defense Hunter's not just going to play on third downs on defense an offense can go hurry up to keep him off the field in some situations This doesn't happen as often as many people think and teams are usually in hurry-up mode at the end of halves or when trying to catch up a the end of games Hunter presumably would be playing in those situations anyway I'd like to propose a whole day's worth of questions/comments about the Northeast Florida cultural icon/thought leader Eugene P Such may not be informative (because who doesn't know about the legend?) but it would be funny and give Doug from Jax Beach an entire day off Senior writer John Oehser answers your questions JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 45-year-old woman who was crossing U.S. 1 (Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway) at Fairfax Street was hit by a car and killed Sunday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Troopers said the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta was headed north on U.S. 1 just before midnight when it hit the pedestrian who was crossing at Fairfax Street. FHP said the driver, a 25-year-old man from Jacksonville, remained at the scene and called 911. He was wearing a seat belt and was not hurt. The report said the impact knocked the pedestrian back onto the sidewalk. 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. 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. Moving to Florida is a dream for many northerners, and Jacksonville offers numerous perks for new residents Considered the gateway to the Sunshine State Jacksonville has a lower cost of living than the state average allowing residents to expect lower costs for groceries Jacksonville has something to suit a wide range of tastes and budgets which will have first-time homebuyers calling “Jax” home in no time at all Let's visit seven of the best Jacksonville neighborhoods to call home in 2025 a vibrant and historic neighborhood in Jacksonville it is one of the oldest continuously operating theaters in Jacksonville the venue operated as a movie house before being converted into an all-ages Christian music venue in 1995 The landmark contributes to the neighborhood’s artistic and cultural vibe The Murray Hill Preservation Association was founded in 1932 and is the oldest neighborhood association in the state Its mission is to preserve Murray Hill’s artistic charm with an eclectic mix of old and new homes as well as green spaces like Jasmine Park and Four Corners Park Median housing prices in April 2025 in this charming neighborhood are around $280,000 St. Johns Bluff is a serene oasis on the St. Johns River. The perfect destination for southern history buffs, the neighborhood is next door to the Fort Caroline National Memorial, which commemorates the failed attempt by the French to colonize the southeastern United States Part of the 46,000-acre Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve and kayaking through the preserve’s salt marshes while keeping an eye out for native wildlife Located fifteen minutes from downtown Jacksonville Johns Bluff will want to take advantage of the proximity to town for shopping at the unofficial community hub known as the Beach Boulevard Flea Market Other notable shopping destinations in the area include the shopping mecca St and big-box retailers such as Costco and Target—median home prices in this safe secluded neighborhood range from $325,000 to $445,000 For residents who want to settle down in a family-friendly neighborhood near the coastal resort of Jacksonville Beach It is close to the top-rated Mayo Clinic Florida and schools such as Chets Creek Elementary and J which are highly sought-after neighborhood perks by retirees and families alike 18-hole Jacksonville Golf & Country Club is also nearby Housing prices hover around $460,000, but it is worth it for beachgoers, given its proximity to the three beaches: Jacksonville, Neptune, and Atlantic Beach, all located on the Atlantic Ocean For residents who want to slow down and enjoy nature the beautifully named Castaway Island Preserve is a nearby park situated on the Intracoastal Waterway where visitors can walk along an elevated platform overlooking a salt marsh and spot a variety of wildlife Although Riverside and Avondale are distinct neighborhoods in Jacksonville they are adjacent to each other and are often referred to by locals as simply “Riverside-Avondale.” Chock a block full of historic homes and a trendy vibe Riverside and Avondale are among Jacksonville’s most desirable neighborhoods all of which are promoted by Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) which showcases small independent businesses in the neighborhood All of this comes with stunning views of the St Johns River from various vantage points in the community The cornerstone of this Jacksonville neighborhood is the Cummer Museum, which features some of Northeast Florida’s most significant gardens designed by prominent landscape gardeners and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Another must-see landmark in the area is the 100-year-old Memorial Park, featuring its iconic bronze “Life” sculpture, dedicated to the fallen soldiers of World War I Riverside and Avondale offer a range of housing options there are still affordable choices available The median home listing prices in April 2025 range between $460,000 and $470,000 Nearby eateries not to be missed include The Bearded Pig for Southern BBQ and beer The friendly Southbank community also hosts regular Sip & Stroll events along the South Riverwalk every 3rd Thursday of the month one-bathroom condos for sale with a median listing price of $225,000 4.5+ bathroom homes with a price tag of $895,000 Along the St. Johns River East Arlington is a suburban oasis with beautiful waterfront views and a wide range of recreational opportunities at the dog-friendly Ed Austin Regional Park East Arlington is ideal for residents who work in downtown Jacksonville The median listing home price in East Arlington during April 2025 was $395,000 the 126-acre Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens offers seven distinct natural hiking trails with creeks and 13 different ecosystems to explore The center also hosts educational programs and special events such as watching North Florida’s top plein air artists at work the 51-acre Tree Hill Nature Center features a hands-on museum dedicated to Florida’s natural history Historically known for its many acres of mandarin orange groves Mandarin is a predominantly residential neighborhood characterized by its Spanish moss-draped oak trees and higher-than-average price tag where home prices range from $210,000 to $4.3 million it features an unparalleled view of the stunning St History buffs will enjoy exploring the Mandarin Museum & Historical Society housed in the historic Mandarin Post Office and Store The museum is in the Walter Jones Historical Park "Uncle Tom’s Cabin" author Harriet Beecher Stowe also spent her winters in Mandarin and her former home is another historical landmark worth visiting A few standout eateries in the neighborhood include the Julington Creek Fish Camp near the popular kayaking spot, the Julington Durbin Creek Preserve, the Wicked Barley Brewing Company with its dog-friendly waterfront garden, and the sophisticated Blue Bamboo Canton Bistro. For an escape to Paris head to Le Petit Paris Café for an aperitif is home to a diverse collection of neighborhoods each with its own distinct character and charm Jacksonville offers the perfect home for everyone From the artsy vibe of Murray Hill to the serene riverfront views in St there are plenty of unique places to explore These are the seven best Jacksonville neighborhoods to call home in 2025; enjoy their attractions and local amenities that make them ideal for new residents photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com Thanks for visiting The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here Chris joined FloridaGators.com in 2011 after nearly three decades as a sports reporter at newspapers in Tampa and Orlando including 10 years covering the UF athletic program and another 10 covering the NFL Scott has been a senior writer for the Florida Gators since 2010 we talk about the Jaguars' new wide receiver duo of Travis Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr For a partial transcript of Liam Coen's comments at the NFL's annual league meetings Q: On how he feels about the roster after free agency Coen: “I think at the end of the day what we looked to do was try to continue to raise the floor of the organization sound football players that love to play the game they’ll come in and mesh really well with some of the players that we already have in our locker room Guys are eager to get in the building as we are as coaches Really excited about the collaboration we’ve had with some of the Draft some of the free agency and our current roster Q: On what he likes about the free agents the team added Coen: “I think if you look with the four OL those guys at the end of the day with [OL Patrick] Mekari [OL] Robert Hainsey and obviously [OL Fred] Johnson They love what it’s about to be an O-lineman so now you have two O-linemen that have been in your system or some version of it with [OL] Luke Fortner and now Hainsey That’ll help spread out to a lot of our players They’ll be able to understand system a little bit quicker and coaches it’s going to help in so many different ways and then obviously on the offensive side as well you add a receiver with [WR] Dyami Brown getting some speed Somebody else that can go down the field so BT [WR Brian Thomas Jr.] is not always having to be that guy on the top shelf you really look at [CB] Jourdan Lewis to be able to bring another veteran defensive back in there to help settle things down in the back end increasing competition with [S] Eric Murray I think we’ve done a nice job with being able to get those players that’ll help settle things in and be able to create that balanced football flow that we’re looking for.” Q: On the importance of those players being aligned with what the team is trying to do We’ve been able to get onboarded so much quicker just because They have almost all been in a version of this system As much as being a head coach for the first time has been amazing I haven’t been able to do as much football as I’m used to So to hear the conversations that are happening in the building to be able to go in there and hear the dialogue and the presentations it's pretty cool because I'm familiar with that flow and so many guys just getting protections onboarded running back coaches have all been in this protection system—think about how much quicker that is to be able to onboard.” Q: On time spent with General Manager James Gladstone We've spent almost every waking minute together throughout the last few weeks It's really just been us together with the help of some others as well that have been part of this process he breaks things down to such an elite level of simplicity for me because he's a lot smarter than I am and so he's able to break down the Draft understand it as well as anybody I've heard have these conversations We've got guys in buckets to where we're trying to look for them and he's been able to map things out for me to be able to understand at a high level.” Follow us on X right now to get into the conversation on Thomas and Hunter @JaguarsOnSI and @_John_Shipley Get into the debate now on the Jaguars and their new WR duo by following our Facebook WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only Betting and gambling content is intended for individuals 21+ and is based on individual commentators' opinions and not that of Sports Illustrated or its affiliates All picks and predictions are suggestions only and not a guarantee of success or profit If you or someone you know has a gambling problem crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER Which of the Jacksonville Jaguars' undrafted rookies could make a push for the 53-man roster during training camp and the preseason Pro Football Network (PFN) recently selected one UDFA from each team who could make their respective 53-man rosters this season, and for the Jaguars Colorado safety Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig was the pick "Silmon-Craig a high-IQ player with a natural feel for the game and his tape shows a defender who’s always around the football," wrote PFN "He truly shines in zone coverage and brings a tone-setting presence as a run defender His competitive fire could help him earn his keep on special teams and as a depth piece early on." Silmon-Craig joins the Jaguars as an experienced collegiate prospect playing just shy of 3,000 career defensive snaps over his four seasons at Colorado He lined up all over the defensive backfield but spent the bulk of his snaps lining up near the line of scrimmage During the 2024 season specifically, Silmon-Craig's tackling improved greatly, and that resulted in him being one of PFF's higher-graded run defenders at the position with one interception and two pass breakups Not to be overlooked when discussing any player making a roster push is that they must be able to contribute on special teams since that is where their playing time is likely to come from Silmon-Craig would play 399 special teams snaps across five of the six different phases while at Colorado Another important part of the equation when it comes to any UDFA having the opportunity to make the final roster is that they need to be at a position group where there is opportunity and the safety spot for the Jaguars could fall into that category with the final roster spot or two up for grabs amongst a few players The Jaguars would seem to have the easiest schedule in the AFC South for 2025 Sharp Football Analysis recently listed the rankings of each NFL teams' strength of schedule Oh, how an offseason can change things. While fans of the Jacksonville Jaguars have known since January who the teams’ finalized opponents would be the offseason changes for multiple opponents and for Jacksonville has upended the NFL landscape When the 2025 lineup of opponents was initially finalized many in the fan base were of the opinion that Jacksonville would likely be in a floundering state under GM Trent Baalke With Trent Baalke no longer with the organization Tony Boselli holding the role of Executive Vice President of Football Operations and Head Coach Liam Coen replacing Doug Pederson significant roster adjustments have been made in both Jacksonville and for their opponents Warren Sharp, of Sharp Football Analysis, recently listed his rankings of each NFL teams’ strength of schedule (SOS) this evaluation of SOS is normally more accurate than using the teams’ 2024 record due to offseason changes and the propensity for the sportsbooks to be closer to the mark NEW: NFL strength of schedule for 2025!5 easiest schedules:1️⃣ 49ers2️⃣ Patriots3️⃣ Saints4️⃣ Falcons5️⃣ Bills5 hardest schedules:2️⃣8️⃣ Vikings2️⃣9️⃣ Eagles3️⃣0️⃣ Lions3️⃣1️⃣ Browns3️⃣2️⃣ Giants1-32 with insight & analysis: https://t.co/iS1PFqfcxx playing in the AFC South absolutely has its advantages for Jacksonville in 2025 Guess our 2025 schedule for your chance to win $100k!@Dream_Finders | #DUUUVAL The Jaguars will play their normal six divisional games in addition to eight matchups against the AFC West and the NFC West “three games will be against teams that also finished third in their respective divisions.” Comparatively, the Tennessee Titans have the eighth-easiest schedule. The Indianapolis Colts have the twelfth easiest schedule. And the reigning AFC South Champion Houston Texans wrap up the division with the eighth-hardest schedule in the NFL Vegas would seem to view Jacksonville as potentially a year away as this sixth-easiest schedule still is coupled with a Vegas win over/under for Jacksonville of 7.5 games Will Jacksonville hit the over in 2025 (8+ wins) Country star Riley Green just added more dates his Damn Country Music Tour, including a stop at Southwest Florida's Hertz Arena. The tour also visits Jacksonville that week “Can't wait to see y'all in Florida,” Green said May 5 on Facebook It’s been a whirlwind year for the Jacksonville singer-songwriter (a former Jacksonville State University quarterback): A string of sold-out shows across Canada five recent nominations for the upcoming ACM Awards (all for his duet with Ella Langley “you look like you love me”); and gold certifications for his songs “Worst Way,” “Jesus Saves” and “Don’t Mind If I Do” (also with Langley) Green is a previous CMA and ACM awards winner, including the ACM Awards’ 2020 New Male Artist of the Year. His other big hits include “There Was This Girl,” “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” "Different 'Round Here" and “Half of Me” (his collaboration with Thomas Rhett) Presales and VIP packages start May 6 for members of the Riley Green fan club A publicist with concert organizers Live Nation didn’t immediately respond to an email requesting pricing information Green also performs Friday, Aug. 8, at Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. For more information and tickets please visit, rileygreenmusic.com Charles Runnells is an arts and entertainment reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News call 239-335-0368 or email crunnells@gannett.com Follow or message him on Facebook(@charles.runnells.7) Instagram and Threads (@crunnells1) and X (@CharlesRunnells) JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A thriving Jacksonville photographer hosted a free workshop on Saturday for teenagers at his studio on the Southside. Blue Franswa said he wants to give aspiring photographers a source or opportunity to work with an industry professional. He gave them insight into the industry and the basics of how to use a camera. He even offered some of them a job to work with him in the future. Franswa even paid all of them for the three hours they spent there. “Your time is valuable, and take that with you,” Franswa said. “I hope that stays with them when they get jobs and create their own jobs for themselves.” Franswa has been in the photography business for more than 16 years now. He said his parents helped foster his work ethic thanks to their entrepreneurial spirit. He credited people in his own community while growing up who he said took the time to mentor him. He said why not pay it forward. “People took the time to prepare me for my future so now it is time for me to give back and do the same,” Franswa said. And that eventually led to him molding his own passion for this form of art. “I could make people feel good, look good, feel confident and then document that moment in time. They have that art from me forever,” Franswa said. He said he also wanted to teach these teenagers life skills in addition to improving their talent with a camera. Things like saving money, budgeting, prioritizing your time, and making time for yourself. “The desire to make a goal and start planning for their lives, no matter how young they are,” Franswa said. “Start planning and visualizing what they want to be when they grow up.” He said he wants to do workshops like that consistently. Several groups, companies and individual donors helped make that event happen. TX - DECEMBER 28: Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) celebrates a long reception during the football game between BYU Cougars and Colorado Buffalos on December 28 (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire) (Icon Sportswire via AP Images) In his first draft as an NFL general manager James Gladstone made an immediate impact by trading up to the No 2 overall pick to select the top-ranked prospect in the 2025 class The bold move from the first-year GM could inject new life into a franchise that has struggled to find consistent success and it helped earn the team solid marks in PFF’s draft grades A generational two-way talent in Round 1: Jacksonville got aggressive to move up for the No Travis Hunter earned PFF receiving and coverage grades of at least 89.0 this past season while logging over 1,500 snaps across 13 games It remains to be seen how much the Jaguars will lean into his versatility but Hunter’s rare ability to make a legitimate impact on both sides of the ball was enticing enough for them to trade up and secure the best prospect in this year’s draft Finding capable defenders in the secondary in Round 3: Caleb Ransaw brings positional versatility to the Jaguars’ secondary His 2023 tape was better (86.3 PFF overall grade) but he showcased impressive ball skills in 2024 (26.1% forced incompletion rate) Paired with his ability as a sure tackler and a strong run defender Ransaw can contribute as a nickel defender at the next level Rookie to watch: RB Bhayshul Tuten Tuten is a slashing runner with serious speed — he posted the fastest 40-yard dash of any back in this year’s class (4.32) — and fits well in a zone-blocking scheme He has the movement skills to be productive between the tackles and the breakaway speed to score on any carry his biggest concern is ball security: he fumbled nine times over the past two seasons it could keep him off the field at the NFL level Position/role battle to watch: T Wyatt Milum vs G Ezra Cleveland Ezra Cleveland hasn’t met expectations since Jacksonville traded for him in 2023 he’s posted sub-50th percentile marks in PFF pass-blocking grade (63.0) and graded positively on just 12.7% of his run plays Given the trade was made by the previous regime it’s unlikely that James Gladstone’s front office feels obligated to see Cleveland’s contract through That likely factored into the selection of Wyatt Milum one of the highest-graded offensive linemen in the 2025 class his balance and strong hands make him a natural fit at guard helping to mitigate any concerns about flexibility Draft grade: B+ PFF's Big Board for the 2026 NFL Draft offers three-year player grades and in-depth player analysis for all of the top draft prospects featuring the most in-depth collection of NCAA player performance data – The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) announced that it will close on Sept 1 to focus on the development of its new state-of-the-art facility on Jacksonville’s Northbank Officials said the groundbreaking for the new museum is scheduled for 2026 The museum will play a vital role in raising Jacksonville’s presence on the global stage MOSH is part of a bigger transformation taking place across the Northbank shipyards A new culture and entertainment hub will emerge with projects like the Stadium of the Future the Four Seasons development and the Emerald Trail expansion reshaping the riverfront The new museum will act as a community space educational resource and economic catalyst for downtown Jacksonville "After decades of serving the community from our current location MOSH is embarking on a bold new chapter to create a museum that will act as both cultural institution and social destination for Northeast Florida,” Dr “As one of the largest museum development projects in America today the new Museum will become a defining regional landmark that fuels civic pride and inspires lifelong learning the new Museum will celebrate the rich history and cultural identity of the First Coast while inspiring future generations to realize the extraordinary potential of this incredibly special region.” MOSH raised more than $95 million in public and private support and unanimous backing from Mayor Donna Deegan and city council Officials anticipate the new museum will nearly triple annual visitation and create more than seven acres of immersive There will be 105,000 square feet of exhibition space interactive discovery labs and innovative programs connecting science MOSH will remain active in the community through pop-up experiences partnerships and educational events across Jacksonville Click here for more information. 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. Ben Schubert – Local produce vendors said they’re seeing the price going up for fruit and vegetable imports due to tariffs promised by the Trump administration RELATED: Here’s what tariffs are and how they work Luis Saldana has been importing for over seven years and he has fruits and vegetables from Mexico He said he can already tell how the prices have changed because of the tariffs In the press release from the White House dated March 3, the Trump administration stated in part: “President Trump continues to demonstrate his commitment to ensuring U.S. trade policy serves the national interest. As President Trump said in the Presidential Memorandum on American First Trade Policy, trade policy is a critical component in national security. President Trump promised in November to “sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders,” the press release stated. The release suggests that the tariffs will stay in effect until drugs and people from Mexico no longer enter the country illegally. Saldana said he sees the impact of the 25% tariffs because wholesalers are getting less food for more money. If someone buys 10 boxes of produce now they are buying five or six instead. “Last year, you would buy a mango for maybe a dollar. Right now it has to be $1.75 a piece because it is a good mango,” Saldana said. We checked several major grocery stores and couldn’t find one with a mango being sold at last year’s price. He said the same thing is happening with other types of produce including everything that comes from Mexico. He has to increase the price for the customer. Mitch James is the assistant General Manager of Jacksonville’s Farmers Market. He said despite the tariffs, loyal customers and local vendors are helping keep prices down for some produce. “We’ve got about five or six that come from west of Jacksonville, predominately going out towards Live Oak that bring in cabbage, greens, broccoli, peppers all the above and that’s the good thing that keeps the fuel cost down which keeps the wholesale and retail price down,” James said. It’s bringing some hope for everyday people trying to feed their families. And as the rest of the year goes on, people will need their produce, but they may have to pay more. Veteran journalist and Emmy Award winning anchor Ben is a journalist and geek with the goal of being a positive voice seeking to build up and educate others. He graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2024 majoring in Journalism and Electronic Media. Victor Rodriguez JACKSONVILLE BEACH – 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. but he's built like a twig in a field full of logs Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has ability we've all seen but can he learn to throw those bread-and-butter intermediate passes accurately when he never has done it his entire career so much hinges on an aging defensive tackle Arik Armstead and a yet-to-really-show-it defensive tackle Maason Smith I think what seems most risky is the running backs Rookie Bhayshul Tuten has electric pace and elusiveness but all three are droppers and fumblers - if they hand the ball over once for every hundred yards they gain I suppose if every player you cite completely washes out and plays awfully the Jaguars could struggle and the whole 2025 season could be a disaster I expect the Jaguars will contend for the Super Bowl We will probably see something somewhere in the middle We will both have to watch the season and find out what happens which is pretty much what people who follow the NFL have do to every season I have been a fan since that day they shot the fireworks off over Jax Landing The thing to me that is so incredibly different than all the others so far is the complete transparency this organization has taken What other NFL general manager would sit down and be so candid You're referencing the O-Zone Podcast with General Manager James Gladstone last week – but you're really referencing the entire approach of this new Jaguars regime so I can't call the access the Jaguars are granting under this regime unprecedented But I have been around the NFL enough to know this is high-level stuff – and from a fan's perspective I am entering into year ten as a season-ticket member and hope my time for a Super Bowl is near You have probably covered enough regime changes in the NFL to know if this one feels any different than all the rest so I can't call this regime different than all the rest I suspect it feels very much like the Los Angeles Rams because of Gladstone's experience and influence in that organization But it does feel high-level and could be pretty damned cool I think the largest hurdle we need to overcome early this season is the mindset to win the close games at the end Those last five minutes in a game make or break a team This was a routine failure for the Jags last season and I think we'll be fine this season if we get a couple to go our way right away The Jaguars will be much better in 2025 if they can be better in close games than they were in 2024 If Travis Hunter only played one side of the ball Jaguars rookie wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter was projected as the best receiver and best corner in the 2025 NFL Draft The best player at these positions in a given year might go around No what do you foresee the roster looking like by position My Scooby Sense – and not my Scobee Sense or Scooter Sense – tells me you're wanting a depth-chart projection for the Jaguars in 2025 Among the most notable aspects of the 2025 Jaguars offseason and training camp is/will be that competition will be very real at multiple positions – and there are many positions at which there legitimately isn't a true favorite here's an early projection for starters: Hunter at receiver; Brenton Strange at tight end; Tank Bigsby at running back; Trevor Lawrence at quarterback; left tackle Walker Little right tackle Anton Harrison on the offensive line; Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker at defensive end DaVon Hamilton and Arik Armstead at defensive tackle; Devin Lloyd Foye Oluokun and Ventrell Miller at linebacker; Tyson Campbell Hunter and Jourdan Lewis at cornerback; and Eric Murray and Caleb Ransaw at safety I expect multiple of those projections to be wrong We're seemingly still celebrating the career/retirement of former longtime Florida Times-Union sports columnist Northeast Florida cultural icon/thought leader Eugene P In the recent article about the defensive line You're referencing a story by yours truly last week on the Jaguars' defensive line Yours truly was listing returning defensive linemen and yours truly mistakenly omitted nose tackle DaVon Hamilton I expect Hamilton will start at nose tackle in 2025 Would it make sense to just give Hunter a specific player to cover on defense I know we wouldn't want to telegraph man coverage but could the coaches hypothetically say "You cover Justin Jefferson" and the rest of the defense could play either man or zone knowing to leave that player one on one with hunter Time management seems pretty mind boggling unless they find a way to simplify his game plan on defense Saying you got this number seems simple and he might be good enough to erase some really good players The Jaguars plan to split Hunter's preparation time as a rookie about 75-25 with 75 percent of the time on offense and 25 on defense I expect he will be one on one with good receivers a lot but this approach is how the Jaguars plan to manage Hunter's time and allow him to play within the defensive scheme A lot of teams use players in dual roles-mostly on one side of the ball – i.e. The important question would be if Trevor goes in to relieve the defensive line does he still wear No have you ever met or been in the presence of someone that you were in awe of I was once at a conference where Eugene "Gene" Kranz was a keynote speaker He was the mission control commander for the Apollo 13 mission I haven't been in awe often since joining the newspaper business shortly after college You get sort of used to being around famous people in this line of work and realize most people aren't that awe-inspiring When I was a freshman at Guilford College in North Carolina in 1984 Michael Jordan and Sam Perkins walked within a foot or two of me when they were walking into a North Carolina basketball game at old Carmichael Auditorium I do remember thinking that was pretty cool Any insight on potential discussions to bring the NFL Draft to Jacksonville after stadium completion Green Bay worked so I have to believe JAX could support it well I have no insight into this because the Stadium of the Future won't be completed until 2028 I expect Jacksonville to host the NFL Draft sometime reasonably soon after that because why wouldn't that happen I'm concerned all the attention Travis is receiving as the next-best wide receiver sent from God may not be sitting well with our actual No I would be surprised if this something is a "thing." it occurs to me that we have a potentially ascending quarterback an interesting mix of running backs and an ascending tight end We'll see whether or not enough was done to upgrade the offensive line It's very difficult to completely overhaul/upgrade an offensive line in one NFL offseason This is particularly true when taking over a 4-13 roster with multiple areas that must be addressed other than offensive line as was the case with the Jaguars this offseason the Jaguars addressed the offensive line significantly in free agency this offseason: Center Robert Hainsey tackle Fred Johnson and lineman Chuma Edoga They then selected guard Wyatt Milum in Round 3 of the NFL Draft and center Jonah Monheim in Round 7 and players such as Johnson and Milum have a chance to compete in training camp That's major investment and major focus on this area Did they select offensive line early enough in the draft Did they go high-profile enough in free agency but they invested major equity in the position and I don't expect them to stop doing so until they get the desired results we needed to replace the general manager that created it and the new general manager can trade away draft capital to rebuild the roster So much so that we can afford to give away next year's draft pick at No How about set expectations about what this team will be You seem either angry or skeptical about something though I confess I'm not quite sure exactly what The Jaguars' new decision-makers – Head Coach Liam Coen General Manager James Gladstone and Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli – are trying to move the roster toward long-term success as quickly and responsibly as possible The expectation within the building is that there's a good chance they can compete for the AFC South next season I don't know whether it's appropriate to call it "rebuilding Maybe we just call it a regime change that's trying to do things right for the long-term and get on for the ride If Gladstone is content with our interior defensive line which by most metrics was below average last year he must expect improvement from the players we have is he expecting a sophomore jump from defensive tackle Maason Smith or possibly defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson or is having Arik Armistead move inside expected to make a big difference Is there a Jag magazine available for subscription But there is a free website that has videos podcasts and a daily "mailbag" in which a devastatingly handsome hilarious intelligent writer answers questions The coolest part of the "mailbag" is how fans daily express their love admiration and appreciation for the writer I can't remember the URL for this free website I may have seen the draft and free pro agency classes published at some point but I'm wondering if you there's a consolidated listed of the undrafted/college free agent class recently signed … thanks in advance One area where I have been remiss this offseason is ensuring that O-Zone readers have full lists of different phases of player acquisition Just as I apparently never bothered to properly summarize the team's unrestricted free-agent signings and draft selections I lazily never provided a list of collegiate free agents Twenty of these free agents signed immediately after the draft with Lassiter and Singer signing a few days later If James Gladstone doesn't work out as an NFL GM then he has a career in motivational speaking at least Listening him talk to Travis Hunter was like dude went into another dimension of communication Gladstone's communication skills are high end I can't say they're far and away the highest I've ever been around in the NFL But I can say they remind me of the best NFL communicators I've been around The reason this matters so much when discussing Gladstone is this: As important as it is for a general manager to properly evaluate talent it's equally important that the general manager communicates at a high level to ensure all in the organization understand the team's direction Given his communication and leadership skills and his ability to install a functional scouting system I will be very surprised if Gladstone's not highly successful as an NFL general manager Travis from Undrafted from Your Friend from Jax how come when we talked at Strings you said I needed to send you $100 every week to read it I've written to you before about my meeting Warren Zevon in the Florida Keys some many years ago He had property there and had commissioned one of our local music-gear gurus to customize him a guitar amp that he could get HIS tone at a lower "Keys" volume When his amp was ready to go and he plugged her up and played her strumming around some chords and screwing with his amp knobs he looked up at us with just a smile and he said I got the sense he was just stoked to be able to take this thing home with him I think that's what he would've said in his response to the Hall of Fame This is about as cool an email as I've received in the O-Zone in a long time And I absolutely think he would have thought him being in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was weird and cool I heard he's building a home studio to run daily podcasts and has investors planning to take his show international with multi-lingual AI When I wrote recently that will not see the likes of longtime Florida Times-Union sports columnist Northeast Florida cultural icon/thought leader Eugene P I meant that Twitter will just feel different without turkeys What will our world be without such things I don't have many memories of him (beside his culinary mastery in roastery) but it seems like the generation is moving on but I got my sports information through newspapers which were pretty limited in Slovenia in 1980s and early 1990s There will never again be the thrill of picking up the paper the smell of the ink or the cut outs of important sporting events being glued on some basement door As James Gladstone sees it To the Jaguars' first-year general manager transparency is a way for fans to understand that this is an organization with a bold And doing that well matters to Gladstone very much we want to give you familiarity and clarity with how we move," he said aggressive trade – one that set the tone for the organization moving forward It was also an expensive trade that Gladstone said showed the alignment of the organization I understand the gravity of a decision of that magnitude careful consideration and a collective buy in "The work from our coaching staff, our scouting staff and even our support staff to make sure we had a very clear vision was something we had to work through "Obviously that took a coordinated effort." Gladstone, too, discussed the Jaguars' decision-makers' philosophy of allowing fans detailed looks at the Jaguars' operations with content such as this podcast and The Hunt – the next episode of which will detail the trade for Hunter and the rest of the '25 draft "We want you all (fans) to understand the 'why' behind it and see it come to life on the grass,'' Gladstone said "We want to make it so you guys are all proud to support it's not all that different from what I'm used to I was the primary point of contact between the scouting staff and the content team we understood this is an entertainment business we want to make sure that access granted in a way that doesn't give us any sort of concern about maintaining competitive advantage but also provides you all with understanding [of how the team operates]." Listen to the entire O-Zone Podcast with Gladstone. Jaguars Senior Writer John Oehser sits with General Manager James Gladstone to debrief on the 2025 NFL Draft Gladstone shares why they had the guts to move up for Travis Hunter and the underlying intentions that guided how the entire draft class was built He defines criteria for 'Jaguars DNA' and expands on how football leadership intends to have a transformational impact on the Jaguars franchise 👀 From the DUUUVAL Draft Party to Travis Hunter's first day as a Jacksonville Jaguar inside the draft room and during our live show programming — we made sure all Jaguars fans were looped in on the action Swipe through some of our best behind-the-scenes photos from our NFL Draft weekend — Jaguars 2025 first round draft pick Travis Hunter during his first day at the Miller Electric Center on April 25 Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski joined senior writer John Oehser for this 2025 offseason O-Zone Podcast discussing – among other topics – expectations entering his first season in his new position: "You appreciate the excitement and you appreciate the raised expectations; that's what makes this thing so fun and so exciting…" Jaguars QB Mac Jones joined senior writer John Oehser for this 2024 Week 16 O-Zone Podcast discussing – among other topics – his motivation with three regular-season games remaining: "For me CB Jarrian Jones joined senior writer John Oehser for this 2024 Week 15 O-Zone Podcast discussing – among other topics – the future of the Jaguars: "We've got something here TE Evan Engram joined senior writer John Oehser for this 2024 Week 14 O-Zone Podcast discussing – among other topics – how the Jaguars will approach the rest of the regular season: "We came into this season putting in a lot of work; we have the right mindset no matter the circumstance to finish the job together…" P Logan Cooke joined senior writer John Oehser for this 2024 Week 11 O-Zone Podcast discussing – among other topics – his status as the Jaguars' most-tenured player: "It's a blessing; I never thought I'd be here DE Travon Walker joined senior writer John Oehser for this 2024 Week 10 O-Zone Podcast discussing – among other topics – the Jaguars' 2-7 start to the season: "It's the simple mistakes we're messing up on at critical moments; we can't do that if we want to be a top team in the NFL…" RB Tank Bigsby joined senior writer John Oehser for this 2024 Week 8 O-Zone Podcast discussing – among other topics – overcoming a difficult 2023 rookie season to become a feel-good story of the Jaguars' 2024 season: "This league is about opportunities…" CB Montaric Brown joined senior writer John Oehser for this 2024 Week 7 O-Zone Podcast and discussed – among other topics – his path from a seventh-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft to being one of the Jaguars' best defensive players: "My goal is to get better and better…" joined senior writer John Oehser for this week's 2024 Week 3 O-Zone Podcast: "This is what you dream of as a little kid…" Jaguars C Mitch Morse joined senior writer John Oehser for this week's 2024 Week 2 O-Zone Podcast: "You have to be who you are because people see through you if you're not; I'm just going to try to be a professional every day…" Jaguars DL Arik Armstead joined senior writer John Oehser for this week's 2024 Week 1 O-Zone Podcast: "I've been versatile my entire career; with versatility that allows flexibility for the coach to be able to move you around and put you in a position to be successful…" – 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. Last year at this time, Jacksonville police engaged in just one shooting. Sunday they doubled that in two days and are at eight for the year This one took place at Normandy Estates Mobile Home Park at 8985 Normandy Blvd where officers were called to a domestic situation about 11 a.m The suspect had a history of drug abuse and in the past week overdosed and was continuing his concerning ways so his live-in girlfriend decided not to spend the night She came back in the morning to get some of her belongings and see how things were going but he came out and started throwing things at her vehicle So she went to a gas station and called police to assist her The officer met her at the gas station and they proceeded to her home “the suspect comes out and literally begins to attack the officer’s vehicle," Parker said he said the man continued to come after him and "basically take the fight to him." noting he had texted his girlfriend earlier that he's going to die today the officer pulled forward and forced him into a yard "He got out of his vehicle with his gun drawn without specifying what he was holding but referencing some "stuff in his hands." On Monday the Sheriff's Office included a photo of some scissors at the scene "The suspect came around and charged him," and the officer shot him He has been identified as 40-year-old Michael Lee Wright who has been with the department five years and this was his first police shooting What happened in the other Jacksonville police shooting?Two nights earlier on May 2 an officer shot and killed a 58-year-old man who had two knives and the Sheriff's Office said was about stab two others who were already "cut up pretty good." with Officer Delong Zheng responding to a call in the 4200 block of Jillian Drive on the Westside and being flagged down He got out of his patrol vehicle and went in between some homes where he heard yelling and saw a man and woman bleeding on the ground with the suspect standing in front of them The officer ordered him to drop the knives but Parker said he instead raised them and "gets within just a couple feet of these two people to attack them again," and Zheng fatally shot him Jacksonville police shooting: Mom of bulletproof-clad police shooter and the possible target reveal stunning new details but the reason for the attack was still being determined and their relationships The Sheriff's Office on Monday identified the suspect as Norbal Garcia Jr Jacksonville has now equaled last year's total of eight police shootings three being fatal in 2024 and four already this year (This story has been updated with the May 2 suspect's name and a photo of the scissors recovered at the May 4 scene.) The coyote that unleashed five attacks on people and dogs over two days in Atlantic Beach and was killed by police had rabies the Florida Department of Health confirmed The department issued a rabies alert for Duval County and said it is monitoring the disease among animals in the area "All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is currently present in the wild animal population," health officials said "People and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals (e.g. which carry a higher risk of humanexposure and a need for rabies post-exposure treatment." The alert is for 60 days and includes the following areas in Duval County: Both Atlantic Beach Police Chief Victor Gualillo and Mayor Curtis Ford had indicated it was highly possible the coyote which Ford said is believed to have been female was diseased due to its unusual aggression They also believe it's just the one coyote that's responsible The attacks were all in the area of Begonia Street on April 29 and 30 Two involved people walking their dogs and two were by a junkyard where the animal may have found shelter and prey an officer spotted the coyote and fired a shot after it came toward him it wasn't until the next day that officers discovered it had been wounded and died under a car at the junkyard Wildlife officials said it is very rare that coyotes would attack humans but they can be protective of their pups and territory Gualillo said they've known for several years that coyotes exist in Atlantic Beach considering they are backed up to the marsh "We've been tracking coyotes in Atlantic Beach since 2013," the chief said we worked with FWC [Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission] and some partners .. and looked at the coyote population at that time There's nothing unusual about the coyote population as far as numbers .. We saw at that time we didn't have a large population we had an average-sized population the Beaches area What precautions should be taken to prevent being exposed to rabies?The Health Department provided the following advice during rabies alerts: Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash and keep livestock secured on yourproperty seek veterinary assistance for the animalimmediately and contact Animal Care and Protective Services at (904) 630-CITY feed or unintentionally attractthem with outdoor pet food open garbage cans or other sources of food If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal seek medical attention and reportthe injury to the county Health Department by calling (904) 253-1295 Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood Contact Animal Care and Protective Services from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes schools and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets For more information on rabies, visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies 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. 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. – First Coast Crime Stoppers held a digital conference to highlight the cold case of a Jacksonville woman who was murdered in 1999 The executive director is hoping that by using social media He’s also hoping that when people watch the digital series it sparks a memory they might have forgotten she was stabbed to death in a shed located at 1438 Hubbard Street in the Springfield area of Jacksonville The shed where Vegas was found no longer exists but officials encouraged people to visit the street and see if it looks familiar Bernice and her family members are pleading for anyone to come forward with answers surrounding the death of her sister She said it means more than anyone would know for her sisters’ case to kick things off “I hope that it has an ending that is the one we’re expecting that’s why we need the community to really help us Somebody out there knows something,” Bernice said She said her murderer caused a lot of pain to the family and Vegas’ children you took away the possibility for her children to enjoy their mother You took away my possibility of having memories with my sister Vegas’ sisters and her best friend described the 39-year-old as funny someone who was always there to hear your problems and a person who would talk to anyone is hopeful that something will happen in the cold case of her sister “Something is going to come out of this for either our family or future families that are looking for closure It’s not clear when the next digital news conference will be but you can submit any tips to First Coast Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS Click here to watch the full video. Khalil Maycock joined the News4JAX team in November 2022 after reporting in Des Moines, IA. I just saw that Gene "The Dream" Frenette is retiring Does an icon like Gene really retire or is this just a rouge Sports columnist Gene Frenette indeed officially announced his retirement this week after 44 years with Jacksonville newspapers – first with the now-defunct Jacksonville Journal and for the last 30-some-odd years with the Florida Times-Union Loyal O-Zone readers – and he knows who he is – may be confused by that first sentence because I usually refer to Gene as "longtime Florida Times-Union sports columnist and Northeast Florida cultural icon/thought leader Eugene P "Gene" Frenette" in this column – the extended moniker being a humorous(??) reference that's part of a long-running good-natured O-Zone joke regarding Gene We'll reference Gene in this fashion in these parts again soon enough I'll step away from that to say this: While Gene undoubtedly had his quirks and foibles – and while his Thanksgiving turkey on Twitter and other "Twitter" missteps undoubtedly gave us years of perverse joy – Gene is a damned good loyal person who cares as passionately about his profession as any journalist I've had the privilege to work with and know and we worked together 13 years at the Times-Union I am honored and proud to call him a friend fuller and more enjoyable because I have worked with and around Gene So … here's to longtime Florida Times-Union sports columnist and Northeast Florida cultural icon/thought leader Eugene P "Gene" Frenette's well-deserved and hard-earned retirement It's safe to say no one who ever has met him one would dispute this Drafting Hunter has led to increased Jaguar interest and buzz has the best-selling rookie jersey this year Do you think this will translate to more primetime games this year when schedule come out I'm skeptical that the NFL will schedule the Jaguars on prime-time this season solely because of the presence of rookie wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter he is a star; he perhaps has more star power than any player in franchise history But remember: The Jaguars went 4-13 last season A record in that range combined with a small market franchise usually means having one lower-profile prime-time game in a season – even with the addition of a major star Still: When the Jaguars start winning – and they will start winning again – Hunter being on the roster likely will accelerate the Jaguars' ascension onto more prime-time games in a hurry Will Travis Hunter's playing time on both sides of the ball turn into a distraction that could be negative for the team like Jalen Ramsey's "back injury" Gene had been working at the Times-Union seven years when I arrived there in '88 and he worked there 24 years after I left in 2001 But thought you should know that in Hong Kong we are at the highest bar in the world - the O-Zone I don't think I can send u a pic but the reality is you are world famous!! Will the Jags field a team in the future with defensive end Josh Hines-Allen defensive end Travon Walker and Hunter all on second contracts or long-term extensions The tricky element here will be timing rather than quality of players or whether a player from the group is "deserving" of a second contract The tricky timing part involves defensive end Hines-Allen and Hunter Hunter likely wouldn't play on a second contract until 2028 or 2029 That would be Hines-Allen's 10th or 11th season making the timing tricky – if not impossible Another thought: Hunter has yet to practice in the NFL Perhaps we let him take a snap or two and sign his first contract before we worry about the second Everyone seems to be suspicious about the offensive line or suspicious of what Travis Hunter can or can't do He has been significantly injured the last two seasons and has yet to earn his draft status or his paycheck He has been given more assets on offense than any quarterback in this franchise short of Mark Brunell Everything hinges on that position in my opinion The Jaguars from this view have a chance to improve next season One reason is a more stable structure/direction around Lawrence But the biggest factor that will determine success or failure remains Lawrence I think John from beautiful Cape May has it right with his Travis Hunter playing third downs two-minute situations and the entire fourth quarter but also him making a few surprise appearances throughout the game to keep the opponent honest Do you expect to see more two-way players in the coming years given how TH was drafted How helpful is it to the cap to have two-way players I expect we will see more two-way players in college in the next five years(ish) because of Hunter's collegiate success I expect we will see more two-way players in the NFL It's difficult to know for sure how two-way players will affect the salary cap I expect it will help a great deal on the player's rookie deal because of the rookie wage scale/salary cap We don't know yet how teams will have structure contracts/pay two-way players on second and third contracts but I expect the benefit to the cap will be far less than on rookie deals because teams likely will have to pay them more based on the increased role then we'll know it was the Gene Frenette curse." teams use situational players to rush the quarterback in passing situations Could Hunter be used specifically in passing situations to alleviate the wear and tear on early downs It's not the option the Jaguars are going to take The plan here isn't as mysterious as some observers believe every-situation player on offense at the start of his career He's going to play more situationally – but extensively – on defense I have yet to see this column list the free agents this team acquired the draft selections they made and the rookie free agents they got altogether I'm seeing a bit of angst around here over the state of the Jaguars' defensive line I'd like to point out that sack totals last year were abysmal due in part to opposing quarterbacks releasing the ball immediately to wide open receivers I would also point out that the great Sacksonville line was helped immensely by the best Jaguars secondary I've ever seen I've received multiple questions along these lines this offseason and more than a few since the Jaguars opted not to select a defensive lineman in the 2025 NFL Draft – and I've reiterated more than once that the Jaguars' decision-makers like a lot about their defensive line One obvious reason is Walker and Hines-Allen are high-end players who are experienced and talented enough to be the foundation of the defense but veteran Arik Armstead moving from end to tackle theoretically could help There is also a lot of intrigue around second-year veteran Maason Smith But yes … improved secondary play could help I'm a believer that great defensive line helps a secondary far more than a great secondary helps a line but great secondary play sure isn't a negative He says he has a lot more time on his hands – Jacksonville University College of Law marked a historic milestone as its inaugural class of 14 graduates known as the “Fab 14,” prepares to enter the legal profession with a 100% job placement rate ahead of taking the bar exam “They’re tremendous,” said Nick Allard, Dean of the JU College of Law, speaking about the graduating class during a recent interview on This Week in Jacksonville. “What an experience we had at that commencement. They were appearing before their parents and family, but so many community leaders who have invested in making this early success of the law school.” The achievement represents a significant moment for Jacksonville’s legal community, as JU Law becomes the 12th law school in Florida and the first to open in more than two decades. Located in downtown Jacksonville’s legal epicenter, the law school’s strategic positioning near state and federal courthouses has proven instrumental in its graduates’ success. “The businesses and the economic infrastructure really needs a local source of high quality legal services to enter into the fray,” Allard said. “It’s just part of the model of what a great city needs and deserves.” The success of JU Law’s inaugural class reflects extensive preparation and community support. “There was ten years of preparation, led by Tim Cost and a lot of talented people who did feasibility studies and knew that this was necessary,” Allard said. He particularly praised Jacksonville’s bench and bar for their engagement and support of the program. The law school has already shown significant growth since its inception. Current enrollment stands at 78 students, with the Class of 2027 comprising 44 students from 21 undergraduate institutions. The program has attracted students from prestigious universities, including Florida State University, the University of Florida, Pennsylvania State University, and the University of Texas. All 14 graduates have secured employment before taking the bar exam, with positions ranging from local law firms to government offices. “Most of our students now are going to great jobs in the city, in the local courts and local, high-level law firms,” Allard said. The success aligns with the school’s mission to provide quality legal education focused on experiential learning and community partnerships. “We are determined to keep returning that investment, that confidence in compound interest,” Allard emphasized. Looking ahead, the law school continues to maintain high standards in its admissions and academic programs. The current student body reflects diversity in both background and experience, with student ages ranging from 20 to 49 and a 29.55% racial and ethnic diversity rate. “We are not going for a C minus or a B or just to have another law school,” Allard said. “We are trying to be an A+ in everything we do.” Kent Justice co-anchors News4Jax's 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts weeknights and reports on government and politics. He also hosts "This Week in Jacksonville," Channel 4's hot topics and politics public affairs show each Sunday morning at 9 a.m. – Mayor Donna Deegan’s Office said on Friday that a firearm registry policy that’s being questioned by a councilmember was created before she took office The mayor’s response comes after Councilman Nick Howland said in an X post on Thursday that the city has maintained an “illegal firearm registry” for nearly two years at City Hall and the Yates building. News4JAX has confirmed that a member of Florida Carry, a non-profit gun rights advocacy group, reported the original allegation. The group is expected to release a statement later Friday. Howland said that Floridians should be “outraged.” “The Deegan Administration has kept a registry of individuals who lawfully carry personal firearms into City Hall--a blatant violation of state law and likely the Constitution. Florida is a ”no registry" state for a reason. Violating that law carries steep penalties," Howland wrote. Former Mayor Lenny Curry sent a letter warning that if true, this policy could expose the city and taxpayers to lawsuits. Howland also said he asked the Mayor’s Office, Office of General Counsel, and Public Works to attend the Rules Committee meeting on May 5 at 2 p.m. to discuss the alleged illegal firearm registry. “What we know is that since July 2023, when this administration took office, it’s apparently been collecting names and personal information of people who’ve brought legally owned firearms into City Hall and the Yates Building,” Howland said. “What we don’t know is who gave that directive. Was it someone who is a contract administrator within public works, or does it go high up in the administration?” Mayor Donna Deegan’s office released a statement in response to the allegations. The policy in question was created and written before Mayor Deegan took office. In light of the issue that has been raised, we are undergoing a review of all policy directives, particularly those from the previous administration that were left for us on their way out. Mayor Deegan and the leadership of her administration fully support constitutionally protected rights. As we stated yesterday, the City of Jacksonville has received and complied with a subpoena from the State Attorney’s Office. Out of respect and in full cooperation with their review, we do not have further comment at this time. News4JAX also reached out to the State Attorney’s Office and said it “cannot confirm whether a subpoena was issued or whether there is an investigation.” News4JAX obtained public records showing internal questions about Florida’s new permitless carry law--also known as House Bill 543--that were already circulating on Mayor Deegan’s first days in office. The state’s permitless carry law took effect the same day Mayor Deegan began her term. Records we’ve obtained so far don’t contain anything regarding a gun registry. We’ve asked for that document and city officials said they’re working to send it to us. Howland also said he hasn’t seen the policy. Councilmember Matt Carlucci released a statement on the matter. “Councilmembers and outside actors should step back from jumping to conclusions before all the facts and details are known,” Carlucci said. “Time has a way of sorting things out fairly.” Tarik anchors the 4, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. weekday newscasts and reports with the I-TEAM.