JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A senior at Mandarin High School is gaining attention for combining scientific research with advocacy to address gaps in pediatric cancer care. Lidia Rak has already built an impressive résumé before graduation, conducting statistical research on cancer trends in Jacksonville, advocating before lawmakers and contributing to aContinue Reading
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A teacher at Ribault Middle School has been selected for a nationally recognized civics fellowship, placing her among 100 educators chosen from across the country. Monet Baker-Weatherspoon, a civics teacher and Social Studies department lead, was named a delegate for the “We the Teachers: Preparing the NextContinue Reading
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The legacy of football and track legend Bob Hayes continues to grow in Jacksonville, where a school track and field facility has been officially named in his honor. The field, now designated the “Bob Hayes Track and Field,” was unveiled during a dedication ceremony in early AprilContinue Reading
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Duval County Public Schools has partnered with BusPatrol America to roll out a new safety initiative aimed at protecting more than 30,000 students who ride school buses each day. The School Bus Stop-Arm Camera Violation Program officially began April 1, equipping more than 900 district buses withContinue Reading
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department will illuminate several city landmarks in red from April 26 through May 3 as part of a national tribute honoring firefighters who died in the line of duty. Locations participating in the tribute include JFRD headquarters, the Fallen Firefighter Memorial, StationContinue Reading
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department’s Marine Division recently joined several regional and federal agencies for advanced water rescue training aimed at strengthening coordination during emergencies on local waterways. The Boat Operator Search and Rescue (BOSAR) course was held last week at U.S. Coast Guard Station Mayport andContinue Reading
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — City officials have issued an immediate burn ban across Duval County as dangerous wildfire conditions continue to intensify due to extreme drought and weather conditions. The City of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department announced the ban April 30, prohibiting all open burning until furtherContinue Reading
PENSACOLA, FL — A 38-year-old Beulah man was arrested Tuesday after an investigation revealed he was allegedly using artificial intelligence to generate child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Tyler Michael Vanover faces nine felony charges following a digital probe that began earlier this year. The arrest was part of a statewideContinue Reading
STARKE, FL — A 59-year-old Bradford County man was arrested Wednesday as part of a statewide law enforcement initiative targeting the digital exploitation of children. Gary Eugene Adams, of Starke, faces multiple felony charges following an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Adams has been charged withContinue Reading
ZEPHYRHILLS, FL — A 69-year-old Pasco County man was arrested Wednesday afternoon following an undercover operation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) targeting the distribution of illegal digital material. Frank Ruiz Tonin was taken into custody on April 29, 2026, and faces 18 felony counts related to theContinue Reading