On Friday, February 23, 2024, tragedy struck the 1500 block of West 2nd Street in Jacksonville. Just before 11:30 a.m., the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office received reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers and members of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department found 16-year-old Layla D. Johnson inside a residence, sufferingContinue Reading
(The Center Square) – The Orange County Commission has agreed to spend $4.5 million in leftover federal COVID-19 relief funds to pay off the medical debts of county residents. A group called Central Florida Jobs with Justice requested that the county spend $8.7 million of COVID-19 relief money for medicalContinue Reading
An arrest has been made in the December 2023 murder of Derek M. Pitts. On December 29, 2023, just after 11:30 p.m., as Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) responded to reports of a shooting in the 10200 block of Old St. Augustine Road. Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered 16-year-oldContinue Reading
(The Center Square) – A legislative proposal to limit the number of drop-off ballot boxes in this year’s Florida elections and to bring back primary run-off elections in 2026, is generating criticism from a nonprofit voting rights group. Amy Keith, executive director of Common Cause Florida, said the proposed legislationContinue Reading
On Thursday, February 22, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) collaborated with over 20 local partners to offer vital services to citizens in need. The event aimed to provide a comprehensive support system for those facing various challenges. Thanks to the collective efforts of the partnersContinue Reading
(The Center Square) – State, local and federal law enforcement agencies continue to target Mexican cartel drug crimes occurring in Florida. Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution on Friday secured a 25-year prison sentence for a Latin King gang member involved in a massive drug trafficking organization. Simultaneously,Continue Reading
Wanted fugitive Ralph Serrano, 61, was apprehended in Sumter County after a standoff with law enforcement. Serrano, highlighted as the Wanted Person of the Week by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, faced charges of Felony Battery and had failed to appear for court. His resistance led to an additional chargeContinue Reading
(The Center Square) – Restrictions on Florida youth under the age of 16 signing up for social media accounts is under review by Gov. Ron DeSantis to possibly become the law. The Legislature approved the measure and has sent it to the second-term Republican. “We’ll be processing that today andContinue Reading
(The Center Square) — Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Friday the deployment of Florida National Guard troops, along with state troopers, to the southern border. DeSantis said at a news conference in Pensacola that 76 members of the Florida Highway Patrol are being sent, while 50 National Guardsmen will alsoContinue Reading
(The Center Square) — A Florida House committee advanced several measures this week that will stamp down on the unlawful sale of alcoholic beverages, increase penalties for street racing and remove barriers to firearm ownership. House Bill 1123 is sponsored by state Rep. Doug Bankson, R-Apopka and Rep. Taylor Yarkosky,Continue Reading