Accused robber shot, critically injured after police pursuit from Florida to Georgia, deputies say
A Georgia man led police on a pursuit across five counties from Florida to Georgia after robbing a Palm Coast gas station before being shot by a Camden County gas station clerk, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office told News 6 partner WJXT-TV.
Documents: Aiden Fucci got into jail fight, threatened to kill inmates, officers
Jail reports obtained Thursday from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office show Aiden Fucci, the teenager charged in the murder of 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey, has been involved in multiple disturbances while incarcerated at the Duval County jail, according to a report from News 6 sister station News4JAX in Jacksonville.
Florida zookeeper ‘viciously’ attacked by bear, report shows
The 35-year-old zookeeper who was “viciously” attacked Wednesday by a 5-year-old North American black bear at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens suffered many lacerations on her head, back and thighs, according to a police report obtained Thursday by News 6 partner News4JAX.
Man with ax who tried to enter Jacksonville elementary school shot by DCPS officer, police say
A man carrying a large ax attempted to gain entry Friday afternoon to Ruth N. Upson Elementary School, according to the Duval County school superintendent, and the DCPS police chief said that person then left the campus and was later shot by a DCPS officer after refusing commands to drop his weapon.
Driver fleeing hit-and-run crash dies after trying to ram gate at Naval Air Station in Jacksonville
A driver who attempted to crash through the Birmingham Gate at Naval Air Station Jacksonville died after gate sentries deployed the protective barrier that stopped the vehicle from entering the base, Navy officials said.
House members discuss bill that would make ‘Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing’ a national hymn
The House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties met Friday to discuss a bill that would make “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” the national hymn of the United States, News 6 partner WJXT-TV reported.
Citizens, activists removed from Gov. DeSantis’ news conference in Jacksonville
A group of activists and citizens who are unhappy with Gov. Ron DeSantis' handling of the COVID-19 pandemic were removed from the Florida Department of Health building in Duval County ahead of a news conference being held by the governor.
Gov. DeSantis proposes anti-immigration laws for Florida’s next legislative session
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference at the Jacksonville International Airport Friday to propose a series of legislative reforms meant to deter contractors and private entities from relocating people to Florida who illegally cross the U.S.-Mexico border.
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Jacksonville mayor opts to end city’s coronavirus mask mandate
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry has opted to allow Duval County’s mask mandate to expire this week, News 6 partner News4Jax reported. AdCurry said that even though he decided to lift the mandate, businesses can still require customers to wear masks. “So I think that we maintain our vigilance and continue to wear a mask. The Fernandina Beach City Commission voted March 2 to extend its mask mandate until April 7. News4Jax did not find any other local city with a current mask mandate in effect.
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In Florida's Old South, a new political battleground emerges
“Black voters in this part of the state are critical to winning statewide,” said Adrianne Shropshire, the executive director of BlackPAC. Democrats outnumber Republicans by nearly 40,000 registered voters in Duval County, and more than half of the county's Democrats are African American. That was not the case when Hillary Clinton lost in Duval County to Trump in 2016. The area has also been a proving ground for Trump's attempt to peel off some Black voters — especially Black men — from Democrats. In Duval County, she won by a margin of fewer than 3,000 votes.
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Orange County COVID-19 testing site to offer self-swab lanes to reduce wait time
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A self-swab lane will be available to patients with coronavirus symptoms at the Orange County Convention Center to reduce the wait times to get a test. This program will be available at four different sites in Florida:The War Memorial Auditorium in Fort LauderdaleRegency Square Mall in Duval CountyOrange County Convention CenterHard Rock Stadium in MiamiAppointments can be made at this link for the Orange County Convention Center and the Regency Square Mall sites. The department of health said results of the self-swab tests will be sent to a separate lab will be available within 72 hours through email. The DOH said the Orange County Convention Center will be able to administer 500 self-swab tests a day. Health officials said if this program works they will expand it to more state testing sites.
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Governors who quickly reopened backpedal as virus surges
(Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman via AP)AUSTIN, Texas When Texas began lifting coronavirus restrictions, Republican Gov. He pointed out that the White House backed his plan and gave assurances there were safe ways to go out again. Doug Ducey, also a Republican, did the same, declaring the state on pause as hospitals accelerate toward capacity. But the Republican governor has resisted calls to require them, arguing that it would be difficult to enforce in a rural state. Hutchinson also says hes concerned such a mandate could spark a backlash, with people refusing to wear masks.
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Authorities search for escaped Florida inmate
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. A Florida prisoner escaped during a work release program, authorities said Tuesday. Steven Jacob Matthews-Bull, 31, was convicted of burglary and sentenced to a private program that allows Duval County jail inmates to work during the day and attend substance-abuse treatment, education and vocation courses at night, according to the Sheriff's office. Proram officials said they found drugs on Matthews-Bull when he reported back to the facility. He then fled from corrections employees into some nearby woods. The Florida Times-Union reported Matthews-Bull was last seen wearing a white shirt, blue jeans and silver and black athletic shoes, and has multiple tattoos on his body, arms and hands.
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Girl, 11, disappeared in Jacksonville, may be headed to Orlando, officials say
ORLANDO, Fla. Authorities believe an 11-year-old girl who disappeared Monday from the 9800 block of 103rd Street in Jacksonville may be traveling to Orlando. Officials described Kimberly Aguilar-Cruz as Hispanic with brown eyes and black hair. Kimberly was last seen wearing a gray shirt with a picture of SpongeBob, gray tights with a pink striped shirt, and white and gray shoes. Officials said Kimberly was last seen getting into a small model SUV. Anyone with information on Kimberlys whereabouts is asked to call 911 or contact the Jacksonvilles Sheriffs Office at 904-630-0500.