A nonprofit organization focused on home repairs and rehabilitation services is expanding its presence to Jacksonville, with a particular emphasis on serving veterans and low-income homeowners.

Families of detainees in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can track their location online, but for those housed at “Deportation Depot” or “Alligator Alcatraz,” it may take longer to appear in the system. However, a new Florida bill aims to change that.

Heavy smoke in Putnam County Wednesday morning prompted the closure of multiple roads, which then led to two schools canceling classes to keep bus drivers and parents off the dangerous roads.

A controversial hologram that stood at the Jacksonville International Airport for months has been removed after the agreement between the city and the airport expired on Sunday, according to Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan.

Both directions of State Road 20 in Putnam County were closed early Wednesday due to “extremely heavy smoke in the area,” prompting Robert H. Jenkins Jr. Elementary and Interlachen Jr.–Sr. High School to close for the day, according to the sheriff’s office.

An effort to expand the armed “school guardian” program to colleges and universities, following a deadly on-campus shooting near the Capitol last year, took another step forward in the House Tuesday.

Fans of Bahama Breeze restaurants are being met with unwanted news this week, as the company behind the chain announced that all locations will soon be shut down, News4JAX sister station WKMG in Orlando reported.

While cold has been the big story over the past few weeks, another big story continues to unfold. Drought conditions continue to increase and worsen across Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida.

The Florida Forest Service said the extreme drought, high wind and lack of hurricanes this tropical season created a climate for the fast-moving Putnam County fires over the last week.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will hold a news conference Tuesday morning in Tampa.

NASA's long-awaited moonshot with astronauts is off until at least March because of leaking hydrogen fuel.

The "Schools of Hope" law permits charter schools to “co-locate” within public school buildings, but parents and public school advocates are voicing strong opposition to recent proposed rule changes by the state Department of Education.

Secretary of State Cory Bryd’s Department of State had posted that “All twenty-two active proposed constitutional amendments by initiative petitions failed to meet the requirements of Florida law for placement on the 2026 General Election ballot.”

People in North Carolina are digging out from a foot or more of snow and Florida farmers need their frozen plants to thaw before they can assess the damage.

According to state health data, four cases of measles have now been reported in Duval County in 2026. A pediatric infectious disease doctor in Jacksonville explained that just three cases, “by definition, is an outbreak.”

A 250-year-old live oak, a landmark in an Atlantic Beach neighborhood, was recently cut down, leaving neighbors saddened and concerned about preserving the city’s historic trees.

NASA has run into exasperating fuel leaks in a make-or-break test of the moon rocket that's supposed to send astronauts on a lunar fly-around.

The Atlanta DEA's Operation Fentanyl Free America has led to a decrease in fentanyl overdoses but has also uncovered new smuggling tactics and drug trends in Southeast Georgia, highlighting ongoing challenges in the fight against illegal drugs.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis nominated on Friday three people for appointment and one for reappointment to the Jacksonville Transportation Authority board of directors, according to News4JAX partners at the Jacksonville Daily Record.

The Rowdy Reptiles were ready for Charles Bediako.

Nikita Kucherov scored the tying goal in the third period, Jake Guentzel scored the only goal in the shootout, and the Tampa Bay Lightning rallied from a four-goal deficit to beat the Boston Bruins 6-5 in front of 64,617 fans at an NHL Stadium Series game.

Get the inside scoop on Florida's new coaching era and what fans can expect from the Gators' revamped offense and defense.

Nelly Korda is a winner again after the Tournament of Champions was reduced to 54 holes because of cold and wind.

The Florida Department of Health and Duval County Department of Health launched a pop-up vaccination clinic Sunday morning in response to recent measles cases in Northeast Florida.

NASA has begun a two-day practice countdown for its first moonshot with astronauts in 53 years.

First-time homebuyers can save thousands over the life of a loan by “buying down” their interest rate before closing, and consumers who want their cash to work harder are increasingly turning to high-yield savings accounts, local financial advisers say.

Florida coach Todd Golden insists he wasn’t being disrespectful when he said “we’re gonna beat ’em anyways” while responding to Alabama center Charles Bediako’s return to college basketball.

Extreme cold, freeze warnings, and dangerous wind gusts are expected for Jacksonville, as detailed by News4JAX meteorologist Katie Garner. Prepare for lows in the teens and 20s, wind chills in the single digits, and a multi-day freeze event.

Temperatures will drop below freezing this weekend in parts of Florida, but it’s not the coldest weather the state has experienced.

Counties across northeast Florida are stepping up preparations as the National Weather Service forecasts overnight temperatures at or below freezing Sunday through Tuesday, officials said.

Just weeks after the News4JAX I-TEAM exposed dangerous living conditions at a Westside apartment complex — including a massive sinkhole and residents going days without running water — the property has changed hands through a foreclosure.

Two Florida public school employees have been arrested following a child abuse investigation involving a 10-year-old student, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles announced that beginning Friday, Feb. 6, all driver license knowledge and skills examinations will be administered exclusively in English.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference Friday morning to talk about the state’s “America 250″ celebrations that are planned for this year.

The four crew members of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission began their routine two-week quarantine on Wednesday at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston ahead of their upcoming launch to the International Space Station.

JEA shared important advice on Friday for customers to prepare their homes for the extreme cold this weekend.

A man convicted of fatally shooting a police officer during a traffic stop is set to be Florida’s third execution of 2026.

Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis will hold a roundtable discussion in Tallahasse on Friday morning.

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino dismisses criticism of World Cup ticket prices by American winger Tim Weah.

According to a report for our sister station WKMG in Orlando, a Florida family suing a Central Florida IVF clinic after giving birth to a baby who does not share their genetics said Thursday “there is hope that we will be able to introduce our daughter to her genetic parents and to find our own genetic child soon.”

A Florida House panel Thursday backed a wide-ranging plan that seeks to trim health-care regulations and carry out federal changes in programs such as food stamps and Medicaid.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating the reported deaths of dozens of vultures at Blue Spring State Park, according to an FWC spokesperson.

After a Florida nurse lost her job over a viral TikTok video, state records show she’s now had her license taken away, as well, according to reporting from News4JAX sister station WKMG in Orlando.

Despite the cold temperatures, dozens of volunteers were out Thursday morning across Jacksonville to help count people experiencing homelessness. This effort, spearheaded by the nonprofit Changing Homelessness, is part of the annual Point-in-Time Count.

A loggerhead sea turtle has returned to the Atlantic Ocean after rehabilitation at a Florida turtle hospital.

Winter's brutal grip on the U.S. East will continue in the coming days, with subfreezing temperatures reaching into Florida and a potential blizzard threatening the Atlantic coast.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will hold a news conference Wednesday morning in Valrico.

Wednesday marked 40 years since the space shuttle Challenger accident that killed seven crew members. The mission was not just to launch satellites but to launch the first teacher in space.

Breaking down the early momentum from Florida's 2027 recruiting class under new head coach Jon Sumrall and his staff.

The House Budget Committee on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a proposal aimed at lowering prescription drug prices in Florida amid arguments by critics that it would be unworkable and could lead to drug shortages.

A Clay County teacher who was suspended in September over comments they made about Charlie Kirk following his assassination has filed a lawsuit against Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas, according to federal court dockets.

A fan-favorite grocery chain has just surpassed Florida’s very own Publix brand of stores, according to the latest report by the American Customer Satisfaction Index.

Four Jacksonville firefighters have been reassigned to administrative duties following their arrest on misdemeanor charges after paintballs struck a police patrol car, traffic signs, and a civilian vehicle near a downtown fire station late last month.

Byron Donalds, Florida Representative and GOP candidate for governor endorsed by President Donald Trump, recently discussed key issues shaping the state’s future, including immigration enforcement, property taxes, and vaccination policies.

National models hint at potential snow near Savanah

State Sen. Clay Yarborough, R-Jacksonville, wants to expand Florida’s vaccine exemptions to allow parents to request “conscience-based” exemptions to school vaccine mandates.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will give remarks on Tuesday morning at the Florida Sheriffs’ Association 2026 Winter Conference in Ponte Vedra Beach.

Four Jacksonville firefighters have been reassigned to administrative duties following their arrest on misdemeanor charges after paintballs struck a police patrol car, traffic signs, and a civilian vehicle near a downtown fire station late last month.

If you thought Florida was getting a free pass on winter this year, think again.

Four Jacksonville firefighters have been reassigned to administrative duties following their arrest on misdemeanor charges after paintballs struck a police patrol car, traffic signs, and a civilian vehicle near a downtown fire station late last month.

A 71-year-old man was nearly mauled to death on Saturday before an Alachua County deputy could step in and shoot the dog to stop the vicious attack.

2026 Florida Run for the Fallen — A core group of runners will cover approximately 170 miles over a three-day period. The run begins in Tallahassee, Florida, across from the State Capitol at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, at 6 a.m. Runners will stop every mile to read a list of Florida’s fallen military heroes, with one stop dedicated to fallen first responders. In total, participants will honor 1,248 fallen heroes. The event concludes at the Veterans Memorial Wall at TIAA Bank Field at approximately 1:45 p.m.on February 8th.

Florida’s attorney general returned to St. Johns County on Monday, alongside a representative from Walmart, to announce a major expansion of the Bexley Box initiative started by Jared Bridegan’s widow through the Bridegan Foundation.

Dr. Mari Richardson, a biology teacher at Jean Ribault High School, was named the 2026 VyStar Teacher of the Year.

Jacksonville attorney and Republican candidate for governor Paul Renner pointed to a simple but critical problem: costs have risen faster than wages while discussing affordability.

Keyshawn Hall scored 24 points, including 22 in Auburn’s dominant and stunning first half, and the Tigers upset No. 16 Florida 76-67 on Saturday for the program’s first win in Gainesville since 1996.

With about 6.5 million seniors in Florida—equivalent to the population of nearly 20 states—the Department of Elder Affairs faces the challenge of serving a large and growing senior population.

After reaching 78 degrees in Jacksonville on Friday, Saturday’s highs will stay in the “normal” range. As a mild front sticks around throughout the day, Sunday could bring record-tying/breaking highs.

Magician Asi Wind says his show More Than Magic isn’t about fooling audiences — it’s about reminding them of their humanity.

A man convicted of killing a Tampa Bay-area grocery store owner during a robbery is set to become Florida’s second execution of 2026.

JEA crews headed north Friday morning to assist with potential power restoration efforts as a major winter storm threatens South Carolina’s Atlantic Coast.

Florida Memorial University, which educated students in St. Augustine from 1918 to 1968, will be recognized Friday morning with a proclamation to acknowledge a partnership with the Florida Museum of Black History Project.

As the Florida Senate continues to ponder an approach to lowering property taxes, House committees on Thursday advanced two tax-cut proposals that could go before voters.

As housing costs climb and job losses ripple through Florida, more families are facing foreclosure here than anywhere else in the nation — and many are turning to quiet, community-based help before they lose everything.

Black Democratic lawmakers are hosting a press conference on Thursday to address the attorney general’s opinion concluding that state laws requiring racial discrimination are unconstitutional under the U.S. and Florida Constitutions.

Gov. Ron DeSantis will hold a news conference at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Idaho State Capitol Building in Boise.

Victor Dover - co-founder and principal of Dover Kohl & Partners and keynote speaker for Scenic Jacksonville’s Sixth Annual Great Cities Symposium (Feb. 5) - joins Kent Justice to discuss how cities can grow in ways that strengthen quality of life and long-term economic competitiveness. Dover argues that communities aren’t just recruiting businesses; they’re recruiting people—and the experience “outside between buildings” can be a deciding factor for talent, investment, and lasting prosperity.

The average energy bill for someone living in Florida runs anywhere between $150 and $250 a month, but there are some simple things you can do right now that can easily make a difference.

Florida State Rep. Angie Nixon (D-Jacksonville) announced Thursday that she’s joining a crowded field of Democrats who are running for U.S. Senate in the special midterm election this fall.

Nassau County’s decision to double impact fees over a four-year period has sparked controversy between local builders, developers, and the state attorney general, while raising concerns about housing affordability in the region.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia will hold a press conference in Fernandina Beach to talk about government accountability.

CEO and conservative influencer James Fishback, who previously vowed to push for a 50% “Sin Tax” for OnlyFans creators, now says he wants to see all public school students in Florida wearing uniforms.

After giving birth last month, a Florida mother is now suing an IVF clinic after it turned out the baby wasn’t hers, according to court records obtained by WKMG.

Cryptids: Where Legends Live is the newest attraction at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in St. Augustine, inviting guests into a moody, museum-style playground of monsters, myths, and regional legends. The exhibit features iconic creatures like Bigfoot and Mothman alongside Florida’s own cryptid lore, blending eerie storytelling with interactive displays, videos, and plenty of photo ops. Included with regular admission, the experience celebrates the Odditorium’s 75th anniversary and is designed to intrigue both true believers and curious skeptics looking for something a little spooky

The fallout surrounding a Clay County School Board member is expected to be addressed by the State Board of Education on Wednesday.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier issued an opinion on Monday in which he called out over 80 “race-based” state laws that he says mandate discrimination based on race and will therefore no longer be enforced by his department.

Florida has the highest rate of foreclosure filings in the country, a property data firm reported, but local real estate leaders say the situation is not comparable to the housing crash nearly two decades ago.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says he owes Indiana Gov. Mike Braun some key lime pie and stone crabs after losing a bet.

Governor Ron DeSantis is holding a press conference in Pinellas Park with the Florida commissioner of education on Tuesday.

Duval County Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland announced Tuesday that his office will visit 28 area schools to preregister students 16 and older and name the “Most Civic-Minded High School in Duval County.”

As temperatures dip into the 30s and 40s across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, local homeowners are reminded that even Florida can feel wintry, and that means preparation matters.

President Donald Trump’s first year back in the White House has seen record-low illegal crossings, a U.S.-backed ouster of Venezuela’s president, and sweeping moves to expand presidential power. Is American democracy being pushed to the breaking point?

Since last May, News4JAX has been tackling the tough topic of affordable housing from every angle. Now, we’re taking our efforts a step further by joining a coalition of Northeast Florida news organizations – including digital, broadcast, and print media – to tackle the issue of housing costs as a shared editorial project in 2026.

The Duval County School Board is expected to discuss the “Schools of Hope” law during their Tuesday morning meeting.

A goalie fight broke out with 14 minutes left in a game between the Florida Panthers and San Jose Sharks that had gotten increasingly chippy with post-whistle pushing and shoving.

Property tax elimination proposals have become one of the most closely watched debates of the 2026 legislative session, as lawmakers advance several constitutional amendment measures that could dramatically reshape how homeowners are taxed — and how cities fund essential services.

The director of the city’s blight initiative program is proposing a plan to put more money toward helping clean up dump sites that are overrun with trash.

Warmer weather expected to return midweek

Nassau County officially responded on Monday, days after Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier spoke out against the county’s bid to substantially increase impact fees and questioned Uthmeier’s position.

Arizona is the unanimous No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 men's college basketball poll for the first time.