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St. Johns County leaders face a dilemma as a new state law in Florida undermines local control over land development. The countys recently approved comprehensive plan, shaped by community input, is now deemed non-compliant due to alleged restrictions on developers and environmental protections. The commission must decide whether to revise the plan to meet state requirements, while residents urge them to wait, hoping the law will be reversed. A legal battle ensues, with twenty-five cities and counties challenging the new law. The commission postpones their decision until January twentieth for further review.

Two men steal over $1,500 worth of comics and trading cards from Jacksonvilles Gotham City Limit store. Owner Ben Kingsbury seeks publics help to identify suspects, urging community to prevent similar thefts.

Floridas Putnam County receives a significant boost in conservation efforts with a $5.6 million investment to protect 2,600 acres, including the Tilton Family Farm, a diverse operation since 1973. This move aligns with a statewide initiative to safeguard over 21,500 acres, with additional acquisitions in Escambia, Okeechobee, and the Caloosahatchee Big Cypress Corridor. The goal is to strengthen Floridas conservation network, support military readiness, and preserve family-owned agricultural lands for future generations.

St. Johns Countys top road projects, including State Road Sixteens widening and intersection upgrades, are set to receive major state and federal funding. Commissioners approved these regional priorities and a separate list of local projects, with the County Road Three Zero Five extension sparking debate due to potential development concerns. Despite opposition, the extension was approved but placed at the bottom of the local priority list. Additionally, commissioners greenlit a comprehensive list of transportation alternatives, focusing on creating safe walking and biking routes, particularly to schools.

Sporting Club Jacksonville, or Sporting JAX, is set to make its debut in the USL Championship with a 17-game home schedule at UNFs Hodges Stadium. The team will also compete in the Prinx Tires USL Cup, facing off against teams from both USL Championship and League One. The season begins on March 7th, with notable home games against Hartford Athletic, Miami FC, Tampa Bay Rowdies, and Brooklyn FC. The full schedule runs through October, with kickoff times and preseason details to be announced in early 2026.

Duval County Public Schools implemented a lockout at four schools due to nearby police activity, ensuring student safety. The affected schools were J. Allen Axson, Chets Creek, Kernan Middle, and Kernan Trail Elementary. The lockout was precautionary, allowing students to dismiss safely with police presence. The incident involved reported threats in a custodial interference situation, with a non-custodial parent making threats related to a student pick-up. The schools remained on lockout the following day as police investigated.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are preparing for a tough matchup against Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, known for his exceptional scrambling ability. Nixs dual threat as a passer and runner poses a unique challenge for the Jaguars, who have struggled against mobile quarterbacks this season. The team is focusing on disciplined rush lanes and tight coverage, utilizing practice simulations with quarterbacks Carter Bradley and Nick Mullens to prepare for Nixs elusive style. The coaching staff emphasizes the importance of staying in coverage longer than usual to contain Nixs extended plays.

The Community Foundations Resilience Fund awards $841,000 to 18 Northeast Florida non-profits, bolstering essential services like food, housing, and healthcare for vulnerable individuals. The fund, established with a $105,000 gift, aims to strengthen non-profits operations amidst shifting public funding sources. Grants target basic needs for vulnerable populations in Baker, Clay, Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, and Putnam counties, promoting both immediate stability and long-term growth. The fund also reserves funds for strategic partnerships in 2026.