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Ten-year-old boy found safe after going missing in Jacksonville, Florida; police and community efforts lead to swift resolution.

Waycross, Georgia, grapples with a surge in stray and abandoned animals, straining local resources. City Manager Ulysses Rayford reports nearly five hundred animals have passed through the shelter this year, primarily due to irresponsible pet ownership. With limited resources and a growing number of abandonment cases, the city is exploring solutions such as expanding the shelter, increasing fines for pet abandonment, and implementing microchipping. Rayford urges potential pet owners to fully understand the financial commitment involved.

Local advocacy groups in Jacksonville, Florida, protested JEA, the citys utility company, by delivering coal bags and a large coal block to highlight concerns about the Northside Generating Stations impact on air quality. The Sierra Club and Solar United Neighbors lead the charge, arguing for cleaner air and affordable utility bills. JEA responded by stating they meet with advocacy groups and continuously evaluate market factors for sustainable energy.

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.

This weekend, Jacksonville is abuzz with a variety of events, including a live music performance by Vinegar at Spinster Abbots, a Holiday Disco Market at Juice Wine Bar, and the Luminaria in Riverside and Avondale. Enjoy a unique Saturday night with Vinegars alt-rock and psychedelic jam sound, shop for vintage treasures and handmade items at the Holiday Disco Market, or stroll through beautifully lit streets at the Luminaria.

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.