News
Reporting from primary sources across Northeast Florida.
Business Development
JAX Chamber Board Expresses Support for Riverfront Plaza Restaurant
The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce board has announced its support for a proposed restaurant at Riverfront Plaza.
June 30, 2026
History
Florida's May 20 Emancipation Day Predates National Juneteenth Recognition
While Juneteenth marks the end of slavery nationally, Florida has observed May 20 as the date freedom was officially enforced statewide in 1865.
June 30, 2026
Urban Scenes
Scenes from a Snow-Covered Downtown Cleveland
A First Coast Observer contributor shares observations from Cleveland's downtown core during a recent business trip.
June 30, 2026
Downtown Development
Baptist Health proposes 15-story hotel on Southbank campus
The 226-room facility would include conference space, restaurants, and a rooftop lounge, with a Downtown Development Review Board hearing scheduled for March 12.
June 30, 2026
Development
Fleet Landing proposes 32-story senior housing tower in Brooklyn
The project at 111 Riverside Avenue will go before the Downtown Development Review Board on March 12 for conceptual approval.
June 30, 2026
Downtown Development
Historic Ambassador Hotel Redevelopment Seeks Final Approval
Gateway Jax's plans to transform the landmark property into a 105-key hotel with restaurant and conference space go before the Downtown Development Review Board on April 9.
June 30, 2026
Local History
Roosevelt Grill: A West Ashley Street Icon of Arab American Heritage
The longtime West Ashley Street restaurant left a lasting impression on generations of Jacksonville residents.
June 30, 2026
Downtown Development
Jacksonville Riverfront Plaza Phase 2 Plans Include Beer Garden, Rain Garden
New renderings show the next phase of Riverfront Plaza will add amenities and a pedestrian connection to the Main Street Bridge.
June 30, 2026
Development
Murray Hill bank branch project adds bakery tenant
Community First Credit Union is converting the former Edgewood Bakery property into a Murray Hill branch with a bakery feature and community space.
June 30, 2026
Aviation
Jacksonville International Airport Opens Concourse B Construction Site to Media
Jacksonville Aviation Authority hosted a behind-the-scenes walking tour of the new concourse construction site on February 27.
June 30, 2026
Local History
New Book Documents Jacksonville's Gullah Geechee Heritage
Urban planners Ennis Davis and Adrienne Burke collaborate on historical exploration set for April release.
June 30, 2026
HISTORY
Historic photos reveal Jacksonville's industrial riverfront in 1930
Images from the Jacksonville Port Bureau and Chamber of Commerce document the city's maritime activity nearly a century ago.
June 30, 2026
Homebuilder Earnings
Dream Finders Homes Reports Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results
Jacksonville-based homebuilder Dream Finders Homes released its financial performance for the third quarter of 2025.
June 28, 2026
Community Event
Second Annual Oyster Fest Returns to Jacksonville's Riverview Neighborhood
The free festival on April 18 will feature live music, food vendors, and family activities along the Trout River.
June 28, 2026
Transportation History
Railway Express Agency Terminal Shaped Jacksonville's Logistics Legacy for Nearly 50 Years
The REA Terminal on Myrtle Avenue operated as a crucial freight hub near Union Terminal, cementing Jacksonville's role in Southeast commerce from the late 1920s.
June 28, 2026
Education
St. Johns Technical High School Holds 2026 Graduation Ceremony
St. Johns County technical high school celebrates class of 2026 graduates.
June 26, 2026
Education
St. Johns County superintendent tours Webster Elementary, reviews expansion plans
Dr. Asplen visits Webster Elementary to observe dance and robotics programs while previewing upcoming school expansion project.
June 26, 2026
Education
ILA Local 1408 Scholarship Fund golf tournament drives educational opportunities for Jacksonville students
The annual golf outing serves as a funding source for scholarships to deserving students in the Jacksonville area.
June 26, 2026
Economic Development
JAXPORT connects Northeast Florida businesses to global markets
The Jacksonville Port Authority explains how seaport operations support regional business growth and international trade connections.
June 26, 2026
Business Leadership
JAX Chamber Recognizes Aundra Wallace as Top Newsmaker
Chamber highlights Wallace's role in regional economic development
June 26, 2026
Higher Education
Jacksonville University to open downtown law campus
The university plans to establish a new law school facility in Jacksonville's downtown area.
June 26, 2026
Local Government
Jacksonville City Council Approves Stadium Agreement with Jaguars
City council has voted to approve a stadium deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars following negotiations.
June 26, 2026
Museums
MOSH reaches $40 million fundraising goal for Northbank move
The Museum of Science & History has secured funding for its planned relocation from the Southbank to Jacksonville's Northbank.
June 26, 2026
Development
Jacksonville debuts first phase of Riverfront Plaza
The Downtown Investment Authority announces the opening of the initial section of a new riverfront public space.
June 26, 2026
City Government
Council Committees Approve Legislation to Extend Downtown Bar Hours
Jacksonville City Council committees have advanced legislation that would extend operating hours for bars in the downtown area.
June 26, 2026
Economic Development
City to explore $35 million in incentives for Culinary Institute of America Jacksonville campus
Jacksonville officials are considering a substantial incentive package to bring a Culinary Institute of America campus to the city.
June 26, 2026
Infrastructure
City opens Riverfront Music Garden park, connecting Northbank Riverwalk from Downtown to Riverside
New park extends Jacksonville's Northbank Riverwalk, linking Downtown and Riverside neighborhoods.
June 26, 2026
Development
Jacksonville Advances $8.8B Downtown Development Portfolio Spanning Stadium, Towers, Riverfront
The city is advancing a multi-billion-dollar portfolio of projects including stadium renovations, residential towers, and waterfront infrastructure that could reshape its urban core and riverfronts.
June 26, 2026
Development
Johnson & Johnson Commits $1 Billion to Expand Jacksonville Vision Manufacturing Operations
The healthcare giant plans to invest over $1 billion in its Jacksonville vision manufacturing facilities, adding advanced production lines and a new distribution center as part of a broader U.S. manufacturing commitment.
June 26, 2026
