News
Browse dated, source-linked local coverage from across Northeast Florida. Use the archive links to move through older stories, or open a section from the site navigation to follow a specific topic.
Agriculture
St. Johns County Event to Connect Farmers, Restaurants in Local Food Push
A free November program aims to expand farm-to-table networks and promote a certification for businesses sourcing locally grown produce in St. Augustine and the county.
Infrastructure
Century-old FEC Railway Bridge still carries freight across St. Johns River
The 1925 bascule bridge replaced Henry Flagler's original 1890 span and remains a working piece of downtown Jacksonville's transportation backbone, designed by the engineer who later built the Golden Gate Bridge.
Budget
St. Johns County sets $31M emergency reserve amid property-tax uncertainty
The county adopted a $1.9 billion budget for 2027 with strengthened reserves as a ballot amendment could cut property-tax revenue by as much as $191.6 million within six years.
Real Estate
Hispanic homebuyers drive Florida real estate growth as market shifts
Hispanic households accounted for all net growth in U.S. homeownership in 2025, creating new opportunities for Northeast Florida agents who adapt to serve the community.
Real Estate
Jacksonville real estate agents missing most buyer, seller inquiries
A national study found most phone and online inquiries to real estate offices never reach an agent within 24 hours, a gap that could cost Northeast Florida agents business in a competitive market.
Infrastructure
St. Johns County Opens $191.8M Water Reclamation Facility on State Road 207
The county's largest-ever capital project went online in May and is expected to prevent more than one million pounds of nutrient pollution from reaching the Matanzas River over the next two decades.
Agriculture
St. Johns County Ag Program Links Schools, Native Plants, and Turfgrass Threats
The county's Agricultural Community Engagement office is connecting farmers, educators, and conservationists—and tracking a new turfgrass disease that has already appeared in Duval and northern St. Johns.
Infrastructure
Nassau County to review bids for watershed master plans covering two river basins
County officials will evaluate proposals for comprehensive drainage and stormwater planning across the Nassau River and St. Mary's River watersheds, a step toward managing runoff as development accelerates in Yulee, Callahan, and Hilliard.
Real Estate
Co-Buying Trend Gains Steam as Northeast Florida Home Prices Stretch Budgets
A new survey finds 71% of Americans would consider buying a home with someone other than a spouse to ease affordability pressures—a shift that could reshape how Realtors and lenders work with buyers in the Jacksonville market.
Real Estate
Jacksonville home buyers turn to AI tools to narrow property searches
Nearly 40% of prospective buyers nationally would use artificial intelligence alone to search for homes, but local agents say the technology can't replace neighborhood knowledge in Northeast Florida's fast-moving market.
Real Estate
How Northeast Florida buyers can lower mortgage rates by nearly 1%
New research shows borrowers in the same month received rates spanning nearly a full percentage point, with credit scores, down payments, and lender choice making the difference—potentially thousands of dollars in buying power for local buyers.
Community Services
St. Johns County offers free shredding, lithium battery recycling Oct. 17
The county will host a one-day collection event at the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library, addressing a specialized recycling need as household battery waste grows with electronics use.
Disaster Relief
Hurricane Isaias relief opens for Northeast Florida real estate, small business
State emergency bridge loans, a Realtors disaster fund, and insurance help are available to property professionals and small businesses hit by the October storm across 27 counties.
Education
St. Johns County schools spotlight Life Work program for young adults with disabilities
The district's Life Work Program offers post-diploma support in employment, social skills, and independent living for graduates with disabilities through classroom learning and community work experiences.
Education
Jean Ribault High counselor named finalist for national award
Dr. Brianna Patterson, a Ribault alumna who has doubled dual enrollment and boosted scholarships by $5 million, is one of five finalists nationwide for the 2027 School Counselor of the Year.
Emergency Response
Jacksonville Deploys Urban Search & Rescue Team to Hurricane Isaias Zone
A Type III USAR team with canine units and 17-vehicle convoy stages in Tallahassee to assist storm-damaged communities, while all Jacksonville fire stations remain fully staffed.
Arts & Culture
City employee art exhibition opens Oct. 12 at Main Library
A show of 164 pieces by Jacksonville municipal workers and their children will run through November at the downtown library, spotlighting creative talent across departments from public works to the sheriff's office.
Infrastructure
St. Johns County cuts ribbon on $42. 5M CR 210 widening
A three-mile stretch between Greenbriar Road and Cimarrone Boulevard is now four lanes, with new signals, sidewalks, and drainage to serve one of northwest St. Johns County's fastest-growing corridors.
Education
St. Johns County School Board to meet Oct. 13
The board will convene at 4:30 p. m. in person and virtually, with public comment available through Webex or by phone.
Real Estate
Jacksonville real estate agents learn NASCAR-inspired tips at 2026 Florida Realtors convention
A session at the 2026 Florida Realtors Convention & Trade Expo introduced agents to the E. P. I. C. framework, drawing on racing-world lessons about finding small competitive edges in a shifting market.
Real Estate
Fed Rate Hikes Threaten to Cool Northeast Florida's Surging Housing Market
Federal Reserve officials signaled another interest rate increase is likely before year-end, a move that could further dampen buyer demand and reshape the First Coast's development boom.
Development
Palm Coast eyes 35-year YMCA lease for 44,000-sq. -ft. recreation center
City administration will present a proposed lease agreement for a new facility at 1580 Central Avenue with a pool, gym, wellness center, and childcare space.
Real Estate
Mortgage rates hit 7. 40%, highest in nearly 3 years, cooling Northeast Florida market
The seventh straight week of rising rates adds $376 monthly to a $400,000 loan, further straining affordability in a region where buyers already face climbing home prices and flood insurance costs.
Real Estate
Florida Realtors fund opens for Hurricane Isaias damage in Baker County
As Hurricane Isaias targets the Florida Panhandle and nearby counties this weekend, a statewide industry relief fund stands ready to help real estate professionals whose homes and offices sustain storm damage.
Public Health
Clay County agencies team up for breast cancer education
Clay County Fire Rescue and the Department of Health are partnering this October to deliver breast cancer awareness information to residents across the county.
Public Space
Clay County installs replica Charters of Freedom in Green Cove Springs
Foundation Forward donated reproductions of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, now on permanent display in the Historic Triangle near the county courthouse.
Public Safety
Clay County narrows fire chief search to 13 finalists
Clay County Fire Rescue will begin interviewing 13 candidates for the top leadership position after reviewing 42 applications from across the U. S.
Real Estate
Northeast Florida home prices rise to $399K as sales slow, inventory climbs
September data from the region's REALTOR® association show buyers gaining negotiating power as the six-county market transitions from rapid sales to a four-month supply of available homes.
Real Estate
Jacksonville real estate agents prep for Nov. 2 appraisal report overhaul
A new uniform appraisal format rolls out November 2, changing how property information appears in home sale transactions across Northeast Florida — and potentially slowing closings during the transition.
Infrastructure
St. Johns County Uses Mapping Tech to Expand Bookmobile Access
A GIS analysis identified seven underserved communities for new mobile library stops, with Trailmark and Murabella selected for Friday service beginning in December.
