Jacksonville —
Duval County Public Schools is close to selling its headquarters on the Southbank, which it has called home for 40 years. District leaders told the school board they have accepted a $20 million offer for the site on Prudential Drive. The Board will meet on September 2 to vote on the offer from Fleet Landing. The nonprofit says it plans to turn the building into a senior living facility. The new DCPS headquarters will likely be in Baymeadows at the Prominence office park near I-95. The district is expected to save around $6 million after the sale closes.
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A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction halting further expansion of an immigration detention center dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz”. The ruling calls for it to wind down operations in 60 days to comply with environmental laws. Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe argue the project violates environmental laws and threatens sensitive wetlands. The center, built almost two months ago, currently holds several hundred detainees but could expand to 3,000. The state of Florida filed a notice of appeal Thursday night, shortly after the ruling was issued.
New ownership is taking over Orange Park Mall and promising big changes. Second Horizon Capital says it plans to modernize the mall, add more shops and dining, and refresh community programs. Local residents say the improvements are long overdue. The new owners say they’re also focusing on community programs to make Orange Park Mall a safe, welcoming spot for families, not just teens.
A historic home in St. Augustine sustained some damage but will be preserved after a fire. The home on Water Street was built in the 1880s and was originally owned by the Dismukes family, who helped lead efforts to save the historic City Gates. Just before 5pm yesterday, the fire department got a call about flames shooting out of the roof. The fire was brought under control within 15 minutes. It appears to have been caused by lightning. No injuries were reported.
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The FBI is searching the Maryland home and Washington office ofJohn Bolton, who served in President Donald Trump’s first administration as national security adviser but later became critical of the president, as part of an investigation into the handling of classified information. Fox’s Ryan Schmelz had an update moments after news of the raid broke.
Spotlight: David Rey, CEO and President of Goodwill of NE Florida, joins the show to discuss new facilities and program expansions impacting the St. Augustine community. In addition to retail services, they are expanding employment and workforce skills training resources, including specialized skilled labor training for healthcare, logistics, IT, and manufacturing industries.
First Alert Weather: Stormy afternoons continue into the weekend. A slow-moving front nearby will focus showers and thunderstorms across our region each afternoon for the next few days. Some storms will be capable of torrential rain, frequent lightning, and gusty winds. We stay hot into next week with at least isolated storms, but a drop in humidity is possible.
TROPICS: Erin continues to move away from the United States as a large Category 1 hurricane. There are three areas being watched for potential development.
- One has a high chance of development and will follow a similar path to Erin and stay well east of the United States over the ocean. This will be farther away than Erin, so any impacts from swells will be much lower.
- Another has a medium chance of development as it moves toward the Caribbean, but indications are it will be a short-lived tropical system.
- The third is in the open ocean with a very low chance of development.
- The next name on the list this year is Fernand (fair-NAHN).
Lots of good times to enjoy in the Jacksonville area this weekend. Fancy a spot of theater? The Florida Theatre hosts two performances of “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum - In Concert.” Feeling nostalgic? UB40 is performing at The Amp. Get your shop on at the Riverside Arts Market. And if you’re thinking about a permanent change in your life? Nothing says permanence like the Jacksonville Tattoo Convention this weekend at World Golf Village!
Chase Robinson with First Coast Crime Stoppers visits with awareness of their services, and update a number of current cases. Your can help resolve cold cases if you have information. Make an anonymous tip by calling 866-845-TIPS (8477) and your tip could result in a cash reward.
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