Hey hey Jacksonville! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: The Mars Volta and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What day of the year is trucker's day? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Penny Zuber will become CEO of Kids Hope Alliance (actionnewsjax.com) — Jacksonville's Kids Hope Alliance, which oversees many of the city's youth programs, is getting new leadership as longtime YMCA executive Penny Zuber becomes CEO. City leaders praise her deep local ties and experience, and she says she'll focus on collaboration across Duval County to improve opportunities and outcomes for children and families.
2. Retro-style burger joint abruptly closes on Jacksonville's Westside (jacksonville.com) — A popular retro-style burger joint, Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries, has permanently closed its Jacksonville Westside location near the Commonwealth Avenue and I-295 interchange. After just two years serving burgers and frozen custard, the North Carolina-based chain thanked Jacksonville customers and confirmed the shutdown on Facebook, leaving one less dining option in that busy corridor.
3. Jacksonville councilwoman calls for more safety measures after arrest in deadly shooting at Clanzel T. Brown Park (news4jax.com) — A man was fatally shot during a basketball game at Clanzel T. Brown Park, prompting Jacksonville City Councilwoman Ju'Coby Pittman to demand stronger safety measures there and at other parks. She's pushing for reviews of lighting, cameras, staffing, programming, park hours and police presence, while police ask residents to share any information that could help prevent more violence.
4. Civil rights groups sue FL DCF for delays in mental health treatment for inmates (actionnewsjax.com) — Civil rights groups have sued Florida's Department of Children and Families, alleging inmates deemed incompetent to stand trial are waiting months instead of the required 15 days for transfer to state mental hospitals. The suit cites Duval County cases, including two deaths at the Jacksonville jail, raising serious concerns about how local inmates with mental health needs are treated and how long they're left waiting.
5. JFRD uses rip current simulator to train rescuers ahead of high-risk weekend (news4jax.com) — Jacksonville Fire and Rescue is using a new Slip Stream rip current simulator to better train rescuers just as a high rip current risk is forecast for local beaches this weekend. Officials say the device closely mimics real ocean conditions and urge residents, especially weaker swimmers, to stay out of dangerous surf and heed warnings.
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Ok Jacksonville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: 10-4, good buddy! (Thank you Jean H. for sending it in!)
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