Author: Charlie Duncan

Before Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1078, legislation prohibiting book bans in California, he told Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Riverside), who authored the bill, “I appreciate you and your leadership.” “Remarkable,” continued the Governor. “We’re living in a country right now in this banning binge, in this cultural purge that we’re experiencing, all throughout America, and now increasingly here in the State of California, where we have school districts, large and small, banning books, banning free speech, criminalizing librarians and teachers.” Newsom said codifying AB 1078 into law shows that California isn’t just “pushing back rhetorically” against what he describes…

Park rangers could soon be making a comeback in the capital city. At budget deliberations this week, the Jackson City Council agreed to set aside approximately $350,000 to pay for the program, which would provide salaries and benefits for up to five officers. “We have to make our constituents feel safe. Having park rangers will make a big difference,” Council President Aaron Banks said. Banks pointed to numerous cases of vandalism to back up the need for the rangers, including numerous copper thefts at Forest Hill Park. Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade told council members he agreed with their decision…

The Jackson City Council discussed plans for the former Bank of America building, up-coming events, open records requests and more during its work session held on Tuesday, Aug. 1 at Jackson City Hall. Jackson recently purchased the former Bank of America building on the corner of Third Street and Mulberry Street in downtown Jackson for $300,000. The city has not decided how the building will be used, but there are plans to tear down the bank’s drive-thru and convert that area into a city parking lot. Jackson City Manager Sylvia Redic said the city has received several calls related to…

Mike Blackburn is hands-on with the Jacksonville University men’s golf program again. JU announced recently that Jamey Salmon has left as head coach “to pursue other opportunities” and Blackburn will return as the coach for a second time. Blackburn coached the Dolphins from 2008-19, then became director of golf for the men’s and women’s programs, overseeing fundraising. Kathyn Dougan remains the women’s coach. “[Blackburn] has been an asset behind the scenes for both programs the last four years as the director of golf, and now he gets a chance to push the men’s program back to the championship level he saw it reach in his…

Natalie Evans of Jacksonville is the recipient of a $1,000 Junior Red Angus Association scholarship. Through the support of the Red Angus Foundation, the Red Angus Association of America awards college scholarships to members who are active in the association, their communities and the beef industry. Scholarship recipients complete an application and interview process. Each scholarship recipient plans to attend either a two- or four-year college in the coming year. Source : my jurnal

A reckless driver was spotted plowing into the water at Smyrna Dunes Park on Sunday. According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office witnesses say the driver was speeding down the beach in close proximity to several families and almost hit a child. The driver was identified as Sarah Ramsammy and was taken into custody and charged with driving under the influence (DUI). Source: FOX 4

The massive blob of seaweed that started stinking up Florida beaches earlier this year has started to shrink, according to researchers at the University of South Florida. The 5,000-mile mass of seaweed, part of what’s called the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt, which stretches from west Africa to the Gulf of Mexico, started washing up on Florida shores in early April. But a report released by the USF optical oceanography lab shows the quantity of sargassum actually decreased by 15% from April to May 2023. This marks the first time it has shrunk during this time of year since 2011 when studies of the seaweed first began.…

A father was arrested after his 2-year-old son was shot and killed during an argument with his parents at a Florida home Sunday night, according to police. Aaron Creary, 22, is facing charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child and violation of probation, the St. Petersburg Police Department said in a news release.  Shortly after 8 p.m., the father and his toddler son, Armani Creary, were at his parents’ house on 15th Avenue South in St. Petersburg when he reportedly got into an argument with his parents and pulled out a gun. Police said the gun fired, hitting the toddler.…

Last night, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Florida and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding from April 12 to April 14, 2023. The President’s action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in Broward County. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Federal funding is also available to state…

The home field for Florida Atlantic University softball has been renamed after its late great head coach, Joan Joyce.FAU Athletics has announced that the home of Owls’ softball has been renamed ‘Joan Joyce Field’ in honor of an all-time legend, not only in the FAU softball world, but in the sporting world.The first official game at Joan Joyce Field will be on Friday, April 28 against North Texas. A ceremony to honor Joyce and her family will be held pregame on Sunday, April 30. “Joan was a legendary figure in the sporting world as well as at Florida Atlantic University,” said…