Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a cross-country trip and online threat triggered Duval school lockouts

Also check out Burn Season on the Jacksonville Patch calendar

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Friday December 19th Patch AM
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Good morning Jacksonville! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a cross-country trip and online threat triggered Duval school lockouts
  • Why hasn’t anyone been charged in this Jacksonville road-rage killing?
  • New to Jacksonville? Here’s your 10-step checklist to get settled fast

Also on today's calendar: Live Music from Dennis Miller at Top Dawg Tavern! and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Jacksonvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Jacksonvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: Breezy this morning, with a high of 75 and low of 42 degrees.
  • Saturday: Plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 67, low: 45.
  • Sunday: Nice with plenty of sunshine, with a high of 71 and low of 51 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Parent responsible for lockouts at four Duval schools arrested in Texas, police say (firstcoastnews.com) — Jacksonville parents are learning that a parent accused of making violent online threats tied to four Duval County schools has been arrested in Texas. Investigators say the man was allegedly driving toward Jacksonville with a gun, prompting lockouts at several campuses while JSO, school police, and the FBI worked together to prevent potential harm.
   

2. 'My dad is dead': Slain Jacksonville musician's family demands arrest in road rage shooting (firstcoastnews.com) — A beloved Jacksonville musician, Joe Starkey, was shot and killed during an alleged road rage encounter on St. Johns Bluff Road South, and his family is demanding an arrest. Although a man turned himself in, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office detectives released him without charges as he claims self-defense under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law. Starkey’s family is urging anyone with information to come forward.
   

3. Moving to Jacksonville? 10 to-do's for new residents (jaxtoday.org) — New to Jacksonville and trying to get settled? This guide walks you through everything from setting up JEA utilities and trash pickup to updating your license, enrolling kids in Duval County schools, registering to vote, and getting a library card. It also highlights local transit options, fun facts, and how to stay plugged into Jacksonville news and culture.
   

4. Sweater Drive Nets Homeless Winter Essentials (jacksonvillefreepress.com) — Jacksonville-area nonprofits just distributed more than 10,000 pounds of sweaters, jackets, and blankets to First Coast residents experiencing homelessness, through WJCT Public Media’s 23rd annual Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive. With help from partners like Clara White Mission and City Rescue Mission, donations collected across Northeast Florida in November are now providing crucial warmth for vulnerable neighbors this winter.
   

5. James Thious (J. T.) Taylor (enterprise-journal.com) — Jacksonville is mourning Rev. J. T. Taylor, a 93-year-old minister, husband, and family man who passed away on December 16. Born in Jacksonville and known for leading worship music at Franklin Street, he leaves a legacy of faith and service. Full obituary details are available to premium subscribers of the publication.
   

📸 Around Jacksonville

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Jacksonville

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Friday December 19
  • Burn Season
    Decca Live, 323 E Bay St, Jacksonville
    7:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Jacksonville Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Loving Home Needed for Saki (German Shepherd / Husky Mix)
    Meet Saki — a sweet, gentle, older boy who is happiest when he’s close to his person. If you want a loyal companion who loves cuddles and simply… (Nextdoor J Turner Butler)
  • There is kitten stuck in my tire.
    I have 5 reactive dogs so it won't work out well. If there is anyone who could help this poor baby (Nextdoor Townsend Rd)
  • Domino's Pizza, Inc. posted a job opening for Assistant Manager(05108) - 10031 San Jose Blvd. in Jacksonville. Apply here.
  • Starling posted a job opening for Activity Assistant for Assisted Living in Jacksonville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Jacksonville here.

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: I don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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