Jacksonville

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is finalizing a rule to allow public housing authorities and voucher program participants to impose work requirements and time limits on nonelderly, nondisabled adults. Over 100 entities, including housing authorities and community groups, have joined a coalition supporting these requirements, while advocates argue the changes could hinder housing stability.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is finalizing a rule allowing public housing authorities and voucher program participants to impose work requirements and time limits on non-disabled, working-age adults. A coalition organized by HUD supports these requirements, arguing they promote self-sufficiency, while advocates warn they could hinder housing stability for recipients.

An 18-year-old man who disappeared while biking from Jacksonville to the Florida Keys was found safe in Monroe County. Jasper Frohock was reported missing on Monday after last being seen in Fort Pierce and was discovered by deputies Thursday morning.

An 18-year-old named Jasper Frohock, who was biking from Jacksonville to the Florida Keys, has gone missing. He was last seen in Fort Pierce, and authorities with the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office are seeking information about his whereabouts.

A drunk driver plowed through an Ironman race course in Jacksonville, Florida, evading police and nearly colliding with athletes before being stopped via a pit maneuver. The driver, Darrell Simon, has three prior DUI arrests in the past decade and was charged with multiple offenses.

Trey Allan King, a 32-year-old from Jacksonville, Florida, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and distributing over 50 grams of methamphetamine. He pleaded guilty on January 31, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard.

Kenyatta Dacres, a nurse practitioner in Jacksonville, has pleaded guilty to unlawful distribution of controlled substances and faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been scheduled, and the case was announced by United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.

Three Florida men have been indicted for dog fighting and related charges. Drew Geer, Anthony Crosby, and Leroy Halbert each face possession charges, with Geer and Crosby additionally charged with firearm possession by a convicted felon. Maximum sentences include 30 years for Geer and Crosby, and 15 years for Halbert, as announced by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.

A Jacksonville woman pleaded guilty to conspiring to smuggle firearms from the United States to Haiti. She faces up to 20 years in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for August 2026. The case was announced by a United States Attorney.

Andy Robert Ardelean, a Jacksonville resident, has been indicted for using the internet to download and receive videos depicting young children being sexually abused. If convicted, he faces 5 to 20 years in federal prison and potential lifetime supervised release. He was arrested on May 19, 2026.

Paul Alexander Askew, a 46-year-old Jacksonville resident, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to influence major international sports competitions by doping. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison, with sentencing yet to be scheduled. The case was announced by United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.

Ahli Fields, a 34-year-old Jacksonville man, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Fields faces a minimum sentence of seven years and up to life in federal prison, with sentencing to be scheduled later.

A federal jury in Jacksonville, Florida convicted Frederick Karl Hildenbrand of nine counts of producing child sexual abuse material and two counts of possessing CSAM. Hildenbrand faces a minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison for each production count, with sentencing scheduled for September 22, 2026.

A Jacksonville businessman was sentenced to 22 months in prison for evading $3.7 million in federal income taxes. The case was prosecuted in Jacksonville, Florida, highlighting enforcement of federal tax law violations.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis escalated tensions with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries over redistricting by challenging him to 'bring it on' during a press conference in Jacksonville. Jeffries had previously issued a stern warning to Florida Republicans regarding the state's redistricting efforts.

Hundreds of Amtrak passengers were stranded for nearly 24 hours in Florida due to wildfires near the tracks, causing overflowing bathrooms, limited updates, and disrupted travel. Amtrak offered refunds and travel vouchers to affected passengers on Train 98, part of the Silver Meteor route.

FBI Jacksonville has launched the 'Be Smart With Your Kids' Smartphone' program to promote digital safety among young people. The initiative collaborates with local law enforcement agencies and schools to educate children about responsible smartphone use and online safety.