Dozens of local parks dot the Golden Isles, offering everything from gorgeous views and amphitheaters to mini golf and salutes to service. On our 4 Your Neighborhood trip to Southeast Georgia, we’re highlighting a few of these hidden gems.
Every corner of the US has either a horror story or a haunted tale that has been passed down through generations, and the Golden Isles are no exception. One act of horror that happened more than 100 years ago mirrors stories of present-day mass murder, and it’s known as the “Brunswick Massacre of 1915.”
Willie’s Wee-Nee Wagon, a beloved Brunswick institution, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, serving up the same quality hot dogs, burgers, and their famous boneless pork chop sandwiches that have made them a local legend.
Frederica Academy’s graduating class this year is the largest it’s ever been -- 50 students -- and the school's homecoming queen is also one of its varsity football team kickers.
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center, the only facility of its kind in the state, has been dedicated to rehabilitating injured sea turtles and educating the public for nearly 20 years.
If you weren’t aware, Brunswick, Georgia, has a simmering rivalry with another area of the same name: Brunswick County, Virginia. Both Brunswicks claim to be the birthplace of the original “Brunswick stew.”
As the population of Brunswick and the Golden Isles continues to climb, community leaders say the demand for affordable homes is outpacing construction, and the gap is widening.
A local man turned a hobby into an award-winning business in Brunswick, featuring more than 200 pinball machines.
You might not realize it, but the city of Brunswick and some surrounding areas have been captured in dozens of big-time movies and TV shows. For decades, film crews have stopped in the area to shoot scenes that millions of people have seen.
It’s hard to talk about Brunswick without remembering Ahmaud Arbery — the 25-year-old murdered while jogging in a neighborhood near his home. His killing — captured on video and shared across the nation — sparked outrage, protests, and a demand for justice that resonated far beyond Coastal Georgia.
It was Sept. 8, 2019, when the Golden Ray cargo ship capsized shortly after leaving the Port of Brunswick. Officials later found that the incident was caused by human error and miscalculation.
The St. Simons Lighthouse, a significant historical landmark on St. Simons Island, has been a beacon for over 150 years.
Once on the brink of shutting down, the Brunswick landmark is now a thriving hub for arts and culture thanks to local efforts and major renovations.
Public School number 4, which is formally known as Annie Lytle Elementary, is often referred to as 'The Devil’s School' thanks to made-up horror stories that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Riverside is known for its beautiful homes, but one house at 2911 Riverside stands out for a different reason. It offers hope for people getting back on their feet after addiction.
Two Riverside gaming bars, Keg & Coin and Dart Bar, combine nostalgia with nightlife, creating community spaces where vintage arcade games, darts, and craft beer bring people together in Jacksonville's historic district.
Historic Riverside Theatre, Jacksonville's first sound-film venue, reopens as FIVE entertainment venue. The 1,200-capacity space hosts live music and events while preserving its 96-year legacy.
Riverside's Tiger Records offers a time-machine experience through vinyl, where manager Warren Evans and staff create a community hub for music lovers to discover both classic and contemporary albums.
Memorial Park, one of Jacksonville’s most beloved public spaces, is preparing for a new chapter as the city works to preserve its beauty and history in the face of increasingly damaging storms.
European Street Cafe in Riverside, Jacksonville, has been a community staple for 33 years, operating in a historic art deco building originally constructed in 1941. Owned by Andy Zarka, whose family transformed the former service station into a cafe in 1992, the venue honors its architectural heritage while serving as a cherished local gathering spot.
Since the first gay pride picnic nearly 50 years ago, support groups, resources and the annual River City Pride Parade and Festival have blossomed in Riverside over the years, creating a safe haven for Jacksonville's LGBTQIA+ community.
Segment three of Riverside's Emerald Trail will feature new walkable paths, enhanced green spaces and a proposed road diet to improve pedestrian safety and connectivity.
For more than three years, News4Jax has been reporting on what is on the horizon for a portion part of the Riverside area, specifically the Brooklyn neighborhood. The first phase of One Riverside is taking shape at the site of the former Times Union Building.
Riverside and Avondale are home to some of Jacksonville’s most architecturally significant properties. Archivist Elaine Slayton Akin of Riverside Avondale Preservation shares the stories behind the historic homes and the ongoing efforts to protect their legacy.
A new mural is being painted under the Fuller Warren Bridge. The Riverside Avondale Preservation and JEA selected Patrick Maxcy to do the job.
Jacksonville’s LGBTQ+ community faces a complicated legal landscape where state-level policies targeting LGBTQ+ individuals are upheld while federal policy shifts potentially strip protections.
For years, Biscottis has been serving up dessert staples that have become iconic across Riverside and the greater Northeast Florida area. Whether you’re stopping in after dinner or picking up something for a special occasion, their cake counter is hard to resist.
To be a part of a paranormal investigation at the St. Augustine Lighthouse has been a bucket list item for News4JAX Chief Meteorologist Richard Nunn since he saw a Ghost Hunters episode about it. With the help of some coworkers, we got to make that happen.
Everywhere you look in St. Augustine, history is looking right back at you. The list of historic places never ends in the beautiful 460-year-old city, and News4JAX anchor John Asebes visited a few on a tour around town.
As Hispanic Heritage Month shines a spotlight on the stories and contributions of Hispanic Americans, one St. Augustine business owner’s journey stands out for its resilience, creativity, and deep cultural roots.
The historically Black neighborhood of Lincolnville in St. Augustine is rich with history, including several pivotal moments from the civil rights movement. Take a trip back in time with News4JAX anchor Jenese Harris.
The Magic Beach Motel has been a staple in Vilano Beach for over 70 years. It's set to close at the end of September following the approval of a demolition permit from St. Johns County in August. A developer plans to demolish the property before the end of the year in order to make way for condos and retail.
In the nation’s oldest city, tourism continues to be the essence of the local economy, and it’s booming year-round.
About 2,300 hundred students are enrolled at the school. Delaney says it’s thriving, but that did not happen overnight.
News4JAX anchor/reporter John Asebes will be the first to admit, he's gotten some of the best assignments when it comes to our 4 Your Neighborhood visits. From tacos to the backwoods to pizza, he ate well in St. Augustine, so you can too!
When visitors think of St. Augustine, they often picture forts, cobblestone streets, and trolley tours. But a little-known fact is that the nation’s oldest city also played a surprising role in the history of chocolate in North America, and a local candy maker is keeping the tradition alive.
Just shy of 500 students are Flagler College are majoring in STEM or STEAM- focused careers. Those are majors in science, technology, engineering, mathematics or technology. The college made some adjustments this fall semester to handle the demand and they are just the beginning.
If you want to have a genuinely “Florida” encounter with a swarm of alligators, or should we say a safe encounter, you can do just that at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park.
Once a forgotten relic with crumbling steps and a fading past, the St. Augustine Amphitheatre has undergone a stunning transformation into one of the top-rated outdoor music venues in the world. This is the story of how vision, determination—and one former mailman—brought new life to an old stage.
With its cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, and coastal views, St. Augustine has become one of the most popular wedding destinations in the country.
Throughout Jacksonville’s Arlington area, a handful of small business owners explained to News4JAX why they’ve set up shop in the historic community. The three we interviewed point to Arlington’s central location on the First Coast.
Retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Terry Harris transformed his concern for local youth into Sk8 City, a 40,000-square-foot family entertainment venue that revives Jacksonville's beloved skating legacy.
The Arlington Expressway, Downtown Jacksonville’s connection to East Arlington, has long been associated with blight due to old, abandoned office buildings. However, recent redevelopment efforts are bringing new hope to the neighborhood.
At Tree Hill Nature Center, The Rattlesnake Conservancy transforms fear into understanding through hands-on training, teaching hundreds annually to safely handle these misunderstood creatures while advocating for their vital role in Florida's ecosystem.
Once a bustling retail hub and social hotspot, Arlington’s Regency Square Mall now stands as a shadow of its former self. But city leaders and developers are looking toward a future that could bring new life to the aging property.
Jacksonville University is growing — and three of its signature programs show how the school is preparing students for the careers of tomorrow. From science and technology to aviation and healthcare, JU leaders say the university is aligning with community needs and industry demand.
Jacksonville University has been part of the city’s story for more than 90 years. Founded in 1934 during the Great Depression, the private university has grown from a small two-year college downtown into a thriving campus on the banks of the St. Johns River.
JWB Real Estate Capital has invested more than $20 million to transform the former Town and Country Shopping Center off Arlington Expressway and University Boulevard.
WJXT is proud to continue its long-standing promise of dedication to North Florida and South Georgia communities by introducing a new, inside perspective of area neighborhoods.
The Venegas family continues to seek answers and justice months after 40-year-old Brandon Venegas was killed in a hit-and-run behind a Walgreens in Arlington, urging the community to come forward with any information.
The Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is a place where you can disappear from the hustle and bustle of the neighborhoods and businesses that you traditionally think of in Arlington.
The First Coast Rowing Club is the only public crew team to offer youth rowing in the Arlington neighborhood and has been going strong for 35 years.
Long before Hollywood embraced diversity, Jacksonville’s Norman Studios was breaking barriers with “race films” that cast Black actors in heroic, leading roles. Now a historical film museum, the studio preserves a powerful and often-overlooked legacy.
Arlington is known for a lot of things — some expected, and some that might surprise you. One of its most unique claims to fame? Housing the oldest operating skate park in the country.
As part of our “4 Your Neighborhood” coverage in the Arlington area, News4JAX is highlighting efforts to protect a local gem: The Fort Caroline National Memorial.
The St. Johns River has always been the heart of Jacksonville. In Arlington, it’s more than just a scenic view — it’s part of the community’s identity, shaping property values, recreation, and even the neighborhood’s future.
News4JAX took a tour of The Jericho School in Arlington to see how it helps children across the autism spectrum thrive and find their voices.
Norma Smithen, the always smiling, always laughing, never-has-a-bad-day employee, has been serving customers at the Sheik location in Arlington since September 1983.
Not long ago, Springfield was better known for its crime rate than its charm; however, neighbors today say the area has begun turning heads for a very different reason, as the historic Jacksonville community has transformed from a place many avoided into a destination where people want to live, work, and play.
A major initiative in the Springfield neighborhood is the Emerald Trail project, which aims to connect historic neighborhoods and foster community engagement.
Did you know there was a haunted mansion in Springfield? Located at the corner of Third and Pearl Street, an eerie abandoned mansion has a deep, dark history like no other home in the historic neighborhood, and has a history some may describe as unsettling.
Vibrant murals pop on building facades throughout Springfield’s Phoenix Arts & Innovation District. It’s a “regenerative development” project that aims to transform 8.3 acres into a creative hub for artists, both local and abroad.
In the heart of Springfield, a remarkable organization is changing lives. Rethreaded, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women who have survived human trafficking, is helping them put the pieces of their lives back together—one thread at a time.
After closing its doors more than a decade ago, Debs Store has returned to the Eastside with a new name, a new mission, and a lot of community support. Now known as The Corner at Debs Store, this neighborhood landmark is once again serving the community, blending history, healthy food, and hope under one roof.
The Glorious Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, which stood for more than 80 years in the city’s Springfield neighborhood, was demolished in June after city officials declared the building structurally unsound and too dangerous to remain standing.
Springfield’s business district has emerged as a vibrant retail destination, hosting approximately 250 businesses that range from boutiques to specialty shops, according to the Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council(SPAR).
When the Great Fire of 1901 tore through Jacksonville, destroying much of the city in just eight hours, it left behind more than charred ruins—it created an opportunity to start over. One individual who answered the call to rebuild the River City was Henry Klutho, a young architect from New York who would go on to transform the look and feel
Known for its colorful homes and wraparound porches, Springfield is one of Jacksonville’s oldest neighborhoods. Once overlooked, the historic community just north of downtown has become a magnet for new residents and businesses. However, revitalization is coming at a cost as longtime locals say the price of that popularity is a rise in home prices and the potential loss of what made Springfield special in the first place.
During the Great Fire of 1901, they formed a bucket brigade to help stop the flames from spreading to their homes. Hogan’s Creek also acted as a natural barrier.
If you’re out at Klutho Park in Springfield, you might notice a modern-style giraffe statue overlooking the green spaces. It’s there to mark the site of Jacksonville’s first zoo, which was built in the early 1900s.
