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).
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.
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
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.
These days, Hollywood is the movie-making capital of the world. But had Los Angeles not lured filmmakers to go west, we might be hearing “Lights, Camera, Action!” in Jacksonville, and the River City could have been the film-making capital of the world.
A Springfield resident worked with the nonprofit Sustainable Springfield to build a disc golf course in Klutho Park, which is maintained now by SPAR and is a daily attraction for residents across the city.
Springfield has historic homes and neighborhoods that give it a charming feel, but the area has also seen a major boom in new construction, growth and potential.
Springfield is one of the oldest and most historic parts of Jacksonville, and as a result, it’s been at the center of one of the most divisive debates in the city’s history: Confederate monuments.
Just north of downtown Jacksonville, Historic Springfield is a neighborhood where history lives on through restored homes, century-old streets, and a close-knit community.
R.V. Daniels consolidated into R.L. Brown at the end of last school year. The principal shares how they're preparing for the new school year, and a community member shares the emotional impact of losing a neighborhood school.
In an effort to learn about the best food offered in the Springfield area, we called around and were provided three spots, though if we had time, we would have visited every restaurant.
The $20 million Nassau County Shore Protection Project to renourish the Fernandina Beach shoreline from Fort Clinch to Saddler Road has finished months ahead of schedule.
Fernandina Beach is known for its rich history and beautiful beaches. But what many people don’t know is that it’s also been dubbed the “Birthplace of the Modern Shrimping Industry.”
Even though Fernandina Beach won’t see a population boom in the coming decades, it still has to be able to accommodate those moving to the county because people from those developing areas will come into their downtown, use their beaches and other resources, according to the city.
Much of Amelia Island was used as a backdrop for The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking, but the most memorable spot was the house that stood in for Villa Villekulla, Pippi’s home in the story.
Brett’s Waterway Café has long been a mainstay in the community, known for its scenic views and special events. But it is set to be demolished next year due to safety concerns.
There are pirates in Fernandina Beach! And there have been for hundreds of years. Thanks to the island’s natural deep-water port, the area became a haven for the swashbucklers of the sea.
Fernandina Beach is undergoing a $20 million shoreline restoration project to combat erosion and protect coastal communities from storm damage.
From the waterways to the trails to the beaches, here are some hidden gems you don’t want to miss when you venture up to Nassau County’s coast.
When you think of Fernandina, you probably picture peaceful beaches and pristine coastline and that’s exactly what locals and volunteers are fighting to protect. But it’s not just beachgoers who love the sand. A fast-spreading invader is threatening the natural landscape.
The Palace Saloon, Florida’s oldest bar, still sits at the very location where it was built in the 1870s: at the corner of Centre and 2nd streets in the heart of Fernandina Beach in Nassau County.
Fernandina Beach Pride has given out $36,000 in scholarship money to Nassau County high school seniors since 2019.
As part of our 4 Your Neighborhood visit to Fernandina Beach, we’re highlighting some of the famous folks who call the area home.
The beach is associated with beautiful weather and fun, and Jacksonville Beach is no exception; however, as summer approaches, local law enforcement is reminding visitors to prioritize their safety as they have a good time.
Neptune Beach is working to keep students safe by cracking down on the rules of the road with automated speed cameras that are now in effect at local school zones.
Angie's Subs has been a staple of Jacksonville Beach for decades. As it continues to expand on its current location, the owner also has plans to go beyond its foundation in the beach community.
News4JAX is highlighting Duval County’s beaches for this month’s 4 Your Neighborhood special. But beyond the shoreline, there are some hidden gems at the beaches that you don’t want to miss.
Did you know Taco Lu on Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville Beach has a ghost? You must go back in time to get to the bottom of the paranormal activity that people who work there tell you is just haunting.
Caleb Yauger had his first surfing lesson with Mark Collins at "Mark's Surf Camp." Here's how it went.
Since 1985, Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry, BEAM, has been serving members of the Beaches community who find themselves suddenly in crisis and unable to pay their rent, utility bill or feed their family.
If your dog loves to feel the sand in their paws, Duval County offers several pet-friendly beaches, but each has rules about when our fur friends can visit their shores.
As the sea turtle nesting season continues, the Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol urges people to follow proper guidelines to ensure wildlife safety.
The executive director of Florida Elite Soccer Academy talked about the growth of the game in St. Johns County.
St. Johns County is witnessing an explosive rise in the popularity of pickleball, a sport that’s quickly become the fastest-growing sport in the country.
The ongoing growth in the Durbin Pavilion area is evident as new stores and apartments continue to emerge.
On many days, before Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ even opens its doors, customers are lined up outside.
The 32259 ZIP code is widely considered to be in St. Johns County. But there is one Duval County neighborhood off of Race Track Road that has a Jacksonville address.
Pole Vaulting has been an Olympic track and field event since 1896. In 2000, women were finally allowed to compete in the event. On a quiet street in the Switzerland neighborhood, people may notice a red, grey, and navy blue flag outside a home, which will lead them to the “FL Pole Vault Factory, a business dedicated to bringing more attention to the sport and helping produce more elite Olympic level athletes.
Tristyn Bailey’s spirit continues to shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. As her family and the community remember her vibrant life, her parents, Stacy and Forrest Bailey, reflect on the lasting impact she made in her 13 years.
The Julington Durbin Creek Preserve, which is part of the Timucuan Parks Foundation, is on a peninsula at the confluence of Julington and Durbin creeks.
Homeowners are urged not to assume that recent rainfall has eliminated the risk of wildfires. Numerous housing developments in St. Johns County back up to wooded areas, increasing the likelihood of fire hazards.
The $60 million Hallowes Cove Academy project is part of a larger effort to enhance educational opportunities for students in St. Johns County.
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.
After months of fighting and rescheduled meetings wrapped in confusion, residents have consistently voiced their concerns about increased traffic, student safety and property values being affected if the unwanted restaurant was to open.
Come with me, let’s leave the bumper-to-bumper behind and glide across the dark and calm waters of the Ribault River and see another side of the Northside.
Pet Paradise near the Jacksonville International Airport is helping pet parents take care of their four-legged friends, and my dog Theo got to experience the fun.
They’ve made it their mission to make sure no veteran is buried alone at the Jacksonville National Cemetery on the city’s Northside.
REZOOVENATION will revitalize nearly every part of the Zoo, starting with the J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Manatee River habitat and the immersive VyStar SkyScape entrance, expected to open 2026. These projects will feature expanded and new animal habitats designed to prioritize animal well-being and create unique experiences for over a million guests annually. As visitors explore these beautifully crafted ecosystems, they will discover the rich diversity of the natural world in more engaging and innovative ways, aligning with the Zoo's mission to inspire through nature. www.jacksonvillezoo.org
Eden paid a visit to Old Soul Donut Co. on the Northside as part of our 4 Your Neighborhood celebration. The shop freshly bakes their delicious donuts and serves breakfast sandwiches and Martin coffee. Customers tell us that they are huge fans of the Northside eatery, and after sampling a box of delicious donuts, the River City Live crew understands why that is!
When most people think of Jacksonville’s Northside, the airport and zoo are typically among the spots that come to mind. However, many don’t realize that the area is also home to some popular blueberry farms.
If you live in the 32218 ZIP code, there’s a good chance you’ve noticed how the neighborhood is booming. As one local developer said, Northside growth is happening at breakneck speed.
Hundreds of people enroll in the Cosmetology Career Certificate (C.C.) program at Florida State College Jacksonville’s (FSCJ) North Campus every year, filling classes day and night all while impacting the community.
Have you ever wanted to go behind the scenes at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens? Well, you’re in luck.
Dedication, heart and resilience make leaders shine in law enforcement. These qualities also highlight Commander Erika Weber’s remarkable career.
Dunn Avenue on Jacksonville's Northside has seen quite a bit of development, and residents are concerned because crashes are becoming more frequent.
If you live on the Northside, watching airplanes take off and land from Jacksonville International Airport can be a cool leisure activity. For some, it is a hobby.
Pecan Park Flea and Farmer’s Market, a Northside Jacksonville staple, offers everything from everyday essentials to unique 3D-printed creations at D&A 3D Prints.
