In the Navy, many toss around the word “family” casually. Divisions become families. Departments become families. Berthing members become families. Co-workers who spend 18 hours a day working together and another six sleeping near each other become family members.

Jacksonville Humane Society proudly joins forces with with national nonprofit Petco and animal welfare groups across Florida.

Founded in 1970, OneJax is a nonprofit that has promoted diversity as the foundation for a strong community for more than 50 years.

A proposal from the City of Fernandina Beach to implement paid parking in the historic downtown district is getting major pushback from the community.

Next weekend, the annual “Big Gay Picnic” returns to Willowbranch Park in Riverside. The family and pet-friendly event, hosted by the Jacksonville LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the AIDS Memorial Project AMP, celebrates community and inclusivity.

The Pride Community Center of North Central Florida is based in Gainesville and serves 13 local counties, including Alachua, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Putnam and Union.

As Pride Month continues, News4JAX is highlighting local organizations, like JASMYN, that provide resources and safe spaces for the Northeast Florida LGBTQ+ community.

Farm Share, Florida’s largest food bank, will host a free food distribution Friday in Putnam County.

Co-founded by three friends who saw a need in the nation’s oldest city, House of Prism provides advocacy, education, and services for LGBTQIA+ individuals in St. Augustine.

Fifty years ago, a local pediatrician answered a need in the Clay County community for medical services, back when seeing a doctor cost just $17 a visit.

Since its inception, PFLAG Jacksonville has provided more than 345 scholarships totaling more than $430,000 to local students. The application window for 2025 is rapidly closing, so here's what students need to know.

COLORS Resource Center offers advocacy and social services to create safe spaces and foster connections for the LGBTQIA+ community in Northeast Florida and beyond.

Hundreds of people gathered at Central Park in Fernandina Beach to celebrate the fifth annual Pride Parade and Festival.

Farm Share held a free distribution on Saturday in Jacksonville, but this time around, it wasn’t just food being handed out.

Hamburger Mary’s has made its comeback in Jacksonville, now operating under new ownership and in a new location.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging everyone to enjoy the day, but emphasizes the importance of safety.

The charity is giving away hurricane supply kits at nine events across the state Saturday morning. The local event starts at 9 a.m. Saturday outside Celebration Church.

The Queer Trans Project is a Jacksonville-based, trans-led nonprofit that provides free gender-affirming resources to people across the country.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society North Florida chapter held its annual Dinner of Champions on Thursday.

News4JAX is celebrating Pride Month this June by highlighting our unique and vibrant local LGBTQ+ community, and Wednesday, we’re shining a light on the LGBTQ Community Fund.

Jax River City Pride is a local 501 (c)(3) nonprofit all-volunteer organization that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with a festival and parade each October in the Five Points area.

The Jacksonville Public Library’s Summer Learning Program runs now through Aug. 2, offering free reading challenges, STEM activities, and family-friendly events to help kids stay engaged and prevent summer learning loss.

News4JAX reporter Caleb Yauger goes inside RD International to taste Thai Cuisine, taking him back to his roots.

Jacksonville native and rapper Young Cash is celebrating more than just his birthday this year.

Hard work doesn’t always get immediate recognition, but for one local athlete, it showed up unexpectedly in his backyard in the form of Travis Hunter.

A freshman football player at Christ’s Church Academy in Mandarin got an unexpected visitor during his at-home workout -- and the moment has gone viral.

The city's yearly Memorial Day tradition is a heartfelt tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Since launching its First Responder Peer Support Program in June 2022, LSF Health Systems has answered calls from over 4,600 EMS professionals, law enforcement, firefighters and their families across 20 counties in Northeast and North Central Florida.

On Jacksonville’s Westside, Wing Lee Yuen Truck Farm was a long-lasting example of the Chinese-immigrant farms that sprang up in the city during the early 1900s.

A new line dance group seeking to connect the community

A gym that goes beyond fitness to engage the community and elevate mental health, build community along with taking care of fitness.

The city of Fernandina Beach is developing a Flood Adaptation Plan to protect the community from tidal flooding, storm surge, rainfall, and sea level rise.

Staff at Jacksonville National Cemetery are asking for volunteers of all ages to come out Thursday to help with the traditional placing of U.S. flags on gravesites in recognition of Memorial Day.

News4JAX anchor Aaron Farrar shows us how the relatively new Asian Night Markets are bringing the AAPI community together.

We’re shining the spotlight on Kie Young, president of the Japanese Association of Jacksonville. She’s also a member of the Mayor’s Asian American Advisory Board.

For 30 years, the "Miracle on Ashley Street" event has offered a beacon of light, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for Clara White Mission's efforts to uplift those experiencing homelessness.

Farm Share, Florida’s leading food nonprofit and the state’s largest food bank, is distributing food to food-insecure Floridians in the Jacksonville area.

There are three finalists to become the next city attorney of Fernandina Beach. City commissioners plan to interview the finalists at City Hall one-on-one starting at 8:45 a.m. Thursday.

Funk Fest made its return to Jacksonville on Friday, and while some concert goers expressed excitement for the event’s comeback, others expressed disappointment.

The Jacksonville Funk Fest made its return to Metropolitan Park after seven years.

Ascension St. Vincent’s is hosting a special event to serve those in need.

Ken Hearda, 80, is one of the 135 veterans who were experiencing homelessness in 2024. Now, he's got a life-changing opportunity, thanks to Operation Barnabas and Operation Lifeline in Clay County.

Builders Care is a nonprofit organization that has been installing ramps in Northeast Florida for more than two decades.

For years, the Salvation Army has been a lifeline in Jacksonville, serving hundreds of people facing hard times. Now, the organization is trying to raise $1 million to keep providing services. If it doesn’t reach its goal, services could be cut.

Builders Care is a local organization that is changing lives with its mission to help the elderly, disabled and veterans stay in their homes.

Clay County Parks and Recreation is teaming up with partners from across the area to hold a Kids Bike Rodeo on May 30, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Clay County Fairgrounds.

This year, there are three types of camps for your child to choose from, each available at several locations: technology camp, nature camp, and sports camp.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On Monday April 28 during a regularly scheduled City Commission meeting, the City Manager David Birchim announced a series of meetings to discuss large-scale events, scheduled in The Alcazar Room of City Hall

In big cities and small towns, families across the country are facing economic struggles, immigration challenges, and the growing impact of our changing environment. But in many communities, families are not just navigating these challenges — they are leading the charge in solutions.

Farm Share, the state’s largest food bank, will distribute food to Floridians in need on Saturday morning in Palatka.

With a growing demand for skilled workers across Florida, local students were able to get a hands-on look at what a future in the trades could look like.

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about the presence of Portuguese man o’war on St. Johns County beaches.

While their friend and teammate continues to be in critical condition in the hospital following an e-bike crash, a St. Johns County football team is planning a vigil for him Wednesday night.

Terry Lester was at her wits’ end trying to save some ducklings that have been trapped for days in a storm drain -- so she called News4JAX.

As hurricane season approaches, first responder agencies across Duval County are ensuring families are prepared. The Jax Ready Festival begins Friday, offering a free event designed to help the community get ready for potential emergencies.

You can explore Jacksonville’s oldest suburb this weekend and take a peek behind the porches at the 46th Historic Springfield Tour of Homes and Gardens.

As hurricane season approaches, first responder agencies across Duval County are ensuring families are prepared. The Jax Ready Festival begins Friday, offering a free event designed to help the community get ready for potential emergencies.

This month’s Positively JAX award goes to an organization making waves in both environmental protection and community education — just in time for Earth Day. Congratulations to Beaches Go Green, our April winner!

Farm Share, the state’s largest food bank, will distribute food to Floridians in need on Saturday morning in Lake City.

With hurricane season on the horizon, Glynn County officials have launched a new effort seeking to support and connect local faith-based organizations before, during, and after disasters.

If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate earth day The City of Jacksonville’s got you covered.

Lillian Young used words from advertisements and notices that described at least 100 different runaway slaves in the 1800s to create portraits of what she believed the people might have looked like.

A Jacksonville Easter tradition returned this weekend in Duval County, delighting locals with art and community spirit.

The Camden County Health Department and Family Connection Camden is hosting a community baby shower April 26 week for any new babies and parents.

The North Florida Marine Association announces the Jacksonville Spring Boat Show, which is a family-friendly outdoor event at Metropolitan Park on the St. Johns River.

A memorial commemorating the Vietnam War will arrive in Callahan on Thursday. The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, also known as “The Wall that Heals,” is a three-fifths scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

With Easter on Sunday, there are a lot of activities happening this week leading up to it.

For many people with a criminal record, finding a job after prison can feel nearly impossible. But one event in Jacksonville aims to change that.

Leaders of state humanities councils throughout the country say federal funding cuts by President Donald Trump's administration will force them to scale back or eliminate celebrations next year commemorating the nation's 250th anniversary.

Dozens of oyster beds are being placed along the Trout River, starting at Riverview Park on Jacksonville’s Northside as part of a new $20,000 grant to improve the water quality in Northeast Florida.

Moncrief’s mission to revitalize the Memorial Cemetery continues. They’re cleaning up the resting grounds of local Jacksonville legends.

The Downtown Ecumenical Services Council (DESC) operates out of the basement at First Presbyterian Church, which it has been doing for 42 years. The plan is to move to a new building on Liberty Street by the end of the year, with a work space twice the size.

Farm Share, Florida’s leading food nonprofit and the state’s largest food bank, is distributing food at two locations in Putnam County on Friday.

St. Johns County officials will host a public meeting on Thursday to give information and gather community feedback on the upcoming Fire Station 22 and Sheriff’s Operation Center Project.

During the month of May, we want to highlight those in the AAPI community locally who own businesses!

Mayor Donna Deegan will be at the annual Nehemiah Action Assembly at Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church to hear ICARE's thoughts on the city’s affordable housing crisis.

These annual slumber parties, which are designed to encourage community members to get creative in their support for their local shelters, offer unique opportunities to get involved, such as spending the night at the shelter.

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.

Ascension St. Vincent’s is inviting the community out to the Regency Square Mall on Saturday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. for a free medical clinic.

The gates finally open Thursday for the Clay County Agricultural Fair. So don’t miss out on the excitement, entertainment and fair food.

April is water conservation month in Florida and JEA is reminding customers about the importance of water conservation.

Deck The Chairs (DTC), a non-profit organization, launches Deck the Bins, a student art decorating contest.

News4JAX will be on base today as the “Tridents” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 26 are welcomed home by their families following a six-month deployment.

Clownery, acrobatics, and soul are headed back to the River City for a family-friendly tradition that’s been around for years.

A women’s conference led Aida Seeja to start her own non-profit named Inspire to Rise, which helps people who need essential resources, especially people in the Latino community.

Wolfson Children’s Hospital received a $205,000 donation on Friday from Subaru of Jacksonville through the annual “Share the Love” campaign put on by Subaru dealerships nationwide.

March’s PositivelyJAX award honors Beaches Fine Arts Series which is an organization that continues to inspire and enlighten the community.

As we close out March, we’re highlighting women who have led the way locally in law, art, law enforcement and fashion.

Friendship Fountain will temporarily close during the beginning of April for maintenance updates.

In a unanimous 16-0 vote, the Jacksonville City Council passed a resolution to recognize April 2025 as Arab American Heritage Month in the city.

The Florida lottery announces that a 39-year-old woman from Jacksonville claimed a one million dollar prize from the $1,000,000 a Year For Life Spectacular Scratch-Off game.

Donna Orender, founder of Generation W and former president of the WNBA, has used what she learned on the court as a pro basketball player to help motivate and empower women and teenage girls.

A local nonprofit continues to be a beacon of hope for foster children for 17 years.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens announced on Tuesday the launch of the Conservation Leaders Collective (CLC), an initiative that aims to inspire young professionals by giving them opportunities to engage in conservation efforts, support the zoo’s mission, and grow their personal and professional networks.

News4JAX was there at the Duval County Courthouse in December when Londeshua Kendrick adopted her brother’s seven boys, making her a mom of 10. In a candid conversation with News4JAX anchor Joy Purdy, Londeshua opened up about what led up to the adoptions, and the one big wish on her heart: Finding Mr. Right.

Enjoy boatloads of seafood, artisan foods, fun entertainment and live music at the 42nd Annual St. Augustine Lions Seafood festival this weekend.