Skip to main content
Mostly Clear icon
69º
WJXT logo

Go to the WJXT homepage

Join Insider
    • News
    • Watch Live
    • Local News
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • National
    • Politics & Power
    • Politics
    • I-Team
    • Trust Index
    • Community
    • Health
    • Money
    • Education
    • Consumer
    • Entertainment
    • Weird News
    • Weather
    • Weather News
    • Traffic
    • SnapJAX
    • Skycams
    • Alerts
    • Hurricanes
    • Plan and Prepare
    • Georgia
    • St. Augustine
    • Environment
    • Forecasting Change
    • News4JAX+
    • Watch Live
    • News4JAX Insider
    • How To Watch News4JAX+
    • Download News4JAX Apps
    • The Morning Show
    • River City Live
    • Podcasts
    • This Week In Jacksonville
    • Business Edition
    • NEXTGEN TV
    • TV Listings
    • Florida Justice
    • Sports
    • Sports Videos
    • Jaguars
    • Jaguars Stats
    • News4JAGS Podcast
    • Gators Breakdown
    • Gators Stats
    • High School Sports
    • Varsity 4
    • Going Ringside Podcast
    • V4rsity Podcast
    • All Star Athlete
    • Olympics
    • Features
    • News4JAX Insider
    • JAXBest
    • Florida Justice
    • 4 Your Neighborhood
    • Addressing A4dability
    • Events Calendar
    • Positively JAX
    • River City Live
    • News4JAX+
    • Look Local
    • Travel
    • Voices of the 904
    • Jacksonville Image Awards
    • Food & Recipes
    • Live Healthy
    • Contests & Rules
    • Talking Health
    • Pets
    • uSay Voting
    • Branded Content
    • River City Live
    • Watch River City Live
    • River City+
    • Eats & Treats
    • Beats
    • Wellness
    • Local Spotlight
    • Passion 4 Pets
    • Shopping
    • SnapJAX
    • SnapJAX Stories
    • Breaking News Photos
    • Weather Photos
    • Newsletters
    • Sign Up For Newsletters
    • WJXT
    • Contact Us
    • Help Center
    • Careers at WJXT/WCWJ
    • SnapJAX
    • Meet the Team
    • Advertise with us
    • CW17
    • CW Program Guide
    • Bounce
  • News
  • Weather
  • News4JAX+
  • Sports
  • Features
  • River City Live
  • SnapJAX
  • Newsletters
  • WJXT
  • CW17
News4JAX.com
  • News
  • Weather
  • News4JAX+
  • Sports
  • Features
  • River City Live
  • SnapJAX
  • Newsletters
  • WJXT
  • CW17

WEATHER ALERT

2 rip current statements in effect for Duval, Coastal, Inland and Nassau, Coastal, Inland Regions

JUSTIN WALKER


No description available
2 days ago

Trump administration asks the Supreme Court to allow it to fire head of US Copyright Office

Read full article: Trump administration asks the Supreme Court to allow it to fire head of US Copyright Office

The Trump administration is asking the Supreme Court to let fire the director of the U.S. Copyright Office.

No description available

Appeals court rules Trump doesn't have the authority to fire Copyright Office director

Read full article: Appeals court rules Trump doesn't have the authority to fire Copyright Office director

A divided appeals court has ruled President Donald Trump doesn’t have the authority to unilaterally remove and replace the director of the U.S. Copyright Office.

No description available

Appeals court allows Trump’s anti-union order to take effect

Read full article: Appeals court allows Trump’s anti-union order to take effect

An appeals court has cleared the way for President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at ending collective bargaining rights for hundreds of thousands of federal employees while a lawsuit plays out.

No description available

Appeals court rules Trump can fire board members of independent labor agencies

Read full article: Appeals court rules Trump can fire board members of independent labor agencies

An appeals court has ruled that President Donald Trump can fire two board members of independent labor agencies from their respective posts in the federal government.

No description available

Appeals court won't lift order that barred Trump administration from deportations under wartime law

Read full article: Appeals court won't lift order that barred Trump administration from deportations under wartime law

A federal appeals court won’t lift an order barring the Trump administration from deporting Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador under an 18th century wartime law.

No description available

Appeals court hears arguments over Trump's bid to fire 2 board members

Read full article: Appeals court hears arguments over Trump's bid to fire 2 board members

A Justice Department attorney has urged an appeals court to suspend judicial orders favoring two board members who were fired by President Donald Trump from their respective posts in the federal government.

No description available

Courts give conflicting orders on asylum limits at border

Read full article: Courts give conflicting orders on asylum limits at border

A federal appeals court has upheld sweeping asylum restrictions to prevent spread of COVID-19 but restored protections to keep migrant families from being expelled to their home countries without a chance to plead their cases.

No description available

Memorial paddle out Sunday morning for firefighter lost at sea 2 years ago

Read full article: Memorial paddle out Sunday morning for firefighter lost at sea 2 years ago

The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department is honoring a missing firefighter with a memorial and paddle out.

No description available

Trump-appointed judges under an election-year political lens

Read full article: Trump-appointed judges under an election-year political lens

FILE - In this May 6, 2020 file photo, nominee Justin Walker to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit testifies during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. Following the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, judges and their perceived ideological purity are facing even greater scrutiny. The declaration dropped as lower-court judges, like Richardson, face greater scrutiny over their perceived ideological purity. And one of Richardson's colleagues in Nashville, another Trump appointee, took a political pounding from conservatives over an abortion ruling in July. U.S. District Judge William “Chip” Campbell blocked an effort by Tennessee Republicans to bar abortions as early as six weeks into pregnancy.

No description available

After year, memorial to be held for firefighters who vanished at sea

Read full article: After year, memorial to be held for firefighters who vanished at sea

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. On Friday, loved ones will gather to remember two firefighters who went on a fishing trip one year ago and didnt return. Engineer Brian McCluney with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and Virginia firefighter Justin Walker launched from Cape Canaveral. She wants the memorial service to be a celebration of his life. McCluneys wife is planning a paddle out memorial for her husband at the same dock he Walker launched from. The memorial will begin at 5 p.m. Friday at Jetty Park in Cape Canaveral.

No description available

Senate confirms McConnell ally to top federal appeals court

Read full article: Senate confirms McConnell ally to top federal appeals court

(Jonathan Ernst/Pool Photo via AP)WASHINGTON A divided Senate has approved the nomination of a 38-year-old judge and ally of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to serve on a top federal appeals court, despite Democrats objections that hes inexperienced and biased against the Obama-era health care law. Walker, a protege of both McConnell and Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, will join the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in September. In the middle of a national public health crisis, the Republican Senate majority is poised to confirm a judge who opposes our countrys health care law.'' Walker, who was confirmed as a federal judge last fall, declined a request by Senate Democrats to recuse himself on matters related to the health care law if confirmed to the appeals court. McConnell, a longtime family friend who employed Walker as an intern in his Senate office, said that in his short time as a federal judge, Walker has shown his intelligence and legal acumen.

No description available

Senate panel advances McConnell ally for DC appeals court

Read full article: Senate panel advances McConnell ally for DC appeals court

The court is widely considered the second-most powerful in the nation and frequently serves as a launching pad for a seat on the Supreme Court. 2 Senate Democrat, called Walker's nomination a travesty and an affront to other, more qualified conservative judges. Democrats also complained that the committee was advancing Walkers nomination during the coronavirus crisis and nationwide upheaval over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Walker clerked for Kavanaugh when he was on the D.C. appeals court. The group changed its rating just before the May 6 hearing, calling Walker "Well Qualified to serve on the appeals court.

No description available

Graham urges older judges to retire so GOP can fill openings

Read full article: Graham urges older judges to retire so GOP can fill openings

Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., speaks during a Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing on the nomination of Judge Justin Walker to be a U.S. Circuit Court judge for the District of Columbia Circuit on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, May 6, 2020. So if youre a circuit judge in your mid-60s, late 60s, you can take senior status. If confirmed, Walker would take an appeals court seat being vacated by Judge Thomas Griffith, who intends to retire in September. The vacancy creates an election-year slot on the influential appeals court, where four of the nine current Supreme Court justices served, including Roberts and Brett Kavanaugh.

No description available

Baymeadows Road Red Lobster donating portion of proceeds to missing firefighters’ families

Read full article: Baymeadows Road Red Lobster donating portion of proceeds to missing firefighters’ families

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Red Lobster location in Jacksonville will be donating 15% of all sales from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to the families of two missing firefighters. The community was invited to the restaurant’s location at 8720 Baymeadows Road in Jacksonville during that time to dine in, get takeout or just stop by to donate. The general manager said the event aims to make this holiday season a little easier for the families of Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department engineer Brian McCluney and Justin Walker, a firefighter from Virginia. The two men went fishing out of Port Canaveral on Aug. 16 and never returned.​​​​​​​ A search of more than 100,000 square miles of ocean came up empty.

No description available

Family, community honor life of missing Jacksonville firefighter

Read full article: Family, community honor life of missing Jacksonville firefighter

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Brian McCluney was a humble servant who was reserved about his faith but loud in his day-to-day contact with everyone he met, his pastor said Friday. McCluney's family held a celebration of life Friday morning for the 38-year-old Jacksonville firefighter who disappeared while out at sea 10 weeks ago. WATCH: Video from JFRD gives look inside celebration of life |GALLERY: Family photos of Brian McCluney, Justin WalkerMcCluney's brother described him as a humble and brave man who loved God and his family. "Every single thing on that boat should be labeled because we've gotten pictures of a life vest and there are a million orange life vests. Walker's family drove from Virginia to take part in McCluney's celebration of life service.

No description available

Families hosting a beach walk for missing firefighters

Read full article: Families hosting a beach walk for missing firefighters

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - Three weeks since Jacksonville Fire and Rescue firefighter Brian McCluney and Virginia Firefighter Justin Walker were reported missing during a fishing trip out of Port Canaveral, their families are organizing a beach walk to search for debris. The two were first reported missing Aug. 16. Now, in the wake of Hurricane Dorian, the families of the firefighters are continuing to look for answers. A flyer was posted to Facebook calling on volunteers to walk the shoreline in search of any items from McLuney's 24-foot center console fishing boat. Volunteers who find any of the items listed are asked to send a picture of the item to 904-599-6062.

No description available

Missing firefighters' loved ones continue push for search teams

Read full article: Missing firefighters' loved ones continue push for search teams

Surveillance photo as Brian McCluney and Justin Walker launched their 24-foot fishing boat and headed off the coast of Port Canaveral. Now, loved ones are making a renewed push for people to stay on the lookout. UNCUT: Watch entire McCluney family news conference |GALLERY: Family photos of Brian McCluney, Justin WalkerThe wives of the firefighters continue to post on Facebook, as well. "I think those guys were well-equipped to survive if the boat didn't sink," Anderson said. On Monday, the Jacksonville Association of Firefighters closed one account and opened two different accounts to help out the families of McCluney and Walker.

No description available

Fundraisers held to aid private searches for missing firemen

Read full article: Fundraisers held to aid private searches for missing firemen

Brian McCluney, a Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department engineer, and Justin Walker, a Virginia firefighter, have not been found. On Saturday, a fundraiser took place to help collect money for private searches that will continue until the two firemen are found. I can't explain what's going on, but it's just a really special thing." Berndt Ends BBQ is sponsoring a benefit from Thursday through Sunday and naming McCluney's favorite plate, "The McCluney Special." All Proceeds from each purchase of "The McCluney Special" will go to the families.

No description available

Wife, family of missing firefighter Brian McCluney thank searchers

Read full article: Wife, family of missing firefighter Brian McCluney thank searchers

"I will never have the words to say thank you to the thousands of people who searched for my son and the millions of prayers," Brian's mother, Carla McCluney, said. UNCUT: Watch entire McCluney family news conferenceMcCluney, a Jacksonville Fire and Rescue engineer, went out fishing with Justin Walker, a Fairfax, Virginia, firefighter, Aug. 16, from a Port Canaveral boat dock. Stephanie and Carla McCluney said they have felt embraced by the JFRD family. GALLERY: Family photos of Brian McCluney and Justin WalkerCarla McCluney lost her husband six weeks ago and is now dealing with the fact that her son may never be found. Carla McCluney said Brian's two children, Brynn and Conner, haven't asked too many questions about their father, but she knows they will.

No description available

Missing firefighters' friends react as search scales back

Read full article: Missing firefighters' friends react as search scales back

After six days of looking for them, Coast Guard suspended its active search Thursday evening. The two met at fire school in Indian River County, Miller said. According to the Coast Guard, the search covered 146,000 square miles, an area the size of the state of Montana. He said Coast Guard resources are still in the water and the air on patrol, ready to react if anything develops. RELATED: Coast Guard suspends search for missing firefighters | Missing firefighter is also a talented dancer | Financial reward offered for return of firefighters lost at seaRon Kuley, president of the Fairfax County Professional Firefighters, spent the week working alongside his local counterparts, like Jacksonville Association of Firefighters President Randy Wyse.

No description available

Firefighters at Brian McCluney's fire house cope with search, but no rescue

Read full article: Firefighters at Brian McCluney's fire house cope with search, but no rescue

Twenty-four hours after the U.S. Coast Guard made the difficult decision to suspend the active search for the two firefighters, emotions were raw at Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Station 31, where firefighters and paramedics worked alongside McCluney. JFRD brought in a Central Florida counselor to assist McCluney's fellow firefighters. "We have people here at this station who are having a really hard time with this," Chief Patrick Gouin said. Gouin, who was one of McCluney's supervisors, said support from the community has helped. GALLERY: Family photos of Brian McCluney and Justin WalkerGouin said he and McCluney shared a passion for fishing.

No description available

Missing firefighters' friends react as search scales back

Read full article: Missing firefighters' friends react as search scales back

Friday was a sobering day for friends and fellow firefighters. It marked one week after firefighters Brian McCluney and Justin Walker were last seen. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

No description available

$70K reward offered in search for missing boaters

Read full article: $70K reward offered in search for missing boaters

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Four rewards totalling $70,000 rewards are now being offered in the search for two missing firefighters lost at sea. The latest $10,000 reward comes from a business that has a close relationship with JFRD firefighter Brian McCluney's family. On Thursday, Fire Station 31, where McCluney was stationed, also offered a $10,000 reward. Late Wednesday, International Marine announced it was also offering a $10,000 reward to any pilot or boat that locates either or both of the missing firefighters. The fire $10,000 reward was offered by 1-800-BOARDUP, which is headquartered in Jacksonville Beach.

No description available

How to cope with grief with no closure

Read full article: How to cope with grief with no closure

Brian McCluney and Justin Walker have not been seen since they left for a fishing trip last Friday. This is a difficult time for all involved especially the families of the two men.

No description available

Missing Virginia firefighter is also talented dancer

Read full article: Missing Virginia firefighter is also talented dancer

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - For almost a week we've known of Justin Walker as a Fairfax, Virginia, firefighter who went out fishing last Friday with his friend and Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department paramedic Brian McCluney. For the last six days, authorities and volunteers have scoured coastal waters from Central Florida to North Carolina looking for them. News4Jax has learned that Walker was also a professional contemporary dancer with the Demetrius Klein Dance Company and obtained video of one of his performances in 2016. Father won't you carry meFor the oceans wideFather won't you carry meFor my boat is so small. "Its a way to also connect.McCluneys wife, Stephanie, previously danced for the same company in West Palm Beach.

No description available

As active search ends, grief expert says 'try to stay present in the moment'

Read full article: As active search ends, grief expert says 'try to stay present in the moment'

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Emotions are high now that the Coast Guard has suspended the active search for two firefighters lost at sea. There is so much happening in the way of the search and so much emotion around it that numbness would be a really appropriate and normal reaction," Weinstein said. With so many unanswered questions, Weinstein said it's best to stay present. "When it comes to, literally, how to cope, try the best that you can to be in the present moment," she said. "Whether its your faith, whether its friends or other family members, get those kinds of support wherever you can find them, and try to stay present in the moment."

No description available

After 'extremely difficult' decision, active search for missing firefighters ends at sundown

Read full article: After 'extremely difficult' decision, active search for missing firefighters ends at sundown

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Six days after two firefighters went to sea for a day of fishing and never returned, the U.S. Coast Guard decided Thursday would be the last of active searching. More than 146,368 square miles, an area about the size of Montana, were searched over 281 hours, the Coast Guard said. Mark Vlaun called the decision "extremely difficult" and said Coast Guard assets will continue to work off the coast. The search team outlined everything the Coast Guard and others had done to find their loved ones and answered any questions they had. "When you're talking about search suspension, it is the hardest decision any Coast Guard leader makes, unquestionably," Vlaun said.

No description available

Three $10K rewards now offered in search for missing boaters

Read full article: Three $10K rewards now offered in search for missing boaters

The command center at Mayport will be taken down after that last boat searching for brian McCluney and Justin Walker comes in

No description available

Virginia firefighter was also professional dancer

Read full article: Virginia firefighter was also professional dancer

Virginia firefighter Justin Walker was also a professional contemporary dancer with the Demetrius Klein Dance Company. A dance routine posted on Facebook had poignant lyrics.

No description available

Active search for missing fishermen to end at sundown today

Read full article: Active search for missing fishermen to end at sundown today

The U.S. Coast Guard, Navy and Customers and Border Protection aircraft will continue their massive search operation for the rest of the day. The focal point of Thursday's search was nearly 400 miles north of where the two men put out to sea. The Coast Guard said after getting first reports Thursday morning, they will have a conversation about what the future of the rescue effort will look like. Volunteers along with JFRD and the Coast Guard say this search is a personal one. Lenny Curry (@lennycurry) August 22, 2019Anyone with information about the boaters or who can help in the search is asked to call the Coast Guard at 904-714-7565.

No description available

Search for missing boaters extends into South Carolina

Read full article: Search for missing boaters extends into South Carolina

The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department is calling for volunteers to leave from Savannah and Charleston Thursday morning. "Were in some critical times right now," Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Chief Keith Powers said early Wednesday evening. Coast Guard Capt. The Coast Guard said it will have a first light search Thursday morning. Anyone with information about the boaters or who can help in the search is asked to call the Coast Guard at 904-714-7565.

No description available

Search for missing boaters extends into South Carolina

Read full article: Search for missing boaters extends into South Carolina

The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department is calling for volunteers to leave from Savannah and Charleston Thursday morning. "We're in some critical times right now," Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Chief Keith Powers said early Wednesday evening. Coast Guard Capt. The Coast Guard said it will have a first light search Thursday morning. Anyone with information about the boaters or who can help in the search is asked to call the Coast Guard at 904-714-7565.

No description available

'Time has really become our enemy' as search for missing boaters moves north

Read full article: 'Time has really become our enemy' as search for missing boaters moves north

Coast Guard Capt. Mark Vlaun said the search area has become "astronomically large," extending north as far as Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, and up to 120 miles offshore. The Coast Guard will continue to search overnight. The Coast Guard said it will have a first light search Thursday morning. Anyone with information about the boaters or who can help in the search is asked to call the Coast Guard at 904-714-7565.

No description available

Firefighters aren't giving up hope in search for their brothers

Read full article: Firefighters aren't giving up hope in search for their brothers

On Wednesday, News4Jax spent the day on a boat off the coast of Brunswick with volunteers out of Glynn County who said the search is personal for them, as many of them are firefighters and paramedics. You never go out with somebody," said Glynn County firefighter Edward Anderson. "We got two out here right now that we want to get and we want to bring them home." Anderson and other firefighters who volunteered to search said they're not giving up hope for their brothers -- Brian McCluney, who works for the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, and Justin Walker, a firefighter from Fairfax, Virginia. "So general courtesy when a boater is in distress, you stop and help them, and that goes beyond the water."

No description available

Wife of missing Jacksonville firefighter leans on her faith to stay strong

Read full article: Wife of missing Jacksonville firefighter leans on her faith to stay strong

Stephanie McCluney and Nastsha Walker both praise their families, friends and volunteers for their support. And since day one, Stephanie McCluney has been leaning on her faith. UNCUT: Wife of missing Jacksonville firefighter speaksREAD: Search for missing firemen hits close to home |Missing firefighter's wife on search: 'It's not manpower, it's God power' |Missing boater's wife posts 'miracles happen' hours before tackle bag foundStephanie McCluney married her high school sweetheart. "She has a strong, strong relationship with her Heavenly Father and its getting her through these tough days and I cant imagine," said Jason Cullum, the lead pastor at Christ's Church in Mandarin. "That is the faith we are seeing right now in a wife whose husband is missing at sea right now.

No description available

Ashley Spicer: Search for firefighters lost at sea hits close to home

Read full article: Ashley Spicer: Search for firefighters lost at sea hits close to home

The search for two firefighters lost at sea has gripped our News4Jax audience since the pair failed to return Friday night from a fishing trip out of Port Canaveral. When I saw Stephanie walk in, my heart ached for her. Then Sunday rolled around, and we covered a prayer walk as the worries grew. After she made an appearance at the command center in Mayport, she came to that private prayer vigil put on by the Fire Wives group, where we met up. As we have every day since Brian and Justin went missing, we are praying and hoping for an answer today.

No description available

National media following firefighters lost at sea

Read full article: National media following firefighters lost at sea

The networks and America's largest newspapers are following the search for Brian McCluney, who works for the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, and Justin Walker, a firefighter from Fairfax, Virginia. Hide Caption

No description available

Massive Search Underway for Missing Firefighters Who Disappeared on Boating Trip

Read full article: Massive Search Underway for Missing Firefighters Who Disappeared on Boating Trip

A massive search is underway for two firefighters who vanished during a Florida boating trip. McCluneys fishing bag was found 50 miles from St. Augustine Monday, but there was no sign of the boat they left in, authorities said. On Tuesday, helicopters were added to the search, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Weve finally started zeroing a little bit today, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Chief Keith Powers said in an update on Monday. I still could see that my messages hadnt even been delivered yet, Stephanie told the station.

No description available

National media following firefighters lost at sea

Read full article: National media following firefighters lost at sea

The networks and America's largest newspapers are following the search for Brian McCluney, who works for the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, and Justin Walker, a firefighter from Fairfax, Virginia. Hide Caption

No description available

Search ramps up for firefighters missing off Florida coast

Read full article: Search ramps up for firefighters missing off Florida coast

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A Florida fire official says his department is ramping up its search for two firefighters who've been missing since going boating in the Atlantic Ocean last week. The U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies have been searching a wide area of ocean between Cape Canaveral and Jacksonville. The Coast Guard said when they arrived to the search area, the debris found was not related to the boaters. Following the discovery of McCluney's tackle bag by a Good Samaritan, the Coast Guard said it will be focusing on the area where that bag was found. Anyone with information is asked to contact the United States Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville Command Center at 904-714-7558.

No description available

What it's like for Jacksonville firefighters to search for one of their own

Read full article: What it's like for Jacksonville firefighters to search for one of their own

MAYPORT, Fla. - News4Jax went out on a boat with Jacksonville firefighters as they searched for their fellow firefighter and his friend, both of whom are lost at sea. The boat that News4Jax went on Tuesday afternoon with JFRD firefighters left from the Mayport boat ramp and went about 6 miles offshore. This is Day 4 of the search for missing Jacksonville Firefighter, Brian McCluney and Virginia Firefighter, Justin Walker. The Coast Guard said it was not clear if the cooler top belongs to the two missing firefighters. Hell be found.RELATED: Searchers remain optimistic but 'next 24 hours are critical'WHAT WE KNOW & DON'T KNOW: Firefighters missing at seaWATCH: Volunteers aid in search for missing firefighters by boatIn addition to fellow firefighters, the search is also impacting loved ones.

No description available

Missing firefighter's wife on search: 'It's not manpower, it's God power'

Read full article: Missing firefighter's wife on search: 'It's not manpower, it's God power'

Stephanie McCluney, the wife of the missing Jacksonville firefighter, took time to thank everyone involved in the search before she entered a private vigil Tuesday evening at the fire union hall off Stockton Street in Jacksonville. We cannot express the gratitude from the bottom of our hearts that these operations, that these agencies have given. And the manpower behind it -- it's not manpower, it's God power. 'Praise be to God, and the things he is doing right now amongst all of these people.'" UNCUT: Wife of missing Jacksonville firefighter speaksRELATED: Wife of missing Virginia firefighter joins aerial search for boaters lost at seaWHAT WE KNOW & DON'T KNOW: Firefighters missing at seaSince both firefighters set out from Port Canaveral Friday for a day of fishing and never returned, search crews have covered 69,000 square miles from Brevard County to South Carolina looking for them, according to the Coast Guard.

No description available

Brunswick, Savannah boat owners needed in search for missing firefighters

Read full article: Brunswick, Savannah boat owners needed in search for missing firefighters

"We're now in the fifth day of what has become an extraordinarily large and complex search and rescue operation," U.S. Coast Guard Capt. According to the Coast Guard, as of Tuesday evening, the search had covered 69,000 square miles, with an estimated 182 hours of searches. The Coast Guard was alerted at 8 p.m. Friday when they never returned to shore and weren't receiving texts or calls. Natasha was joined by several other private planes as well as Coast Guard planes from Sarasota, helicopters from Savannah and a Customs and Border Protection planes from Jacksonville. Anyone with information about the boaters or who can help in the search is asked to call the Coast Guard at 904-714-7565.

No description available

What toll does being stranded at sea take on your health?

Read full article: What toll does being stranded at sea take on your health?

The best-case scenario is that they are still drifting out to sea in the boat. Even if that's the case, Dr. Andrew Schmidt with UF Health Jacksonville said there are serious medical concerns. If that's the case, they could be wearing life vests or clinging to something to stay afloat. He said an ordeal like this can also take a toll on mental health. "It can really do a number on someones mental health for a couple reasons," he said.

No description available

Volunteer who found tackle bag felt called to come search

Read full article: Volunteer who found tackle bag felt called to come search

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - A volunteer searcher who pulled a glimmer of hope out of the ocean Monday when he spotted a missing fisherman's tackle bag told News4Jax he felt called to join the search. The pair have been missing since they left Friday on a fishing trip out of Port Canaveral. On Monday, hours after McCluney's wife, Stephanie, posted on Facebook that Miracles happen on Day 3! Shurling's group spotted a tackle bag on the ocean about 50 nautical miles off the coast of St. Augustine. The bag turned out to be McCluney's. He said he was at church Sunday in Savannah when he felt compelled to help look for the missing firefighters.

No description available

Loved ones flood ocean & beach with prayers for firefighters stranded at sea

Read full article: Loved ones flood ocean & beach with prayers for firefighters stranded at sea

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. - Family and friends continued to hold on to hope on the third day of searching for two firefighters lost at sea. Loved ones gathered Monday evening at Micker's Landing in northern St. Johns County for a prayer and beach walk. They held hands and stood in a circle as they flooded the ocean and beach with prayers. Then they walked along the beach, looking for any clues offshore that might be linked to the missing boaters. Theyre going to be together.

No description available

Missing boater's wife posts 'miracles happen' hours before tackle bag found

Read full article: Missing boater's wife posts 'miracles happen' hours before tackle bag found

Hours later, Stephanie McCluney announced that her husband's tackle bag was found 50 nautical miles off the coast of St. Augustine. The Coast Guard confirmed a volunteer who was assisting in the search discovered the bag. JFRD will start gridding the area and giving assignments again at 7 a.m. Tuesday from Mayport boat ramp. The Coast Guard was alerted at 8 p.m. Friday when they never returned to shore and weren't receiving texts or calls. Anyone with information about the boaters or who can help in the search is asked to call the Coast Guard at 904-714-7565.

No description available

Loved ones flood ocean & beach with prayers for firefighters stranded at sea

Read full article: Loved ones flood ocean & beach with prayers for firefighters stranded at sea

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. - Family and friends continued to hold on to hope on the third day of searching for two firefighters lost at sea. Loved ones gathered Monday evening at Micker's Landing in northern St. Johns County for a prayer and beach walk. They held hands and stood in a circle as they flooded the ocean and beach with prayers. Then the walked along the beach, looking for any clues offshore that might be linked to the missing boaters. Theyre going to be together.

No description available

6 items that could save your life if you're lost at sea

Read full article: 6 items that could save your life if you're lost at sea

McCluneys brother alerted the Coast Guard when the pair did not return. These PFDs must meet requirements outlined by the Coast Guard, they should fit their wearers and be handy in the event of an emergency. Visual distress signalsAny boat that measures 16 feet or longer must have visual distress signals on board, according to the Coast Guard. Give a copy of the float plan to a loved one and keep them updated on your progress throughout the trip. If you're not sure you've covered all your bases, the Coast Guard has put together a complete guide to boating safety.

No description available

After false sighting, search & prayers continue for missing boaters

Read full article: After false sighting, search & prayers continue for missing boaters

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The search for two missing firefighters at sea, one from Jacksonville intensifies on day three. Due to the amount of people wanting to help in the search efforts for Firefighters Brian McCluney and Justin Walker. Interim Director Fire Chief Keith Powers said firefighters in Jacksonville will continue the search until their fellow firefighters are found. The Coast Guard was alerted at 8 p.m. Friday when they never returned to shore and weren't receiving texts or calls. Anyone with information about the boaters or can help in the search is asked to call the Coast Guard at 904-714-7565.

No description available

2 firefighters disappear on Florida fishing trip

Read full article: 2 firefighters disappear on Florida fishing trip

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images(CNN) - Authorities say they have searched almost 5,000 square miles of ocean for two firefighters who disappeared after setting out from Port Canaveral, Florida, on a fishing trip. Their destination was 8A Reef, an offshore fishing spot, the Coast Guard said. The Coast Guard, along with multiple local and county agencies, started searching by boat and air on Friday night. "I hoped that by daylight it would bring us something," McCluney's wife, Stephanie, told CNN affiliate WFTV on Saturday. As the search continues, the Coast Guard is asking for anyone with information to call 904-714-7558.

No description available

Coast Guard searches for Jacksonville and Virginia firefighters missing at sea

Read full article: Coast Guard searches for Jacksonville and Virginia firefighters missing at sea

When they hadn't returned or contacted anyone by 8 p.m., McCluney's brother called the Coast Guard. "Coast Guard said they haven't seen any debris fields. Stephanie McCluney said she is impressed by the efforts of both the Coast Guard and JFRD. Stephanie McCluney said the two men know each other from fire school in South Florida. At about 8 p.m. Saturday, the 7th District U.S. Coast Guard tweeted that the search will continue throughout the night.

BACK TO TOP
  • TV Listings

  • Email Newsletters

  • RSS Feeds

  • Contests and Rules

  • Contact Us

  • Careers at WJXT / WCWJ

  • Closed Captioning / Audio Description

  • WJXT Public File

  • WJXT EEO Report

  • WCWJ Public File

  • WCWJ EEO Report

  • Terms of Use

  • Privacy Policy

  • Do Not Sell My Info

  • FCC Applications

Follow Us
Visit our YouTube page (opens in a new tab)
Visit our Facebook page (opens in a new tab)
Visit our Instagram page (opens in a new tab)
Visit our X page (opens in a new tab)
Visit our RSS Feed page (opens in a new tab)
Get Results With OmneOmne Results Logo

If you need help with the Public File, call (904) 393-9801

At WJXT, we are committed to informing and delighting our audience. In our commitment to covering our communities with innovation and excellence, we incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to enhance our news gathering, reporting, and presentation processes. Read our article to see how we are using Artificial Intelligence.


Graham Media Group LogoGraham Digital Logo

Copyright © 2025 News4JAX.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings.