Nov. 1, 2026, 5:00 a.m. ET

Sheila Smith shoots the ball during a Senior Moments basketball practice at the Fountains at Mill Cove on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. Rudy Thomas, a Fountains at Mill Cove resident, was named the Florida Health Care Association 2026 Joe Negron Resident of the Year. A Jacksonville native and former Harlem Globetrotter, Thomas returned home after decades coaching youth basketball in Washington. At the Fountains, he launched a first‑ever resident team, the “Senior Moments,” made up mostly of women who use wheelchairs and practice twice weekly in team uniforms. (First Published Oct. 21, 2026)

Sheila Smith shoots the ball during a Senior Moments basketball practice at the Fountains at Mill Cove on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. Rudy Thomas, a Fountains at Mill Cove resident, was named the Florida Health Care Association 2026 Joe Negron Resident of the Year. A Jacksonville native and former Harlem Globetrotter, Thomas returned home after decades coaching youth basketball in Washington. At the Fountains, he launched a first‑ever resident team, the “Senior Moments,” made up mostly of women who use wheelchairs and practice twice weekly in team uniforms. (First Published Oct. 21, 2026)

Corey Perrine/Florida Times-UnionGuests involved with the project and select students ceremonially turn and toss dirt during a groundbreaking ceremony of the new Spring Park Elementary school on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. Duval County Public Schools is replacing the old school from the 1940s with a new building.

Guests involved with the project and select students ceremonially turn and toss dirt during a groundbreaking ceremony of the new Spring Park Elementary school on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. Duval County Public Schools is replacing the old school from the 1940s with a new building.

Corey Perrine/Florida Times-UnionA waxing gibbous moon rises over the stadium before a high school football matchup at Baker County Memorial Stadium on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, in Macclenny, Fla. The Wakulla War Eagles edged the Baker County Wildcats 7-3.

A waxing gibbous moon rises over the stadium before a high school football matchup at Baker County Memorial Stadium on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, in Macclenny, Fla. The Wakulla War Eagles edged the Baker County Wildcats 7-3.

Corey Perrine/Florida Times-UnionFernandina Beach's Brandon Campbell (15) hits a backflip before a high school football matchup at Fernandina Beach High School on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, in Fernandina Beach, Fla. The Fernandina Beach Pirates defeated the Union County Tigers 25-8.

Fernandina Beach’s Brandon Campbell (15) hits a backflip before a high school football matchup at Fernandina Beach High School on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, in Fernandina Beach, Fla. The Fernandina Beach Pirates defeated the Union County Tigers 25-8.

Corey Perrine/Florida Times-UnionKino, 4, a Dutch shepherd police dog, looks on during a media demonstration ahead of the K9s United’s fifth annual North Florida Law Enforcement K9 Competition at Bishop Kenny High School on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The competition will be held Nov. 14 and will feature K9 teams tackling obstacles and demonstrating the speed, strength and skills used on the front lines while showcasing the bond between handlers and their tail-wagging partners.

Kino, 4, a Dutch shepherd police dog, looks on during a media demonstration ahead of the K9s United’s fifth annual North Florida Law Enforcement K9 Competition at Bishop Kenny High School on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The competition will be held Nov. 14 and will feature K9 teams tackling obstacles and demonstrating the speed, strength and skills used on the front lines while showcasing the bond between handlers and their tail-wagging partners.

Corey Perrine/Florida Times-UnionThe Wolfson Wolfpack student section boo a call during the second quarter of a high school football matchup at Episcopal High School on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla.

The Wolfson Wolfpack student section boo a call during the second quarter of a high school football matchup at Episcopal High School on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla.

Corey Perrine/Florida Times-UnionRaines' Trevion Williams (8) reacts to his touchdown score against Bishop Kenny's Andrew McCoy Jr. (7) during the third quarter of a high school football matchup at Bishop Kenny High School on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. Raines defeated Bishop Kenny 48-3.

Raines’ Trevion Williams (8) reacts to his touchdown score against Bishop Kenny’s Andrew McCoy Jr. (7) during the third quarter of a high school football matchup at Bishop Kenny High School on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. Raines defeated Bishop Kenny 48-3.

Corey Perrine/Florida Times-UnionFrom left, Baker County's Eden Carabello (6), Gary Mosely (3) and Jake Lee (22) peek out before a high school football matchup at Baker County Memorial Stadium on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, in Macclenny, Fla. The Wakulla War Eagles edged the Baker County Wildcats 7-3.

From left, Baker County’s Eden Carabello (6), Gary Mosely (3) and Jake Lee (22) peek out before a high school football matchup at Baker County Memorial Stadium on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, in Macclenny, Fla. The Wakulla War Eagles edged the Baker County Wildcats 7-3.

Corey Perrine/Florida Times-UnionGloria DeVall sings back, “You don’t vote, don’t talk to me,” at the Duval County Courthouse on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. Hundreds of local residents gathered as part of the No Kings Nationwide Day of Action protest opposing the Trump administration and encouraging voter turnout ahead of the midterm elections.

Gloria DeVall sings back, “You don’t vote, don’t talk to me,” at the Duval County Courthouse on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. Hundreds of local residents gathered as part of the No Kings Nationwide Day of Action protest opposing the Trump administration and encouraging voter turnout ahead of the midterm elections.

Corey Perrine/Florida Times-UnionTrinity Christian's Hicks Zarah (8) holds up the ball after scoring the game-winning touchdown during overtime of a high school football matchup at Trinity Christian Academy on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. Trinity Christian edged Bolles 20-17 in overtime.

Trinity Christian’s Hicks Zarah (8) holds up the ball after scoring the game-winning touchdown during overtime of a high school football matchup at Trinity Christian Academy on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. Trinity Christian edged Bolles 20-17 in overtime.

Corey Perrine/Florida Times-UnionFrom left, Mayor Donna Deegan hugs Sheriff T.K. Waters as City Council President Nick Howland looks on during a ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office headquarters on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The JSO joins the Florida Blue building as their main administrative headquarters.

From left, Mayor Donna Deegan hugs Sheriff T.K. Waters as City Council President Nick Howland looks on during a ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office headquarters on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The JSO joins the Florida Blue building as their main administrative headquarters.

Corey Perrine/Florida Times-UnionTrinity Christian head coach Verlon Dorminey recats to beating Bolles after the game of a high school football matchup at Trinity Christian Academy on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. Trinity Christian edged Bolles 20-17 in overtime.

Trinity Christian head coach Verlon Dorminey recats to beating Bolles after the game of a high school football matchup at Trinity Christian Academy on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. Trinity Christian edged Bolles 20-17 in overtime.

Corey Perrine/Florida Times-UnionA Baker County Wildcats fan walks into the stadium before a high school football matchup at Baker County Memorial Stadium on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, in Macclenny, Fla. The Wakulla War Eagles edged the Baker County Wildcats 7-3.

A Baker County Wildcats fan walks into the stadium before a high school football matchup at Baker County Memorial Stadium on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, in Macclenny, Fla. The Wakulla War Eagles edged the Baker County Wildcats 7-3.

Corey Perrine/Florida Times-UnionMembers of the Baker County Wildcats Majorettes perform using fire-lit batons during halftime of a high school football matchup at Baker County Memorial Stadium on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, in Macclenny, Fla. The Wakulla War Eagles edged the Baker County Wildcats 7-3.

Members of the Baker County Wildcats Majorettes perform using fire-lit batons during halftime of a high school football matchup at Baker County Memorial Stadium on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, in Macclenny, Fla. The Wakulla War Eagles edged the Baker County Wildcats 7-3.

Corey Perrine/Florida Times-UnionFleming Island's Lauren Brosky (9), left, and Lillie Eason (15) are presented the championship trophy after the match of an FHSAA Region 1-4A high school volleyball final on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026 in Fleming Island, Fla. Fleming Island held off Arnold 3-1 (25-12, 25-11, 20-25, 27-25).

Fleming Island’s Lauren Brosky (9), left, and Lillie Eason (15) are presented the championship trophy after the match of an FHSAA Region 1-4A high school volleyball final on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026 in Fleming Island, Fla. Fleming Island held off Arnold 3-1 (25-12, 25-11, 20-25, 27-25).

Corey Perrine/Florida Times-UnionDawn Dionne, left, and another friend of Leslie McCray’s, wipes away the tears outside the courtroom after Judge Meredith Charbula found David Nelson Austin, 65, guilty as charged of first-degree murder, two counts of armed kidnapping and one more of armed sexual battery Thursday, October 22, 2026 at the Duval County Courthouse in Jacksonville, Fla. He will be sentenced at a later date.

Dawn Dionne, left, and another friend of Leslie McCray’s, wipes away the tears outside the courtroom after Judge Meredith Charbula found David Nelson Austin, 65, guilty as charged of first-degree murder, two counts of armed kidnapping and one more of armed sexual battery Thursday, October 22, 2026 at the Duval County Courthouse in Jacksonville, Fla. He will be sentenced at a later date.

Doug Engle/Florida Times-UnionAssistant Public Defender Joshua Beard, left, talks with his client, David Nelson Austin, right, before the verdict was read by Judge Meredith Charbula Thursday, October 22, 2026 at the Duval County Courthouse in Jacksonville, Fla. David Nelson Austin, 65, was found guilty as charged of first-degree murder, two counts of armed kidnapping and one more of armed sexual battery. He will be sentenced at a later date.

Assistant Public Defender Joshua Beard, left, talks with his client, David Nelson Austin, right, before the verdict was read by Judge Meredith Charbula Thursday, October 22, 2026 at the Duval County Courthouse in Jacksonville, Fla. David Nelson Austin, 65, was found guilty as charged of first-degree murder, two counts of armed kidnapping and one more of armed sexual battery. He will be sentenced at a later date.

Doug Engle/Florida Times-UnionBartram Trail Bears fs wr Carson Hemingway (11) blocks an extra point attempt by Beachside Barracudas kicker Zack Feenberg (23) in the first quarter. The Beachside Barracudas, (3-2) hosted the Bartram Trail Bears (5-1) at Beachside High School Thursday October 8, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla

Bartram Trail Bears fs wr Carson Hemingway (11) blocks an extra point attempt by Beachside Barracudas kicker Zack Feenberg (23) in the first quarter. The Beachside Barracudas, (3-2) hosted the Bartram Trail Bears (5-1) at Beachside High School Thursday October 8, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla

Doug Engle/Florida Times-UnionThe Chinese characters behind Chef Dennis Chan, executive chef and owner of Blue Bamboo Canton Bistro, translates to “eat” and “rice” or translates also to “let’s eat.” He was photographed in his restaurant, Monday, October 26, 2026 and he is celebrating 21 years of being open.

The Chinese characters behind Chef Dennis Chan, executive chef and owner of Blue Bamboo Canton Bistro, translates to “eat” and “rice” or translates also to “let’s eat.” He was photographed in his restaurant, Monday, October 26, 2026 and he is celebrating 21 years of being open.

Doug Engle/Florida Times-UnionDallas Abbott with Southeastern Asphalt Paving, paints arrows on the freshly resurfaced parking lot of the Chick-fil-A restaurant, located at 7147 Philips Highway, in Jacksonville, Fla., Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

Dallas Abbott with Southeastern Asphalt Paving, paints arrows on the freshly resurfaced parking lot of the Chick-fil-A restaurant, located at 7147 Philips Highway, in Jacksonville, Fla., Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

Doug Engle/Florida Times-UnionRibault Trojans rb sb Jayden Mills (10) and Ribault Trojans Terence Croley Jr. (3) pray before the start of the game. The Ribault Trojans (5-1) hosted Ed White Commanders (5-1), Friday, October 9, 2026 at Ribault High School in Jacksonville, Fla.

Ribault Trojans rb sb Jayden Mills (10) and Ribault Trojans Terence Croley Jr. (3) pray before the start of the game. The Ribault Trojans (5-1) hosted Ed White Commanders (5-1), Friday, October 9, 2026 at Ribault High School in Jacksonville, Fla.

Doug Engle/Florida Times-UnionRibault Trojans wr db Javion Willis (13) can’t hold onto a pass while being pressured by Ed White's Jacquari Parks (1) in the first quarter. The Ribault Trojans (5-1) hosted Ed White Commanders (5-1), Friday, October 9, 2026 at Ribault High School in Jacksonville, Fla.

Ribault Trojans wr db Javion Willis (13) can’t hold onto a pass while being pressured by Ed White’s Jacquari Parks (1) in the first quarter. The Ribault Trojans (5-1) hosted Ed White Commanders (5-1), Friday, October 9, 2026 at Ribault High School in Jacksonville, Fla.

Doug Engle/Florida Times-UnionEd White's Rontrez Loyd (5) flashes a heart symbol to Ribault fans after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter. The Ribault Trojans (5-1) hosted Ed White Commanders (5-1), Friday, October 9, 2026 at Ribault High School in Jacksonville, Fla.

Ed White’s Rontrez Loyd (5) flashes a heart symbol to Ribault fans after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter. The Ribault Trojans (5-1) hosted Ed White Commanders (5-1), Friday, October 9, 2026 at Ribault High School in Jacksonville, Fla.

Doug Engle/Florida Times-UnionMandarin Mustangs wide receiver Brysen Wright (1) can’t hold onto a touchdown pass in the second quarter in the end zone. The Mandarin Mustangs hosted the Bartram Trail Bears Friday, October 23, 2026 at Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Fla.

Mandarin Mustangs wide receiver Brysen Wright (1) can’t hold onto a touchdown pass in the second quarter in the end zone. The Mandarin Mustangs hosted the Bartram Trail Bears Friday, October 23, 2026 at Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Fla.

Doug Engle/Florida Times-UnionMandarin Mustangs wide receiver Brysen Wright (1) pushes off Bartram Trail Bears cb wr Lincoln Scott (2) in the second quarter. The Mandarin Mustangs hosted the Bartram Trail Bears Friday, October 23, 2026 at Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Fla.

Mandarin Mustangs wide receiver Brysen Wright (1) pushes off Bartram Trail Bears cb wr Lincoln Scott (2) in the second quarter. The Mandarin Mustangs hosted the Bartram Trail Bears Friday, October 23, 2026 at Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Fla.

Doug Engle/Florida Times-UnionMandarin players enter the field for the start of the game. The Mandarin Mustangs hosted the Bartram Trail Bears Friday, October 23, 2026 at Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Fla.

Mandarin players enter the field for the start of the game. The Mandarin Mustangs hosted the Bartram Trail Bears Friday, October 23, 2026 at Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Fla.

Doug Engle/Florida Times-UnionThe U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds pilots (5) Maj. Laney Schol and (6) Lt. Col. Bryce Turner, perform a mirror image pass as hundreds of people attended the first day of the NAS Jax Air Show at NAS Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Fl., Saturday October 17, 2026.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds pilots (5) Maj. Laney Schol and (6) Lt. Col. Bryce Turner, perform a mirror image pass as hundreds of people attended the first day of the NAS Jax Air Show at NAS Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Fl., Saturday October 17, 2026.

Doug Engle/Florida Times-UnionMaleek Ethridge, 9, waves a red blanket as his sister Maleeyah Ethricdge, 6, watch as pilots performed on the first day of the NAS Jax Air Show at NAS Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Fl., Saturday October 17, 2026.\

Maleek Ethridge, 9, waves a red blanket as his sister Maleeyah Ethricdge, 6, watch as pilots performed on the first day of the NAS Jax Air Show at NAS Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Fl., Saturday October 17, 2026.\

Doug Engle/Florida Times-UnionThomas Carroll a technical sergeant with the U.S. Navy, guards the Lockheed Martin F-35 as hundreds of people attended the first day of the NAS Jax Air Show at NAS Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Fl., Saturday October 17, 2026.

Thomas Carroll a technical sergeant with the U.S. Navy, guards the Lockheed Martin F-35 as hundreds of people attended the first day of the NAS Jax Air Show at NAS Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Fl., Saturday October 17, 2026.

Doug Engle/Florida Times-UnionJoey Bray, cousin to Leslie McCray, left, gives Ryan Backmann, founder and executive director of Jacksonville-based nonprofit Project: Cold Case, a hug after Judge Meredith Charbula found David Nelson Austin, 65, guilty as charged of first-degree murder of Leslie McCray and two counts of armed kidnapping and one more of armed sexual battery Thursday, October 22, 2026 at the Duval County Courthouse in Jacksonville, Fla.

Joey Bray, cousin to Leslie McCray, left, gives Ryan Backmann, founder and executive director of Jacksonville-based nonprofit Project: Cold Case, a hug after Judge Meredith Charbula found David Nelson Austin, 65, guilty as charged of first-degree murder of Leslie McCray and two counts of armed kidnapping and one more of armed sexual battery Thursday, October 22, 2026 at the Duval County Courthouse in Jacksonville, Fla.

Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union