{"id":173372,"date":"2026-03-01T01:26:27","date_gmt":"2026-03-01T01:26:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/173372\/"},"modified":"2026-03-01T01:26:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-01T01:26:27","slug":"jacksonville-victory-over-north-florida-marred-by-late-fight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/173372\/","title":{"rendered":"Jacksonville victory over North Florida marred by late fight"},"content":{"rendered":"

University of North Florida coach Erika Lambert<\/a> said she had an unsettling feeling about her team\u2019s game at Jacksonville University\u2019s Swisher Gym\u00a0on\u00a0Feb. 27.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was coming … it was bubbling,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

It was a River City Rumble<\/a> in\u00a0the worst\u00a0sense.<\/p>\n

A physical game with 48 personal fouls between the two teams deteriorated\u00a0after\u00a0a brief scuffle for a loose ball between JU\u2019s\u00a0Aniah Smith and UNF\u2019s Jamisyn Stinson with 1:16 left,\u00a0and erupted into a melee in the middle of the court.<\/p>\n

1 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University guard Tatum Brown (2) exchanges words with University of North Florida forward Dezuray McGill (30) during a scuffle in the fourth period. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

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1 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University guard Tatum Brown (2) exchanges words with University of North Florida forward Dezuray McGill (30) during a scuffle in the fourth period. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

2 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University guard Aniah Smith (0), left is held back by teammate Jacksonville University guard Makiya Miller (24) as JU head coach Special Jennings, center, holds back her player Jacksonville University guard Bailey Burns (11) after a fight in the fourth period while hosting University of North Florida in women’s basketball Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. JU defeated UNF 79-71 with four players after a fight broke out in the fourth period ejecting most of the JU players and head coach. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

3 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University head coach Special Jennings, center, tries to get her players under control after a fight in the fourth period with University of North Florida players during a women’s basketball Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

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4 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

University of North Florida guard Jamisyn Stinson (1) blocks a shot by Jacksonville University guard Comari Mitchell (5) in the third period. Jacksonville University hosted University of North Florida in women’s basketball Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

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5 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University guard Aniah Smith (0) passes the ball after coming up with a loose ball over University of North Florida guard Alexa Washington (22) in the fourth period. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

6 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University guard Aniah Smith (0) passes the ball after coming up with a loose ball over University of North Florida guard Alexa Washington (22) in the fourth period. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

7 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

University of North Florida forward Dezuray McGill (30) and University of North Florida guard\/forward Karyzma Pierre (24) pressures Jacksonville University guard Aniah Smith (0) in the fourth period. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

8 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University guard Priscilla Williams (23) is pulled away from a fight in the fourth period by JU assist. coach Shenneika Smith. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

9 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University guard Bailey Burns (11), forward Carmaya Bowman (10), guard Makiya Miller (24) and guard Tatum Brown (2) congratulate one another after the game. They were the last four players left to finish the game after a fight broke out the fourth period against University of North Florida Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

10 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

University of North Florida guard Alonya Waldon (4) is pressured by Jacksonville University guard Makiya Miller (24) in the second periodFriday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

11 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

University of North Florida forward Dezuray McGill (30) is pressured by Jacksonville University guard Comari Mitchell (5) in the second period. Jacksonville University hosted University of North Florida in women’s basketball Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla.[Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

12 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University head coach Special Jennings talks to her team during a time out in the first period while hosting University of North Florida in women’s basketball Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

13 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

Officials try to figure what happened after a scuffle in the fourth period as Jacksonville University hosted University of North Florida in women’s basketball Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. JU defeated UNF 79-71 with four players after a fight broke out in the fourth period ejecting most of the JU players and head coach. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

14 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University was left with just four players after most of the team was ejected after a scuffle in the fourth period. JU defeated UNF 79-71 with four players after a fight broke out in the fourth period ejecting most of the JU players and head coach. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

15 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

UNF\u2019s head coach Erika Lambert coaches from the bench during the third period Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. JU defeated UNF 79-71 with four players after a fight broke out in the fourth period ejecting most of the JU players and head coach. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

16 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University guard Comari Mitchell (5) holds back her teammate Jacksonville University guard Priscilla Williams (23) as University of North Florida guard\/forward Karyzma Pierre (24) holds back University of North Florida forward Dezuray McGill (30) during a scuffle in the fourth period Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. JU defeated UNF 79-71 with four players after a fight broke out in the fourth period ejecting most of the JU players and head coach. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

17 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

University of North Florida guard Alexa Washington (22) loses the ball in the first period as Jacksonville University guard Aniah Smith (0) and Jacksonville University guard Tatum Brown (2) pressures her. Jacksonville University hosted University of North Florida in women’s basketball Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

18 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University guard Priscilla Williams (23) denies University of North Florida guard Elle Blatchford (23) the shot in the first period. Jacksonville University hosted University of North Florida in women’s basketball Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

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19 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University guard Priscilla Williams (23) denies University of North Florida guard Elle Blatchford (23) the shot in the first period. Jacksonville University hosted University of North Florida in women’s basketball Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

20 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University guard Makiya Miller (24) drives against University of North Florida guard Alonya Waldon (4) in the second period. Jacksonville University hosted University of North Florida in women’s basketball Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

21 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

University of North Florida guard Alonya Waldon (4) loses a rebound in the first period. Jacksonville University hosted University of North Florida in women’s basketball Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

22 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University guard Tatum Brown (2) and University of North Florida guard Alonya Waldon (4) go after a loose ball in the second period. Jacksonville University hosted University of North Florida in women’s basketball Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla.[Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

23 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

University of North Florida guard Jamison Cardwell (0) comes up withe rebound over Jacksonville University guard Comari Mitchell (5) in the third period Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

24 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University forward Sharmela Reid (21) is denied a shot by a UNF defender in the third period Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

25 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University guard Priscilla Williams (23) shoots over University of North Florida forward Dezuray McGill (30) in the fourth period Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

26 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

University of North Florida guard Alonya Waldon (4) tries to strip the ball from Jacksonville University guard Makiya Miller (24) in the fourth period Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

27 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University head coach Special Jennings coaches from the bench during the fourth period Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla.[Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

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28 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

University of North Florida forward Dezuray McGill (30) watches as Jacksonville University guard Aniah Smith (0) and Jacksonville University guard Comari Mitchell (5) grab a rebound in the fourth period Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

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29 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University fans support their team after a fight in the fourth period after being left with four players to finish the game as JU hosted University of North Florida in women’s basketball Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

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30 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University guard Priscilla Williams (23) pressures University of North Florida forward Dezuray McGill (30) in the second period Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

31 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University guard Tatum Brown (2) and University of North Florida guard Alonya Waldon (4) battle for a loose ball in the first period Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

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32 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University guard Makiya Miller (24) and Jacksonville University guard Tatum Brown (2) go after a rebound in the first period Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

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33 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

University of North Florida guard\/forward Karyzma Pierre (24) loses a loose ball to Jacksonville University guard Aniah Smith (0) in the second period Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla.[Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

34 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

University of North Florida guard\/forward Karyzma Pierre (24) loses a loose ball to Jacksonville University guard Aniah Smith (0) in the second period Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla.[Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

35 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

University of North Florida guard\/forward Karyzma Pierre (24) loses a loose ball to Jacksonville University guard Aniah Smith (0) in the second period Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

36 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

University of North Florida guard Elle Blatchford (23) takes it in for a layup in the second period Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

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37 \/ 37<\/p>\n

UNF hosts JU in women’s basketball matchup<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University head coach Special Jennings reacts to her team getting a technical foul in the second period Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

It was over\u00a0in seconds, but had major ramifications for the ASUN Tournament<\/a> next week in Jacksonville \u2015 especially for the Dolphins.<\/p>\n

On paper, JU won 79-71 to clinch the second seed in the tournament and earn a quarterfinal game on March 5 at 5 p.m. at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. The Dolphins are scheduled to face\u00a0the winner of the game between seventh-seeded\u00a0West Georgia\u00a0and 10th-seeded UNF\u00a0(9-20, 4-14), who play an opening-round game on March 3 at 5 p.m. at Swisher Gym.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

However, they will be without senior Priscilla Williams<\/a> , sophomore Comari Mitchell and freshman Aniah Smith for the first tournament game for their part in the brawl. UNF’s Dezuray McGill is suspended for the Ospreys’ game against West Georgia.<\/p>\n

\"Jacksonville<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University head coach Special Jennings, center, tries to get her players under control after a fight in the fourth period with University of North Florida players during a women’s basketball Friday February 27, 2026 at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

JU had to\u00a0finish with four players<\/p>\n

Smith, who took a swing at a UNF player during the\u00a0initial\u00a0scuffle, was ejected with a Flagrant 2 foul, as were Williams and Comari Mitchell, who were among the players to leave the bench.\u00a0McGill was invovled with the initial scramble for the loose ball.<\/p>\n

The rest of the JU bench players were ejected for coming onto the floor, prohibited by NCAA rules.\u00a0Coach Special Jennings<\/a> was also ejected under a rule that applies to a coach whose team has three or more Flagrant 2 fouls.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Jennings declined to comment after that game and would not make any of her players\u00a0available.<\/p>\n

The Dolphins had to finish the final 76 seconds with four players, Tatum Brown,\u00a0Carmaya\u00a0Bowman, Bailey Burns and Makiya Miller, and assistant coach\u00a0Shenneika\u00a0Smith running the team.<\/p>\n

\"Jacksonville<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University guard Priscilla Williams (23) is pulled away from a fight in the fourth period by JU assist. coach Shenneika Smith. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

JU had a 73-64 lead at the time, a margin that shrank to 73-67 when Stinson made 3 of 4 technical foul shots.<\/p>\n

But Miller scored six of her game-high 22 points in the final minute as the Dolphins were able to break UNF\u2019s press. JU was only outscored 7-6 by UNF playing with four.<\/p>\n

How did the incident begin?<\/p>\n

The play that led to the melee came when UNF\u2019s Alexa Washington missed a layup, then battled Smith for the rebound. The ball popped loose and Smith dove on it.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Stinson and McGill came over to try and wrest the ball\u00a0away\u00a0and Smith lashed out. Words and shoves were exchanged between Smith,\u00a0McGill\u00a0and Bowman, but Washington and teammate Karyzma Pierre\u00a0played\u00a0peacemakers, pulling McGill away.<\/p>\n

\"Jacksonville<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University guard Aniah Smith (0) passes the ball after coming up with a loose ball over University of North Florida guard Alexa Washington (22) in the fourth period. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

By that point, the JU bench had rushed onto the floor, despite the attempts of assistant coaches to pull them away.<\/p>\n

Officials stopped the game to review the play, with\u00a0about\u00a020 minutes passing before their final ruling.<\/p>\n

UNF had a third-quarter lead<\/p>\n

The Ospreys led 41-37 with 4:30 left in the third period on Stinson\u2019s second 3-pointer of the period. But the Dolphins went on a 16-5 run, capped by 3-pointers by Miller and Smith, to go back in front 53-49. Stinson\u00a0(20 points, seven rebounds, three steals)\u00a0made it a four-point deficit when she made a desperation heave from just inside midcourt for a 3-pointer at the buzzer.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

The Dolphins outscored the Ospreys 11-2 over the first part of the fourth quarter to take control of the game. But it was still contentious, with players going to the floor\u00a0frequently\u00a0for loose balls and rebounds.<\/p>\n

\"Jacksonville<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University guard Tatum Brown (2) exchanges words with University of North Florida forward Dezuray McGill (30) during a scuffle in the fourth period. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

The two teams also combined for 43 turnovers.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were trying to communicate with the officials to make sure that we could keep [emotions] in check,\u201d Lambert said. \u201cUnfortunately,\u00a0that\u00a0wasn\u2019t\u00a0the case.\u201d<\/p>\n

JU swept the season series with UNF and leads 30-14. The Dolphins have won the last four games against UNF at Swisher Gym.<\/p>\n

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: JU-UNF basketball fight leads to ejections, suspensions for first ASUN game<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"University of North Florida coach Erika Lambert said she had an unsettling feeling about her team\u2019s game at…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":173373,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[74967,82299,116,118,117,8525,82297,82298,82300,12070,5908],"class_list":["post-173372","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-jacksonville","tag-aniah-smith","tag-comari-mitchell","tag-jacksonville","tag-jacksonville-headlines","tag-jacksonville-news","tag-jacksonville-university","tag-jamisyn-stinson","tag-jus-aniah-smith","tag-makiya-miller","tag-the-dolphins","tag-university-of-north-florida"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/173372","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=173372"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/173372\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/173373"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=173372"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=173372"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=173372"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}