"I think Charlotte really screwed up and I'm glad they screwed up because it gives us an opportunity to show our people in Jacksonville and to show what kind of community we all are."

Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday sidestepped questions about whether he would recommend that vulnerable people not attend the Republican National Convention in Jacksonville next month if Covid-19 cases in Florida continue to surge. “Let me say, we are excited about coming to Jacksonville,” Pence told reporters in Tampa at a press conference with Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday. “I was at a meeting not long ago when I heard about some very sophisticated plans to make sure it is a safe and…

Milwaukee will see a fraction of the $200 million economic impact that was expected from hosting the Democratic National Convention now that the event has been scaled back.

In the eleventh consecutive week of growth for Duval County hotels, weekly revenue exceeded $6 million for the first time since the second week of March. The latest report for the week of June 21-27 shows Duval hotels are continuing their trend of growth and recovery from record lows stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic. Hotels’ occupancy grew 1.4% over last week, totaling 56.8% for the week. Revenue per available room grew $0.93 to $47.94 while the average daily rate increased $0.57 to $47.94. “Month…

Jacksonville-based Intron Technologies was awarded the contract to repair the boardwalk railing at the Memorial Park. The 600-foot-long balustrade replacement project will begin in the fall. The Jacksonville-based company is certified by Cathedral Stone Projects Inc. for historical concrete, stone and masonry restoration projects using the Jahn Restoration Mortar system. The 28-year-old company includes in its historical restoration project roster the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and…

First Horizon National Corp. and IberiaBank Corp. announced the completion of their merger on Thursday. The all-stock merger of equals creates a combined company with $79 billion in assets, $60 billion in deposits and $58 billion in loans, as of March 31. The new company will operate under the First Horizon name and is headquartered in Memphis, TN. “The completion of this merger marks a significant milestone for our clients, associates, shareholders and communities,” said Bryan Jordan, CEO…

After a fast start to the year, commercial real estate sales in Jacksonville fell severely as Covid-19 began to spread in the U.S.

As we move into this weekend’s celebration of patriotism, we’d like to make what should not be particularly controversial suggestion of a way to show your national solidarity: Wear a damn mask. Health and political officials are in agreement: It’s simply safer for not just you, but society as a whole, if residents wear masks while out in public. As a business publication, we also have to stress: It’s safer for the economy. The economic pain wracked by the pandemic is deep and will have…

Keeping large venues clean is a task that now comes with additional challenges,

Intrepid Capital provides insight on making investments during a pandemic.

JULY 4: A daily update of the news you need to know about the COVID-19 outbreak in Jacksonville and the rest of Northeast Florida.

July 4: The latest news and information on the coronavirus.

MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL, S.D. — At the foot of Mount Rushmore on the eve of Independence Day, President Donald Trump made a direct appeal to disaffected white voters four months before Election Day, accusing protesters who have pushed for racial justice of engaging in a "merciless campaign to wipe out our history."The president dug further into American divisions Friday, offering a discordant tone to an electorate battered by a pandemic and wounded by racial [...]

Most swore their allegiance in the parking garage U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office, and one couple even received a curbside service by a willing judge.

The Florida Department of Health announced two more deaths at Duval County long-term care facilities during the past week in its report.

KEYSTONE, S.D. — President Donald Trump planned a fiery Mount Rushmore speech Friday night including denunciations of protesters he says are trying to "tear down" the nation's history. He's adding condemnation of those who pull down statues to a big fireworks show and his more traditional July Fourth praise of America's past and values.Trump, who has spoken forcefully against protesters who have tried to topple Confederate monuments and statues honoring those who have [...]

Permits were issued last week for the first parts of a $145 million office and parking garage project.

Move to rename 'Bloody Sunday' bridge has critics in SelmaBy JAY REEVES Associated PressSELMA, Ala. (AP) — Thousands gathered in this river city in 1940 to dedicate a new bridge in honor of white supremacist Edmund Pettus, a Confederate general and reputed Ku Klux Klan leader. Just 25 years later, the bridge became a global landmark when civil rights marchers were beaten at its base.Today, with thousands protesting nationwide against racial injustice, a [...]

WASHINGTON — Jordan Simmons noticed the young Black woman next to him had stopped chanting, breaking down in tears. She had been leading fellow protesters outside the White House to repeat the names of Black Americans killed by police. Simmons, a usually quiet 18-year-old from Laurel, Maryland, turned to his mother."I want to do a chant, but I’m nervous," he said.He was in the crush of the crowd surrounded by people -- [...]

Witnesses told police they heard several gunshots and saw a possible suspect leaving the scene on foot.

The statue that honors the Women of the Confederacy in Confederate Park in Springfield still stands — though it’s wrapped up.But recently the city removed the sign for the park. The historic marker for the 1914 Confederate Veterans reunion, which had been in the same park, has also been removed.Times-Union photographer Bob Self spotted the changes Thursday afternoon.RELATED | [...]

The U.S. headed into the Fourth of July weekend with many parades and fireworks displays canceled, beaches and bars closed, and health authorities warning that this will be a crucial test of Americans' self-control that could determine the trajectory of the surging coronavirus outbreak.With confirmed cases climbing in 40 states, governors have ordered the wearing of masks in public, and families were urged to celebrate their independence at home. Even then, they were told to keep [...]

Even without fireworks, St. Augustine officials still expect to attract tourists for what has traditionally been one of the biggest money-making weekends of the summer.

The St. Johns County School District on Thursday released a plan with more flexible options for families to choose from when their children

A resolution that would’ve

JULY 3: A daily update of the news you need to know about the COVID-19 outbreak in Jacksonville and the rest of Northeast Florida.

July 3: The latest news and information on the coronavirus.

The officers who fired their weapons, 11-year veteran Paul Cross and 21-year veteran P.L. McCranie, have been placed on routine administrative leave during the investigation.

The order expires in 30 days unless extended. Violators can be charged with a criminal misdemeanor, which carries a possible penalty of up to 60 days in jail, 6 months probation and a maximum fine of $500.

Jacksonville-based grocery retailers Southeastern Grocers announced it would join a campaign to boycott purchasing Facebook ads until the social media site does more to stop hate groups and the spread of misinformation.