Monday, Jan. 5: Healthcare Access + State Investigation + Legal Settlement
Monday, Jan. 5
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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HCA opens Oakleaf ER; Arlington standalone debuts Jan. 7.
HCA Florida Healthcare has opened its fourth standalone emergency room tied to Orange Park Hospital, offering 24/7 services in the Oakleaf community. The $26 million, 10,860-square-foot Royal Pines Emergency facility includes trauma care, pediatric services, and diagnostic imaging, with free transport to the main hospital if needed. Meanwhile, HCA Memorial Hospital will open its fifth emergency room January 7 in Arlington, marking another investment in regional access to urgent care. That $9.4 million facility will also operate around the clock.
State probe clears Jacksonville City Hall gun log.
A state investigation has found no criminal wrongdoing in a controversial gun log kept at Jacksonville City Hall and another municipal building. The log, started in July 2023, recorded names of individuals who brought firearms into city buildings. The practice of keeping that log is deemed illegal under Florida law. The State Attorney’s Office launched the inquiry in May and found the idea originated with a public works manager seeking to improve emergency response. Officials determined the manager was unaware of the legal issues and acted without approval. The report cites poor oversight, not misconduct.
Ex-Duval teachers union president pays $1.3M after plea.
The former president of Duval Teachers United, Teresa Brady, has paid over $1.3 million to the federal government after pleading guilty to wire fraud and money laundering. Brady and former vice president Ruby George were indicted last year for a scheme that involved falsifying leave time and misreporting finances, defrauding the union of more than $2.5 million. Brady’s payment may aid restitution efforts. Both women face sentencing on February 9, with potential decades-long prison terms. George has not yet made a similar payment.
Clay school board member faces resignation calls over racist remarks.
Clay County School Board member Robert Alvero is facing growing pressure to resign after making inflammatory remarks about the Black community in a Facebook Live video. Alvero, who represents District 2, said he’s had “80% more negative experiences” with African Americans than with white people. Despite apologizing, the backlash has intensified, with regional civic and faith leaders demanding accountability. Florida’s education commissioner has called Alvero’s remarks “discriminatory” and ordered him to appear before the State Board of Education on January 21. Community leaders are calling for reforms including mandatory anti-bias training.
Douglas Anderson arts students earn 2026 YoungArts honors.
Six students from Jacksonville’s Douglas Anderson School of the Arts have earned national recognition as 2026 YoungArts award winners. The students were selected in categories including jazz, classical music, theater, and dance—two achieving the program’s highest honor, “Winners with Distinction.” Those two, Eiana Claire Nova and Jayden Giselle Register, are now in the running for U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts. They are joined by Rory Ames, Ean Bricknell, Spencer Carnochan, and Leila Warren, who were also recognized in their respective categories.
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