Thursday, Jan. 8: Homicide Update + Alligator Alcatraz + River Restoration
Thursday, Jan. 8
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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Jacksonville homicides rose to 115; domestic killings climbed
Jacksonville recorded 115 homicides in 2025—up 37% from the previous year but still one of the lowest tallies of the last decade. Sheriff T.K. Waters cited major reductions in gang-related and youth homicides, attributing the trend to targeted policing and community engagement. However, domestic-related killings rose from 21 to 28, with mental health factors also increasing. The sheriff emphasized continued efforts to address drug-linked violence and bolster support services. African Americans and men remained the most frequent victims, and the city’s deadliest areas were in ZIP codes 32209, 32208, and 32206.
Secretive Jacksonville-linked firm lands $78M “Alligator Alcatraz” contract
A Jacksonville-linked firm has drawn scrutiny for its secretive $78 million contract to run a pop-up immigration detention center in Big Cypress National Preserve, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.” Critical Response Strategies, or CRS, received the emergency no-bid contract from Florida officials, yet has since scrubbed public info about its leadership and ties to local businessman Ricky Caplin. Immigration advocates and lawmakers have flagged poor conditions and opaque legal access for detainees. The facility flooded days after opening and lacks basic amenities.
Rep. Duggan backs bills to restore Ocklawaha River
Jacksonville Republican Representative Wyman Duggan is co-sponsoring a new legislative effort to restore North Florida’s Ocklawaha River. Alongside Senator Jason Brodeur, Duggan introduced bills Monday that would direct the Department of Environmental Protection to create a restoration plan for the dam-controlled river, long debated due to its environmental and economic impacts. The proposal also outlines a regional outdoor recreation strategy and calls for a state economic development program in Marion and Putnam counties. The Rodman Reservoir, created by the dam, remains popular for fishing and local tourism.
Chemours to lay off 75 at North Florida mines
Chemours will permanently lay off 75 employees at three North Florida mineral operations this spring, citing economic competitiveness. The affected sites include the Maxville Mine near Macclenny and two facilities in Starke, with the largest cut—44 jobs—at the Trail Ridge South mine. Most impacted positions are operators, though technical and supervisory roles are also affected. Despite the workforce reduction, none of the facilities will close. Chemours, a key domestic supplier of titanium and zirconium minerals, operates along Trail Ridge in this strategically vital region.
Scenic Jacksonville executive director Nancy Powell retiring in April
Nancy Powell, the founding executive director of Scenic Jacksonville, will retire in April after four years leading the nonprofit. Powell helped shape the city’s focus on walkability, public green spaces, and urban design, including launching the Riverfront Parks Now coalition and the Great Cities Symposium. Board president Bill Hoff praised her strategic leadership and lasting impact. A search for her successor is underway. Scenic Jacksonville, originally founded by attorney Bill Brinton, continues to promote a more livable and connected urban core.
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