Doug Engle
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Articles by Doug Engle
Our two-party system is broken. Independents like me know it | Your Turn
Who are independent voters? Why are people leaving the Democratic and Republican parties? USA TODAY readers tell us in the Opinion Forum. Editor's note: This column is part of Changing Minds, a USA TODAY Opinion series. Ahead of the November midterm elections, we talked with people who changed their political beliefs after years of seeing things a certain way. We'll publish their stories over the next few days. Don't look now, but the 2026 midterms are weeks away. Weeks.
City Council wants answers from outgoing JTA CEO Nat Ford
City Council members want answers from former Jacksonville Transportation Authority CEO Nat Ford about what caused back-to-back years of red-ink spending that is forcing deep layoffs and transit service cuts as Ford is set to leave Jacksonville for a new job in Texas.
Bad financial projections and overspending doomed JTA budget from start
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority went into a financial skid that's forcing layoffs and transit service cuts after a pattern of big misses on financial projections that led to two years of budget-busting spending. JTA is dealing now with the fallout of a roughly $37 million hole in the 2025-26 budget that ended Sept. 30, but the warning signs should have been flashing in the summer of 2025 during the previous fiscal year.
Another Wendy's closes in Jacksonville
Follow Another Wendy's closes in Jacksonville Doug Engle, Florida Times-Union Updated Wed, October 7, 2026 at 1:23 PM EDT Another Wendy's closes in Jacksonville Built in 1979, Wendy's restaurant at 1175 Dunn Ave., shown here on Oct. 6, 2026, has closed after more than 45 years in business. The restaurant was one of the longest-operating Wendy's locations in Northeast Florida. (Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union)More After 46 years, Wendy's has closed it North Jacksonville restaurant on Dunn Avenue.
Fernandina and other beaches still attract beachgoers in October
Follow Fernandina and other beaches still attract beachgoers in October Doug Engle, Florida Times-Union Updated Mon, October 5, 2026 at 2:36 PM EDT Fernandina and other beaches still attract beachgoers in October A city of Fernandina Beach employee moves an Ocean Rescue lifeguard tower down South Fletcher Avenue to the Ocean Rescue head quarters Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. Seasonal lifeguard towers are no longer staffed seven days a week after Labor Day.
Neighborhood wine bar The Huguenot opens on Jacksonville's Southbank
An intimate European-inspired wine, artisanal cheese and charcuterie bar from a Michelin Guide-recognized Jacksonville restaurateur and his wife is now open on the Southbank in historic San Marco. The Huguenot debuted Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 1039 Hendricks Ave. No. 5 in the former Reddi-Arts building complex.
Florida attorney general launches probe of JTA amid financial crisis
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier's office issued a subpoena Sept. 28 to the Jacksonville Transportation Authority seeking records in a probe lead by his Office of Statewide Prosecution. The subpoena comes as JTA is in the midst of a financial crisis that is causing deep layoffs and cuts in transit services. JTA says it will fulfill the subpoena's request.
City Councilman Kevin Carrico leaves Boys & Girls Clubs
Jacksonville City Council member Kevin Carrico has left the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida organization that he served more than a decade during a time when it expanded regionally and also experienced controversy after Carrico tried to put its CEO on the JEA board. "We appreciate Kevin's service and contributions to Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida and wish him and his family well in this next chapter," Blake Wilson, chair of the organization's board, said Sept. 23.
Former First Baptist Church auditorium demolished. See updated photos Original
Doug Engle Sept. 23, 2026, 4:01 p.m. ET A cross from First Baptist Church of Jacksonville looms over the demolition site as construction workers use excavators to remove debris from the teardown of the former main auditorium of downtown church. The building was sold to developer Gateway Jax, which plans to build an apartment tower and a Publix store at the site.
Marion County School Board announces plan for Wyomina Park Elementary
By a 4-0 vote, the Marion County School Board on Sept. 22 agreed to send Wyomina Park Elementary students to Oakcrest Elementary next year as part of a larger organizational plan. The shift comes as the district implements its Future-Focused Operations Plan.
Michelin-recognized restaurateur sets opening for Southbank wine bar
An intimate European-inspired wine, artisanal cheese and charcuterie bar from a Michelin Guide-recognized Jacksonville restaurateur and his wife is preparing to open on the Southbank in historic San Marco. The Huguenot will open at 3 p.m. Sept. 29 at 1039 Hendricks Ave. No. 5 in the former Reddi-Arts building complex. Founded by co-owners Chad Munsey and Lauren Doran, the wine bar is the second restaurant to open in the four-building complex being revitalized and redeveloped into Hendricks Place.
Florida AG calls for firing of Sarasota teacher over 'bullying'
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is calling for the dismissal of a Sarasota County public school teacher and the revocation of her teaching certificate after she "deliberately tried to 'cancel' an eighth-grade student for his conservative views," he said. Uthmeier sent a letter Sept. 21 to Superintendent Terry Connor and Sarasota County School Board members about Pine View School, posting the letter on his X social media account and demanding a response by Oct. 1.
Nat Ford will get another month of CEO-level pay amid JEA crisis
Outgoing Jacksonville Transportation Authority CEO Nat Ford will keep drawing his CEO-level paychecks for another month even as JTA deals with a financial crisis that will force up to 194 layoffs and cuts in transit services. The Dallas Area Rapid Transit board voted July 21 to hire Ford as its CEO with a starting date at DART on Oct. 26. Ford meanwhile is slated to continue working for JTA through Oct. 21 in an as-needed advisory role to interim CEO Cleveland Ferguson.
No bail for woman charged in NW Marion stabbing death
Amy Georgina Marie Hogg, who was arrested on charges of second-degree murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, will be held at the Marion County Jail without bail for the time being, a judge ruled on Sept. 22. Here's what we know: Who was the judge? County Judge Lori Cotton. When did the judge rule? During Hogg's first appearance hearing on Sept. 22. What does the judge's order mean? It means Hogg will be held without bail until a pretrial detention hearing is held.
Photos of Drive-Thru coffee shops seems to be the trend for 2026 Original
Doug Engle Sept. 22, 2026, 5:01 a.m. ET Drive-Thru coffee shops (mostly chains) seems to be the trend for 2026. While Flamingo Coffee, located at 322 Anastasia Blvd. in St. Augustine, Fla., installed a drive-thru, they did it to celebrate their one year anniversary of being open. Customers prefer to come in to get that personal treatment. They do that as well to those in the drive through according to employee and barista Carolyn Lederer.
Regency Square Mall demolition continues. See latest photos
Doug Engle Sept. 21, 2026, 6:08 p.m. ET Portions of the food court can still be seen as Realco Demolition and Recycling continued the demolishing of the Regency Square Mall between JCPenney and Impact Church Monday September 21, 2026. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union Two excavator operators from Realco Demolition and Recycling, continued the demolish the Regency Square Mall between JCPenney and Impact Church Monday September 21, 2026.
Regency Square Mall demolition continues. See latest photos
Portions of the food court can still be seen as Realco Demolition and Recycling continued the demolishing of the Regency Square Mall between JCPenney and Impact Church Monday September 21, 2026. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union Two excavator operators from Realco Demolition and Recycling, continued the demolish the Regency Square Mall between JCPenney and Impact Church Monday September 21, 2026.
Columbia, Trinity meet in Week 5 high school football. See photos
Doug Engle Sept. 18, 2026, 11:19 p.m. ET Columbia Tigers Wesli Haywood (2) celebrates his pick six for a touchdown in the third quarter. The Trinity Christian Conquerors hosted the Columbia Tigers Friday, September 18, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. Columbia won 27-20. [ Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union Columbia Tigers wide receiver Kyren Caldwell (7) scores a touchdown in the third quarter.
Columbia, Trinity meet in Week 5 high school football. See photos
Columbia Tigers Wesli Haywood (2) celebrates his pick six for a touchdown in the third quarter. The Trinity Christian Conquerors hosted the Columbia Tigers Friday, September 18, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. Columbia won 27-20. [ Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union Trinity Christian head football coach Verlon Dorminey talks to another coach after two unanswered touchdowns by Columbia in the third quarter.
No bail for man accused of shooting 5-year-old girl and her mom
One of two men arrested in connection with the drive-by shooting of a 5-year-old girl and her mother on Sept. 14 had his first court appearance on Sept. 18. Here's what we know: Who was the judge? County Judge Tommy Thompson. What are the charges? Three counts of attempted murder and one count of shooting into an occupied vehicle. What happened in court? Patterson was at the Marion County Jail. The judge was at the courthouse. The hearing was held by Zoom.
More developments evolve in Jared Bridegan murder trial
The State Attorney's Office has officially consolidated the cases of Shanna Gardner and Henry Tenon, who will now go to trial together next year. The move also comes with a new indictment filed Sept. 17 reducing the number of charges against each in the 2022 murder of Gardner's ex-husband, Jared Bridegan, after dropping off their shared-custody children at her Jacksonville Beach home. Gardner is charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Skyway, NAVI shuttles to shut down, 194 jobs cut amid JTA budget woes
Jacksonville Transportation Authority riders will see deeper service cuts than previously announced when the agency makes a hard turn financially with cost-cutting measures that will force up to 194 layoffs at the agency, lead to future halts in Skyway and NAVI service in downtown, and reduce weekday service levels on many bus routes. JTA has been under intense budget pressure because of falling sales tax revenue that makes up more than half of how it pays for operating expenses.
UNF trustees OK University of North Georgia head as president-elect
University of North Florida trustees are forwarding presidential finalist Michael P. Shannon's name to the state university system's Board of Governors for confirmation as the school's next leader. Shannon, now president of the University of North Georgia, said in a statement following the trustees' 10-2 vote September 16 that he was "humbled and honored" to be selected as president-elect.
Who will be UNF's next president?
Doug Engle Sept. 16, 2026, 11:11 p.m. ET University of North Florida’s trustees interviewed Michael P. Shannon, left, the sole finalist for the UNF president's job, Wednesday September 16, 2026 at UNF's Bldg. 16 on the UNF campus in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union Michael P.
Who will be UNF's next president?
Who will be UNF's next president? University of North Florida’s trustees interviewed Michael P. Shannon, left, the sole finalist for the UNF president's job, Wednesday September 16, 2026 at UNF's Bldg. 16 on the UNF campus in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union Michael P.
Who will be UNF's next president?
Follow Who will be UNF's next president? Doug Engle, Florida Times-Union Updated Wed, September 16, 2026 at 11:11 PM EDT Who will be UNF's next president? University of North Florida’s trustees interviewed Michael P. Shannon, left, the sole finalist for the UNF president's job, Wednesday September 16, 2026 at UNF's Bldg. 16 on the UNF campus in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] (Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union)More University of North Florida's trustees interviewed Michael P.
Parts of retired USS Jacksonville arrive in the city it was named for
A nuclear-powered attack submarine arrived in downtown Jacksonville this week. Well, part of a nuclear submarine, anyway. The sail structure and rudder from the USS Jacksonville, which served in the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet from 1981 to 2021, arrived by truck Wednesday morning following a cross-country trip from Bremerton, Wash. Plans call for the pieces to be refurbished, then put on display near the USS Orleck, a retired warship docked on the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville.
Former Navy sub USS Jacksonville arrives in Jacksonville. See photos
Former Navy sub USS Jacksonville arrives in Jacksonville. See photos Employees with Fincantieri Marine Repair rig the rudder to lift it off of a trailer as part of USS Jacksonville (SSN 699), a nuclear-powered Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine, arrived on four semi-truck trailers at the Fincantieri Marine Repair on Wednesday September 16, 2026 in downtown Jacksonville, Fla.
Former Navy sub USS Jacksonville arrives in Jacksonville. See photos
Doug Engle Sept. 16, 2026, 2:05 p.m. ET Employees with Fincantieri Marine Repair rig the rudder to lift it off of a trailer as part of USS Jacksonville (SSN 699), a nuclear-powered Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine, arrived on four semi-truck trailers at the Fincantieri Marine Repair on Wednesday September 16, 2026 in downtown Jacksonville, Fla. Stephen Jorgensen, president of Bring The Sail 2 Jax, worked with the U.S. Navy and worked on the submarine for years to receive the submarine.
Popular Riverside coffee shop coming to revived Bellwether downtown
A trendy Riverside cafe is expanding, joining prominent downtown restaurant Bellwether, which is being revitalized by new owners after the upscale-casual dining spot closed abruptly six months ago. Cafecito plans to bring its energy and "LA Vibes" to Bellwether and its upcoming new-to-Jacksonville concept, the Temaki Room, at 117 W.
Two days, two shootings. Ocala Police chief explains both cases
Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken on Sept. 15 addressed the two unrelated shootings that occurred on Sept. 13 and 14 within the city limits. In the Sept. 13 case, a man was killed and two others were injured. Balken said his agency believes this was a drug deal gone wrong. Police earlier had not provided that detail. In the Sept. 14 case, a 5-year-old girl and her mom were injured in a drive-by shooting. The chief said the shooting stemmed from an earlier disturbance at an Ocala apartment complex.
Regency Square Mall demolition erases 60 years of shopping. See photos
Doug Engle Updated Sept. 14, 2026, 6:53 p.m. CT A Realco Demolition and Recycling excavator operator pushes over a signage pole as the company began demolishing the old Regency Square Mall between JCPenney and Impact Church Monday September 14, 2026. According to an employee, that part of the mall will be on the ground in less than two weeks.
Regency Square Mall demolition erases 60 years of shopping. See photos
A Realco Demolition and Recycling excavator operator pushes over a signage pole as the company began demolishing the old Regency Square Mall between JCPenney and Impact Church Monday September 14, 2026. According to an employee, that part of the mall will be on the ground in less than two weeks.
Regency Square Mall demolition erases 60 years of shopping. See photos
Doug Engle Sept. 14, 2026, 7:24 p.m. ET A Realco Demolition and Recycling excavator operator pushes over a signage pole as the company began demolishing the old Regency Square Mall between JCPenney and Impact Church Monday September 14, 2026. According to an employee, that part of the mall will be on the ground in less than two weeks.
See more: Fans, players, and views from Sunday's Jaguars win v. Browns
Updated Sept. 14, 2026, 3:07 p.m. ET Members of the 159th Fighter Squadron, part of the Florida Air National Guard's 125th Fighter Wing, fly over the stadium in their F-35A Lightning II aircraft before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Browns 34-10.
See more: Fans, players, and views from Sunday's Jaguars win v. Browns
Follow See more: Fans, players, and views from Sunday's Jaguars win v. Browns Corey Perrine and Doug Engle, Florida Times-Union Updated Mon, September 14, 2026 at 2:57 PM EDT See more: Fans, players, and views from Sunday's Jaguars win v. Browns Members of the 159th Fighter Squadron, part of the Florida Air National Guard's 125th Fighter Wing, fly over the stadium in their F-35A Lightning II aircraft before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla.
After almost 70 years, Fernandina Beach restaurant, motel to close
After nearly 70 years, a landmark Fernandina Beach restaurant, bar and motel "will close its doors for good" - citing competition, changing consumer habits and economic factors. The Surf Restaurant, Bar and Beach Motel will close Sept. 20 at 3199 S Fletcher Ave., its owners announced on social media. Although the restaurant and bar will shut its doors, the motel will remain open for an undetermined while longer, The Surf employees told the Times-Union on Monday, Sept. 14.
Landmark Fernandina Beach restaurant, bar and motel planning to close Original
Doug Engle Sept. 14, 2026, 2:24 p.m. ET The Surf Restaurant, Bar & Beach Motel, Monday, September 14, 2026. The restaurant and hotel opened in 1957. They will be closing Sunday September 20, 2026 but the hotel will keep operating for an undetermined amount of time in Fernandina Beach, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union The outside dining area at the Surf Restaurant, Bar & Beach Motel, Monday, September 14, 2026. The restaurant and hotel opened in 1957.
Sarasota County students named National Merit semifinalists. See list
More than 40 Sarasota County high school seniors have been named semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program, placing them one step closer to competing for about 6,700 scholarships worth approximately $24 million. The students were announced Sept. 9 by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office begins partial move to Riverside
After about three years of considerations and plans, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is in the process of moving its downtown administrative offices to the nearby Florida Blue tower at 532 Riverside Ave. Its lease is for three floors. Sheriff's Office headquarters had been located in the Police Memorial Building at 501 E. Bay St. since 1977. The building has become outdated and there also has been years of discussion about relocating the attached jail. Starting Friday, Sept.
Man who died in Sept. 9 hit-and-run has been identified
A judge on Sept. 10 set bail for the man accused in a fatal hit-and-run crash in northeast Marion County. Also, authorities identified the victim as 29-year-old Julius Tanksley III of Ocala. Here's what we know: Who's the defendant? Why was he in court? Matthew Aaron Boardman. When someone is arrested and he/she is unable to immediately post bond and be released from jail, then the individual makes what's called a first appearance in front of a judge, usually within 24 to 48 hours after arrest.
Judge quashes motions by state, Bridegan widow to oust her from trial
In somewhat of an unprecedented case where the prosecution requests a judge be disqualified, as opposed to the defense, both the State Attorney's Office and Jared Bridegan's widow filed motions to oust Judge London Kite from overseeing Shanna Gardner's murder trial. However, the judge swiftly denied both motions. Much of it had to do with a series of late motions filed by Gardner's attorneys before her jury selection was scheduled to begin Aug.
UF Jacksonville campus amps up city's growing graduate education
The University of Florida officially opened the first building on its downtown Jacksonville campus and stamped its logo for powerhouse research on the city's expanding menu of options for pursuing graduate degrees. UF Board Chair Mori Hosseini said the campus and the city will come together in a way that benefits both Jacksonville and the university. "We are here today to celebrate UF Jacksonville, a bold investment in the future of this city, this region and our great state," he said Sept.
UF officially opens their Jacksonville campus
Saul Hernandez, senior director of communications, left Steve Orlando, interim vice president of strategic communications and marketing, Kurt Dudas, vp for strategic initiatives and Jaycie Wegner, event and operation specialist, all for the University of Florida, stand in the lobby of the new University of Florida Jacksonville campus, Wednesday afternoon, September 9, 2026 in downtown Jacksonville, Fla. A total of 158 students attend the campus under five colleges and eight different programs.
UF officially opens their Jacksonville campus
Doug Engle Sept. 10, 2026, 5:11 a.m. ET Saul Hernandez, senior director of communications, left Steve Orlando, interim vice president of strategic communications and marketing, Kurt Dudas, vp for strategic initiatives and Jaycie Wegner, event and operation specialist, all for the University of Florida, stand in the lobby of the new University of Florida Jacksonville campus, Wednesday afternoon, September 9, 2026 in downtown Jacksonville, Fla.
90 Northeast Florida students named Merit semifinalists. See the list
More than 16,000 high school seniors across Florida and nationwide have been named semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program, putting them one step closer to competing for about 6,700 scholarships worth approximately $24 million. The students were announced Sept. 9 by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Museum opens at Supervisor of Elections of Duval County
Doug Engle Sept. 9, 2026, 11:36 a.m. ET Allison Mason, left and Tammy Kiter, tour the Duval County Supervisor of Elections’ grand opening of “Democracy Starts Here: From Ballots to Belonging," Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Back in the 1930’s, voters had to pay to vote. That was repealed in 1937. The 1,200-square-foot exhibition that explores how American democracy is built from the ground up, with local election offices as its foundation.
Museum opens at Supervisor of Elections of Duval County
Museum opens at Supervisor of Elections of Duval County Allison Mason, left and Tammy Kiter, tour the Duval County Supervisor of Elections’ grand opening of “Democracy Starts Here: From Ballots to Belonging," Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Back in the 1930’s, voters had to pay to vote. That was repealed in 1937. The 1,200-square-foot exhibition that explores how American democracy is built from the ground up, with local election offices as its foundation.
Developer to tear down Downtown East Apartments
Doug Engle Sept. 8, 2026, 5:02 a.m. ET The Jacksonville Housing Authority is working with a developer to tear down the vacant Downtown East Apartments building, formerly known as Franklin Arms, located at 888 Franklin Street in Jacksonville, Fla. The property is show here, Tuesday, August 18, 2026 They plan to build a new affordable housing community for seniors in the Eastside neighborhood of Jacksonville.
Charlie Woods reacts to missing his birdie putt on the 14th green during the final round of the Junior Players Championship at
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