Jacksonville Daily Brief: Deadly 9B crash, fire weather, and new permitting workflow
Jacksonville, FL – February 28, 2026 – From a deadly 9B crash to wildfire risk and City Hall updates, here are today’s top local headlines and notes.
Top headline
Florida Highway Patrol says a woman was killed and a man was left in critical condition after they pulled into the inside emergency lane on State Road 9B to exchange information following a minor crash. Troopers say a third vehicle veered into the shoulder and struck both people. The crash is a sobering reminder to move vehicles to a safer location when possible and to stay behind barriers and out of travel lanes while waiting for help.
Weather and wildfire risk
Jacksonville remains under elevated fire risk as extreme dryness and gusty winds combine with plenty of dead vegetation. Forecasters say periodic rain could bring some relief, but conditions can change quickly, especially on breezy afternoons. Officials continue urging residents to avoid open flames and follow local rules for outdoor burning.
City Hall and growth
The city says it is moving civil plan and plat reviews into the JaxEPICS system starting today, February 28. The shift is aimed at putting more of the development review process into one place, with clearer tracking, notifications, and online payments for applicants and reviewers.
Business watch
Jacksonville-based Duos Technologies announced a leadership change, naming Doug Recker as chief executive officer effective April 1. The company said the outgoing CEO will remain on its board, as Duos continues expanding beyond its original rail technology work into newer lines of business.
Community calendar
High school basketball fans will see a lot of action at UNF Arena, with state championship play scheduled to run across two weeks of competition. Meanwhile, a local film-and-culture program highlighting Jacksonville’s early movie history was rescheduled to tonight, Feb. 28, due to weather.
Sources
- https://www.news4jax.com/traffic/2026/02/27/man-woman-exchanging-info-after-fender-bender-on-9b-hit-by-car-that-veered-into-emergency-lane-fhp/
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/jacksonville-forecast-fire-risk-areas-185630487.html
- https://www.jacksonville.gov/welcome/news/city-of-jacksonville-to-launch-civil-plan-and-plat
- https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2026/feb/27/doug-recker-named-ceo-of-duos-technologies/
- https://www.news4jax.com/sports/2026/02/28/unf-hosts-fhsaa-basketball-championships-bring-final-four-action-back-to-jacksonville-for-first-time-in-50-years/
- https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/local/black-cinema-history-hollywood-jax-rescheduled-feb-28-due-weather/J22L3GPB2VBM7DFBAKCJVDQJIE/
