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🌱 Patch AM: How Jacksonville became a key hub in Florida’s largest child rescue

You won't want to miss Principles of Long Term Investing Resilience on the Jacksonville Patch calendar

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Monday August 31st Patch AM
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Good morning Jacksonville! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Jacksonville became a key hub in Florida's largest child rescue
  • Jacksonville couple accused of keeping four children in truck cab for years
  • How a 1987 Jacksonville cold case is finally seeing new movement

Also on today's calendar: Principles of Long Term Investing Resilience and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a belt made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Monday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 89 and low of 74 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Tuesday: Humid with a stray t-storm, temps: high: 87, low: 74.
  • Wednesday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, with a high of 87 and low of 76 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 'The most vulnerable': Florida recovers 163 children in largest rescue operation in state history (actionnewsjax.com) — Jacksonville served as a central hub in Florida's largest-ever child recovery operation, with 32 vulnerable children located here as part of the 163 recovered statewide. The five-day Operation Statewide Shield spanned seven Florida cities and multiple states and countries, leading to several arrests and ongoing investigations. Local law enforcement and social service partners are now helping the recovered children access care and support.
   

2. Florida couple allegedly kept 4 kids confined inside tractor-trailer cab since 2019 (truecrimenews.com) — Authorities in Jacksonville have jailed a couple accused of keeping four children confined in a tractor‑trailer cab since 2019 while traveling routes between Miami and Atlanta. Investigators say the kids allegedly endured years without school or medical care, and one reportedly suffered sexual abuse, with the man now facing potential capital sexual battery charges.
   

3. Missy's Light Still Shines tribute remembers vibrant 21-year from 1987 (jacksonville.com) — Family and supporters in Jacksonville gathered Aug. 29 to honor Melissa "Missy Taylor" Ellison, a 21-year-old killed here in 1987, and to pray for justice. Thanks to work by Project: Cold Case and First Coast Crime Stoppers, a suspect has recently come forward, giving her loved ones new hope as they keep her memory alive with a "Missy's Light Still Shines" tribute.
   

4. List of newcomers to Jacksonville Jaguars 2026 initial 53-man roster (usatoday.com) — Jacksonville football fans get a detailed look at how the Jaguars' 2026 initial 53-man roster has changed, from Quinn Ewers backing up at quarterback to new faces at running back, receiver, tight end, and along both lines. Several players elevated from last year's practice squad now hold active roles, while multiple draft picks are expected to contribute immediately. It's a snapshot of who's new before the season kicks off.
   

5. The Housing Market Is Moving in Favor of Buyers, but 3 Southern Cities Are Bucking the Trend (lmtonline.com) — Jacksonville's housing market has shifted from a clear buyer's market into more balanced territory, even as many U.S. metros become more buyer-friendly. Local experts say listings are shrinking, prices have stayed mostly flat since late 2024, and sellers are pulling homes off the market, leaving buyers with some leverage but fewer options heading into fall.
   

📸 Around Jacksonville

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Sooo..
    I found a beautiful lost fur baby..she is a shih tzu.. she looks to have been lost for quite some time..she was very matted up and malnourished,… (Nextdoor 45th and Moncrief)
  • UPDATE: She has been found safely!
    Please help. Missing dog. She got out on Pine Street behind Shore's Liquors and took off across St. Johns Ave. Her name is Beatrice (also answers to… (Nextdoor Fishweir)
  • Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. posted a job opening for Sanitation Operator in Jacksonville. Apply here.
  • Starbucks Corporation posted a job opening for shift supervisor - Store# 08686, SOUTHSIDE BLVD & BANK OF AMERICA in Jacksonville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Jacksonville here.

Ok Jacksonville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time (Thank you Kourtney Z. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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