Hero Next Door

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Hero Next Door

Hero Next Door Student Scholarship Winner: Marcus Threadcraft

8:21 PM, May 10, 2013

Marcus Threadcraft, 18, is a shining example of student excellence on the First Coast. He has a weighted GPA of a 4.78 at Stanton College Preparatory School and is involved in all kinds of volunteer work.

Hero Next Door Student Scholarship Winner: Kiersten Mercado

6:32 PM, May 9, 2013

JACKSONVILLE, FLA-- Kiersten Mercado, 16, had no idea why her mother wanted her to miss the school bus Thursday morning.

First Hero Next Door Scholarship winner announced

8:17 PM, May 8, 2013

NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. -- Hayley Snyder thought she was coming to school early Wednesday for a guidance counselor appointment.

GMJ This Morning: Student wins $1,000 Scholarship

11:03 AM, May 8, 2013

Hayley Snyder, a 12th grader at Fletcher High School, is the first recipient of First Coast News's Hero Next Door Student scholarships.

Hero Next Door: Beverly McClain

8:23 PM, May 6, 2013

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Beverly McClain looks at the Families for Slain Children building, and thinks about how she arrived here. 

First Coast family champions importance of college scholarships

8:38 PM, Apr 30, 2013

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Would you like free money to go to college? How about a chance at winning $5,000 dollars? It's all part of the First Coast News Hero Next Door scholarships and time is of the essence if you still want to apply.

Hero Next Door: Jay Harris

12:18 AM, Apr 30, 2013

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- 36-year old Jay Harris, fashion designer and owner of the Straight and Narrow store in downtown Jacksonville, is living the dream.

Hero Next Door: A man's mission to bring peace back to Grand Park

10:50 PM, Apr 22, 2013

Anthony Stinson, 51, grew up in Jacksonville's Grand Park neighborhood during the 70's and 80's and now he's on a mission to reduce crime in the neighborhood.

Hero Next Door: Valerie Williams

7:16 PM, Apr 1, 2013

BRUNSWICK, Ga. -- In Georgia, one in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. That's according to the Georgia Commission on Family Violence.

Hero Next Door: Vivian Bradford

8:39 PM, Mar 25, 2013

Posted on Vivian Bradford's wall are the pictures of her students. Bradford, who's a guidance counselor at Ribault High School, has helped many students get into college.

Hero Next Door: Sam Franzini

8:28 PM, Mar 18, 2013

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. -- Twelve-year old Sam Franzini and his dog Charlie are inseparable.

Dr. James Chamberlain; Our Hero Next Door

6:47 PM, Mar 11, 2013

Dr. James Chamberlain and his parishioners at Christ Walk Church have been helping those in their community see clearer since 2009.

The Kuhl Family: Heroes Next Door

9:04 PM, Mar 4, 2013

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Rob Kuhl, who's been an active duty Coast Guard member for the last 24 years, knows first hand what the men and women of the military go through.

Hero Next Door: It's a family affair

1:55 PM, Mar 2, 2013

See how one local family is raising four legged friends to help disabled military veterans.

Hero Next Door: Cindy Wolinski

9:40 PM, Feb 25, 2013

ORANGE PARK, Fla. -- Two years ago this month, Cindy Wolinski started her "Changing Hearts Food Mission" charity.

Tammy McGuire fulfilling her life's calling

9:07 PM, Feb 18, 2013

ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. -- Tammy McGuire is a First Coast woman whose life mission is to help every child in Northeast Florida who's in outer home care, foster care, relative care or non-relative care.

Missy and Charles Harcus our 'Heroes Next Door'

9:26 PM, Feb 11, 2013

Child abuse is a heart-wrenching and appalling crime that most of us hope we never have to witness.  More than a million children are victims of child abuse and neglect each year, according to state child protective service agencies, and many victims don't receive help because they are not reported to the system.

Students trying to raise money to attend academic decathlon

8:14 PM, Jan 23, 2013

First Coast News was tipped off that some students at the Christ's Church Academy are trying to go to Minnesota for a national competition, but they need money to get there.

Hero Bakers: Making sure all kids have a birthday party

4:12 PM, Nov 21, 2012

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- This week is a time to count our blessings and if birthday parties are a nice thing at your house, maybe you can help with this.

Local Vet Finds Discount Program To Open Franchises

9:14 AM, Mar 29, 2012

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Navy Veteran Steve Burnett says he found a solution to being unemployed.  He bought a Tasti D-Lite franchise, opened it in Riverside on Park Street, and saved more than $7,000 on the franchise fee through a program for veterans called VetFran.

Student Makes Sure Heroes Are Not Forgotten

8:42 AM, Feb 24, 2012

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Glistening bronze and crisp white stone now mark the entrance to Sandalwood High School.

'Cleaning With A Meaning' Helps Families Dealing with Serious Illness

1:26 PM, Feb 8, 2012

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A vacuum cleaner drowns out the silence as Kara Anderson makes her way across the room.

Clay County Remembers First Official Firefighter

6:39 PM, Feb 1, 2012

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Bruce Dempsey remembers his father through pictures and tokens.

Tyler Southern Talks about Dealing with Something 'Weird'

8:30 PM, Jan 25, 2012

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Triple amputee and marine from Jacksonville Tyler Southern, opens up about his injury and the after effects.  Never a complainer, Tyler is excited about what's new at his home.

Photographers are Heroes Helping Heroes

7:36 PM, Jan 18, 2012

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Heroes helping heroes. In this week's Hero Central, local photographers are making sure military families remember their heartwarming moments.

Jump Start Strings Instructors are Heroes to Students

12:44 PM, Jan 12, 2012

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --  As Zykirria Simpson pulls a bow across her violin, she dreams of playing with a professional orchestra.

First Coast Woman Inspires Other to Eat and Live Healthy

12:55 PM, Jan 5, 2012

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The grinding of Michelle Chance-Sangthong's juicer is a daily reminder of healthy choices.

Mandarin Food Bank Runs on Donations and Dedication

2:40 PM, Dec 21, 2011

MANDARIN, Fla. -- Although the demand has grown, the food bank has still managed to provide through donations and hard work.

Thousands of Items Collected for Sweater Drive

3:02 PM, Dec 7, 2011

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- It was a busy morning at the Clara White Mission as people unloaded dozens of boxes full of warmth for those who need it.

Local Photographers Provide Free Memories for Military Families

7:57 PM, Nov 30, 2011

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --  The non-profit organization teams families up with photographers for two free photo sessions that capture precious memories.

First Coast News Hero Central Toy Drive is this Weekend

3:27 PM, Nov 25, 2011

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Christmas Made in the South show this weekend for the First Coast News Hero Toy Drive.

Country singer Slim Whitman, 90, dies overnight

A famous Florida native and singer has died overnight.

3:43 AM, Jun 19, 2013

Building Up and Out in $20M Skyway Expansion

Above the busy streets of Downtown Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority's Skyway is marketed as a convenient commute for downtown patrons. Now the transit system that is constantly under scrutiny is putting together a $20 million expansion.

11:21 PM, Jun 18, 2013

NBC's 'The Voice' crowns a Season 4 winner

Danielle Bradbery is The Voice.

11:25 PM, Jun 18, 2013

Aaron Hernandez questioned, home searched in possible homicide probe

New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez had his home searched and he is being questioned by police in connection with a possible homicide in North Attleboro, Mass., according to reports by SI.com, ABC News and a local newspaper.

9:19 PM, Jun 18, 2013

Victim identified in fatal wrong way crash on I-295

An early morning crash involving a bus and a 2001 Honda Civic shut down Interstate 295 northbound just past Pritchard Road Tuesday morning.

1:19 PM, Jun 18, 2013

Jacksonville, Florida weather forecast

JACKSONVILLE, FLA.-- Tropical Depression 2 is almost Barry with 35 mph winds.  The storm is moving toward central Mexico.  We have rain coming our way from another source.

4:14 AM, Jun 19, 2013

Florida Offers Tool to Find Best Homeowners' Insurance Rates

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida consumers have a new tool to help them shop for the best property insurance rates.

4:58 PM, Aug 8, 2011

Orlando Magic to play game in Jacksonville

The Orlando Magic and New Orleans Pelicans will kick off their 2013-14 season with a preseason game on Oct. 9 at Jacksonville's Veterans Memorial Arena.

3:38 PM, Jun 18, 2013

Boat capsized near Neptune Beach, 3 rescued

The United States Coast Guard, Jacksonville Sector, rescued three boaters after their boat capsized near Neptune Beach Saturday morning, according to release by the  USCG.

2:59 PM, Jun 15, 2013

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United Way 2-1-1

United Way 2-1-1 Phone System offers community access to health, social and human services. People living in a 9-county region of Northeast Florida can dial 2-1-1, the easy to remember, three-digit telephone number for free information and referral and access to health, social and human services. It is a non-emergency number.

Check It Out

Raluxi Erbiti

$864K worth of marijuana seized in Clay County

(Photo courtesy Getty Images)

Kim Kardashian is a mom

Attempted burglary on Jacksonville's Westside

Photo courteous of @BillyHo_Golf

Crazy golf pants

One missing iguana found safe

Jax Truckies Food Truck Championship

Photo by Melody Agnew

First Coast storm photos

Photo courteous of Camden County Sheriffs Office

A look inside a Camden County meth bust

Suspects in Operation Ancient City Brewers

Fiddler's Green demolition begins

Buddy Check 12 at Baptist Health fair

MIA NICOLE DOCK, 19 - Charged with out of county warrant and larceny. Bond $10,000

Women busted for allegedly stealing from outlet mall

Light pole on vehicle blocks NB Blanding

MASON ANTHONY GATES, 21 - Charged with fraud

June 2013 Mugshots

Twinkie hotdog

Weird food combinations, are they delicious or a disaster?

Coast Guard deploys artificial reef

Photo credit Stacey Sather

Ponce de Leon re-enactor visits El Galeon

George Zimmerman stands with his defense attorneys Mark OMara, left, and Don West at Seminole circuit court, in Sanford, Fla., for a pre-trial hearing Friday, June 7, 2013.(Photo: AP)

Key players in Zimmerman murder trial

Fatality in retention pond

The Dilworth's family 6th annual Alex's Lemonade Stand Grand Stand

Maria Sharapova really had to get moving to chase down this forehand.  Kenzo Tribouillard, AFP/Getty Images

FRENCH OPEN DAY 14

Photos of Tropical Storm Andrea from around the First Coast

JT Townsend graduates from UNF

Great Grads

Jacksonville - Photo Courtesy of Aaron Bynion

Your June weather shots from around the First Coast

FCN Jax Ready Hurricane Preparedness at Suns game

SHAWNEE, OK - MAY 20: Candice Lopez (L) and Stephanie Davis help clean debris from Thelma Coxs mobile home after it was destroyed by a tornado May 20, 2013 near Shawnee, Oklahoma. A series of tornados moved across central Oklahoma May 19, killing two people and injuring at least 21. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)

Images from the disasters that have dominated 2013

Graduation comes to hospital for teen waiting for heart transplant

Have you seen these iguanas?

A protestor flashes a victory sign as he takes part in a demonstration in support of protests in Istanbul and against the Turkish Prime Minister and his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), in Ankara, on June 1, 2013. (ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images)

Protest in Turkey

Tall ship El Galeon on display in St. Augustine

Bradford Sheriff's Office searches home

Jean Stapleton arrives at the premiere Broadway performance of Bea Arthur on Broadway: Just Between Friends at the Booth Theater in New York City. Stapleton died June 1. (1/29/02 Photo by Scott Gries/ImageDirect)

Celebrities who have died in 2013

       Floyd Reynolds

'Operation Spring Cleaning', the remaining wanted suspects

Searched resumed on Friday for missing fisherman

Check out Robert Griffin III $2.5 million house

Former NHL player Mike Danton, conspiracy to commit murder in 2004.

Professional athletes who have been arrested

Photo courtesy of TacoLu

TacoLu's upcoming Big, Fat Yard Sale

Photo courteous of the Governors Press Office

'Great Floridian' awarded to Steve Spurrier

Photo courtesy of Jacksonville Jaguars

Jaguars Cheerleaders shoot 2014 calendar

Camden County Sheriff's Office busts man making meth, again

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