EverythingJax

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — When George Zimmerman tries to convince a judge or jury that he shot Trayvon Martin in self-defense, the evidence he'll be able to call on appears to be a mixed bag.

More than 200 pages of photos and eyewitness accounts released by prosecutors Thursday show Zimmerman and Martin were in a loud and bloody fight in the moments leading up to the shooting and that Zimmerman appeared to be getting the worst of it, with wounds both to his face and the back of his head.

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Chalk this up as another person put in a politically awkward spot by Jacksonville's anti-discrimination bill.

This time it's state Senate candidate Aaron Bean.

ElderSource, an organization that provides senior care, supports the legislation that would expand Jacksonville's human rights ordinance to include sexual orientation or sexual identity.

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For the third year in a row, Massage Envy is donating a portion of the proceeds from every massage, facial, retail purchase or gift card purchase in May to Dreams Come True, which fulfills the dreams of local children with life-threatening illnesses.

Additional donations are also being accepted at Massage Envy locations.

Also, Massage Envy is selling raffle tickets for a chance to win donated items such as tickets to area entertainment venues, with proceeds to Dreams Come True.

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Jim Fuller was weeks away from locking up another four-year term as Duval County’s $149,000-a-year clerk of court.

Thanks to the Florida Supreme Court, he could be stuck waiting to learn if he’s even allowed to hold the job again.

The same question could be on the horizon soon enough for Sheriff John Rutherford, Property Appraiser Jim Overton and Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland.

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Many of you probably have fond memories of visits to Silver Springs and the Silver River.

Crystal clear water. Eel grass waving in the strong current. Thousands of fish. Glass-bottom boats.

The springs and the river today?

Bob Knight, the director of the Florida Springs Institute:

“Silver Springs is not what it once was. It is not the most remarkable hydrographic feature in North America as described by a scientist in the 1850s who said it was comparable to the Mississippi River and Niagara Falls.

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Registration for Jacksonville’s seventh annual Teen Battle of the Bands is under way.

Local musicians ages 12 to 18 can sign up free through Thursday, May 31, by going to jaxpub
liclibrary.org/teens/index.html and downloading the entry form. Send the completed form to teenscene@coj.net or drop it off at any Jacksonville library branch.

All genres of music are welcomed. Prizes include gift certificates and studio recording time.

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GAINESVILLE — Florida’s softball team begins its quest for a fifth consecutive trip to the Women’s College World Series on Friday.

The Gators (46-11) are hosting an NCAA Regional, which features Central Florida, South Florida and Florida Gulf Coast. Florida, seeded fifth nationally, will play against FGCU (37-22) at 6 p.m. today. UCF (39-17) and USF (45-11) open the regional with a 3:30 p.m. contest.

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BRUNSWICK - A two-day compliance check on Glynn County sex offenders this week resulted in nearly one arrest for each of the 35 participating officers.

As of Thursday, 32 sex offenders had been charged with a number of crimes including violating probation, possession of a firearm by a felon, providing false information and failure to register as a sex offender, Glynn County Sheriff's Office records show.

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St. Johns Riverkeeper battled long, hard and unsuccessfully against withdrawing water from the river to supply Central Florida utility customers.

On Tuesday, representatives of the environmental nonprofit will attend a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers meeting about a different man-made change — the plan to dredge Jacksonville’s harbor for bigger cargo container ships.

For now, the group is taking a neutral stance while waiting for results of a study that will unfold over the next year.

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FRIDAY, MAY 18
Wild Amelia Nature Festival, through Sunday, various venues, Amelia Island. Includes eco tours, a photo contest, seminars, workshops, a green business expo, exhibits and children’s programs. (904) 251-0016 or wildamelia.com.

Shoot For Justice to benefit the Justice Coalition, registration/breakfast, 7:30-8:30 a.m.; shooting, 9 a.m.-noon; lunch/awards, noon; Jacksonville Gun Club, 12125 New Berlin Road. $175. (904) 783-6312 or justicecoalition.org.

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