Jacksonville NC Independent News

09/15/2026

UPDATE AS OF 9/15/2026 AT 11:51 AM: JUVENILE LOCATED.

MISSING JUVENILE ALERT:

The Jacksonville Police Department has been notified of a missing female juvenile with last known whereabouts the evening of Monday, September 14 in the area of Ramsey Road and New Bern Highway.

The juvenile is described as a black female, 16 years old, 5'5, 120 pounds, black hair, and brown eyes.

Last known wearing no shoes, navy blue Christmas pajamas, a burgundy Winnie the Pooh sweater, and red, black, and gold head scarf.

If located, please call law enforcement at 910-455-4000. Dispatch is Option 1.

08/24/2026

BREAKING NEWS — JACKSONVILLE, NC 🚨
A shooting was reported Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the Bella apartment complex on Liberty Drive in Jacksonville.

An anonymous source who spoke with a member of the Jacksonville NC Independent News team said a bullet reportedly entered a child’s bedroom.

This is a developing story. We are working to gather more information and will bring you updates as the investigation unfolds.

📍 Jacksonville, North Carolina
📰 Jacksonville NC Independent News

08/16/2026

Jacksonville, NC Weather 🌦️

07/16/2026

Good morning Jacksonville have an awesome day

06/10/2026

06/09/2026

BREAKING: Record-Breaking Blue Marlin Caught at Big Rock Tournament

A massive 919.9-pound blue marlin was brought to Big Rock Landing Tuesday afternoon, becoming the first fish weighed in for the day and setting a new all-time tournament record.

The blue marlin was landed by the crew aboard Marlin Fever at approximately 12:50 p.m., following an intense battle that lasted nearly two hours after the fish was hooked.

The catch marks the first blue marlin in this year’s tournament to exceed 500 pounds and secures the prestigious Fabulous Fisherman prize, valued at $871,250.

If the fish remains atop the leaderboard through the end of the tournament, the total payout could reach an astounding $6.2 million.

Tournament officials have confirmed that the 919.9-pound blue marlin is now the largest fish ever recorded in Big Rock Tournament history.

06/08/2026

BREAKING NEWS: Fatal House Fire Under Investigation in Onslow County

A deadly house fire in Onslow County has claimed the life of a local resident, prompting an active investigation by multiple agencies.

Authorities have identified the victim as 79-year-old Douglas Hill.

Emergency crews were called to a residence on Savage Court, located off Lake Cole Road, at approximately 4:36 a.m. Monday following reports of a structure fire. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions and immediately began efforts to bring the blaze under control.

During a search of the home, firefighters discovered Hill inside the residence. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Investigators have not yet determined what caused the fire. The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office is leading the death investigation and is working alongside the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and the origin of the fire.

Numerous agencies responded to the scene, including Piney Green Volunteer Fire Department, Pumpkin Center Volunteer Fire Department, Hubert Volunteer Fire Department, Camp Lejeune Fire & Emergency Services, Bear Creek Fire Department, Onslow County EMS, Onslow County Fire Rescue, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Stanley Wilson
Jacksonville NC Independent News

06/08/2026

Body of Missing North Topsail Beach Drowning Victim Recovered in Sneads Ferry

The body of the man believed to have drowned while attempting to save his stepdaughter in the waters off North Topsail Beach has been located.

According to North Topsail Beach Police, a boater contacted authorities at approximately 10:40 a.m. today after spotting a deceased individual in the water near Canal Drive in Sneads Ferry.

Officials with the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office and North Topsail Beach Police conducted a preliminary identification and believe the individual is Marquest Page Jr., who had been reported missing. Formal identification will be completed by the Medical Examiner’s Office.

Page was last seen entering the ocean on Monday afternoon. Search operations continued throughout the week but were suspended Friday evening after officials reported that all available search resources had been utilized.

The Medical Examiner’s Office will make the final determination regarding the identity of the recovered individual

06/04/2026

BREAKING NEWS: Five Firefighters Injured in Major Furniture Plus Warehouse Fire in Jacksonville

Jacksonville NC Independent News-Five firefighters were injured while battling a major fire Wednesday afternoon at the Furniture Plus warehouse located on North Marine Boulevard in Jacksonville.

The fire was reported at approximately 1:15 p.m. at the Furniture Plus warehouse facility. Witnesses reported heavy smoke and flames pouring from the building and through portions of the rooftop as firefighters worked aggressively to contain the blaze.

According to city officials, the fire spread into the main showroom area, resulting in significant damage and loss to the property.

A city spokesperson confirmed that five firefighters sustained injuries during the response. Two firefighters have been treated and released, while three others remain under medical care. No additional injuries have been reported at this time.

Multiple agencies responded to assist the Jacksonville Fire Department, including Camp Lejeune Fire and Emergency Services, Back Swamp Fire Department, Half Moon Volunteer Fire Department, Onslow County Fire Rescue, Piney Green Volunteer Fire Department, Pumpkin Center Volunteer Fire Department, Rhodes Town Volunteer Fire Department, Richlands Volunteer Fire Department, Swansboro Fire Department, and Southwest Volunteer Fire Department.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Additional information has not yet been released by authorities.

We will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

06/03/2026

🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨

Emergency crews are reportedly responding to a major structure fire with heavy flames showing at the Furniture Plus on Marine Boulevard in Jacksonville.

At this time, limited official information has been released regarding injuries, road closures, or the cause of the fire. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area and allow emergency personnel room to operate.

This is a developing situation. More updates will follow as additional information becomes available from local fire and emergency officials.