Katie Jeffries

05/09/2026

Now we know where 904 came from!

Did you know? Jacksonville's 904 area code began in 1965 when Florida's original 305 area code was split, giving the northern half of the state its own separate code.
The Marjorie and Jesse A. Budd Jr. Collection at the Jacksonville History Center includes this Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph 555 Manual Switchboard formerly used at Florida National Bank, 214 Hogan Street. Mr. Budd retired from Southern Bell where he worked for almost 40 years in the PBX (Private Branch Exchange) division. When the bank upgraded its telephone system in the late 1970s, the company transferred ownership of the switchboard to Mr. Budd on 1/2/80. His family added the switchboard to Budd Collection in May 2026.

04/09/2026

Please excuse me while I watch this video on repeat ⚽️ 😂

31/08/2026

Flexing those old traffic reporting muscles! 💪🏻

26/08/2026

Mario Fernandez has been found GUILTY in the murder of Jared Bridegan.

Many of you on this page know I have followed this case since it happened in 2022. So much has happened in the years it took to get to this point and this is just the first of three trials set in this case.

Next, Bridegan's ex-wife, Shanna Gardner, will face murder charges in his death. That trial will start in September. I may not be with First Coast News anymore, but I expect they will have continuing coverage of her trial as well.

Lastly, Henry Tenon, the man who allegedly pulled the trigger in the murder-for-hire plot will face a jury in April.

GUILTY | Mario Fernandez-Saldana has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the killing of St. Augustine father of four Jared Bridegan. WATCH LIVE REACTION: https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/local/jared-bridegan-murder-trials/jared-bridegan-murder-trial-verdict-mario-fernandez-saldana/77-76ab2050-4a69-4005-bd39-cdc7302793f6?tag1=wtlvshare

19/08/2026

My oldest got a ceiling projector for his birthday and this is the slide he settled on.
Feels like an omen 🌀🫠

13/08/2026

Woke up so excited to see his friends and go to recess and to have a science class this year 🔬🔭⚗️ I am so proud of you buddy, I cannot wait to hear about your first day!
💙 Kindergarten here we come!!

09/08/2026

And just like that, we have a 6-year-old!
Celebrating with his very specific request- a dragon pool party 🐉💙

06/08/2026

👋🏼 Hey all! It’s been a bit, what has been the highlight of your summer?

24/07/2026

Fifty years. ❤️

A melted wedding cake, wilted flowers, broken cameras, and no air conditioning... and somehow it was the perfect start to a beautiful life together.
I've spent my whole life watching what a lasting marriage looks like—not because it's been perfect, but because you've chosen each other over and over again. Through every season, every challenge, and every joy.
Thank you for giving my sister and me a home filled with love, laughter, and the confidence that we were always loved. And now, watching you love your grandsons with that same joy is one of my greatest gifts.

Happy 50th Anniversary, Mom and Dad. Your love story is my favorite one. ❤️🥂

10/07/2026

I am still in awe of everything that occurred yesterday. A nearly 40-year-old cold case has finally resulted in an arrest.

I got to know Missy Ellison's sisters and daughter in 2018 when I featured her case on UNSOLVED on First Coast News. They were dedicated to getting her case and face back into the public. Before Project: Cold Case began publicizing her case, there was no digital footprint associated with it. No old articles, no old pictures... nothing.

Thankfully, Project: Cold Case helped connect me with Missy's family, and JSO's Cold Case Unit was willing to sit and talk about her case, and we were able to put together a deeper look at her cold case in 2018. Though no major tips came in after airing, Missy's story finally had a footprint on the internet and could be shared for visibility.

Then in January, First Coast Crime Stoppers put together a digital press conference on Missy's case with her family, Project: Cold Case and JSO. As a board member, I am so proud of the innovative ways FCCS is utilizing to reach people.

With supporting media coverage from local stations and papers, the story found the person it needed to reach. I am sure we will get more information as the case moves through the court process, but I am thrilled for Missy's family that an arrest has finally been made.

It is a true testament to how powerful it can be when media, police and organizations work together to advocate for cold cases.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office says that after nearly 40 years, a man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Melisa Ellison.