It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Friendship Fountain in Jacksonville, FL gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Jacksonville, FL is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I am a current client of this provider Companion care and CNA. I am so appreciative”
“I am a past client of this provider Had the most supportive caregiver at Always Best”
“Great agency to work but not enough hours”
“It’s enjoyable working with everyone on duty”
“Always best care Seniors services is an amazing place to work.”
“I have been employed by Always Best Care for two years as a caregiver. ”
“Working at Always Best Care has been a rewarding experience. I’ve had the opportunity to”
“ABC is a great company I love my client I have been with her for”
“Ms. Marlynn is great ????”
“Working with Always Best Care of Jacksonville has been a very positive experience. I feel”
“I’ve been with the company since about late April of this year (2025). I jumped”
“Great place to work! Great staff!”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care Senior Services has been caring”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care in Jacksonville took incredible care”
“I am a current client of this provider Our caregiver has been with us nearly five”
“I am a current client of this provider My father has been a client for 3”
“I am a past client of this provider I want to share with you what a”
“I am a current client of this provider I am sending this review because the Care”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver is excellent, very responsible and does”
“I am a current client of this provider Professionalism from the top down. We love all”
“I am a current client of this provider Home care for my mom. They have been”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Jacksonville was outstanding. Their team was compassionate, reliable, and”
“Thanks again for everything”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Fleming Island exceeded our expectations. Their team was caring,”
“Ms. Elaine and the crew at Always Best - Thanks to each of you for”
“I am a current client of this provider Companion care and CNA. I am so appreciative of the care and support given to my father. It gives me peace of mind knowing that Elsie and Vilma are caring for him when I can’t be there. Marlynn and the agency are extremely accessible, and the guidance is much appreciated!”
“I am a past client of this provider Had the most supportive caregiver at Always Best Care for the past year. Could not have asked for a more caring and hard working caregiver than Wendy. She was a true blessing for both of us”
“Great agency to work but not enough hours”
“It’s enjoyable working with everyone on duty”
“Always best care Seniors services is an amazing place to work.”
“I have been employed by Always Best Care for two years as a caregiver. It is a great company to work for.”
“Working at Always Best Care has been a rewarding experience. I’ve had the opportunity to provide one-on-one care and companionship to clients in their homes, helping them stay comfortable, safe, and independent. Each day taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of building trust with the people I care for.”
“ABC is a great company I love my client I have been with her for some months and I love caring for her every week. This company is the best if your looking for a place to call home this is the company they will not lead you wrong everything is so organized and easy going I love it here”
“Ms. Marlynn is great ????”
“Working with Always Best Care of Jacksonville has been a very positive experience. I feel valued as a caregiver, and I really appreciate the support and communication from the team. They are always willing to help and care deeply about both the clients and the caregivers. It’s a place where you can truly see that people’s well-being matters. I’m very grateful to be part of this agency.”
“I’ve been with the company since about late April of this year (2025). I jumped in picking up a few extra cases as a fill in for about a month before getting my own permanent client. Everything has been smooth sailing with this company thus far. They’re very helpful. Our app we use is also easy to use. The company has been a pleasure to join.”
“Great place to work! Great staff!”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care Senior Services has been caring for my grandfather for five years, and they’ve truly become part of our family. The caregivers are kind, reliable, and genuinely compassionate. I’ll never forget when his caregiver, Maria, visited him in the hospital on her own time just to lift his spirits — she even brought his favorite blanket and played his favorite jazz songs. That kind of care and kindness is rare to find. The entire team is professional, responsive, and always goes above and beyond. We’re so grateful for everything they’ve done for our family and highly recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking for trustworthy, loving care for their loved ones.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care in Jacksonville took incredible care of my grandmother up until her passing. The caregivers were professional, and genuinely compassionate. They made a difficult time much easier for our family, and we’re so thankful for the support and dignity they provided throughout her final days. Highly recommend.”
“I am a current client of this provider Our caregiver has been with us nearly five years, consistently providing compassionate and dedicated care--we're truly grateful.”
“I am a current client of this provider My father has been a client for 3 years and we have been so pleased with our caregiver. She helps him with showering, exercising, and companionship and we think of her as one of our own family members. She takes the time to listen to him and plays card games with him.”
“I am a past client of this provider I want to share with you what a blessing Devyn and Gina have been to us. Devyn has such a caring heart and treats Papa like he was her grandfather. She transferred him from bed to wheelchair with such great ease. She does an amazing job when sundowners sets in and he begins getting agitated and confused. Her redirection skills are stellar. She has engaged with him, played games with him, worked on word search puzzles, talked about his life, just can’t say enough good things about her. Gina has seen the worst of him as the nights are truly worse than the days. She has laid her head on his pillow, spoken softly to him, held his hand for hours all in attempts to calm him when he is truly fighting a battle to get out of bed and yelling out in pain. Her gentle spirit remains in tact even through the difficult times and trust me they HAVE been pretty difficult. She is attentive to his needs and doesn’t back down from any task that is needed. We are beyond thankful for these women who are top notch in her eyes.”
“I am a current client of this provider I am sending this review because the Care my father received was passionate and professional. Not only was the caregiver compassionate, but the management team that I worked with was very compassionate and worked with our needs. We are very grateful to have this service in our area and I would highly recommend Always Best Care for your loved ones.”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver is excellent, very responsible and does an excellent job cleaning etc.”
“I am a current client of this provider Professionalism from the top down. We love all the caregivers who are helping our loved one…. Kim, Doreen, Kemmecia and Asia are all wonderful… Especially Kim and Doreen!!! We were married in Jamaica so I’m biased”
“I am a current client of this provider Home care for my mom. They have been wonderful throughout a difficult time for us. I can’t say enough good things about this company.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Jacksonville was outstanding. Their team was compassionate, reliable, and truly focused on our family’s needs. They kept us well-informed, which brought real peace of mind. We’re so grateful for their dedication and kindness. Highly recommend them for anyone needing trusted, professional senior home care.”
“Thanks again for everything”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Fleming Island exceeded our expectations. Their team was caring, dependable, and truly focused on our loved one’s well-being. Communication was always clear, which gave us great peace of mind. Highly recommend them to anyone looking for compassionate, professional senior care in the Fleming Island area!”
“Ms. Elaine and the crew at Always Best - Thanks to each of you for your kindness”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park in Jacksonville, FL with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Matthew's Restaurant or visit Treaty Oak, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Jacksonville, FL, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Jacksonville, FL understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Jacksonville, FL 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Get outside and enjoy the daySunshine and comfortable temperatures headline our Wednesday forecast, but coastal hazards remain a big part of the weather story.Highs will reach around 77° with northeast winds at 9–14 mph, gusting to 20 mph.Tonight will be clear and cool, with temperatures falling to around 56° as winds ease.A high risk of rip currents continues along Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia beaches, with breakers of 3–5 feet, rough surf and some beach erosion possible. This inc...
Sunshine and comfortable temperatures headline our Wednesday forecast, but coastal hazards remain a big part of the weather story.
Highs will reach around 77° with northeast winds at 9–14 mph, gusting to 20 mph.
Tonight will be clear and cool, with temperatures falling to around 56° as winds ease.
A high risk of rip currents continues along Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia beaches, with breakers of 3–5 feet, rough surf and some beach erosion possible. This includes St. Simons Island, Fernandina Beach, Jacksonville Beach, St. Augustine Beach and Flagler Beach.
Despite the sunshine, swimming conditions remain dangerous, and the safest advice is to stay out of the ocean.
Minor tidal flooding is also a concern around high tide, mainly within the St. Johns River Basin, the Intracoastal Waterway and portions of the Northeast Florida coast, including Flagler County.
A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for some areas, with inundation of 1.5–1.8 feet above normally dry ground possible in vulnerable locations. Low-lying roads, parking lots and parks may flood, with isolated road closures possible.
This concern may persist into late week, with coastal flooding impacts expected to increase this weekend as another surge of onshore winds coincides with higher tides near the full moon.
Thursday stays sunny with a high near 76°, northeast winds at 6–11 mph and gusts to 16 mph. Thursday night will be clear with a low around 58°.
Friday remains sunny with a high near 75°, but breezy conditions return. A slight chance of showers develops late Friday night, with rain chances at 20% and a milder low near 65°.
Saturday brings the greatest rain chances in the forecast, along with windy conditions. Showers become likely, with a possible thunderstorm during the afternoon and a high near 73°.
Rain chances increase to 70% Saturday and remain at 60% Saturday night, with the greater coverage favored into the evening before tapering overnight. Sunday stays windy with a 40% chance of showers, some sunshine and a high near 74°.
Looking ahead to early next week, rain chances decrease to 20% Monday and Tuesday, with mostly sunny skies and highs in the mid-70s.
Winds remain elevated, with windy conditions Monday becoming breezy Tuesday.
Our main messaging: enjoy the dry, mild weather through Friday, keep coastal safety front and center, and plan for a windy weekend with the best chance of rain Saturday.
Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.
The main weather story today is the continued contrast between pleasant conditions inland and hazardous conditions along the coast.Jacksonville will see sunshine and an afternoon high near 74°, with northeast winds increasing to 9–16 mph and gusts around 22 mph.Persistent onshore flow will continue to produce rough surf, dangerous rip currents and beach erosion along our Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia beaches.Coastal and tidal flooding will remain a concern through the week, with another increase in wi...
The main weather story today is the continued contrast between pleasant conditions inland and hazardous conditions along the coast.
Jacksonville will see sunshine and an afternoon high near 74°, with northeast winds increasing to 9–16 mph and gusts around 22 mph.
Persistent onshore flow will continue to produce rough surf, dangerous rip currents and beach erosion along our Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia beaches.
Coastal and tidal flooding will remain a concern through the week, with another increase in winds and coastal impacts expected this weekend.
For today’s coverage, the key message is that sunny skies do not mean safe swimming or boating conditions.
The NWS briefing highlights elevated rip current risk, rough surf and the potential for minor to moderate beach erosion during this prolonged northeast wind event.
The Jacksonville forecast page currently lists a High Surf Advisory through 2 a.m. Wednesday, a Coastal Flood Advisory through 4 a.m. Thursday and a Rip Current Statement through 2 a.m. Friday.
Those expiration times may be adjusted as the event continues, and impacts are expected to persist beyond the current advisory windows.
Along the St. Johns River, minor tidal flooding is expected around high tide this week.
Prolonged onshore winds can impede the river’s drainage into the Atlantic and keep water levels elevated through successive tidal cycles.
Low-lying and flood-prone locations along the river should remain a focus of our coverage, even with little rainfall in the immediate forecast. Residents in vulnerable areas should monitor water levels and move items susceptible to flooding to higher ground.
Tonight will be clear and cool, with a Jacksonville low around 58° and north winds near 7 mph.
Wednesday brings mostly sunny skies and a high near 78°, with north winds of 9–15 mph and gusts around 22 mph. Wednesday night will be another cool one, with clear skies and a low near 56°.
Thursday remains sunny with a high around 76°, followed by a low near 58° Thursday night. The forecast stays dry through Friday, with sunshine, breezy conditions and a high near 77°.
The weekend brings a more impactful coastal setup as onshore winds strengthen again and shower chances return.
Friday night will be milder and breezy, with a low around 64°. Saturday turns windy with partly sunny skies, a 40% chance of showers and a high near 73°.
Shower chances decrease to 30% Saturday night, with a low around 64°. Sunday remains windy with sunshine between showers, a 40% rain chance and a high near 74°. These rain chances do not indicate a washout, but outdoor plans will need to account for passing showers and persistent wind.
The bigger weekend concern is worsening surf, erosion and tidal flooding. The NWS indicates moderate tidal flooding is possible along the St. Johns River and portions of the Florida coast as the next wind surge develops.
We should emphasize that coastal impacts can build over several days of persistent onshore flow. The strongest messaging should remain focused on staying out of the rough ocean, hazardous boating conditions and watching flood-prone areas around high tide.
Looking ahead to Monday, windy conditions continue with a high near 75° and a lower, 20% chance of showers
Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.
What HappenedJACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Sophomore guard Kayden Mingo poured in 31 points, nine of them coming in overtime, to lead Baylor to an 82-76 victory over Florida in Sunday's exhibition game at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.Mingo, the transfer from Penn State, hit nine of his 15 shots from the floor, including two of four from the 3-point line, 11 of 15 at the free-throw line, grabbed eight rebounds and dished four assists. The Bears twice trailed by two early in the extra period, bu...
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Sophomore guard Kayden Mingo poured in 31 points, nine of them coming in overtime, to lead Baylor to an 82-76 victory over Florida in Sunday's exhibition game at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.
Mingo, the transfer from Penn State, hit nine of his 15 shots from the floor, including two of four from the 3-point line, 11 of 15 at the free-throw line, grabbed eight rebounds and dished four assists. The Bears twice trailed by two early in the extra period, but scored six straight to take command, with Mingo's 3-pointer after an offensive rebound giving his team a five-point cushion with 37 seconds to go.
The game was an offensive eyesore for most of the first half, especially for the Gators, who were only marginally better after intermission; and a far cry from a team with designs on championships this season. UF finished at 34.7% shooting overall, hit just four of 29 shots from the 3-point line (13.8%) and went 22 of 35 from the free-throw line (62.9%). BU, meanwhile, shot 45.5% for the game, seven of 17 from deep (41.2) and 78.1 at the line.
Senior forward Thomas Haugh led UF with 19 points – he made two of his team's 3s – and five rebounds before fouling out late in the overtime. Fifth-year guard Denzel Aberdeen added 15 points, but went 3-for-17 from the floor and 0-for-10 from distance over 36 minutes. Backup guard Urban Klavzar, the 2026 Southeastern Conference Sixth Man of the Year and one of the league's best long-range shooters, went 0-for-7 overall and 0-for-5 from deep. That's 3-for-20 and 0-for-15 combined from the team's top perimeter shooters.
Senior center Rueben Chinyelu had a double-double of 13 points and 15 rebounds. Senior forward Alex Condon had 13 points, nine boards and four assists, but missed five of his six free throws.
Both teams struggled to score in the first half, with Florida going more than seven minutes without a field goal (a 1-for-17 drought along the way) and Baylor more than eight minutes (0-for-9), with the Gators the first to awaken with a run of 12 straight points to flip a 13-8 deficit into a 20-13 lead. UF took a 28-25 lead to the locker room, despite shooting just 29% to BU's 38.
Florida led 51-47 inside nine minutes to go in regulation when Elijah Williams hit a 3, followed by two free throws from Mingo to push Baylor in front by a point. The Bears led for the next seven-plus minutes before the Gators clawed back to take a one-point lead, only to fall behind again by three twice inside a minute remaining. UF erased that deficit in the final 20 seconds when Aberdeen made one of two free throws, then -- after the Gators forced a turnover in the backcourt -- dropped in a baseline jumper with just 0.8 seconds to go to send the game into overtime.
Baylor led by two in OT when Bears forward Evan Chatman airballed a 3-pointer that was so off the mark it went over the rim and hit the floor, where no Gator was around to grab it. Instead, freshman Dylan Mingo (12 points, 8 rebounds) beat UF to the ball, pitched it out to his older brother, who bombed a dagger 3-ball for a five-point lead inside a minute to go.
Go to the box score, scan the Gators' shooting columns and take your pick (and throw in just three points from the bench on 1-for-14 combined attempts, compared to 33 points from Baylor's subs). Unsustainable numbers, all of 'em.
Florida's final preseason tuneup will be an exhibition game against Stetson on Oct. 27 at the O'Connell Center. The Gators open the season five nights later, Nov. 2, against a very good Miami team in Tampa.
Email senior writer Chris Harry at . Find his story archives .
Lauren Grace Goebertus of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away October 14th, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family and friends both near and far.Her parents Susan (McAvoy) and Cornelius (Keesy) Goebertus, her sister Elena Goebertus, brother Gregory Goebertus, and sister Ashley and her husband Brendan Moloney and nephews, Martin and Coran and nieces, Mary Louise and Clare all mourn the loss of Lauren, who was taken away too soon from our world.Lauren was a bright light to all; she forged friendships everywhere she lived and tr...
Lauren Grace Goebertus of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away October 14th, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family and friends both near and far.
Her parents Susan (McAvoy) and Cornelius (Keesy) Goebertus, her sister Elena Goebertus, brother Gregory Goebertus, and sister Ashley and her husband Brendan Moloney and nephews, Martin and Coran and nieces, Mary Louise and Clare all mourn the loss of Lauren, who was taken away too soon from our world.
Lauren was a bright light to all; she forged friendships everywhere she lived and traveled, and she was a confidante to many with her selfless and generous spirit.
Lauren was born in Princeton, New Jersey on June 1st, 1983 and grew up in Morristown, NJ, as well as Martinez, California; Mesa, Arizona; and Jacksonville, Florida. As an adult, she made a home in Boston, Massachusetts; Atlanta, Georgia; Wells, Maine; Shanghai, China and then moved back to Jacksonville where she tended to a community of close-knit family and friends that loved her deeply.
Lauren graduated from the Episcopal School of Jacksonville in 2001 and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Teaching from Stetson University in 2006 and Master of Education in Language and Literacy from Lesley University in 2019. She followed in the footsteps of her parents (especially her mother) with her passion for literacy and support of educators. She taught at St Peter Claver Regional Catholic School in Atlanta, Georgia and then at Shanghai Singapore International School and finally, she worked at Curriculum Associates where she was a beloved coworker to many.
Love was at the center of all Lauren did. She loved life and all it offered from sky-diving to dressing impeccably for every occasion, to reading a book at the beach and always being ready for a dip. Her life was an inspiration to many on how to live bravely, despite the challenges she faced living with epilepsy. She embraced her role as aunt and loved her nieces and nephews dearly. Whether it was accompanying them into the cold waters of Maine or playing Uno via phone, Tante Lauren taught them how to live joyfully and love unconditionally.
Without a doubt, Lauren’s spirit will continue to offer consolation and advice to her loved ones from afar. She graced all with countless memories, but it is Lauren’s smile that will always live in our hearts and minds.
Her life will be honored with a Celebration of Life at the Munnerlyn Center of the Episcopal School of Jacksonville on Monday, October 19th at 3:15pm.
In lieu of flowers, we ask loved ones to donate to the Medically Complex Primary Care Clinic of Wolfson Children’s Hospital or to the Mayo Clinic for Epilepsy Research.
Wolfson Children’s Hospital, the Medically Complex Care Clinic at Nemours in memory of Lauren Grace Goebertus:
By check: Wolfson Children’s Hospital, with a note designating to the Lauren Grace Goebertus Memorial Fund, mailed to the Baptist Health Foundation, 841 Prudential Drive, Suite 1300, Jacksonville, FL 32207 Online: https://giving.baptistjax.com/campaign/857918/donate
giving.baptistjax.com/GoebertusMemorialFund
Epilepsy Research at the Florida Mayo Clinic:
By check: Mayo Clinic, with a note specifying memorial gift is in memory of Lauren Goebertus mailed to the Mayo Clinic Department of Development 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905
By phone: 507-284-2264 or 855-852-8129 between 8am and 5pm central time Monday through Friday
Online: give.mayoclinic.org/designate
Free local news and info, in your inbox at 6 a.m. M-F. Florida’s East Coast is facing an extended period of onshore winds and high seas, which could become problematic over the next week.The combination of persistent winds, rough surf and large waves is expected to contribute to coastal flooding, beach erosion and hazardous marine conditions.The first onslaught will be into the upcoming week, which will feature a tight pressure gradient around a ridge of high pressure and a passing cold front.A deve...
Free local news and info, in your inbox at 6 a.m. M-F.
Florida’s East Coast is facing an extended period of onshore winds and high seas, which could become problematic over the next week.
The combination of persistent winds, rough surf and large waves is expected to contribute to coastal flooding, beach erosion and hazardous marine conditions.
The first onslaught will be into the upcoming week, which will feature a tight pressure gradient around a ridge of high pressure and a passing cold front.
A developing coastal storm in the Atlantic will help to enhance effects during the workweek, but the low-pressure system will stay well offshore.
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring the area for subtropical development but gives the area a medium chance of development over the next seven days.
Direct effects, if any, would occur from the mid-Atlantic into the Northeast and New England and well away from the Sunshine State.
Despite being hundreds of miles away from the main weather makers, wind gusts could still reach as high as 45 mph in some locales, particularly along the immediate coastline.
Sustained northeasterly or easterly winds will help push water toward Florida’s coastline and into waterways that empty into the ocean, many of which are already at bankfull due in part to heavy rains during Isaias.
According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration water gauges, nearly 40 locations across Florida are reporting high water levels, while approximately half a dozen have reached or are forecast to reach flood stage.
The affected waterways include portions of the St. Johns River in northern and central Florida, as well as sections of the St. Marys River along the Florida-Georgia border.
The St. Johns River at Astor, near the Volusia and Lake County line, has already reached minor flood stage, with moderate flood stage expected to be reached in the near future.
Flooding effects will depend on the duration of the gusty winds and tidal cycles, both of which will be enhanced over the next several days.
Docks, boat ramps and low-lying roadways tend to be the most vulnerable, especially during times of high tide.
Beach erosion is another concern as rough surf and elevated water levels impact east coast beaches.
Erosion could be problematic since much of the state has missed out on major swells during the hurricane season.
Forecast models indicate that seas could approach 15 feet well offshore, which is particularly hazardous for smaller vessels.
Areas along North Carolina’s Outer Banks have already experienced flooding, and some communities have even issued mandatory evacuations for visitors.
While the surf along Florida’s east coast is not expected to be as problematic as conditions along the Outer Banks, temporary inconveniences remain possible.
At times around high tide, portions of beaches may be difficult or unsafe for use.
Beachgoers should always be cautious around the ocean and pay close attention to local warning flags.
A lifeguard stand with a single red flag indicates strong surf and a high risk of rip currents, while a double red flag means the water is closed to swimmers.
Occasionally, purple flags are used to alert swimmers to dangerous marine life, such as jellyfish and man o’ war.
Water levels could remain elevated through the upcoming full moon, which will peak Oct. 27.
King tides occur because of the gravitational pull of the sun and the moon during new moon and full moon cycles.
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