Connect with us

North Florida News

Jaguars Add Mathieu Araujo, Brian Picucci to Coaching Staff for 2026 Season

Published

on

JACKSONVILLE (FNN) — The Jacksonville Jaguars announced two additions to their coaching staff for the 2026 season, naming Mathieu Araujo as defensive pass game coordinator and Brian Picucci as run game coordinator.

Araujo Joins Jaguars After Success with Dolphins

Araujo (uh-ROO-joh) comes to Jacksonville following four seasons with the Miami Dolphins (2022–25), serving as cornerbacks coach from 2024–25 and assistant defensive backs coach from 2022–23.

In 2024, Araujo helped guide Miami to its first top-five finish in total defense since 2006, as the Dolphins allowed just 314.4 yards per game, ranking fourth in the NFL. The Dolphins also posted a top-10 defensive finish in 2023 for the first time since 2010, allowing 318.3 yards per game.

Before entering the NFL, Araujo spent seven seasons in the collegiate ranks, including three years at Yale (2019–21) as defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator. A native of East Freetown, Massachusetts, Araujo was a four-year letterman at Bridgewater State, playing defensive back.

Picucci Brings Run Game Experience from Tampa Bay

Picucci (pi-COO-chee) joins the Jaguars after two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, serving as offensive line coach in 2025 and assistant offensive line coach in 2024.

During his time with Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers ranked among the NFL’s top 10 in several rushing categories, including yards per rush (4.7, fifth), rushing first downs (252, tied for sixth), and rushing yards per game (131.9, seventh).

In 2024, Picucci worked with a Buccaneers offense led by current Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen that ranked in the top five leaguewide in points per game (29.5), total yards (399.6), passing yards (250.4), rushing yards (149.2), first downs (23.2), and third-down conversion rate (50.9 percent).

Extensive Coaching Background

Prior to his tenure in Tampa Bay, Picucci served as an offensive quality control coach at the University of Kentucky in 2023, where he again worked with Coen. The two previously coached together at UMass from 2005–08.

Picucci’s 31-year coaching career also includes stops at Florida International University, the Detroit Lions, the University of Maine, Becker College, Widener University, Central Connecticut State, Northeastern University, Southern Connecticut State, and multiple stints at UMass.

North Florida News

Pro-Democracy Groups Launch “No Partisan Maps” Day of Action at Florida Capitol

Published

on

A view of the historic Old Florida State Capitol building, which sits in front of the current New Capitol, on November 10, 2018 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Mark Wallheiser/Getty Images)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — A coalition of pro-democracy advocates and community members from across Florida will gather at the State Capitol on Tuesday, December 2, to launch the “We Draw the Lines: No Partisan Maps” Day of Action. The event begins with a press conference, followed by visits to legislative offices and coordinated outreach urging lawmakers to reject partisan-driven redistricting efforts.

The Day of Action takes place two days before the Florida House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting holds its first meeting on December 4. Advocates say the proposed mid-decade remapping is unconstitutional and undermines the will of voters.

“Any attempt by politicians to engage in drawing new voting maps designed to tip the scales of power for partisan gain is unconstitutional and illegal in Florida,” said Genesis Robinson, executive director of Equal Ground. “Redistricting decides who represents us in government, so it is critical that the process serves the people, not politicians.”

Florida’s push for mid-decade redistricting aligns with President Donald Trump’s call for Republican-led states to gerrymander district lines to help retain control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the upcoming midterm elections. Such efforts would violate Florida’s Fair Districts Amendments, which prohibit partisan gerrymandering in the state.

Event Details:
What: “We Draw the Lines: No Partisan Maps” Day of Action
When: Tuesday, December 2, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Florida State Capitol, House-side Rotunda, Fourth Floor
Who: Voting rights organizations, civic groups, and impacted Florida residents
Why: To demand that lawmakers uphold constitutional protections and ensure fair representation for all Floridians

Continue Reading

North Florida News

State Rep. Felicia Simone Robinson Files Bill to Establish Florida Voting Rights Restoration Database

Published

on

State Rep. Felicia Simone Robinson Files Bill to Establish Florida Voting Rights Restoration Database

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Florida State Representative Felicia Simone Robinson (D–Miami Gardens) has introduced House Bill 73 for the 2026 Legislative Session, aimed at improving transparency and access to information for returning citizens seeking to restore their voting rights. The proposal would establish a statewide, publicly accessible database to help individuals with felony convictions determine their eligibility to vote. A companion measure, Senate Bill 132, has been filed by Senator Tina Polsky (D–Boca Raton).

Centralized Database to Streamline Restoration Process

Under the proposed legislation, the Florida Commission on Offender Review would be responsible for developing and maintaining a centralized database that tracks key information, including supervision terms, restitution, fines, and other legal financial obligations related to felony sentences.

The bill mandates cooperation between state and local agencies—such as clerks of court, county comptrollers, the Department of Corrections, and the Office of Executive Clemency—to ensure the data is accurate and updated regularly. The database would be publicly accessible online and updated monthly, providing a clear path for eligible individuals to confirm their status.

Protecting Returning Citizens and Ensuring Transparency

The legislation also includes protections for individuals who rely in good faith on the database’s information, shielding them from prosecution for unintentional voting violations. Additionally, the Florida Commission on Offender Review would be required to submit a detailed implementation plan—outlining costs, staffing, and technology needs—to both the Governor and the Legislature. If approved, the law would take effect July 1, 2026.

Rep. Robinson Calls for Fairness and Dignity in the Process

Representative Robinson emphasized the moral and civic importance of restoring clarity to Florida’s electoral system.

“Floridians who have completed their sentences deserve clear, timely access to information about their rights,” said Rep. Robinson. “Too many are uncertain whether they still owe obligations or whether they can safely register to vote. This legislation will eliminate confusion and restore dignity.”


Continue Reading

North Florida News

Jaguars Maul Panthers in Travis Hunter’s Debut

Published

on

Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FNN) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0) beat the Carolina Panthers (0-1) by a score of 26-10 at EverBank Stadium. Today’s game marked the debut of Heisman Trophy winner, Travis Hunter, who played on both sides of the ball for the Jaguars, as a wide receiver and cornerback. It was also the first time Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr. played against his brother, Panthers rookie RB Trevor Etienne, who was drafted in the fourth round after playing two seasons for the Florida Gators and one for the Georgia Bulldogs.

Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter makes his debut with the Jaguars. (Photo: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

The Jaguars scored on their first drive of the season, with K Cam Little’s 35 yard field goal. But the Panthers responded with K Ryan Fitzgerald’s 48 yard field goal, tying the game at 3-3, which was the score at the end of the first quarter.

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence’s 6 yard touchdown pass to TE Hunter Long, followed by Cam Little’s extra point, put the Jags ahead 10-3. It was Lawrence’s fifth consecutive open week with a passing touchdown. Just after that play, the game was officially delayed for about an hour due to severe weather in the area. Players and fans were moved to covered areas as a precaution. Later in the quarter after action resumed, WR Brian Thomas Jr. ran for a 9 yard touchdown. Little added the XP and followed shortly after with a 47 yard field goal just before halftime, to put the Jags up 20-3.

The game was delayed due to severe weather in Jacksonville. (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

In the third quarter, the Jaguars succeeded in stopping the Panthers’ drive, taking over the ball on their 6 yard line. But neither team scored any points in the quarter.

Midway through the fourth, Cam Little’s 36 yard field goal put the Jags ahead 23-3. But the Panthers responded with a 27 yard pass from QB Bryce Young to RB Chuba Hubbard, followed by Brian Fitzgerald’s XP, narrowing their deficit to 23-10. After the two minute warning, Cam Little’s 28 yard field goal put the Jags up 26-10. A late scoring drive by the Panthers ended with an interception of Bryce Young’s pass intended for RB Rico Dowdle by Jaguars CB Jourdan Lewis, ending the game at 26-10.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 178 yards and one TD. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 142 yards. Brenton Strange was the leading receiver with 59 yards. Today’s attendance was 59,957.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are in the process of renovating their stadium. Many areas of EverBank Stadium were blocked off for construction during today’s game. The project will continue while the Jaguars continue to play at home this season and next. In 2027, the team will play at either Orlando or Gainesville to complete the transformation. For more details on Jacksonville’s Stadium Of The Future, which opens in 2028, visit https://www.jaguars.com/stadiumofthefuture/.

The Jaguars head to Cincinnati to face the Bengals on Sunday, 9/14. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement Ticket Time Machine ad
Advertisement Orlando Regional REALTOR Association logo
Advertisement Parts Pass App
Advertisement Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
Advertisement
Advertisement African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
Advertisement FNN News en Español
Advertisement Indian American Chamber of Commerce logo
Advertisement Florida Sports Channel

FNN Newsletter

Trending