By CAREN BURMEISTER JACKSONVILLE BEACH - Jacksonville's effort to buy 140 acres of ecologically sensitive land along the Intracoastal Waterway from the owners of Beach Marine received a big boost with a $1.4 million state grant meant to help preserve wildlife habitat and green space.

By DREW DIXON Beaches officials are applying to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for help with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of repairs and cleanup after Tropical Storm Fay.

By CAREN BURMEISTER JACKSONVILLE BEACH - A roomful of spectators broke into applause at City Hall Monday when a contractor announced the new Publix on Beach Boulevard is scheduled to open at 8 a.m. July 31.

By PAUL PINKHAM ATLANTIC BEACH -- Like a bad hangover, Friday night's huge Independence Day party left a huge mess.

By DREW DIXON Every Duval County coastal community but one - Atlantic Beach - has passed a resolution opposing a proposal to divert millions of gallons of water daily from the St. Johns River, and the issue is drawing state legislators' attention.