Action News Jax Investigates: Recent shootings near local schools ahead of back-to-school Monday

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Action News Jax is investigating the recent shootings near local schools and what's being done to keep children safe when Duval County students go back to school on Monday.

Sky Action News Jax was over Springfield Friday, the area of Thursday's deadly triple shooting.

An Action News Jax crew found a trail of blood near where JSO said a 17-year-old boy was murdered.

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Michael Smith said he was watching TV Thursday afternoon when he heard at least five shots on Clark Street.

"It's always scary to hear gunshots and know kids ride their bikes around here and stuff," Smith said.

JSO said another man and woman were also hospitalized in the triple shooting.

Right now, they're looking for one suspect, who allegedly used a handgun.

"It's crazy," said a neighbor who only wanted to go by Brantley.  "It's happening at schools, in neighborhoods, it's happening everywhere."

The triple shooting happened in front of the Kennedy Community Center, and just blocks from Matthew Gilbert Middle School.

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Starting Monday, both  the community center and the school will be packed with kids.

According to Action News Jax data, there have been 28 shootings in the city since July 17.

Action News Jax found four shootings since late July within a half-mile of Jacksonville schools.

In the case of Lake Forest Elementary, a man was shot less than 500 feet away.

"It's sad," Smith said.  "That's scary."

Duval County Public Schools said it has an armed presence in every school, classrooms are kept locked when students are inside, and every school has a safety plan and emergency response team.

The city said it has security at the community center, and does not have plans to increase it.

Friday, Action News Jax asked to interview the chief of the DCPS Police Department about safety ahead of back to school Monday, but they were not able to accommodate.

Cox Media Group