While the controversial Lot J development, failed JEA sale, a high-turnout presidential election and many other local stories dominated headlines in 2020, it was WJCT News' coronavirus coverage that grabbed the most attention from readers. Eight of the 10 most popular news stories this year had at least a tangential connection to the pandemic — and then, because it's Florida, there were the manatees. Here’s a look back at the Top 10 most read news stories on WJCT.org during 2020, based on Google Analytics page views:
#10: Criminal Stalking Case Against Fired Fla. Health Data Scientist To Drag Into August
A misdemeanor criminal stalking case against the self-described whistleblower at the center of a politically charged dispute over Florida’s COVID-19 disclosures grabbed the attention of WJCT News readers in July.
#9: As COVID Hospitalizations Rise, Jacksonville Nurse Says ‘Recovered’ Patients Are Returning
A Jacksonville nurse said in November she had seen an increase in the amount of COVID-19 hospitalizations at her facility, as internal hospital COVID-19 data acquired by WJCT News show an upward countywide hospitalization trend at the time.
#8: New York Times: Jacksonville 1 Of Top Spots Where People Won't Stay Still
Duval County ranked No. 3 in the country for travel, despite officials' asking people to stay home to control the spread of coronavirus, according to an analysis by The New York Times done between February 28 and March 27.
#7: Florida Blue Hiring Hundreds In Jacksonville With Virtual Job Fair April 21
As the pandemic pushed the nation into a recession, a local Florida Blue job fair gained a lot more attention than it might have before COVID-19 gripped the First Coast.
#6: CDC Asks States To Plan For Potential Vaccine Distribution Starting In Late October
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention asked states to prepare to distribute a potential coronavirus vaccine as soon as late October. The date ended up being a little optimistic with actual U.S. vaccine deliveries beginning in December.
#5: Jacksonville Named COVID-19 Hotspot By US Health Department
In July, Jacksonville was added to a list that no one wanted to be on. At the time, it was designated as a “hotspot jurisdiction” by the U.S. Department of Health, resulting in more federal temporary surge COVID-19 testing locations being opened.
#4: What Will Be On Your Duval County August Ballot?
Duval County voters showed a keen interest in the issues this year. Here’s a roundup of the 2020 Duval County November election results.
#3: New Florida Manatee Webcams Debut
Manatee-lovers can now watch the Florida marine mammals at any time thanks to two new webcams that debuted in 2020.
#2: 3 ZIP Codes Account For Nearly A Third Of Duval COVID-19 Cases, New State Data Show
A Florida COVID-19 dashboard update added a new feature allowing people to look up coronavirus cases by zip code.
#1: After Publix Toilet Paper Cakes Go Viral, Its Bakers Decide To Stir Up More Fun
The bakery team at Publix managed to outdo themselves, giving people a much-needed reason to smile, which WJCT News’ readers obviously appreciated.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
