Security checkpoints at Jacksonville International Airport will briefly close Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at 8:46 a.m. so travelers and staff can observe a moment of silence in the pre-security courtyard.

Jacksonville airport marks moment of silence

The airport tribute is one of several public observances across Northeast Florida marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people. Staff from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) and the Jacksonville Aviation Authority's Safety & Security department will participate, following a presentation by the TSA honor guard, Action News Jax reported.

All events are free and open to the public.

St. Augustine ceremony returns to original site

The City of St. Augustine will hold its 25th Anniversary Ceremony of Remembrance at 8:30 a.m. in the Plaza de la Constitución, returning to the site of its original 2002 observance. The live-streamed, 15-minute program features a multiagency honor guard, music and remarks from retired FDNY Capt. Chris Garaizar.

St. Augustine Fire Chief Carlos Aviles said in a news release that the ceremony "carries forward the original intent and simplicity of the first ceremony, providing our community with a place to gather and reflect …" He added that the ceremony is a promise that no one will stand alone as they remember.

A moment of silence is set for 8:45 a.m. The fire department will perform the traditional "Striking the Four 5s" bell toll, and bagpipes will close with "Amazing Grace."

Nassau County ceremony includes firefighter swearing-in

The Nassau County Sheriff's Office will host a memorial ceremony at 9 a.m. at the Law Enforcement Memorial, 77151 Citizens Circle in Yulee. Sheriff Bill Leeper and Nassau County Fire Chief Brady Rigdon will deliver remarks. Rigdon will also swear in eight new firefighters during the event.

The ceremony includes the Nassau Community Band, a 21-gun salute, a moment of silence and the playing of Taps. Attendees are asked to RSVP to [email protected], according to News4Jax.

Clay County march honors fallen responders

First responders will march through downtown Green Cove Springs along Palmetto Avenue and Walnut Street starting at 9:15 a.m. The march ends at the Spring Park gazebo for a 9:30 a.m. ceremony where officials will read the names of more than 400 firefighters, law enforcement officers and emergency responders who died on Sept. 11, 2001. The Clay County Fire Rescue Honor Guard will strike "The Four 5s" before a bagpipe group closes with "Amazing Grace."

Other regional 9/11 remembrance events

In Glynn County, Ga., a remembrance ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m. on the lawn of the Historic Courthouse at 701 G Street in Brunswick, with former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Larry Thompson as keynote speaker.

The Jacksonville 9/11 Heroes Run 5K starts at 6 p.m. Friday at the Jacksonville Beach Seawalk Pavilion, with running, walking and rucking divisions honoring first responders and service members.

Upcoming community calendar

  • Friday, Sept. 11, 8:30 a.m. — St. Augustine Ceremony of Remembrance, Plaza de la Constitución
  • Friday, Sept. 11, 8:46 a.m. — Moment of silence, Jacksonville International Airport pre-security courtyard
  • Friday, Sept. 11, 9 a.m. — Nassau County memorial, 77151 Citizens Circle, Yulee
  • Friday, Sept. 11, 9:15 a.m. — Clay County Honor March, downtown Green Cove Springs
  • Friday, Sept. 11, 6 p.m. — 9/11 Heroes Run 5K, Jacksonville Beach Seawalk Pavilion
  • Saturday, Sept. 12, 4 to 7 p.m. — Red Hands Family Foundation block party, 2222 Harper St., Jacksonville