JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around the First Coast and residents in Avondale and Riverside gathered for the 31st annual Luminaria lighting Sunday.

The even started as a community fundraiser but has turned into an all out party.

"The neighborhood comes together and everybody celebrates a beautiful evening," Stephen Roberts said.

White paper bags with sand and a tea candle inside, line the sidewalks. However, this year, something was different

"They've scaled back a little bit. Also, they implemented some other stuff."

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -- Hours before his wife and a family friend were shot to death inside a South Bellagio Drive home Thursday, a St. Augustine man suspected in their killing had been in court pleading no contest to violating an injunction for protection against domestic violence ordered by a judge last month, court records show.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A newcomer to the local political scene is making a risky move in order to try and make a difference.

Jason Tetlak, a Democrat, is running for Jacksonville City Council in district 14, which represents the Riverside, Ortega and Avondale areas.

"I've just kind of decided I don't want to do things the way they've always been done. I want to do things the right way," he told First Coast News during an interview at Memorial Park on Thursday morning.

Tetlak said since moving to the area 15 years ago, he's been making a list of changes he'd like to see made in government.

Then, when Jacksonville failed to pass a comprehensive human rights ordinance, he said he knew he had to run for office.

"I think city hall needs a jolt of energy for somebody's not an insider," Tetlak said in a three minute campaign video online.