Thirty years ago, in response to the growing epidemic of violent crime in North Florida, one man sparked a movement that would bring victims’ voices to the forefront of the criminal justice system. That man was Ted Hires.
In 1995, Hires founded the Justice Coalition with a mission rooted in service, transparency, and advocacy for crime victims and their families. A former businessman turned community activist, Hires launched the Coalition after his own life was touched by tragedy. What began as a personal mission quickly became a city-wide effort to protect the innocent, support survivors, and ensure the justice system worked for the people it was meant to serve.
Now, three decades later, the Justice Coalition is celebrating its 30th anniversary and the relaunch of its flagship publication, the Victims’ Advocate, with a renewed commitment to the cause.
“We’ve never stopped,” said Executive Director and longtime staff member Robert Bracewell. “We’ve kept fighting for victims, for transparency, and for justice, no matter how tough the road has been.”
The anniversary celebration takes place on July 29 at the Duval County Courthouse, the same day this commemorative issue reaches the public. It is a moment to honor the legacy of Ted Hires and reignite the Coalition’s mission for the next generation.
With the relaunch of the printing and distribution of the Victims’ Advocate, we invite readers to rediscover the heart of the organization: its relentless drive to inform the public, spotlight injustice, and hold institutions accountable. From court reporting to victim support to systemic reform, the Justice Coalition remains a critical force in Northeast Florida. This isn’t just the return of a paper. It’s the revival of a promise: to be the voice for those who no longer have one.
The Justice Coalition still follows the mission Ted Hires put in place in 1995: to provide immediate crisis intervention and advocacy for innocent victims of violent crime, and to educate our citizens on criminal justice issues. The Coalition has provided these services to thousands of victims.
Explore this site to learn more about how we work with local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and court advocates to make sure victims’ voices are heard in the courtroom. You’ll also find educational resources, archived issues of our newspaper, ways to donate, and tools for getting involved.
We thank our readers, donors, and volunteers for continuing to stand with us. Together, we can restore hope and help make justice a reality for every victim in need, now and for the future.
Read the complete August 2025 Anniversary Edition of the Victims’ Advocate (PDF)