Jacksonville parks director Daryl Joseph placed on administrative leave following DUI arrest after Northside crash

What happened

Jacksonville’s director of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, Daryl Joseph, was placed on administrative leave after an arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence following a late-night crash on the city’s Northside.

The crash occurred at about 11 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2026, at the intersection of New Berlin Road and Cedar Point Road. Police reports indicate Joseph’s vehicle turned in front of a truck and ended up in a ditch.

The truck was driven by a 17-year-old with a 16-year-old passenger. One of the occupants reported minor injuries and declined transport to a hospital.

Arrest details and charges

Law enforcement officers reported smelling alcohol while speaking with Joseph at the scene and described indicators of impairment, including bloodshot and glassy eyes. He was arrested and booked on DUI-related allegations and additional charges listed in the arrest paperwork.

As of Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office had not released a mugshot publicly.

City response and personnel process

The City of Jacksonville confirmed Joseph was placed on administrative leave through the remainder of the week while an internal review is conducted. Administrative leave is a common interim step in public-sector employment matters, allowing an agency to review conduct and policy compliance while maintaining continuity of operations.

The city has not publicly detailed what the internal review will examine, what policies may apply, or whether Joseph will return to duty or face further disciplinary action. The city also has not announced an interim director or changes to departmental operations related to permitting, park maintenance, recreation programming, or community services.

Joseph’s role in city government

Joseph leads the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, a large city agency responsible for parks and recreation activities, conservation and marine resources, senior services, social services, disabled services, and extension services. The department oversees more than 400 park and recreation sites across Jacksonville, including parks and open spaces, trails, community and senior centers, beaches, golf courses, aquatic facilities, boat and kayak launches, nature preserves, and several specialized facilities.

City records show Joseph was formally appointed to the director role in 2015 after previously serving as interim director and holding multiple management posts within the city’s parks structure.

Key facts at a glance

• Crash location: New Berlin Road and Cedar Point Road, Jacksonville Northside.
• Time: about 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, 2026.
• City action: administrative leave through the remainder of the week, pending internal review.
• Public safety impact: one minor injury reported; no hospital transport.

Administrative and criminal processes will move on separate tracks: the city’s internal review addresses employment policies and fitness for duty, while the criminal case proceeds through the court system.

This story will be updated as additional case details, charging documents, and city actions become publicly available.