JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Jacksonville Beach businesses are hoping that with the ceremonial "Opening of the Beaches" Sunday, they can lure swimmers and sunbathers off the sand and into their shops.
The beaches are technically open all year round, but Sunday's event kicks off a busy summer in the sand as thousands of people came out for the festivities, including a parade. The increased activity was a good sign for local businesses that had been hurting.
"Winter's like a ghost town, so we love having the parade," Kim Iulano with the Tiki Hut Gift Shop said. "It brings a lot of people out. The weather is gorgeous."
Iualano said her shop's business goes up about 80 percent as the summer season starts. She said it's a big relief for her and the other business owners who rely on the crowds.
SLIDESHOW: Parade & festival
Everything at the "Opening of the Beaches" event went smoothly, however a few beachgoers had two main complaints: one, many of the city parking lots were charging to park close to the beaches and two, there was still construction on several blocks of First Street, making a lot of areas impassable.
"I think there hasn't been as many people out here because the roads have been blocked," beachgoer Amanda Martinez said. "People are more toward over Beach Boulevard."
The lack of activity on First Street has been tough for some struggling restaurants. However, new establishments are moving in just in time for summer. A new Asian fusion restaurant and bar is opening, and The Pier is changing its theme to a sandbar and cantina, all in hopes of bringing customers inside and getting revenues up.
Most of the construction on First Street should be finished by June 1. Business owners said last year was slow but they have high expectations for a very successful year this summer.
