JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – The impromptu topic of conversation at Monday’s Jacksonville Beach city council meeting was Sunday’s three separate shootings that left one person dead and three others injured.
Jacksonville Beach residents spewed remarks during public comment about the safety concerns and urged city leaders to utilize more resources.
Originally, the topic was not on the agenda, but the council voted to add it to address it.
“What happened last night should not be happening. This is our beach, you guys got to step up and take care of us,” Resident Rico Nieves said.
Person after person came up to the podium to share their concerns.
“I was embarrassed about what happened last night, this is not the Wild Wild West… this is Jacksonville Beach, Florida.” Jennifer Crews said.
During her opening remarks, Mayor Christine Hoffman shared that she heard from the White House, fellow mayors and even national news outlets about the shooting. She said it’s not the kind of attention she wants for Jacksonville Beach.
“I’m saddened by the senseless violence and tragic loss of life that occurred in our community last night. At the same time I am proud of the men and women of the Jacksonville Beach Police Department and our partners who reacted quickly to three separate incidents that occurred in quick succession,” Hoffman said.
Crews was one of 14 residents who spoke and asked the city council to give the Jacksonville Beach Police Department the resources it needs.
“I want people to come and visit and spend their money and enjoy our beautiful beach. But it needs to be lawful. And people need to think twice about conducting bad activities and illegal activities and bringing that garbage to the beach. I want them to be deterred. I want them to think twice, about bringing that to our community,” Crews said.
During the discussion of the shooting, many council members and the city attorney talked about potential solutions to violence in the community and the legalities surrounding ordinances and moratoriums on special event permits. They also discussed finding a way to give the police department more resources in the short term.
Crews hopes the discussion will continue until solutions are found.
“We as citizens have to put our foot down and tell people we’re not going to tolerate this. We’re not going to tolerate this, do better. That’s why I’m here because they can do better. We can do better. As parents, we can do better. We just need to do better than this is. It’s out of control,” Crews said.
Council members also mentioned reaching out to Councilman Rory Diamond, who represents the beaches for the city of Jacksonville, to see what help he can provide. They also mentioned reaching out to state representatives.