JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – The Jacksonville Beach police chief outlined recommendations on how to keep people safe ahead of the annual Beach Fest and the official opening of the beaches.
Jacksonville Beach Police Chief Gene Paul Smith said the March 17 shootings were a shock to the city’s “collective psyche” in a report submitted to City Council.
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He detailed the timeline of the three shootings and presented recommended courses of action:
- Deploying more plain-clothed officers in unmarked vehicles (at special events)
- Increased traffic presence and visibility
- Increased paid parking fees and fines during peak problem times
- Holding promoters of private events accountable
In the report, the chief said the Jacksonville Beach Police Department (JBPD) has 67 sworn officers and 35 other full-time civilian and part-time employees.
As they prepare for another weekend of big crowds at Beach Fest: Beaches Opening Weekend, locals said they are depending on law enforcement to protect the peace.
“We need police presence, more police, more police, more police, I love the police, they are not there for a detriment, but they are there to help us and keep order. And the world we live in right now, we need it,” Bishop Vaughn McLaughlin of The Potter’s House said.
According to JBPD, staffing for the weekend is based on intelligence they’ve received in the weeks leading up to the event. Police officers are also relying on information and data from 2023′s Beach Fest, and special events planning.
Local businesses like Lukumades which just opened its doors in preparation for the increased crowds, are counting on the economic impact to jumpstart their business.
“Opening of the beaches, we’ll have a lot of traffic, we’ll be safe and sound, lots of police so bring your kids and get some ice cream,” Gio Georgallis, owner of Lukumades said.
Georgallis said the family-friendly business is looking forward to a peaceful and prosperous summer. A longtime resident talked about large-scale events and what they mean to the local economy.
“I think the festivals they have here are great, they bring people from all over to the beaches. I think you just have to have police here to keep it safe, especially at night, but I think it’s a great event,” a resident said.
The police chief recommended installing license plate readers in police vehicles and ensuring the downtown camera system is up and running.
Police said the system is currently being upgraded and will be operational through the weekend at Beach Fest.