JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – As tens of thousands of beachgoers are expected to come to Jacksonville Beach for Fourth of July holiday celebrations, more officers and safety workers will be on hand to ensure everyone’s safety.
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“Fourth of July is always a huge weekend at the beach,” Jacksonville Beach Mayor Chris Hoffman said.
The Neptune Beach Police Department also said it plans to have more staff on alert.
“It’s basically an all-hands-on-deck weekend,” Hoffman said.
Officials warned families to keep a close watch over children because with large crowds, it’s easy for children to become lost. Report a missing child immediately, and remind your children to go to the nearest lifeguard or police officer right away if they become lost.
The major holiday weekend comes a few months after three unrelated shootings left one person dead and three others hurt at the beaches.
Daymar King was visiting Jacksonville Beach with family for the Independence Day holiday.
“The calmness of the environment, the atmosphere. It’s not a lot of confusion going on,” King said.
Hoffman reassured beachgoers that officials are prepared to ensure they have a good time.
“We prepare for big events like this based on our experience and based on the intelligence that we have going into a weekend,” Hoffman said. “I am going to be out here on my beach cruiser riding around visiting with friends, enjoying Jacksonville Beach. We want people to come out and have a safe, enjoyable time.”
Security cameras went down earlier this year when the city of Jacksonville Beach was hacked. Hoffman said the cameras are back working and ready to catch any incidents that could occur.
King suggested beachgoers remain vigilant while enjoying fun in the sun.
“Being attentive behind aware of your surroundings and everybody,” King said. “Just having the presence of mind to watch other kids.”
The Navy Band is scheduled to perform at the Seawalk Pavilion at 8 p.m., followed by the fireworks show at 9 p.m.