JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The holiday season is in full swing, and shoppers across Northeast Florida are hitting the stores for their gift lists. However, the hunt for deals has come with an unwelcome challenge: heavy traffic.
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At St. Johns Town Center on Black Friday, parking lots filled quickly, and cars were consistently stacked behind one another, but traffic had eased significantly on Saturday.
Despite the chaos on the roads, sidewalks bustled with shoppers eager to snag seasonal bargains. The influx of visitors created a festive atmosphere in stores but left many frustrated by the congestion outside.
On the News4JAX Facebook page, viewers shared their thoughts on the holiday rush. Robin Braddock described the scene as worse than in previous years, commenting, “Very long waits at every light and traffic jams galore.”
Kallie Helmly, however, embraced the holiday spirit. “I took my 9-year-old daughter for her first Black Friday experience. We had serious luck finding front-spot parking,” she shared. “The Christmas music and cheerful attitude from store employees made it all worthwhile. Merry Christmas!”
To help alleviate the stress, Town Center management encourages shoppers to plan ahead and avoid last-minute outings. By shopping during off-peak hours and allowing extra time for travel, they hope to make the season brighter for everyone.
For those still finalizing their holiday lists, patience may be the key to a smoother shopping experience.