It's Coming

It's Coming
Channel 4 helps protect your ID

°

Homepage / Jacksonville News
Text Size

Landing To Make Changes For UF-UGA

City, Jacksonville Landing Target Alcohol To Make Party Safer

POSTED: Monday, October 12, 2009

People who attend the Florida-Georgia celebration at the Jacksonville Landing know it can get crazy, and some locals think some changes should be made.

"Every year that I have been down here it's safe, but people can be a bit rowdy later on in the night," local Jeremiah Ring said, who's a Georgia fan. "So maybe they should put a time cap on it rather than the alcohol limits."

The Landing and the city have just firmed up their plans on how they will make the party safer, and the No. 1 issue is alcohol.

"We are definitely scaling back the alcohol selling locations again to encourage the free flowing of traffic and then to encourage them to do other things, like purchase food and listen to live entertainment," said Rachel Nudge, with the Jacksonville Landing.

The Landing will limit outside alcohol sales at makeshift stands that are in the corridors. They will not limit sales at the bars.

The Landing will not have people selling roaming shots like those sold in test tubes, but shot sales will be allowed at bars.

They will limit the number of vendors on hand in order to keep people flowing through the courtyard, and they will also remove the furniture and the stage so people will keep moving through the area, particularly around the stair cases.

"Those are areas that can be quite dangerous, especially if you are having trouble getting through the crowds," Nudge said.

Stores and restaurants depend on the crowds, and they know without these changes future games were in jeopardy.

"We need to make it a family fun environment, make it safe for everybody," Sports Mania's Droop Wilt said.

The city said it's not just the Landing where it is making changes. This year there are all types of activities in Jacksonville the weekend of the game, like concerts and Halloween parties, so the city knows it's going to be a wild time.

The number of police in the area will be increased by 25 percent.

"We are sensitive to the University of Florida and the University of Georgia and underage drinking, and really crowding issues as well," said Theresa O'Donnell, who handles special events for the city of Jacksonville.
The views expressed are not those of News4Jax.com, WJXT or its affiliated companies. This is a community moderated forum. (Please note the 'Like' and 'Report' tabs.) By posting your comments you agree to accept our Terms of Use.

Comments

blog comments powered by Disqus

Sponsored Links

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Embellish an empty abode with these easy, inexpensive projects and make your home feel more like home. More

If you have aspirations of becoming a millionaire, check out these five habits that may be worth emulating. More

Negotiating a price on a new or used car is never fun. Find out from the insiders how to get the best price for you. More

Don't resign yourself to dry, dull, lifeless skin. Rediscover that healthy youthful glow with these tips. More

Most Popular