JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Block Jax drew larger-than-expected crowds for its opening weekend, and co-owner Daniel Moffatt said organizers are working to ease a sudden parking crunch that spilled into nearby properties.
The location just off Gate Parkway on Jacksonville’s Southside features a 10,000 sq. ft. covered pavilion space with food vendors and a stage for live entertainment.
Moffatt said the venue’s on-site lot was planned to handle normal attendance but was overwhelmed by the grand opening turnout.
“With this grand opening has been this overwhelming support from the community people coming out, and it’s caused a little bit of madness when it comes to parking.” He said the high turnout created confusion about where visitors should park.
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We spoke with Shawn and Alessandra, who opted to walk after failing to find nearby parking.
“We actually circled around here first looking for parking couldn’t find anything so we parked at our apartment on the street parking and then walked over here because there’s nothing over here,” they said.
Brianna Cooper also echoed similar sentiments.
“I was driving up, and I was like oh lord, this is going to be tough finding parking,” Cooper said. “I went around like twice and did not find anything, and so I wound up having to find like an empty parking spot across the street to walk over. I think the idea is great but need a lot more parking.”
Moffatt said visitors parked in neighboring lots, some of which were active construction sites or properties not yet open.
“We’ve been working. I’ve been in communication with all the neighboring businesses, trying to make announcements when there are tow trucks on site. We’ve had to pay for a couple of people’s cars. My wife personally drove a couple of people who got their cars towed with car seats in them.”
He said staff and family members helped people affected by towing, and that the venue covered some towing costs. We spotted vehicles being towed on Sunday.
“I can’t build a parking garage. The city’s not gonna go for that in the middle of, uh? Gate Parkway.” He said a permanent garage is not realistic, so organizers are exploring other solutions.
Moffatt said he has contacted nearby property owners about using underused office lots and is considering valet or shuttle service to ferry patrons to the venue.
“I’m gonna hit the ground running, trying to find a place and a plan for and for Wednesday, Thursday, and then next weekend,” Moffatt said.
He said The Block Jax is closed Monday and Tuesday after the opening weekend to finalize arrangements and that he expects new parking measures by the following week.