It appears Jacksonville Landing's Georgia-Florida party will go on

City of Jacksonville issues permit for planned event Wednesday morning

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The feud between the city of Jacksonville and the owner of the Jacksonville Landing continues, but the city has issued a permit for a Georgia-Florida celebration at the riverfront venue this weekend. 

The party at the traditional gathering before and after the game was in question because the city claimed Landing management did not submit its plans in time. According to Mayor Lenny Curry's chief of staff, Brian Hughes, the permit was issued Wednesday morning, but it came with conditions.

The city set a limit of 7,500 people within a fenced area that includes temporary bars. It does not apply to established businesses and restaurants already at the Landing The city requires clearly marked entrances and exits and that a fire marshal representative be on hand at all times.

A spokesperson for The Jacksonville Landing sent News4Jax this statement:

"The Landing will be gating Friday and Saturday and a $10 charge will be collected at the entry gates. Children 12 and under accompanied by a parent will be free. As in previous years, all visitors and their belongings will be searched to allow entry into The Jacksonville Landing. The Landing will enforce their rules and requirements for this special event and will limit the items allowed on property. No backpacks, coolers, chairs, outside food and drink, luggage/oversized bags, weapons/firearms, masks, fireworks, bottles and cans, and flying objects are allowed on The Landing’s property. No Halloween costume masks (or anything that covers the face) will be allowed. The Landing will allow small bags including clutches, satchels, draw string bags and anything under 12”x12” on to the property. As mentioned, all persons, bags, parcels, clothing and other personal items will be searched."

The Jacksonville Landing is usually the centerpiece of weekend events and a post-game party. On Georgia-Florida game day, Bay Street from the Landing to the stadium is usually filled with people and activities.

SCHEDULE: List of Georgia-Florida events at The Jacksonville Landing

Toney Sleiman, who owns the Landing buildings and runs the facility, has been at odds with the city, which owns the land, about how the property is operated. The mayor’s staff says the Landing hasn't played by the rules set out last summer, and the two sides are not talking.

On Tuesday, the mayor's staff said the issue with permits is public safety.

"Capacity, the amount of alcohol served and ingress and egress in an area that has seen tens of thousands of patrons," Hughes said Tuesday.

The feud isn't sitting well with football fans.

"They need to get over it. They need to work together on it," said Kerrie Sessions, who is in town for the game.


About the Author:

Jim Piggott is the reporter to count on when it comes to city government and how it will affect the community.