JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville City Council will take up a few items during its regular meeting on Tuesday that could shape how downtown and other areas look and operate in the coming years.
From a planned Publix grocery store to expanding nightlife and long-term plans for a new stadium, development is already underway.
One proposal would allow later alcohol service in a new Downtown Entertainment District, and another would fill seats on a special district board for Five Points.
According to the ordinance introduced by City Councilmember Raul Arias, the Downtown Entertainment District would combine the areas of the NorthCore/Church, Central Core, and Sports and Entertainment Districts “to promote the vitality of the downtown, ensure its dominance as the City’s entertainment center, and discourage the spread of blighted areas.”
The proposal would affect about 63 businesses across the three zones.
There will be a public hearing Tuesday on the ordinance, which would create an exemption for the Downtown Entertainment District to allow businesses in that area to sell alcohol until 3 a.m., instead of 2 a.m.
Supporters say the change could help concentrate nightlife downtown, support local businesses, and make it easier for public safety officials to manage crowds late at night.
Business owners and city leaders previously told News4JAX that they believe the extended hours could help transform downtown’s entertainment scene and support growth.
The later hours would only apply inside the district — not across all of Jacksonville.
Also, on the agenda Tuesday, council members are expected to confirm several appointments to the Five Points Dependent Special District Board of Supervisors. That board was created to oversee services like security, landscaping, and promotion in the Five Points area.