JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Police increased their presence on Jacksonville’s beaches on Saturday, one week after a shooting that injured five teenagers following an unpermitted “takeover” event that coincided with the Seawalk Music Festival.
Jacksonville Beach Police Department posted on social media throughout the week to notify the community that officers would be monitoring for potential unpermitted gatherings and stepping up patrols in areas where large crowds might form.
When News4JAX went to the area on Saturday, the scene was quiet and peaceful. Businesses and residents, however, remain shaken by last week’s violence.
We did speak with one nearby business, Beachside Seafood Restaurant and Market, which sits across Third Street from where the shootings occurred.
Managers and staff told us that business has been slow all week, and some employees were even sent home early because of the drop in customers.
Jacksonville Beach police said they are monitoring both in-person gatherings and online activity. Officials urged people to call police if they see posts promoting teen takeovers or notice large crowds gathering at short-term rentals over the weekend.
The police department is also asking residents and visitors to be alert and to report large gatherings at short-term rentals.
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Commander Tom Bingham described how the department assigns officers during events that draw large crowds, saying the agency will involve specific officers with specific abilities to come in and target large gatherings.
Resident Linda Musfeldt, who lives in Jacksonville Beach, said she plans to avoid large gatherings this weekend.
“I appreciate that the police department is paying attention,” she said. “I was here last weekend when the shooting occurred two blocks from my condo and saw the police tape and all of the police and fire department and emergency department activity. And it doesn’t make you feel safe in the area.”
Commander Bingham reiterated the police department’s request for residents and visitors to be vigilant and report suspicious activity early.
“We’re hoping that our residents and the visitors in Jacksonville Beach will be extra set eyes and ears for us. And if they see something, say something and reach out early and often,” Bingham said.