JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Police are increasing their presence ahead of a busy weekend, nearly 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 this week that officers are monitoring for potential unpermitted gatherings and stepping up patrols in areas where large crowds might form.
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The police department is also asking residents and visitors to be alert and to report large gatherings at short-term rentals.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Recent ‘takeover’ events prompt Jacksonville Beach to increase number of officers, monitor gatherings this weekend
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.