ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A St. Johns County restaurant owner is voicing frustration over what he calls stalled progress at Beachwalk, the high-profile development known for its artificial lagoon, saying unfinished construction and empty lots have left his business struggling for customers.
After two years at the location, Seth Neiman of Island Fin Poke posted on social media about what he called a lack of promised build-out. The post struck a nerve, drawing thousands of views and more than 100 comments on Facebook.
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Neiman said the area around his restaurant is still largely unfinished.
“The buildings and structures are all like this,” Neiman said. “There’s a road behind us, and then there’s a whole gigantic parking lot and grass and nothing. Anywhere you see grass, that’s supposed to be something, either buildings or structures, a pavilion.”
Drone video of the site showed large stretches of open space and parking, with only a handful of buildings currently in place. Neiman said that contrasts with promotional marketing he’s seen for Beachwalk, which depicts a more built-out retail and entertainment environment.
News4JAX sent the video Neiman posted to the developer to get a response. The developers Falcone Group and PEBB Enterprises provided a statement saying construction is expected to begin soon on key components of the development.
We are actively working through the permitting process for the cottages and the COMPASS by Margaritaville hotel and we will be starting construction this summer. We are incredibly excited about this project and the positive impact it will have on the community, including expanding hospitality offerings, creating additional activity and economic growth for the area, and further enhancing Beachwalk as a destination We are thrilled by the strong performance of Beachwalk’s retail component, which has exceeded our expectations. That success is a powerful indicator of the demand that exists in this market and will serve as a meaningful driver for both the residential and hotel components of the development. We are grateful for the continued support of the Beachwalk community and remain as committed as ever to bringing the full vision of this project to life.
Falcone Group and PEBB Enterprises
Neiman said the statement doesn’t fully address what he and others expected to see built around the lagoon.
“Where’s the rest of it?” he said. “You didn’t really address it. You just said, 'Hey, we’re coming to the hotel. It’s going to be great.' Are you making a walkway along the water?”
Developers said they remain committed to completing the full project.
Neiman, however, said he’s worried his business may not last through the summer.