JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Residents in a Northside Jacksonville community say large gatherings of teens at their neighborhood pool and amenity center have become a recurring issue over the past month, leaving some homeowners frustrated and concerned about safety.
Several residents told News4Jax the gatherings have been happening for about four weeks, often drawing large crowds to the community’s pool area on weekends.
Recommended Videos
William Guyton, who has lived in the neighborhood since 2017, said he understands that many teens are looking for activities during the summer months. However, he said the size of the gatherings has made some residents hesitant to use the amenities.
“The kids don’t have nothing by us having the only pool from Lem Turner on back this way, so I can understand a little bit of it,” Guyton said. “But it just sometimes can get dangerous and it can get overwhelming because when I want to bring my family up here, I can’t because you never know what could go down.”
Guyton said residents first began noticing the larger gatherings about four weeks ago. He said information about the events is often shared through flyers and social media posts.
“Sometimes they’ll change the day. They’ll change the time. They’ll change the flyer just to do different things to kind of throw the residents off,” Guyton said.
Another homeowner, who requested to remain anonymous, said neighbors have become increasingly frustrated as the gatherings continue.
“They’re frustrated. They’re tired. They can’t bring their kids to the pool,” the resident said. “A lot of residents don’t even come to the pool because it’s twerking, cussing, gambling.”
The resident said the community currently uses pool monitors but worries additional security measures could eventually increase costs for homeowners.
“It’s just kind of annoying knowing that we have to pay money for security, then also living out here and having a pool and can’t use it,” the resident said.
Residents said they have contacted the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office multiple times regarding the gatherings and said the community has a trespass authorization agreement on file with the agency.
Some homeowners believe faster response times and stricter enforcement of trespassing rules could help prevent repeat incidents.
Residents emphasized that they are not opposed to teens gathering or having fun during the summer. Instead, they said they want community rules enforced so homeowners and families can safely enjoy the amenities they pay for.