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BREAKING NEWS

SAN MARCO SQUARE

Lease signed for San Marco Publix signals big step forward

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Despite the economic slowdown that the coronavirus pandemic has had on many businesses, there are several forging ahead with building plans in our area. One of the big ones is the Publix supermarket that people have been talking about for a decade in San Marco. On Thursday, News4Jax learned the developer, Regency, announced the Publix lease has been signed, signaling a major step forward. Almand’s friend owns a store in San Marco. Also discussed at Wednesday’s San Marco Merchants Association was the Park Place at San Marco apartments.

Thousands march through San Marco during peaceful demonstration

At about 6 p.m. Wednesday, demonstrators began gathering at Southside Park in San Marco. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – More than 2,000 people marched through Jacksonville’s San Marco neighborhood Wednesday evening in a demonstration responding to the death of George Floyd, who died in the custody of Minneapolis police. At 5 p.m., police officers were seen in the area of San Marco Square. Demonstrators began arriving at Southside Park at about 6 p.m.For nearly an hour, demonstrators marched down Hendricks Avenue and then onto San Marco Boulevard, where they continued through residential areas. "We’re just taking precautions.”There were no reports of damage during the demonstration.

Demonstrators in Jacksonville call for reopening economy

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Although Florida is scheduled to start the reopening process Monday, some demonstrators gathered in San Marco Square on Thursday and called on Gov. Ron DeSantis and Mayor Lenny Curry to end the shutdown of businesses and public places now. There’s a serious issue with our economy and it’s only getting worse," said Rachel Hanes, a spokesperson for the rally. We believe all businesses are essential and it’s not the government’s place to shut down businesses and leave some open," Hanes said. The governor said he was not allowing the reopening of gyms and barbershop in the first phase.

Several San Marco Square businesses remain closed after fire

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Several small businesses in San Marco Square remained closed Monday as they cleaned up damage from a fire that was sparked Saturday night in the popular shopping district. Nearby stores were also affected by smoke damage, and some were still without electricity Monday. Assistant manager Ana Murphy was working when the fire started and said everyone had to evacuate when smoke started pouring in. Other neighboring shops, including The Write Touch, The Wardroom, and San Marco Books, will remain closed until further notice. "They're all locally owned family businesses, and unfortunately, this is a hard time for everybody, especially since the holidays are coming up.

Fire starts in Beach Diner kitchen in San Marco Square

The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department responded to San Marco Square Saturday night after a fire started in the kitchen area of Beach Diner. The restaurant was already closed for the day and it's not clear at the time what started the fire. Desiree Bailey, the owner San Marco Books and More, said that her business was damaged. "We are all small, family-owned stores and this will be a challenge, especially at this time of year," Bailey said. She's asking for the community's support as she works with co-workers to move forward.

Finally? Publix shopping center coming to San Marco

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A Publix store could soon be coming to East San Marco -- a project 17 years in the making. The San Marco Preservation Society hosted a town hall meeting Thursday at Southside Baptist Church to discuss the latest news on the long-planned shopping center on the corner of Hendricks Avenue and Atlantic Boulevard. We've been really happy with the whole process," said Linzee Ott, president of the San Marco Preservation Society. One San Marco resident, who didn't give a name, loves the possibility of the land being developed. "I just cant see a grocery chain here.Ott, a Jacksonville native who lives in San Marco, is hopeful for the development.

New apartments could be coming to San Marco area

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - New apartments could be coming to the San Marco area. They would be located southeast of the San Marco Square, on property owned by South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church. According to News4Jax's news partner, The Jax Daily Record, an Alabama company is proposing to build 143 apartments. Harbert Realty Services has a contract to buy about 2.1 acres from the church to develop Park Place at San Marco. As for the project, the company hopes to submit permits to the city by the end of the month and meet with the San Marco Preservation Society and residents at a later date.