JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – The City of Jacksonville Beach implemented a zero-tolerance policy to ensure safety as college students are expected to flood the beach for spring break.
The measure is intended to prevent incidents like the St. Patrick’s Day shooting that killed one person and injured three others last year.
Jacksonville Beach police and city leaders warned visitors to adhere to the rules or face the consequences, including possible jail time.
Tourists from Buffalo, New York, and Tallahassee, who were unaware of the previous year’s events, expressed relief after learning about the increased police presence.
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Jenifer Lachance from Buffalo commented on the visible patrols, saying, “I think it’s great for the community.”
“It’s nice to see the patrol and see the cruisers going by,” Ryan Lachance added.
The zero-tolerance policy focuses on three main goals:
- targeting illegal drug and gang activity,
- cracking down on impaired driving
- ensuring a visible police presence to deter crime
Jacksonville Beach Mayor Chris Hoffman emphasized the importance of setting expectations to maintain a safe environment for visitors and residents.
“We want to make sure that our visitors as well as our residents and our business owners know what the expectations are in advance so we can really set the tone to have a safe and spring break and summer for everyone who is here,” Hoffman said.
Reflecting on last year’s unpermitted event that attracted hundreds, police will be vigilant about organized events lacking legal permits this year.
The city aimed to prevent any repeat of past disturbances and ensure a safe spring break for everyone.