JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – On this date one year ago, three separate shootings in Jacksonville Beach overshadowed the festivities that usually accompany St. Patrick’s Day, leaving a 21-year-old man named James Jones III dead and three others injured.
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To prevent those events from happening this year, police are out in full force to ensure the safety of beachgoers and holiday celebrations at the bars and nightclubs.
Last year, an organized event near the beach’s pier drew large crowds as Spring Break, St. Patrick’s Day and the end of The 2024 Players Championship led to packed bars in the area.
The event was advertised on social media, but the organizers didn’t go through the city to get a permit, which meant there was no security.
Eventually, gunfire erupted, which led to police saying that this year, they’re cracking down on unpermitted events on the beach while also actively stationing certain officers away from the beach to be in “full force.”
Jacksonville Beach Mayor Christine Hoffman said she expects an “enjoyable, great night” for those looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on the beach.
“We’re always busy on big holiday weekends like this, [but] our police department is prepared, and I give a lot of credit to our bar and restaurant owners,” Hoffman said. “They do a great job screening people who are coming in and making sure everyone inside the establishment and out has a safe and enjoyable time at the beach.”