JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Business owners who witnessed the chaotic aftermath of the road-rage incident that left one man hospitalized expressed growing safety concerns over increased crime in the neighborhood.
The exchange of gunfire happened in broad daylight near Atlantic Boulevard and St. Johns Bluff Road—right in front of two shopping centers and a car dealership on Jacksonville’s Southside.
Many nearby business owners said they didn’t see or hear the shooting itself, but witnessed the chaotic aftermath.
“They said it was two people that were shooting at each other, but they could’ve hurt other people,” one business owner said. “Everybody could’ve gotten hurt. That’s super dangerous.”
She and other business owners expressed growing concern about safety in the area, saying incidents like this are becoming far too common.
“Now we have road rage in this area. It’s just getting out of control,” the business owner said. “We don’t want our customers to be afraid to come to any of the businesses around here.”
This isn’t the first time violence has struck the intersection. In March, another shooting occurred just yards away at the corner of Atlantic Blvd. and St. Johns Bluff.
“90% of the time, it just happens that some stuff is going on, we need to get control of it—not just here, but in Jacksonville as a whole.”
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office crime map, within a half-mile radius of Atlantic Blvd. and St. Johns Bluff, there have been 13 assault cases, seven theft cases, two burglaries, one robbery and one weapons violation since May 1.
While many expressed concern, emphasis on safety was top of mind.
“We keep it pretty safe here,” a local shopkeeper said. “If we have a problem, I’ll call the police. But I want people to know—it’s still a safe area.”
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is still investigating and searching for the other driver involved.
Anyone with information is urged to come forward.
