JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Frustration is growing among Westside residents who say late-night car meetups at the Paxson Shopping Plaza parking lot are disrupting their peace with loud music and racing.
Neighbors report that on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, the parking lot on Edgewood Avenue between Beaver Street and Commonwealth Avenue fills with cars blasting music so loudly it feels like the sound is coming from inside their homes.
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“It’s just loud music. Screeching car tires. Racing. We try to sit outside at night and it sounds like it’s on top of us,” said one concerned neighbor.
Another resident shared, “At some times, my windows will rattle at night because it’s so loud. It disturbs not just me, but everyone in this neighborhood.”
The noise isn’t the only issue. Neighbors also complain about the sound of cars performing donuts and street racing along Edgewood Avenue.
“Reving of engines. Tires squealing,” said one neighbor. Another added, “Cars screeching tires. Racing.”
This problem has persisted for about two years, despite repeated complaints to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) and city officials.
“I have complained to the city. I have complained to JSO repeatedly, and it continues,” said one resident. She noted that even when police respond and ask the drivers to lower the noise or leave, the disturbances resume shortly after officers depart.
She has also voiced her concerns at city council meetings but says no effective action has been taken.
According to JSO 911 call logs from the beginning of the year through this week, police have been dispatched to the parking lot 97 times. These calls include six late-night noise complaints, five calls for fights, and four calls related to armed disputes occurring overnight.
The woman who recorded a video of one of the car meet-ups asked to remain anonymous, fearing retaliation. She and other neighbors say the loud music and racing can be heard and felt several blocks away.
News4JAX reached out to City Councilwoman Tyrona Clark Murray, who represents the area, for comment on the ongoing complaints. We are still waiting for a response.