JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Thousands of people are expected to flock to the beaches for the long holiday weekend and leaders in Jacksonville Beach want everyone who lives there and everyone who plans to visit to be safe.
It has been more than two months since a man was killed and three others were injured in the St. Patrick’s Day shootings at the beach.
Hundreds of people ran past Seawalk Pavilion after hearing gunshots ring out on St. Patrick’s Day. Both the Jacksonville Beach Mayor Chris Hoffman and the police department say they have a plan in place to keep people safe this weekend.
It was a moment that terrified people at the beach, gunfire disrupting a holiday weekend near the ocean. This weekend even more people are expected to come to the beach, and while Jacksonville Beach police say that they will receive assistance from regional law enforcement partners, they say the shootings on St. Patrick’s Day have no effect on their plans for Memorial Day Weekend.
“We’ll have an increased presence, we are actively delving into the intelligence aspect of anything that might be going on this weekend,” said Jacksonville Beach Police Public Information Officer Thomas Bingham, “we want everyone to be safe and have a great time, bring your manners, obey the laws.”
Jacksonville Beach mayor Chris Hoffman says that the most common issue that families run into is children who get separated from their families and urges parents to keep an eye on their kids. She adds that law enforcement will be very present all weekend.
“Our police department and public safety officials are working very hard to stay abreast of any issues that may present themselves over the weekend and they’ll be ready to respond to them as quickly as they can to make sure that everyone who comes to the beach has a safe and enjoyable time,” said Hoffman.
People First Coast News spoke with at the beach said it’s important to have a plan before you go.
“Never walk alone, always make sure to know where your surroundings are, knowing where you’re going before you go,” said Courtney Adams.
Michael DeUnger traveled to Jacksonville Beach with his 10 grandchildren and said his job is to keep an eye on the grandchildren, but said he’s not letting fear stand in the way of living his life.
“That’s exactly right, there are times when you have to just trust the Lord that he’s going to keep you safe because at the end of the there’s only so many things you can control,” said DeUnger.
The Jacksonville Beach Police Department recommends parents take a picture of their children on their phone when they get to the beach so you remember what they’re wearing if they get lost.
Volunteers will also be going around handing out these flyers about family safety at the beach. They’re also available at police department headquarters for people to pick up on their way down to the beach.