Jacksonville Beach City Council, residents react to shootings

In the wake of March 17’s shootings in downtown Jacksonville Beach, city leaders are considering public safety initiatives to better protect the community from violence.

Affordable housing complex to be built on Mayport Road

A local non-profit organization is doing its part to add more affordable housing in Atlantic Beach. Beaches Habitat for Humanity is building an affordable townhouse complex at 2150 Mayport Road. Plans for the project include 11 buildings and 44 townhome units. According to rentcafé.

Neptune Beach park hours will be enforced to cut down on crime

An ordinance will limit the hours for city-owned parks in Neptune Beach. The City Council unanimously approved a measure that will allow law enforcement to curtail loitering and other activities that may occur after hours in local parks. Under the new ordinance, hours will be limited from 10 p.m.

2024 legislative session will be discussed at Beaches Watch meeting

After 60 days of legislative meetings, what did the 2024 Florida legislature accomplish, and how will its actions affect the beach communities? To examine those questions, Beaches Watch will host a community meeting Wednesday, April 3, at 7 p.m. at the Beaches Branch Library, 600 Third St.

Speed cameras will be installed near schools in Neptune Beach

Neptune Beach is cracking down on speeding in school zones. City officials recently approved an ordinance to install speed cameras near city schools.

Kevin Brown named Friend of the Beaches

Kevin Brown was recognized as the Beaches Watch 2024 Friend of the Beaches at the Beaches Watch 20th Anniversary Celebration March 6.

Funds being raised to install Fallen Heroes Monument

Volunteers are raising funds to honor local fallen heroes. The Beaches Veterans Memorial Park (BVMP) Committee is seeking donations to install a Fallen Heroes Monument in the park, located at 1 West 1st St. at the corner of Mayport Road and Atlantic Boulevard.

Beach renourishment starts in Atlantic Beach

A $32.4 million shore protection project is scheduled this month to replenish a 10-mile stretch of coastline in Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach. The renourishment will address the impacts of two 2022 tropical storms, Ian and Nicole.

St. Johns County temporarily closing Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Parking

St. Johns County will temporarily close public access to Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Parking and beach access in the area as it begins the $38.6 million Ponte Vedra Beach Restoration Project with the mobilization of large contractor equipment and dredging supplies.

Registration underway for Opening of the Beaches Parade

Registration is underway for the Opening of the Beaches Parade next month in Jacksonville Beach. On March 4, Mayor Chris Hoffman said the annual event is a popular tradition for local businesses and civic organizations to celebrate the official start of the spring season.