Five young people were hurt in a Jacksonville Beach shooting, raising safety concerns as police prepare for another potential teen gathering.
JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — The Jacksonville Beach Police Department says it is preparing for another possible teen gathering after five young people were shot during a weekend takeover in Jacksonville Beach.
Investigators say the shooting happened Saturday night near Beach Boulevard and 2nd Street — close to the Seawalk Pavilion — where a separate festival was taking place.
Five people between the ages of 15 and 18 were injured.
Thomas Zabattiere, who manages Beachside Seafood, says he heard the gunfire and watched as people rushed inside his restaurant to get away from the chaos.
“Customers started to run inside the building and when the door opened, you just hear gunshots for about 10 or 12. You know, a lot at once,” Zabattiere said.
Zabattiere says the violence is becoming more concerning.
“They’re getting into a lot more trouble, and since firearms and everything is a lot more accessible and a lot cooler now than it was back then and it’s getting more and more dangerous anywhere”
He worries repeated incidents like this could damage Jacksonville Beach’s reputation if the violence continues.
Meanwhile, Jacksonville Beach Police Commander Thomas Crumley says officers are aware of another possible gathering planned for February 28.
“There will be a large police presence, and we plan on talking to those who are promoting that sooner rather than later.” Crumley said.
The department is increasing visibility and preparing for spring break with extra patrols. Crumley has a message for takeover organizers:
“Definitely encourage them not to do it because of the violence and the criminal activity that seems to follow those types of events,” Crumley said. “People gather on the beach all the time; they don’t have takeovers.”
Police say their goal is to prevent another violent weekend as the busy spring and summer months approach.