‘I was so startled’: Five Points worker recalls break-in as city moves to improve safety

After a string of break-ins, business owners welcome a new special business district aimed at funding security and beautification projects.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A new plan is in the works to make Jacksonville’s Five Points area safer and cleaner — after a string of break-ins left some local businesses on edge.

Jacksonville City Council recently approved the creation of a Business Improvement District, a special district that will fund safety, beautification, and security improvements across the Five Points area.

For some business owners and workers, that vote couldn’t have come soon enough.

When Bess Abare, the manager at Kathy’s Table, showed up to open the store on Oct. 13, she immediately noticed something didn’t look right next door at Sake House.

“I was so startled and I thought it was a Halloween decoration and I was like, ‘why are they doing this?’ And then I looked and realized the entire window was practically out of the door,” said Abare.

The front door at Sake House had been shattered from a break-in — one of several incidents in recent months raising safety concerns in Five Points.

“I hurried into the store and then I called the non-emergency number and the police and reported it,” said Abare.

“I was able to stay calm and just take immediate action to take the next step that we needed to take, and we were very thankful we were not affected, but we were very disappointed our neighbors were affected.”

Abare says she’s worked in Five Points for four years and is glad to see city leaders take action to improve safety.

“I recognize that safety and security is important and I believe that we do have that, and it’s gonna be better because of the enhanced security,” she said.

The City Council voted 14–5 Tuesday night to approve the new Business Improvement District.

It will use local property assessments — starting in 2026 — to help pay for enhanced safety measures, neighborhood beautification, and other improvements.

Councilmember Jimmy Peluso, who sponsored the legislation, says the move is about protecting a key part of Jacksonville’s business community.

“This is a good thing, I think it’s in the best interest of the neighborhood and the business district that needs it most,” said Abare.

Not all council members supported the plan — some argued the assessments amount to an additional tax on small businesses.

Still, for Abare, she believes it’s a step in the right direction.

“To have that safety and security enhanced so that we have confidence — that’s wonderful. It’s only gonna make this situation better for the community,” said Abare.

Peluso says improvements could begin as soon as next year.