Jacksonville Beach considers pilot program to expand bars, restaurants for Jaguars games

Jacksonville Beach leaders are considering a new plan that could allow some bars and restaurants to host larger Jaguars game day crowds over the next two NFL seasons.

The proposed ordinance would create a two-year pilot program allowing qualifying businesses to temporarily expand their outdoor spaces during Jacksonville Jaguars games as EverBank Stadium undergoes renovations and the Jacksonville Jaguars temporarily relocate games to Orlando in 2027.

Some local business owners say the proposal could help drive more customers to Jacksonville Beach during football season.

“Obviously more people bring more money and also more exposure for us too,” said Scott Perry, owner of Jax Beach Bar and Grill.

Perry, who recently reopened the restaurant in March, says he believes the proposal could help increase foot traffic during Jaguars season.

“Not everybody can afford to go to the stadium and spend money and it actually does take 80,000 or 40,000 people away from the business as you know, so obviously home games, we suffer a little bit just because a lot of people go to the stadium,” Perry said.

Dan Janson says businesses would have to follow several rules if approved for the temporary permits.

“The property has to be fenced in, if they’re serving alcohol, security guard has to be made available for the premises,” Janson said.

Janson also says businesses expanding into parking spaces would need to provide transportation accommodations.

“We are going to allow some extension of premises into the parking spaces, so they’re gonna have to provide the valet service or something to that effect if there’s no Apple parking provided in that particular location,” Janson said.

Only six temporary permits would be available per home game on a first-come, first-served basis.

When asked whether larger crowds could create safety concerns, Janson said the city would monitor the pilot program closely.

“We’re not anticipating that huge of an influx and the key here is it’s a pilot program, so if things start going in the wrong direction or we see an influx or we can’t handle the security of it, then, as a pilot program, we can shut it down,” Janson said.

The ordinance would still need a final vote from the Jacksonville Beach City Council on June 1.

If approved, businesses could begin applying for temporary permits ahead of the upcoming NFL season.