Jacksonville Police disperse large beach crowds
Share and Follow


The Jacksonville Beach Police Department is cracking down on unauthorized gatherings, warning of immediate arrests.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The City of Jacksonville Beach Police Department patrolled Jacksonville Beach Friday afternoon to disperse large crowds.

Officers were seen driving up and down the beach and pier responding to unauthorized gatherings.

Video obtained by First Coast News showed one individual being slammed to the ground and handcuffed by officers.

Hundreds of teens from across the First Coast packed the beach, with some saying they were celebrating “Senior Skip Day.”

“We were just out here having fun, enjoying each other’s company,” one high school senior said.

Others said another event promoted online, marking the last day of spring break, contributed to the large turnout.

Earlier in the morning, Jacksonville Beach Police issued a warning on Facebook about unauthorized and unpermitted events. The department also emphasized its zero-tolerance policy, stating that attendees or organizers of such gatherings would face immediate arrest without warnings.

For some, Friday’s heavy police presence reminded them of last year’s spring break shootings at Jacksonville Beach, which left one person dead and three others injured.

High school seniors say that this shouldn’t be a reflection of them, and they don’t want to be associated with past violence.

“All these kids are good kids. They go to school, they’re getting ready to graduate, and they’re just having fun,” another student said.

As of Friday evening, it remains unclear how many arrests were made or if anyone was seriously injured. Jacksonville Beach Police have not yet responded to requests for additional information.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
US-EU trade deal will raise costs for companies and consumers

US-EU Trade Agreement Likely to Increase Expenses for Businesses and Shoppers

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der…
America's skies are wide open to national security threats, drone expert warns: 'We have no awareness'

America’s skies are wide open to national security threats, drone expert warns: ‘We have no awareness’

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! As drone technology rapidly…
Chicago weather tomorrow: Heat Advisory issued for Monday; heat index expected to exceed 100 degrees in parts of area

Chicago Weather Alert: Heat Advisory Issued for Monday with Heat Index Predicted to Surpass 100 Degrees

Peak heat indices are forecast to be in the 100-110 degree range,…
Viral images of starving Gaza boy don't tell the whole story because he suffers from genetic disorders, critics say

Critics Argue Viral Images of Gaza Boy with Starvation Are Misleading Due to Genetic Disorders

Critics argue that news outlets have misrepresented a heartbreaking image of a…
'King of the Hill' cast talks Comic-Con return, series revival, fan love and how Hank Hill would totally side-eye cosplay.

“‘King of the Hill’ Cast Discusses Comic-Con Comeback, Series Revival, and Fan Devotion, Plus Hank Hill’s Take on Cosplay”

SAN DIEGO — For the cast and creators of “King of the…
Secret Service thwarts potential threat near Trump's White House grounds with rapid response

Secret Service thwarts potential threat near Trump’s White House grounds with rapid response

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The U.S. Secret Service…
The US and EU announce a trade framework after Trump holds tariff talks with top European official at Scotland trip

US and EU Establish Trade Framework Following Tariff Talks Led by Trump in Scotland with Senior European Official

EDINBURGH, Scotland — The United States and the European Union announced a…
Banksy's 'The Migrant Child' removed for restoration

Historic Artwork ‘The Migrant Child’ by Banksy Taken Down for Preservation Work

The artwork depicting a shipwrecked child holding a pink smoke bomb and…