JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Beach police are issuing a strong warning after a heavy law enforcement presence was required during an unpermitted gathering on Friday, March 28.

Investigators believe two rival gangs were carrying firearms during the event, including one stolen weapon, raising safety concerns.

The gathering drew large crowds of young people to the beach. Witnesses described groups playing football and setting up tents, while police crews were out in full force.

Sergeant Tonya Tator with the Jacksonville Beach Police Department confirmed the suspects involved were juveniles, limiting the amount of information that could be disclosed.

Local business owners expressed concerns about unregulated crowds. Ariel Moore noted factors like alcohol, loud music and miscommunication can escalate situations quickly.

The Jacksonville Beach Police Department has been posting to Instagram, warning anyone who attends an unpermitted event that they are “against the law,” saying promoters of unauthorized events could be subject to criminal and civil liabilities. As a beach day for college students has been advertised, police have increasingly warned that these events could be unsafe or illegal. 

Organizers reportedly failed to meet the city’s 90-day permitting requirement and continued promoting the event despite receiving cease-and-desist letters.

“We can’t control what they end up doing if they come out here,” Tator said. “But we can try to steer them in the right direction, so that we don’t rain on their parade as far as having a good time. That’s all we’re asking them to do, is follow those instructions and do it the right way like everybody else does so that everybody can have a good time.”

As spring break activity increases, police remain vigilant against unauthorized events to prevent incidents like last year’s St. Patrick’s Day shootings. Authorities encourage beachgoers to enjoy Jacksonville Beach responsibly and legally.