JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — With the holiday season fast approaching, both retailers and shoppers are setting their sights on Black Friday, eager to snag the best deals before Christmas rolls around. Yet, lingering in many minds is the memory of the traffic gridlock from 2024, which turned a day of shopping excitement into a logistical headache at the St. Johns Town Center.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is determined not to let history repeat itself. In a statement to First Coast News, they assured the public that comprehensive plans are in place to manage the anticipated influx of vehicles and shoppers.

On Thursday evening, First Coast News caught up with shoppers at the Town Center. Many expressed enthusiasm for Black Friday bargains but acknowledged the potential for encountering heavy traffic and long queues, intending to navigate these challenges with patience and caution.

Thursday evening, First Coast News spoke with people at the Town Center who say they do plan on taking part of some Black Friday shopping, but are keeping in mind the risk of running into heavy traffic and long lines.

“We’re planning on coming early so we get all the good stuff,” said Trisha J. 

The night before Black Friday. Shoppers are already checking their list twice. 

“I need me some new Air Pods,” said Christopher Scott.

“Clothes and shoes is the only thing we care about,” said Aazya Warlick and Jasmine Young.

Some even stopped by the St. Johns Town Center a day early to hopefully get a head start.

“I just wanted to see if there were any stores open and I saw there wasn’t. I know they’re opening at 6am. I might come early in the morning,” said Sophia Raye.

A few shoppers even remember Black Friday in 2024, when the St. Johns Town Center turned into chaos.

“I think we came to Marshalls and I think I had just beat it,” said Tedi Rogers.

Last year, First Coast News arrived at the shopping center and learned that dozens of shoppers were stuck in traffic gridlock for hours and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office had to step in to get the cars moving.

“Let’s just pray that’s not the case this year because I don’t think that’ll be great in anybody’s point of view,” said Raye.

The sheriff’s office said it will have officers stationed at every major intersection in the area. The agency sent First Coast News this statement on Nov. 21:

“We have been working with management at the St. Johns Town Center and surrounding businesses in an effort to mitigate some of the traffic concerns that developed last holiday season.

There is a strong plan in place that looks to ease the strain on roadways during peak times. The private companies in the area, as is typical, have made arrangements with JSO’s Secondary Employment Office to hire additional officers to work not only security in their specific areas and/or businesses, but also to assist in traffic direction and control in pivotal areas during the peak times.

JSO stands ready also to assist when necessary in the alleviation of traffic back-ups on the roadways directly impacted by the ingress and egress into the town center area.”

“At least people will be able to turn out. Rather than 30, 40 cars go by and nobody lets you out,” said Rogers.

“Try to get out here as early as possible because you’re going to avoid the front line traffic but also you’re going to avoid the lines as well,” said Young.

Stores at the St. Johns Town Center will open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday and close at 9 p.m.