JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Tuesday night, tensions flared outside Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters’ final town hall meeting. While the sheriff addressed the concerns of those who live in district one like crime trends and traffic enforcement, he also faced some criticism from community advocates.

During these six town hall meetings, the sheriff told First Coast News the most common issues brought up are traffic, violent crime being down and questions about the new jail.

This evening before his final town hall, the sheriff answered questions on similar topics, but was also met with demonstrators who asked for more accountability from the sheriff’s office.

Around a dozen demonstrators with the Jacksonville community action committee, a grassroots organization focused on advocating for the Black community, stood on the corner of Laura and Ashley Street in Downtown Jacksonville.

“T.K. shame, shame,” chanted the demonstrators, voicing their concerns over issues they say are plaguing the department, such as officers’ use of excessive force and Waters’ lack of accountability.

“They have yet to apologize, they’ve yet to own up to their behavior,” said Monica Gold with Jacksonville Community Action Committee.

Most recently, they’re concerned over the response from the sheriff’s office regarding the viral traffic stop involving William McNeil Jr. 

“A person in our community William McNeil was brutalized by Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and Sheriff Waters has done nothing about that and has made no steps towards accountability in the future, and we think that’s shame,” said Gold. 

Right across the street from these demonstrators, Waters was inside First Baptist church holding his final town hall meeting and responded to those speaking out against him.

“Those people don’t really care about anything I have to say, it is what it is. They have the right to protest,” he said. “I answer every question I’m asked and if I can’t get to it, we answer them online.”

The sheriff also addressing the department’s response to the McNeil traffic stop

“I don’t mind discussing anything, I’m not afraid to tell you what’s going on,” said Waters. “Because there’s something good about telling the truth, because when you tell the truth there’s no bashfulness and you’re not ashamed or afraid. No matter how much people yell at you, protest you and call you names.”

He went on to say, “We’re gonna do the best I can every single time and when that information becomes available I will give it to you, 100%, no question about it.” 

This was the sheriff’s last town hall meeting of the year. However, community members have the chance to meet the sheriff and make their concerns known during his neighborhood walk this Saturday. Starting at 10:30 a.m., the sheriff will be walking the Arlington neighborhood and meeting residents.