JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Neighbors on Jacksonville’s Eastside say they’re fed up with vacant homes after police say a man was found beaten inside one Sunday morning.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said in a press conference Sunday, officers responded to a vacant home on Spearing Street just after 7:30 a.m. They found a man in his 30s or 40s beaten and unresponsive. He was taken to UF Health, where he later died.

Neighbors say the crime hits especially hard because of where it happened. James Crocker, who lives in the community, said the number of boarded-up properties in the area makes neighbors feel uneasy.

“We got houses boarded up, and nice houses, somebody could fix that house and let a family stay in it,” Crocker said. “They are just sitting there. If they’re not going to put any people in it, tear it down.”

City Councilman Jimmy Peluso, who represents District 7, including Spearing Street, said vacant homes have long been a concern. He says the city doesn’t have enough code enforcement officers to keep up with the problem, largely due to budget limitations.

“There’s nothing more tragic than when you find out this happens, and I feel like it’s relatively avoidable,” Peluso said. “If we want these neighborhoods to be safe and clean, we have to look at these vacant properties.”

Peluso said the city is in the middle of budget discussions. He pointed out the city’s push to lower millage rates, which determine property taxes. He said the money saved from the proposed decrease would have been allocated toward housing programs, including addressing vacant homes. 

He also notes that nonprofits often play a role in housing solutions while the city works within its financial constraints.

Meanwhile, neighbors like Crocker say the community has to step up as well.

“We all need to start doing what they did back in the day,” Crocker said. “We looked out for our neighborhood.”

JSO is asking anyone with information about the case to call 904-630-0500 or Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS