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In a troubling incident over the weekend, a shooting in Jacksonville Beach left five young individuals injured, with victims ranging in age from 15 to 18 years old. This unfortunate event unfolded amidst the growing trend of teen “takeovers” along the First Coast.
The shooting occurred near Beach Boulevard and 2nd Street, casting a shadow over the Community First Seawalk Music Festival, which was simultaneously taking place at the nearby Seawalk Pavilion.
Responding swiftly, the Jacksonville Beach Police Department arrived at the scene around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday to begin their investigation into the violent outbreak.
Jacksonville Beach Mayor Christine Hoffman expressed her dismay during a press conference, stating, “We had a wonderful festival going on, and by all accounts, we were having a really great day, until a few bad actors decided to bring chaos and violence to our community.”
“We had a wonderful festival going on, and by all accounts, we’re having a really great day, until a few bad actors who decided to bring chaos and violence to our community,” Jacksonville Beach Mayor Christine Hoffman said during a press conference at the time.
According to their initial investigation, JBPD became aware of the “takeover” on Monday, February 16, by school board police. It was later determined that the organizers, including Instagram user “1rrgrandson_,” were responsible for another takeover at the Avenues Mall on Valentine’s Day.
Chief of Police Gene Paul Smith says that at around 7 p.m., officers noticed that about 130 participants attended the takeover. A “physical altercation” was reported, but it is said that officers intervened. Chief Smith says that he had been in contact with Mayor Hoffman shortly after, saying, “This one’s done, no problems.”
However, shortly after making the call, police say that a “large disturbance” was reported on the intersection of 3rd Street South and 1st Avenue South. During that time, it is said that multiple individuals became involved in a “dispute” before firearms were discharged.Â
Five people, ages ranging from 15 to 18, were said to have recieved non-life threatening gunshot wounds. Four were transported to a local hospital, while one admitted themselves.
Throughout the evening, police say a total of five firearms were located; Two were taken from suspects earlier in the day before shots were fired, and the other three were found discarded at the scene.
At the time of publishing, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting.
In their investigation, JBPD says that a second takeover, described as a “Part 2,” has been planned for Saturday, Feb. 28.
