Jacksonville Beach, District 2
Community Newsletter
July 2019
Please share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors!
Jax Beach Council Sets City's Priorities

On June 27, Council had a workshop to discuss what our priorities and goals are for the next couple of years. Each Council member stated his or her priorities, and then ranked each to identify where our energy will be focused. At the conclusion of the workshop, this was the ranking:
1.      A Vision and Strategy for Jacksonville Beach
2.      A review of the City Charter
3.      Assess the current LDC (Land Development Code)
4.      Address speeding in neighborhoods
5.      Initiate a Citizens’ Academy
6.      Engage ULI (Urban Land Institute) to help with the CBD (Central Business District)
The first two priorities will require a lot of citizen input, so stay tuned.

In addition to updating the LDC, my priority is to make sure that a super-majority vote (at least 5 votes) and/or a citizen referendum will be required for the city to contract out any major function, like the Police Department or Beaches Energy.

Please let me know if you have any questions, concerns, or comments.
904.486.6865
July Events
7/4. 9:00 pm Jax Beach 4th of July Fireworks, Seawalk Pavilion

The Pier Parking lot is open for seating only. No cars.

7/7 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Jax Beach Jazz Concert, Seawalk Pavilion


7/13. 12:00 - 10:00 pm Beaches Freedom Festival , Seawalk Pavilion

Click here for more information and events.
Players by the Sea's summer musical is Shrek, the Musical ! I hope to see you there.

4th Of July Celebration!
As we celebrate our nation's independence, the City of Jax Beach wants to make sure everyone is safe. Please read JBPD's press release on traffic changes, parking restrictions, and the beach closure from 3rd Ave. N to 5th Ave. N.
Short Tern Rentals in Jax Beach
On June 27, City Council held a workshop where members of the public were able to offer their thoughts on the City’s proposed Short Term Rental ordinance. Many great ideas were offered and misunderstandings were clarified. The workshop lasted for about 3 hours, and at the end, Council gave the City Attorney direction to revise the ordinance before it goes back to the Planning Commission on July 22.
Some key changes:
-        Single and Collective Certificates (the ability for licensed agents to register multiple STRs under one application, thereby reducing the cost).
-        Have a low registration fee to gain maximum compliance.
-        Explicitly state in the ordinance (not just the “where as” section, which is to present the City’s legislative intent) that single-family, two-family, or townhouse dwelling units subject to deed restrictions and/or covenants of a homeowners’ association, condominium units, and owner-occupied dwelling units renting any portion thereof shall not be subject to the regulations of this ordinance. 
-        Have an initial inspection, but then follow-up inspections only if there is a change in ownership or after any major modifications.
-        Define maximum occupancy by bedrooms and sq ft of living area.
 
The public has three more opportunities to have input into this ordinance.
 
Upcoming Dates :
July 22: Planning Commission, 7pm
August 5: City Council – First Reading, 7pm
August 19: City Council – Second Reading, 7pm
Jax Beach Pier
Good news! There has been some movement on completing the repairs to the pier. The pier was first damaged in 2016 by Hurricane Michael, and then damaged further by Hurricane Irma. In 2018, the first 635 feet of the pier was open to the public.
Here is what we know about completing the repairs to the pier:

-      While Jacksonville will not commit to a completion date, construction is expected to begin in September/October of 2019.
-      It will take approximately 18 months to complete the project.
-      The project will cost $9 million. The cost is broken down to 75% federal gov.; 25% split between Jacksonville and the State.
-      The reconstructed pier will be the same length as the original pier (1,300 feet), but will be 8 feet higher at the end.

Jacksonville will maintain ownership of the Pier, but Jacksonville Beach is looking at taking over the management of the pier.

More information can be found here .
Downtown Jax Beach
The following properties/projects are new large-scale developments in downtown Jacksonville Beach. SpringHill Suites will be in front of City Council for its second reading on July 15th at 7:00 pm for the second reading on its application .


SpringHill Suites (Current location of the Pier Cantina restaurant)
Rooms: 136
Height: 56' (5 stories)
Element Hotel (southeast corner of Beach Blvd. and 3rd Street)
Rooms: 80
Height: 35' (3 stories)
(oceanfront lot north of Casa Marina)
Rooms: 202
Height: 89' (eight stories)
Dolphin Depot (across 1st St from Margaritaville)
Rooms: 57 hotel rooms, 54 apartments
Height: 68' (6 stories)
Together, we will make a difference.
Let's continue to work together to ensure that Jacksonville Beach remains one of the greatest places to call home! Reach out if you have any questions or concerns about what is happening in your neighborhood or City.
Cell phone: 904.486.6865