Residents of Jacksonville Beach voiced strong opposition to a proposed parking expansion during a recent city council meeting, citing concerns over traffic congestion, loss of green space, and potential declines in property values.

One local engineer, who spoke at the meeting, emphasized that he had not encountered anyone in favor of the parking proposal after consulting with neighbors from various streets, including Horncore and Ponce Veil. He argued that the area is already oversaturated during peak times, particularly on weekends when parks are overcrowded. He suggested that instead of adding more parking, the city should invest in enhancing existing parks and improving infrastructure, such as wider sidewalks.

Concerns were also raised about the potential for increased traffic as visitors from outside Jacksonville Beach might flock to the new parking spots, exacerbating existing congestion. The engineer warned that the proposed entrance-only design for the parking lot would likely be ignored, leading to further traffic issues.

Another resident, Kathy Miles, who helped establish a local park, proposed the idea of implementing paid parking to ensure that tax dollars benefit local residents. She also highlighted the need for a malfunctioning sign at Third and Beach to be repaired, suggesting it could serve as a valuable communication tool for the community.

Further opposition came from a resident who noted that St. John's Boulevard would bear the brunt of increased traffic from the proposed parking spots, despite not receiving adequate notification about the proposal.

Overall, the meeting underscored a clear consensus among residents against the parking expansion, with many advocating for alternative uses of city funds that prioritize green space and community needs.