Council approves purchase of utility vehicle from Volunteer Lifesaving Corps for Ocean Rescue

The Jacksonville Beach City Council approved the advance purchase of a utility vehicle for Ocean Rescue from the Volunteer Lifesaving Corps to meet operational needs and avoid long production lead times. Trevor Hughes, chief of parks development and maintenance, said the VLSC purchased a vehicle to VLSC specifications and then asked whether the city would buy it for Ocean Rescue. Hughes said the vehicle had not been placed in service, the warranty would remain, and the city had an identical vehicle programmed in its capital-improvement plan for 2026. He said Club Car production runs about once per year, producing long lead times for orders. Council members described the transaction as a “win-win.” Councilman Horton said the smaller vehicles improve safety and visibility on the beach. Council members also urged city staff to explore ways to strengthen operational relationships with volunteer organizations and to examine insurance and logistics so volunteers’ resources can be used efficiently. Council discussion noted that the VLSC had received grant funds to buy the vehicle but that insurance costs make it difficult for a small volunteer organization to operate such equipment. Several council members asked city managers to examine options for shared purchasing, insurance arrangements and volunteer integration where legally permissible. The council approved the motion to buy the vehicle from the VLSC and authorized the mayor and city manager to execute the necessary contract. The vote was taken by roll call and carried unanimously.