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Jacksonville Beach CRA favors phased pilot for boardwalk activation, staff to begin weekend market tests
Summary
The CRA agreed on a phased approach for activating the Seawalk/boardwalk area, starting with pilot weekend markets and temporary programming (0–12 months), then evaluating semi-permanent uses; staff to coordinate with Parks & Recreation and business community.
The City of Jacksonville Beach Community Redevelopment Agency agreed March 12 to begin a phased pilot program to activate the downtown boardwalk area, starting with weekend market events and short-term programming to test what draws foot traffic.
CRA staff member Taylor presented activation concepts and a proposed phased timeline; board members broadly supported a phased pilot rather than immediate, wide-scale changes. Taylor said the approach would begin with a 0–12 month pilot and then move to 12–18 months and full implementation beyond 18 months for permanent changes.
Board members suggested practical pilots: three weekend market-style events to gauge vendor interest and public response, limited festivals, pop-up fitness or performance events and testing outdoor dining only as part of specific events. CRA member Marcus Campy proposed beginning with “choosing 3 or 4 of the restaurants for outdoor seating” as a controlled pilot; other members recommended focusing first on events rather than wholesale expansion of outdoor seating.
The board and staff discussed safety and space limits. Staff and members said emergency access rules constrain usable width on parts of the boardwalk: Taylor said areas west of a central concrete band are “fair game” for temporary uses, while space north of the pier is typically only 15 feet wide and must remain an emergency travel lane. Board members also raised elevation, dune crossovers and property-line questions (including a repeated suggestion to investigate a narrow strip seaward of the bulkhead) as factors that affect usable space.
Staff recommended coordinating the pilot with Parks & Recreation and the events calendar; Taylor told the board that Parks & Recreation already has a vendor model and that the CRA could “steal that from them” for permitting and insurance requirements. Board members agreed staff should meet with the downtown business community, finalize a narrow list of pilot activities and return with a proposed set of weekend market dates and vendor rules.
No formal action or vote was taken; staff said they would begin preparations for a weekend market pilot and report back with business feedback and scheduling information.
