Jacksonville Beach communications staff said Tuesday, Feb. 25 (date not specified) that the city has upgraded its council-chamber livestreaming and installed a new electronic message board on Beach Boulevard at A1A.

City staff described the improvements as upgraded streaming, clearer audio and new screens in the council chambers that “make it easier for both the audience and council members to follow along,” and said the electronic message board is brighter and built to withstand the elements.

The upgrades are intended to help residents follow city council meetings on YouTube and to make city news, events and updates more visible to passersby on A1A. Staff noted the message board will display event and safety information; no technical vendor, cost or funding source was specified in the announcement.

The comments occurred during the City of Jacksonville Beach’s “Take 2 Tuesdays” update; staff presented the livestream and message-board changes as information items rather than actions requiring formal council approval.

City communications did not provide a timeline for additional broadcasting upgrades or detail what, if any, training or changes are planned for council members to operate the new screens.