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Jacksonville Beach council approves pilot ticketed event at Seawalk Pavilion
Summary
Council voted unanimously to award RFP #01-2425 to Real Time Entertainment and Management for a one-day, fully ticketed event pilot at the Seawalk Pavilion, with conditions to comply with city festival policy and safety requirements.
Jacksonville Beach City Council on March 3 approved a pilot for a fully ticketed event at the Seawalk Pavilion, awarding RFP number 01-2425 to Real Time Entertainment and Management.
The vote followed a staff presentation from Lisonbee Riley, the city’s events coordinator, who said the evaluation committee reviewed two proposals and recommended the applicant that “had the best safety plan, transportation plan, and had the best experience” comparable to existing Seawalk events. Riley cautioned that “not everything that is in the packet is concrete and will happen” and described the submitted plan as a concept that would be adjusted to comply with city policy.
The council and staff discussed event layout and public access. Council members asked whether First Street and First Avenue closures would leave a pedestrian or bicycle route to the boardwalk; Riley said the boardwalk would remain open and the fire marshal and event producer would address safety and access needs. Council members asked the city and the producer to prioritize signage and advance public communication because the event is a departure from the city’s normal, mostly free festivals. Council members also confirmed the event would be limited to one day to comply with festival policy; staff noted the applicant originally proposed two days and would need to pick a single date if approved.
The motion to award the RFP passed on a roll-call vote with all voting members recorded as yes. The council did not attach a dollar amount to the contract in the meeting materials or in public remarks. The packet and staff comments indicate the award is a pilot and that the final event layout and operational details will be finalized with the permit and event-production team.
The council discussion named possible dates submitted by the applicant (March 26 or March 27, as applied) but said the final date would be set to comply with the one-day limitation.
Speakers who made public or staff remarks on this item included Lisonbee Riley (events coordinator) and multiple council members during the Q&A and roll call. The city will continue permit review and coordinate required road closures, signage and safety details with the producer and the fire marshal before the event goes forward.
