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Duval residents urge city action to repair and maintain George Crady Bridge state park
Summary
Multiple residents at public comment accused state and county partners of neglecting Duval County side of George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park and asked the city to secure funds and repairs; Council member Mike Gay offered to meet with residents in the Green Room.
Several Duval County residents used the Aug. 12 Jacksonville City Council public-comment period to urge the council to intervene on maintenance and access issues at the George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park.
Speakers from the Brentwood and Southside communities described long-running problems on the Duval County side of the park: they said picnic tables were removed, potable water and cleaning stations were cut off, maintenance lapsed despite continued local park fees, and that the Nassau County side had received recent improvements while Duval residents were left without comparable upkeep. Speakers asked the city to explain where annual maintenance funds — referenced in testimony as $35,000 per year — had been spent.
"We are still paying $35,000 per year for no maintenance and upkeep of a closed bridge," said Beatrice Bell. Johnny Turner said the bridge had been a family fishing resource for decades and asked why promised repairs had not occurred. James Bell and others said they had raised concerns with state agencies and county partners but sought more direct action from city officials.
Council member Mike Gay invited several speakers to the Green Room after their remarks to discuss next steps. Gay also signaled his office would follow up with residents about funding, jurisdictional responsibilities, and potential restoration plans. Several speakers asked the council to seek combined funding from Duval and Nassau counties for a full restoration; one asked the body to consider an estimated number cited by residents of roughly $60 million to fully restore the park and its facilities.
No council votes were taken on the floor related to the park at the Aug. 12 meeting; council staff and members recommended follow-up meetings with the district office and parks staff to determine what funds exist and which agencies have maintenance responsibility.
Residents urged transparency about capital and maintenance dollars associated with the bridge and requested the council's assistance in convening state and county partners to identify funding and a timeline for repairs. Council staff said they would coordinate a follow-up meeting and asked residents to join representatives in the Green Room to provide specific documents and address next steps.
