Land use panel approves commercial rezoning along Beach Boulevard after residents voice safety and environmental concerns

The Duval County Land Use & Zoning Committee approved a land‑use amendment and a companion planned‑unit development (PUD) rezoning Feb. 3 that will allow expansion of a shopping center on Beach Boulevard at Cortez Road.

Planning staff recommended approval of Ordinance 2025‑487, a small‑scale land‑use amendment to change roughly 1.81 acres from low‑density residential (LDR) to community general commercial (CGC) within a 6.84‑acre parcel. The companion rezoning, Ordinance 2025‑488, would convert the same portion to a PUD that would set site‑specific standards for setbacks, heights and permitted uses. Staff told the committee the revised written description dated Feb. 3 removes live‑animal processing and several other intense uses and that the Planning Commission recommended both actions.

Neighbors filled the public‑comment period to oppose the change. Residents repeatedly raised truck and pedestrian safety at the narrow Cortez Road intersection, citing photographs and statements about trailer turning difficulties and an increased number of parking spaces that, opponents said, would spur truck traffic into residential side streets. George Cheshire expressed environmental concerns about dewatering pumps and private wells, warning of possible…