Residents urge Atlantic Beach council to restore local police after chaotic weekend reports

Residents pressed Atlantic Beach leaders on April 13 to speed the return of a local police force after several speakers described a chaotic weekend on the beach.

"There was over a thousand young people drinking, smoking, and potentially carrying guns on the beach and dunes," resident Patricia Mallett told the council, saying no lifeguards or local police were present despite the crowd and that only "five or six county officers" ultimately responded. Several speakers called the crowd size and dangerous conduct a liability concern for the town.

Councilwoman Jacqueline Gore responded that "the town council did not disband the local police department. The town manager did," and urged residents to call 911 during emergencies while the council works on restoring local law enforcement.

Other public commenters described related safety issues. A first-time speaker identified as Lisa said homeless encampments, drug use and vandalism in alleys left her feeling vulnerable; longtime resident John Sketers urged unity to protect Atlantic Beach's heritage. Charles Russell said youth should be welcomed but supervised because he had observed dangerous behaviors such as riding on car hoods and driving on sidewalks.

Public commenters and council members framed policing as both a public-safety and trust issue. Several speakers urged clear next steps; the council did not take a formal vote on reinstating a local department during the meeting. The council asked staff to provide more information and said it would continue the issue at future meetings.