JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The operator of the Jacksonville Landing is calling the City of Jacksonville’s latest move in the battle over the troubled property a “flagrant abuse of power.”
The claims come in response to a letter sent by the City to Jacksonville Landing Investments and Sleiman Enterprises demanding the Landing obtain a permit for any special event held in the venue’s exterior common areas. That includes the Fourth of July, Florida/Georgia, Christmas Tree Lighting and New Year's Eve.
The letter, sent June 14, also warned that unpermitted special events could result in a fine up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail. The City said it would waive the 90-day advance application for special events for events already planned at the Landing in the next 90 days, as long as each application was received on or before June 29.
A city representative told First Coast News that no permit was received for the July 4 celebrations at the Landing this year. First Coast News asked a Landing representative whether they applied for a special event permit but did not receive an answer.
In response, Jacksonville Landing Investments (JLI) filed a motion for injunctive relief, claiming the notice sent by the city violated a “covenant of quiet enjoyment” outlined in the initial lease agreement. According to the court documents, the “covenant of quiet enjoyment” ensured the City would not unnecessarily and unjustifiable disturb JLI and its tenants.
According to the court documents, the Landing claimed to have never needed a special event permit in the last 30 years. Rather, they claimed Jacksonville ordinance code does not require a special event permit for public events held on public property that is leased by a private party. Since JLI leases the land from the city, they claim to be exempt from the special event permit requirement.
Through the court documents, JLI called the notice by the city a “flagrant abuse of power” and said the “Compliance Notice appears to be nothing more than a litigation tactic and a political and punitive measure that has been suddenly employed by the City to further impede JLI’s legitimate business endeavors and force JLI out of the Landing.”
The court documents also reveal suspicion over the timing of the letter, noting it was sent three weeks after the City terminated its lease agreement on May 25. Just days after that, on May 31, the City filed a counterclaim for eviction against JLI.
Sleiman Enterprises released the following statement:
"The Jacksonville Landing will continue to operate under the city of Jacksonville's codes and regulations as we always have."
First Coast News pressed the City of Jacksonville for answers as to why it is now deciding to enforce special event permitting at the Landing, but was told they had no additional information to provide due to current litigation.
