JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The City of Jacksonville has a new plan to help boost security along King Street in Jacksonville’s Riverside area, after reports of public drinking, people staying in the area late at night and even fights.
David Abusal owns Tunis Restaurant on the corner of King Street and Post Street.
“We actually picked this spot because people like seafood and this area will bump up our business," Abusal, owner of Tunis, said.
While the businesses depend on people stopping in, some say there have been problems after hours. According to JSO's crime map, this year police responded to one aggravated assault, one burglary, and three intimidation reports in the area.
Jim Love, president of the Park and King Area Association, says businesses in the area raised funds to hire off-duty police officers to work over night on Friday and Saturday.
“They’re going to feel safer knowing that there's a couple officers here between the hours of 11 p.m. to 3 a.m that will be dedicated to them," Love said.
Now Jacksonville city council is getting involved with proposed legislation that would provide a $10,000 match to the Riverside Avondale Preservation, Inc. The money will help keep the off-duty officers for about two more months, from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
“There were some reports the individuals might have had weapons on them, and that it was only a matter of time before there was some major incident, but this has really mitigated that, and it’s been great," Jacksonville City Councilman Jimmy Peluso said.
The extra police presence is working so far, according to those in the area.
“There are no problems, yeah people get drunk, they start walking over here, but it’s been helping. So far so good," Abusal said.