More JSO officers will patrol Riverside’s Park and King area overnight on Friday and Saturday evenings, thanks to a partnership between the city and area merchants.
Announced at a July 29 community meeting held at Riverside Church at Park and King and organized by the Park + King Area Association, the extra law enforcement detail will have two officers assigned to patrol the area from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Funds to pay for the extra law enforcement presence were donated by local merchants, the Park + King Area Association and Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP), with the City of Jacksonville expected to contribute up to $10,000.
City Councilmember Jimmy Peluso said the increased patrols follow numerous complaints from local businesses and residents regarding late-night noise, crime and violence in the area. Noting that his council district has many of Jacksonville’s oldest neighborhoods, Peluso said that commercial areas with bars and restaurants tend to generate more problems for nearby neighbors.
“We’re trying to make sure these commercial nodes are getting the attention they deserve, especially late at night,” Peluso said, praising the local merchants and organizations that contributed to fund the extra law enforcement presence.
“This is the first time they all came together,” Peluso said, “so we wanted them to know the city is looking out for them as well.”
At the community meeting, residents and merchants shared stories of having their businesses – and their sleep – disrupted by loud music, shootings and crime. JSO Assistant Chief Harry Massey told attendees that it is hoped the extra patrols will provide a visible deterrent for such activity.
“The idea is that if the officers hang around long enough, the crowds just dissipate, go home and don’t cause any trouble,” Massey said.
Night and day
Several attendees, however, said the problems plaguing the area don’t just occur on weekends or at night. Resident Eric Davidson, a father of two small children, expressed concern about vacant storefronts, derelict buildings and taking daytime walks with his kids because of individuals who appear to be on drugs or dealing with mental health issues.
Ladybug Landscaping CEO Dennis Barnum agreed. A neighborhood resident, Barnum said his business has him in the area every day, and he not only sees the same individuals causing issues but also has witnessed them harassing local merchants.
“We are actual residents, we deal with this all the time,” Barnum told Massey. “And when we call the police, it shouldn’t take four or five hours for someone to show up. Let’s be a little more proactive.”
Massey said JSO has officers who are specially trained to respond to reports of such individuals, as well as mental health counselors who will accompany officers responding to calls. Peluso noted that Mayor Deegan has submitted a $13 million proposal in response to state action that requires counties to have a secure area where homeless individuals can be transported to receive shelter and support services. That plan is required to be in operation by January 2025, he said.
“I’ve seen videos, I’ve heard firsthand accounts…I get it,” Peluso said. “But we’re seeing more progress than not.”
Avondale resident Rick Pariani agreed and praised JSO, and Massey in particular, for taking swift action to curb similar problems in the 5 Points neighborhood.
“That is the gateway to our historic neighborhood, and I just want to express my gratitude for your very effective efforts,” Pariani said. “You showed that a neighborhood can still have a very hip and original vibe, but it doesn’t to be lawless.”
In addition to late-night crime, meeting attendees discussed other issues they’d like to see addressed, including blighted buildings and trash-strewn streets. Both Peluso and RAP Executive Director Shannon Blankinship detailed efforts to replace public trashcans with larger models that prevent sidewalk spillage and other neighborhood beautification efforts. Jim Love of the Park + King Area Association, meanwhile, encouraged attendees to become involved in the organization and to share their concerns and suggestions for neighborhood improvement.
Davidson, who is a member of RAP’s zoning committee, said that an attractive, well-maintained business area impacts the quality of life for residents.
“It’s a whole ecosystem,” he said. “If building owners would fill vacant storefronts, it would help immeasurably. They are stewards of the community.
“This area could be amazing,” he said, “and it seems like now we’ve got the right players in place.”
