During the meeting, the agency addressed the $1 million allocated by the Jacksonville City Council for the lifeguard station’s renovation. The funding requires a contract negotiation between the City of Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach to oversee the project’s management. Although no immediate action was necessary, the board plans to revisit this topic in the coming months, aiming for budget approval by July 28, before the budget workshops scheduled for August. The renovation project reflects a significant investment in public safety and infrastructure, with further financial details to be unveiled as negotiations progress.

In addition to the lifeguard station, the agency engaged in preliminary budget discussions for fiscal year 2025. The focus was on maintaining the current millage rate of 3.9947 mills for Jacksonville Beach, with a similar rate for the county. Key aspects of the budget included continuing the 50% return from the south end TIF funding, a practice in place since 2020. Ashley Gosset, the CFO, outlined the budget assumptions, highlighting the expected rise in pension contributions and health insurance costs. She noted the shift in categorizing technology purchases like license plate readers under repairs and maintenance due to new accounting standards favoring subscription-based software agreements.

Concerns regarding discrepancies in personnel service budgeting were addressed, with Gosset clarifying that figures included salaries and benefits, accounting for no lapses in payroll. The discussion acknowledged historical under-budgeting due to vacancies, particularly in the downtown district. The capital improvement plan, which spans five years, was also discussed, with some projects earmarked for future fiscal years. Ongoing projects will continue to receive funding until completion.

A notable item on the agenda was the approval of a mural for the public restroom at the north end of the pier parking lot. After reviewing 21 submissions, the public art advisory committee unanimously selected Michael Kulick from Atlantic Beach. His mural, “Brought Together by Salt and Sky,” was praised for its vibrant representation of Jacksonville Beach’s unique elements, including sun, dunes, ocean, and abstract surfboards. While concerns were raised about the feasibility of painting restroom doors due to potential fading, the artist and parks team will evaluate sustainable color choices. The mural is expected to be completed by July 4, with the interiors of the restrooms undergoing cleaning and repainting.

The agency also discussed the 2017 redevelopment plan, which includes projects involving private property, posing implementation challenges. One member expressed uncertainty about the inclusion of such items, emphasizing the need to focus on achievable projects like murals on public structures to gain community support.

The agency concluded the meeting by discussing logistical matters, including upcoming meetings and the cancellation of a workshop due to member unavailability. The next meeting is scheduled for July 28, with a legal workshop planned in August. There was also a request from the council for recommendations on First Street and the boardwalk. The agency awaits a traffic study from the Transportation Planning Organization, anticipated to start on July 1, before making formal proposals. Members expressed a desire for more frequent updates on larger projects to remain informed and engaged.