At the forefront of the meeting was the proposed modification to the Land Development Code, which sparked discussion among council members. Concerns were raised about the reduction of side setbacks in residential zones RM1 and RM2, with particular focus on the potential negative impacts on water drainage and privacy. Councilmember Wers articulated the drawbacks of reduced building proximity, emphasizing the risks of accumulated rainwater and obstructed views, which could undermine the small-town character cherished by the community. He stressed, “We are not anti-development but we are for smart growth,” highlighting the necessity for development that aligns with community values.

Adding to the apprehension were state legislative bills that could undermine local governance, notably House Bill 301 and Senate Bill 184. House Bill 301 proposes a substantial increase in caps on lawsuits against cities, with levels potentially rising from $24,000 to $1.1 million and $3.2 million. Council members expressed concern about the financial implications for the city. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 184 mandates municipalities to allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on any property without considering impact fees or parking restrictions. This bill was perceived as an infringement on local governance, with potential ramifications for urban planning and property management in Jacksonville Beach.

In response to these legislative challenges, Councilmember Golding emphasized the importance of community participation in upcoming workshops, particularly the one concerning the Land Development Code. Scheduled for Thursday, this workshop aims to provide further details on proposed changes and facilitate citizen inquiries. Golding also announced a Town Hall event on March 5th, encouraging residents to voice their priorities and concerns directly to Jacksonville City Council members.

Ronda McDonald, a resident, criticized the format of public workshops, advocating for more interactive sessions that incorporate public input. She stressed the significance of the upcoming Land Development Code workshop in fostering community engagement. Another resident, Thomas Herold, raised safety concerns regarding construction activities on 6th Avenue, managed by Pedot Schmidt. Herold called for better site security after witnessing children near an inadequately secured construction area, urging the council to ensure proper cable installations during off-hours.

Environmental concerns were also a significant topic of discussion, as resident David Parson highlighted issues at a car wash on 16th Street South. Parson expressed alarm over the presence of hazardous materials, specifically mentioning “hydr Floric acid,” and described the site as both a health hazard and an aesthetic blight. He urged council members to personally assess the location and take immediate action to address pollution and improve the site’s condition.

Amid these concerns, the council discussed a new initiative to improve local infrastructure: a conceptual design for a low-speed vehicle parking lot in downtown Jacksonville Beach. The project, presented by city coordinator Taylor Mobs, aims to accommodate local traffic and ensure accessible parking spaces. Emphasizing the need to preserve existing palm trees, council members voiced support for the project, which includes additional parking spots for individuals with disabilities, particularly during events that may reduce available space. A motion to authorize the mayor and city manager to execute the scope and fee for this project was unanimously approved.