Local

Mango's Beach Bar and Grille might be shutting down

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — A longtime Jacksonville Beach nightspot could be closing down.

Mango’s Beach Bar and Grille is going away and could be replaced with a much bigger bar and restaurant.

Some folks have concerns about crowds, parking and more.

If a zoning change is approved by City Council later this month, Mango’s could be replaced by an 8,000 square-foot mixed-use facility, complete with office and retail space, a food truck and a two-story bar.

“We really could use another nice venue for music, for get-togethers to promote the surfing community,” said Suzy Oliver.

Oliver supports the concept of Surfer The Bar, a first of-its-kind venue supported by Surfer Magazine.

Developers said world-renowned competitors will flock here and the economy, they say, will grow.

“A surfer bar is going to attract good people, I'm sure for the most part, but it's still alcohol,” said Lance Folsom.

Folsom, a former planning commission member, agrees a change is needed here, but does not think a new bar fits the family-friendly image that Jax Beach leaders have been pushing for.

“That's not the direction I thought we'd be heading. The blood-alcohol level of downtown is not going to go down with this it's only going to go up,” Folsom said.

Developers said they have a plan for noise and parking.

And Oliver, a long-time surfer, hopes to have a new hangout very soon.

“There's a difference between a surfer bar and a dive bar. As long as its family-geared so that everyone can partake then that's great,” Oliver said.

If the council approves the plan, construction would begin early next year, and would likely open in the fall. A public vote will take place in August.