ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. — Another local beach community is considering a plan that would keep medical marijuana dispensaries out of the city.
Action News Jax has learned the city of Atlantic Beach wants to extend its current ban another six months.
The new medical marijuana moratorium ordinance that will be considered by Atlantic Beach City Commissioners says “…the City has not concluded its review of regulations…” and “…the extension of the temporary moratorium is in the best interest of the citizens…”
“I’m for honest conversation,” neighbor Michael Bilezikian said.
On Wednesday, we spoke with neighbors about the potential extension of the ban.
“I’m on the fence … I want the full story before any law is made. Positives and negatives,” Bilezikian said.
“To me, it sounds like they’re trying to override what the voters wanted to do,” neighbor Olivia Mclaren said.
In November, Florida voters passed Amendment 2 legalizing medical marijuana. Several months later, Atlantic Beach approved a temporary ban on medical marijuana shops. Now, that ban could be extended.
“The public will have an opportunity to weigh in and the city commission and the CDB members will have the opportunity to give the city attorney direction moving forward,” deputy city manager Kevin Hogencamp said.
The city’s current ban was approved 5-0, but this time around, three newly elected commissioners will be taking part in the vote.
“This will be their first opportunity to contemplate this topic,” Hogencamp said
It's an issue that some of those living in Atlantic Beach believe will again be heavily debated.
“Marijuana has a tendency to be a very emotional subject for a lot of people,” Bilezikian said.
Commissioners will vote on the extension at their next meeting. Following that vote, a workshop will be held with the public.
Hogencamp also released this full statement:
“The City of Atlantic Beach has a temporary ban – also known as a moratorium – on medical marijuana dispensaries so effectively, the City Commission hasn’t taken a stance for or against having the dispensaries in our community.
"Moving forward, we have three new City Commission members taking office on Monday, November 13. The question of whether to extend the moratorium for six months – to May 2018 – is on the new Commission’s agenda on November 13.
"From there, the new Commission will have a joint workshop of the City Commission and Community Development Board next Wednesday, November 15 and one of the topics is whether or not dispensaries will be allowed.
"That workshop will enable to City Commission and Community Development Board to get public input and give directions to the city attorney on whether to or how to move forward with crafting zoning regulations allow a medical marijuana dispensaries."