Council member wants $10K for sex assault awareness at beaches

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — More money could be going toward sex assault awareness at Jacksonville’s beaches.

Council member Rory Diamond has proposed spending $10,000 on an awareness campaign ahead of Spring Break.

He said police see an increase in sex assaults as spring breakers fill the beaches but fewer people report them during that timeframe.

Action News Jax requested numbers from Jacksonville Beach Police and found they’ve investigated 74 sex assaults since 2017.

That includes an attack in December. A woman told police a man punched her in the face several times then tried to rape her. She fought him off and he was later arrested.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement records show Atlantic Beach police have also investigated a handful of rapes over the past two years.

Councilman Diamond has introduced emergency legislation to allocate $10,000 before the start of spring break.

He said all three beaches mayors are on board with hanging fliers and other educational materials at bars and restaurants.

The goal is to help people recognize the signs of sex assault and resources available if you’re attacked.

City council is expected to vote on the bill Tuesday.

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